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Information and How to Get Involved

Wakefield Council, Local Development Framework, June 2013

Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan - Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

Information and How to Get InvolvedInformation

The Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan, its accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report and AppropriateAssessment Screening Report are available to view and download from the Council's website at www.wakefield.gov.uk/ldf.

If you would like to talk to a planning officer working on the Local Development Framework about any aspect of this documentplease contact the Spatial Policy Group on (01924) 306417.

If you would like an extract or summary of this document on cassette, in large type, in Braille or any other format,please call the Spatial Policy Group on (01924) 306417.

Planning Aid England provides a free, independent and professional planning advice service to individuals and groups whocannot afford professional fees. Please visit www.rtpi.org.uk/planning-aid for more information. The organisation may be ableto assist groups and individuals who would like support and advice. Please contact the Planning Aid Advice Line on 0330 1239244 or email [email protected].

How to Get Involved

Stakeholder and community engagement is a fundamental principle of the planning system. Details of how the community andstakeholders are to be involved in the preparation of the LDF are contained in the Statement of Community Involvement, whichwas adopted by the Council in 2006. This document can be viewed and downloaded from the Council's website atwww.wakefield.gov.uk/ldf.

We are writing to

Appropriate consultees identified in the Statement of Community Involvement

People who has asked to be kept informed about the preparation of LDF documents

To let them know that this document is being published for public consultation, and that the accompanying Sustainability Appraisalreport is available for comment.



http://www.wakefield.gov.uk/ldf

http://www.rtpi.org.uk/planning-aid

mailto:www.rtpi.org.uk/planning-aid


We would like to hear your views about the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan. This early engagement documentsets out the draft objectives and main issues which we think the Local Plan should cover. There are questions in each sectionof the document which we would like citizens, organisations and stakeholders to comment on. If you think we have missed anyissues we would like you to let us know what they are.

If you have any site proposals they should include details of who the owner is, with their contact details (or agent contact details)and the site's location on an Ordnance Survey based map. Sites must be suitable for the proposed use, sustainable and availablefor development within the plan period. Comments should include supporting evidence, for example community need for certainleisure facilities, or an identified shortage of specific recreational uses/type of open space. Proposals must conform to nationalplanning policy, the LDF Core Strategy and other LDF documents, such as Policy CS1 Location of Development.

Sites in adopted LDF documents which have been allocated for non-leisure, recreation and open space uses (such as housingand employment) will not be considered for changes or new allocations in the Local Plan. Allocations for leisure, recreation andopen space uses that have been carried over from the UDP will be reviewed during the preparation of the Local Plan.

To view and make comments on the documents please use one of the following methods:

Make comments online at the LDF consultation portal: http://consult.wakefield.gov.uk/portal

Download the comment form from the Council's website www.wakefield.gov.uk/ldf and email the completed formsto [email protected]

Complete a comment form and post it to:

Wakefield CouncilSpatial Policy GroupPlanning, Transportation and HighwaysWakefield OnePO Box 700Burton StreetWakefieldWF1 2EB

If you wish to be kept informed of the later stages of preparing this document or be notified of consultation on future LDFdocuments either register online at the consultation portal or email your details (including postal address) to [email protected]

Guidance for Submitting Comments

If you wish to make a comment seeking a change to the document you should clearly set out what part of the document it relatesto stating the section title and paragraph or question number. Your comments and suggested changes to the document shouldinclude a summary of any evidence and information necessary to support/justify them. Any supporting plans and documentsshould be submitted in electronic format to [email protected]

The preferred way for making comments is online at http://consult.wakefield.gov.uk

You can also make comments by email or post to the address above using the forms which can be downloaded from theCouncil’s website at www.wakefield.gov.uk/ldf

A separate form must be used for each comment you make.

Please use capital letters and black ink when completing paper copies of the form.

You may be contacted at a later date to discuss your comments or provide more detailed evidence.



http://consult.wakefield.gov.uk/portal


mailto:[email protected]



http://consult.wakefield.gov.uk


What Happens Next?

All comments received during the six week period of consultation will be considered carefully by the Council. A ConsultationDraft Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan will then be published and consulted on for a period of six weeks. TheLocal Plan will then be finalised and there will be another six week consultation period before the document is submitted to theSecretary of State. All formal representations submitted will be considered at a Public Examination which will be conducted byan independent Planning Inspector. The Inspector will test the 'soundness' of the Local Plan and will write a report withrecommendations to the Council. It is intended that the Local Plan will be adopted by the Council in 2016.

Details of the stages of preparing this and other LDF documents are shown in the Local Development Scheme. It is availableto view on the Council's website where information about the progress of preparing LDF documents is published and updated.All the adopted LDF documents and Policies Maps are on the website where they can be viewed and downloaded. The websitecan be accessed from computers in the district's libraries. Printed copies of the documents can also be viewed at the WakefieldOne office and main libraries.



21 Frequently Used Terms

62 Non-Technical Summary

123 Introduction

12Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan

12Requirements of the SEA Directive and SA Regulations

14Sustainability Appraisal Approach

184 SA Objectives and Baseline Characterisation

18Review of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Strategies

31Baseline Characterisation and Key Issues

405 The SA Framework

446 How will the SA influence the Local Plan

44The SA Methodology

507 Testing the Local Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives

548 Implementation and Monitoring Proposals

569 Next Steps



Frequently Used Terms

1Wakefield Council, Local Development Framework, June 2013


1 Frequently Used Terms

DefinitionTerm/Acronym

Housing that is available to those whose housing needs are not met through the normaloperation of the housing market by reason of cost. It may include housing for sale orrent.

Affordable Housing

Designated under Environmental Act 1995 as areas where local authorities are requiredto prepare action plans to enable them to achieve national air quality objectives.

Air Quality Management Area

A below ground, water bearing layer of soil or rock. Major aquifers tend to yield largequantities of water and are often used for public water supplies. Minor aquifers yield

Aquifer

relatively high quantities of water, which can be used for local and industrial supplies.Non-aquifers do not yield significant quantities of water and are rarely used for watersupply.

Brownfield site / brownfield land, also known as previously developed land, is land thatis or was occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings),and associated fixed surface infrastructure. The definition covers the curtilage of the

Brownfield Site

development. Previously developed land may occur in both built-up and rural settings.The definition includes defence buildings and land used for mineral extraction and wastedisposal, where provision for restoration has not been made through development controlprocedures.

An area designated under the Planning (Listed Buildings And Conservation Areas) Act1990 as being of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearanceof which it is desirable to preserve and enhance.

Conservation Area

The government department responsible for local government, housing, planning,regeneration, exports and trade, farming, marine and fisheries, food and drink, horticulture,

Department for Communities andLocal Government [formerly Office

plants and seeds, research and analysis, rural affairs, sustainable development andwildlife and countryside.

of the Deputy Prime Minister,Department of Environment,Transport and the Regions, orDepartment of the Environment]

The statutory plan setting out the local planning authority's policies and proposals forthe development and use of land and buildings in the authority's area. In Wakefield thecurrent plan is the Unitary Development Plan First Alteration, which is being replacedby the Local Development Framework (Local Plan)

Development Plan (also known asthe Local Plan and/or the LocalDevelopment Framework)

A Local Development Document which forms part of the statutory development plan,including the Core Strategy, Proposals Map and Area Action Plans

Development Plan Document

Land which has not been developed previously. This includes sites which have beenrestored from former industrial activities such as mining, quarrying and waste disposalsuch as landfill.

Greenfield Land

Comprising two types, Development Plan Documents, which will form part of the statutorydevelopment plan, and Supplementary Planning Documents, which do not. TogetherLDDs form the main part of the Local Development Framework.

Local Development Document

A portfolio of Local Development Documents which sets out the planning policy frameworkfor the district. It also includes the Local Development Scheme, the Statement ofCommunity Involvement and the Annual Monitoring Report.

Local Development Framework(also known as the Local Planand/or the Development Plan)




A three year project plan setting out the Council’s programme for the preparation of LocalDevelopment Documents, reviewed annually in the light of the Annual Monitoring Report.

Local Development Scheme

A building included on a list of buildings of architectural or historic interest, compiled bythe Secretary of State, under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas)Act 1990.

Listed Building

The West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan is the statutory long-term transport strategyfor the county and a five-year action plan which is used by the Department of Transport

Local Transport Plan

(DfT) to allocate funds for local transport improvements. Prepared by a partnership ofthe five West Yorkshire authorities and Metro

Produced by central government setting out its policies on planning. Local Plans andthe Local Development Framework must take account of and conform to the NationalPlanning Policy Framework.

National Planning PolicyFramework (NPPF)

The process of assessing and weighing the economic, social and environmental costsand benefits of development proposals, both individually and collectively. (See alsoStrategic Environmental Assessment). All Local Development Documents must be subjectto SA prior to submission and adoption.

Sustainability Appraisal

A nationally important class I archaeological sites included in the Schedule of AncientMonuments maintained by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport underthe Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

Scheduled Ancient Monument(SAM)

Sets out the Council’s vision and strategy for the standards to be achieved in involvingthe community and stakeholders in the preparation of all Local Development Documentsand in decisions on planning applications.

Statement of CommunityInvolvement

All major strategies and plans, including Local Development Documents, must be subjectto the requirements of the European Union Directive on Strategic Environmental

Strategic EnvironmentalAssessment

Assessment. Environmental impacts have to be assessed andmonitored and necessarymitigation measures identified. (See also Sustainability Appraisal).

An assessment of the risk of flooding within a defined area, usually a local authority areaor river basin, carried out for strategic planning purposes.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

A Local Development Document which is part of the Local Development Framework butdoes not form part of the statutory development plan. Supplementary Planning Documentselaborate upon policies and proposals in a Development Plan Document or the savedUnitary Development Plan and include development briefs and guidance documents.

Supplementary PlanningDocument

Guidance which elaborates upon policies and proposals in the Unitary DevelopmentPlan. SPG can not be 'saved' but can still be relevant if related to a policy or proposal ina saved plan or Development Plan Document. SPG will need to be replaced by anappropriate Supplementary Planning Document.

Supplementary PlanningGuidance

Organisations with a particular status for involvement in the SEA under the Regulations.In England these are English Heritage, the Environment Agency and Natural England.

Statutory Environmental Bodies

An assessment of land availability for housing.Strategic Housing Land AvailabilityAssessment




The former statutory development plan for the district adopted by the Council in January2003. Most of this development plan has now been replaced by the Local DevelopmentFramework and/or Local Plan. Some of its policies and proposals are 'saved' until replacedeventually by new Development Plan Documents and/or Local Plans.

Unitary Development Plan FirstAlteration (UDP)

Table 1 Frequently used terms



Non-Technical Summary



2 Non-Technical Summary

Background

2.1 The Local Development Framework (LDF) (also known as the Local Plan) consists of a series of documents that guidethe use of land and new development throughout the district until 2026. The requirement to produce the LDF wasintroduced under The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.2 The Council adopted the Core Strategy and Development Policies documents in April 2009. The Core Strategy includesstrategies, policies and proposals for investment, development and use of land in the district to 2026. It is closely linkedto Wakefield District Partnership's Community Strategy, addressing issues which relate to land use and development indifferent places, with the overall intention of making the district a more attractive and prosperous place to live. TheDevelopment Policies document sets out more specific policies affecting new development. Following the adoption ofthe Core Strategy and the Development Policies documents, the Council has adopted the following, additional, parts ofthe LDF:

Central Wakefield Area Action Plan (adopted 17 June 2009) - sets out specific policies and proposals for the centralWakefield area (including the city centre)

Waste document (adopted 9 December 2009) - sets out strategic waste policies and waste sites

Site Specific Policies Local Plan (adopted 12 September 2012) - provides a set of site allocations and policies tomeet the vision, objectives and development strategy of the Core Strategy. The plan includes land allocations tomeet anticipated development needs relating to housing, employment and mixed use development.

2.3 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Sustainability Appraisal (SA) have been carried out for the all thedocuments listed above, in order to meet the requirements of planning legislation(1) and regulations(2). The combinedSEA and SA process is subsequently referred to as SA only. The main purpose of SA is to test whether the developmentplan is likely to have any significant environmental, social or economic effects. If significant negative effects are identified,recommendations are made as to how these can be avoided, offset or reduced. Recommendations are also made onhow to enhance beneficial effects, where appropriate. A programme to monitor significant effects is also required. SAassessments of the above documents have all concluded that with satsifactory mitigation measures the LDF does notgive rise to any significant effects which cannot be avoided, offset or reduced. These 'higher level' assessments providean important context for this scoping report, particularly the SA associated with the Core Strategy.

2.4 The Council is now preparing two new Local Plans to replace policies and proposals which are currently saved by theWakefield Unitary Development Plan First Alteration. The new Local Plans are:

Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan

Retail and Town Centres Local Plan

2.5 This scoping report sets out the implications of SEA and SA for the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan. Ascoping report setting out the implications for the Retail and Town Centres Local Plan is available separately.

The Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan

2.6 The context for preparing a leisure, recreation and open space local plan is set out in the Core Strategy under PolicyCS11 (paragraph 9.41). The aim of the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan is set out below:

1 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004)2 Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (2004)



"The Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan will provide policies, land allocations and designations to meet theaims of the Core Strategy for promoting leisure development, opportunities for recreation, safeguarding important localopen spaces and identifying new open spaces. Sites will be identified in accordance with the LDF development strategyset out in the Core Strategy, national planning policies and local priorities. The Plan will replace saved allocations anddesignations in the Unitary Development Plan."

2.7 The Local Plan is at an early consultation and engagement stage and proposes the following draft objectives:

1. To ensure that all new development, activities and uses of land adhere to and promote the principles of sustainabledevelopment and enhance the quality of life for the districts residents (CS objective 1)

2. To locate development where it will provide the opportunity for people to satisfy their needs for leisure, recreation,health and wellbeing by locating facilities and services locally or in places which minimise the need to travel by carthat are conveniently and safely accessible by walking, cycling and public transport (CS objective 3 adapted)

3. To provide a range of high quality cultural, recreational and leisure opportunities across the district which areaccessible to all sections of the community and cater for a broad range of activities to improve the quality of lifefor residents and visitors (CS objective 8 adapted)

4. To enhance and safeguard the character of the district’s greenspaces, accessible open land, accessible woodland,watercourses and water bodies, recreation, leisure and heritage assets to maximise opportunities for leisure andrecreational uses

5. To support the growth of a dynamic local economy which increases prosperity for all sections of the community byencouraging diversification of the rural economy, sustainable rural tourism and visitor facilities for leisure, recreationaland cultural activities (CS objective 7 adapted)

6. To help adapt to and mitigate against the impact of climate change through encouraging water resources and openspace to be managed for flood risk reduction schemes and woodland planting for carbon capture, biomass andbiodiversity (CS objective12 adapted)

The Sustainability Appraisal Process

2.8 The SA process used for the Wakefield LDF is summarised in the figure below. The assessment will comprised thefollowing stages :

Determining the key issues upon which the SA should focus and setting and agreeing sustainability objectives, aprocess known as ‘Scoping’ (along side the Early Engagement stage);Appraisal of an initial list of policy and/or site options, referred to as the ‘Initial SA’ (between Early Engagementand the Consultation Draft);Appraisal of the preferred policy and/or site options chosen, referred to as the 'SA' (Consultation Draft stage);Appraisal of the submitted document to the Secretary of State, referred to as the 'SA Report' (Submission andExamination in Public stages)



Figure 1 Summary of the SA Process

Scoping

2.9 The aim of the scoping stage is to determine the key environmental, social and economic issues arising in the district,and the SA framework for assessing the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan. The key economic, social andenvironmental issues arising in the district applicable to the assessment of the Leisure, Recreation and Open SpaceLocal Plan are outlined below:

Economic Issues

2.10 In 2011 there were 134,800 people employed at workplaces within the district and of these over 69% were workingfull-time, which is very similar to the national average. A further 3,800 people were working in the district as soletraders/proprietors, partners and directors. Despite challenging economic conditions employment growth occurred insome sectors, including warehousing and support services; business support activities; food manufacturing; and civilengineering.

2.11 The latest estimate of the employment rate of residents aged 16-64 is 67.9% (September 2012), which is close to theregional (68.6%) and national (70.5%) rates (10). The district employment rate for people aged 65+ has not yet changedby an amount that we can say is significant but nationally and regionally there have been measurable increases in recentyears in the employment rate of people in older age groups.

2.12 Health is the largest employment sector in the district, as it is nationally. By contrast, the proportion of people working intransport and storage is higher than the national rate and the proportion of people working in professional, scientific andtechnical jobs is lower. Although there has been a decline in the number of manufacturing jobs, at 11%, the proportionemployed in Wakefield remains higher than the national average. Around 24% of jobs are located in the public sectorcompared to 21% nationally in 2011 (provisional figures).



Social Issues

2.13 The IMD 2010 shows that conditions have improved for some of the district’s most deprived areas relative to deprivationelsewhere in England. At the district level Wakefield is now the 67th most deprived district in England (out of 326 districts).The IMD 2010 also shows that 40,459 people in the district are living in neighbourhoods amongst the top-10% mostdeprived in England. This is 12.5% of the district’s population6, down from 14.6% of the population in 2007.

2.14 Of the district’s 12 Priority Neighbourhoods (defined using the IMD 2007) the IMD 2010 showed significant improvementsin the Moorthorpe, Westfield & Broad Lane, South Elmsall Priority Neighbourhood. There was little change in the amountof deprivation in the other Priority Neighbourhoods. According to the IMD 2010, the top-10%most deprived neighbourhoodsin the district now includes the Peacock estate, Wakefield, and the Woodhouse estate, Normanton.

2.15 Wakefield loses a disproportionately large amount of its life-years in the most deprived communities to chronic heartdisease (CHD), lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and – particularly in men – chronic liverdisease. Although it is not known for certain what led to these early deaths, the likely causes – smoking, poor diet, lowexercise, excessive drinking – are known, and are all preventable. Mortality rates from cardio vascular disease (CVD)are significantly higher than the national rate, but have decreased by 48.1% since 1995-97. There is a definite correlationbetween deprivation and CVD mortality and this problem is much higher in the twelve Priority Neighbourhoods. Localhealth data shows that less than one third of all adults aged over 20 in Wakefield District have a normal Body Mass Index(BMI). Problems with being overweight or obese are more common among people in middle age and there is a strongcorrelation between obesity and deprivation.

2.16 The proportion of people receiving tuition or taking part in organised competition is a little below the national average.When asked, over half of residents respond by saying they would like to increase their level of physical activity.

Environmental Issues

2.17 Wakefield lies within the three major catchments of the Rivers Aire, Calder and the combined Don, Dearne and Rother.These rivers and their most important tributaries are designated as main rivers. These total approximately 80km. Thedistrict is drained into these via a multitude of smaller watercourses, totalling in excess of 250km, which are divided into31 catchments of varying sizes. Many of these are at or near maximum capacity in annual storm conditions, and thereare more than 40 locations in the district that flood on a regular basis. Properties at risk of flooding are situated on theRiver Calder, River Aire and River Went. Water table levels are rising in coal mining areas as ground water pumping hasceased. This is causing the release of gases associated with coal measures and contaminated land. The district has anumber of major and minor aquifers of high vulnerability as a result of the high leaching potential of soils.

2.18 Woodland cover in the district is just 3.8%, compared to the national figure of 10.5%. Ancient woodlands are few innumber, with just over 20% being plantations on ancient sites, and just under 20% being Ancient Semi Natural (ASN)woodland, making them all the more important. They may be particularly vulnerable due to disturbance by cultivation ordrainage.

Sustainability Objectives

2.19 Based on these key issues and other plans and programmes, fifteen SA Objectives have been identified, as shown below.These are supplemented by sub-objectives, which are more focused on specific issues. The objectives and sub-objectives,which comprise the SA Framework and can be seen in full in Chapter 5, have previously been agreed with statutoryenvironmental bodies and others, and used as the basis for all the Council's previous sustainability appraisals.

SA1 Good quality employment opportunities available to all;

SA2 Conditions which enable business success, economic growth and investment;

SA3 Education and training opportunities to build skills and capacities;

SA4 Conditions and services to engender good health;

SA5 Safety and security for people and property;



SA6 Vibrant communities to participate in decision making;

SA7 Create, enhance and provide accessibility to culture, leisure and recreation activities;

SA8 Local needs met locally;

SA9 Quality housing available to everyone;

SA10 To provide a transport network which maximises access whilst minimising detrimental impacts;

SA11 A quality built environment that protects and enhances its historic assets, and efficient land use patterns that makegood use of derelict sites, minimise travel and promote balanced development;

SA12 A bio-diverse and attractive natural environment;

SA13 Minimal pollution levels;

SA14 Minimal greenhouse gas emissions and a managed response to the effects of climate change; and

SA15 Prudent and efficient use of energy and natural resources, with minimal production of waste.

Scoping Report Conclusion

This scoping report concludes that the Local Plan objectives are consistent with the SA framework and a full SA will be preparedto assess where any significant impacts might arise together with their proposed mitigation.



Introduction



3 Introduction

Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan

3.1 The context for preparing a leisure, recreation and open space local plan is set out in the Core Strategy under PolicyCS11 (paragraph 9.41). The aim of the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan is set out below:

"The Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan will provide policies, land allocations and designations to meet theaims of the Core Strategy for promoting leisure development, opportunities for recreation, safeguarding important localopen spaces and identifying new open spaces. Sites will be identified in accordance with the LDF development strategyset out in the Core Strategy, national planning policies and local priorities. The Plan will replace saved allocations anddesignations in the Unitary Development Plan."

3.2 The Local Plan is at an early consultation and engagement stage and proposes the following draft objectives:

1. To ensure that all new development, activities and uses of land adhere to and promote the principles of sustainabledevelopment and enhance the quality of life for the districts residents (CS objective 1)

2. To locate development where it will provide the opportunity for people to satisfy their needs for leisure, recreation,health and wellbeing by locating facilities and services locally or in places which minimise the need to travel by carthat are conveniently and safely accessible by walking, cycling and public transport (CS objective 3 adapted)

3. To provide a range of high quality cultural, recreational and leisure opportunities across the district which areaccessible to all sections of the community and cater for a broad range of activities to improve the quality of lifefor residents and visitors (CS objective 8 adapted)

4. To enhance and safeguard the character of the district’s greenspaces, accessible open land, accessible woodland,watercourses and water bodies, recreation, leisure and heritage assets to maximise opportunities for leisure andrecreational uses

5. To support the growth of a dynamic local economy which increases prosperity for all sections of the community byencouraging diversification of the rural economy, sustainable rural tourism and visitor facilities for leisure, recreationaland cultural activities (CS objective 7 adapted)

6. To help adapt to and mitigate against the impact of climate change through encouraging water resources and openspace to be managed for flood risk reduction schemes and woodland planting for carbon capture, biomass andbiodiversity (CS objective12 adapted)

Requirements of the SEA Directive and SA Regulations

3.3 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) requires Sustainability Appraisal (SA) to be carried out on DevelopmentPlan Documents (DPDs) and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs). SA helps planning authorities to fulfill theobjective of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in preparing their plans, through a structuredassessment of the objectives and policies against key sustainability issues for the area.

3.4 The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (2004) (referred to as “the SEA Regulations”),which implements European Directive 2001/42/EC, known as the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive,require SEA of a wide range of plans and programmes, including LDFs. SEA is a process to ensure that significantenvironmental effects arising from certain plans and programmes are identified, assessed, mitigated, communicated todecision-makers, and monitored, and that opportunities for public involvement are provided.

3.5 The objective of the SEA Directive is:

"to provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmentalconsiderations into the preparation and adoption of plans, with a view to promoting sustainable development (3)"

3 EC Directive 2001/42/EC



3.6 The SEA Directive places certain requirements, which must be addressed through the assessment and reporting process.These are the same for all SEA assessments, irrespective of whether or not they are incorporated into sustainabilityappraisal, as they are in this case. The following table lists the requirements of the Directive, all of which will be coveredby the SA of the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan:

Requirements of the SEA Directive

Preparation of an environmental report, in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan orprogramme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and geographical scope of the plan or programme,are identified, described and evaluated. The information to be given is (Article 5 and Annex 1):

a) An outline of the contents, main objectives of the plan or programme, and relationship with other relevant plans andprogrammes;

b) The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of theplan or programme;

c) The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected;

d) Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme, including, in particular, those relatingto any areas of particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC and 92/43EEC;

e) The environmental protection objectives, established at international community or national level, which are relevant to theplan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account duringits preparation;

f) The likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna,flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage,landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors. (Footnote: These effects should include secondary, cumulative,synergistic, short, medium and long-term permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects);

g) Themeasures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environmentof implementing the plan or programme;

h) an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertakenincluding any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information;

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

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

The report must include the information that may reasonably be required taking into account current knowledge and methodsof assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme, its stage in the decision-making process, and theextent to which certain matters are more appropriately assessed at different levels in that process to avoid duplication of theassessment (Article 5.2)

Consultation: authorities with environmental responsibility, when deciding on the scope and level of detail of theinformation which must be included in the environmental report (Article 5.4)

authorities with environmental responsibility and the public, shall be given an early and effective opportunity withinappropriate time frames to express their opinion on the draft plan or programme and the accompanying environmentalreport before the adoption of the plan or programme (Article 6.1, 6.2)

other EU Member States, where the implementation of the plan or programme is likely to have significant effects onthe environment of that country (Article 7)



Requirements of the SEA Directive

Provision of information on the decision:

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

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

Monitoring of the significant environmental of the plan's or programme's implementation (Article10)

Quality Assurance: environmental reports should be of a sufficient standard to meet the requirements of the SEA Directive

Table 2 Requirements of the SEA Directive

Sustainability Appraisal Approach

3.7 SEA and SA are very closely related. SA aims to integrate sustainability issues into decision making by appraising theplan or strategy using environmental, social and economic objectives. SEA also aims to facilitate sustainable development,but its emphasis is on integrating environmental considerations into decision making through a thorough analysis ofenvironmental issues.

3.8 The approach adopted in this SA incorporates the requirements of the SEA Regulations and generally follows the stagesof the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) guidance, but with some alterations to reflect changesto the plan making process brought about by legislative and regulatory changes since this guidance was published.

Stage A: Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope

A1: Identify other relevant policies, plans and programmes and sustainability objectivesA2: Collect baseline informationA3: Identify sustainability issues and problemsA4: Develop the SA FrameworkA5: Consult on the scope of the SA

Stage B: Developing and Refining Options and Assessing Effects

B1: Test the Local Plan objectives against the SA FrameworkB2: Develop the Local Plan optionsB3: Predict the effects of the Local PlanB4: Evaluate the effects of the Local PlanB5: Consider ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effectsB6: Propose measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the Local Plan

Stage C: Preparing the SA Report

C1: Prepare the SA Report alongside the Consultation Draft of the Local Plan

Stage D: Consult on the Consultation Draft of the Local Plan and the SA Report

D1: Enable public participation on the consultation draft of the Local Plan and the SA ReportD2(i): Appraise significant changesD2(ii): Appraise significant changes resulting from representations



D3: Make decisions and providing information

Stage E: Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the Local Plan

E1: Finalise aims and methods for monitoringE2: Respond to adverse effects

3.9 This scoping report includes the whole of the stage A inputs set out above, but also includes Stage B1 to assess thedraft Local Plan objectives which have been identified at this time. The plan making process no longer includes arequirement to formally consult on preferred options however the Council intends on making available its assessmentand refinement of options as set out in Stages B2-B6. The results of public participation and engagement at this stageof the plan's preparation will also help to shape the draft Local Plan objectives and emerging options. Any subsequentalterations and refinements will be assessed in later stages of the SA process.



SA Objectives and Baseline Characterisation



4 SA Objectives and Baseline Characterisation

Review of Relevant Plans, Programmes and Strategies

4.1 In order to understand how the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan sits within the context of other relevantplans, programmes and strategies and to understand any particular sustainability issues which should be addressed bythe Local Plan or assessed in the SA these have been reviewed below:

Relevant Policies, Objectives, Targets and IndicatorsPlan

National

3.1. Paragraph 73 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that:National PlanningPolicy Framework,2012 “Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation can make an important

contribution to the health and well-being of communities. Planning policies should be based on robustand up-to-date assessments of the needs for open space, sports and recreation facilities andopportunities for new provision. The assessments should identify specific needs and quantitative orqualitative deficits or surpluses of open space, sports and recreational facilities in the local area.Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sports andrecreational provision is required”.

3.2. NPPF makes it clear that planning policies and decisions need to plan positively for the provisionand use of shared space, community facilities, and local services to enhance the sustainability ofcommunities. The unnecessary loss of valued services and facilities should be avoided, particularlywhere it would reduce the community’s ability to meet its day-to-day needs. Facilities and servicesshould be able to develop and modernise sustainably for the benefit of the community. The locationof housing, economic uses, community facilities and services need to be integrated. Leisure, recreationand open space are vital elements of community facilities and services.

3.3. Paragraph 74 of NPPF states that:

“Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields should notbe built upon unless:

• An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land tobe surplus to requirements; or

• The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provisionin terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or

• The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearlyoutweigh the loss”.

3.4. NPPF also states that planning policies should protect and enhance public rights of way andaccess. Council’s should seek opportunities to provide better facilities for users, for example by addinglinks to existing rights of way networks including National Trails. NPPF also allows for the allocationof Local Green Space within areas which are of particular local significance to the community becauseof its beauty, historic significance, recreational value, tranquillity, or ecological value. Local GreenSpacemust be close to the community it serves and local in character, policy for managing developmentin it should be consistent with policy for Green Belts.

• Building a legacy of competitive sport in schools: An investment of £150m from DCMS, Sport England,Health Education and sponsorship will develop inter and intra school competition, and local, regionaland national games.

GovernmentStrategy for Sport –Creating a Sporting




Habit for Life: A NewYouth SportStrategy, 2012

• Improving links between schools and community sport clubs: Strengthening links between clubs,schools, colleges and universities in conjunction with the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs)will develop 6000 new school club links by 2017 and 150 colleges will have full time sport professionalsto develop new sporting opportunities for their students.

• Working with NGBs focussing on youth: NGBs will develop new “whole sport plans” for the period2012-2017 with a focus on the 14-25 age range; they will also be charged with increasing participationin adults, people with disability and establishing development pathways for those with talent to fulfiltheir potential.

• Investing in facilities: Building on the “Places People Play” programme, Sport England will invest afurther £160m of lottery funding in to building or improving facilities and local clubs.

• Investing in local facilities and the voluntary sector: Encouragement will be given to local authorities,clubs not associated with NGBs and other voluntary groups to provide quality sporting experiencesand Sport England will establish a dedicated funding stream for local community clubs.

EARLY YEARS (under 5s):The Physical ActivityGuidelines – StartActive, Stay Active -July 2011

1. Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play andwater-based activities in safe environments.

2. Children of pre-school age who are capable of walking unaided should be physically active daily forat least 180 minutes (3 hours), spread throughout the day.

3. All under 5s should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (being restrained or sitting)for extended periods (except time spent sleeping).

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE (5–18 years)

1. All children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity forat least 60 minutes and up to several hours every day.

2. Vigorous intensity activities, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, should be incorporatedat least three days a week.

3. All children and young people should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting)for extended periods.

ADULTS (19–64 years)

1. Adults should aim to be active daily. Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes(2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more – one way to approach this isto do 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week.

2. Alternatively, comparable benefits can be achieved through 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activityspread across the week or a combination of moderate and vigorous intensity activity.

3. Adults should also undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days aweek.

4. All adults should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods.

OLDER ADULTS (65+ years)




1. Older adults who participate in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits, includingmaintenance of good physical and cognitive function. Some physical activity is better than none, andmore physical activity provides greater health benefits.

2. Older adults should aim to be active daily. Over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes(2½ hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of 10 minutes or more – one way to approach this isto do 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week.

3. For those who are already regularly active at moderate intensity, comparable benefits can be achievedthrough 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity spread across the week or a combination of moderateand vigorous activity.

4. Older adults should also undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two daysa week.

5. Older adults at risk of falls should incorporate physical activity to improve balance and co-ordinationon at least two days a week.

6. All older adults should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extendedperiods.

3.10. National governing bodies of sport are critical in helping Sport England achieve their goal ofhelping more people develop a sporting habit for life. This is why they are at the heart of the youth and

National GoverningBodies of Sport -Whole SportPlans/Facility Plans

community sport strategy. Eligible NGBs submitted whole sport plans to Sport England detailing howthey plan to use National Lottery and Exchequer money to grow the numbers of people playing theirsport once a week, as well as nurturing talent.

Of the total investment available for participation, Sport England expects 60% to benefit youngpeople aged 14-25 and 40% to benefit the rest of the adult population;

Regional/Sub-Regional

This is a collection of evidence prepared by regional organisations such as the Environment Agency,Natural England and Yorkshire Futures to develop a natural environment evidence base and associatedset of environment priorities for the Yorkshire and Humber region. The report contains a number ofmaps showing key environmental themes across the region including:

Natural EnvironmentEvidence Base forYorkshire andHumber

• National and international environment designations such as National Parks, Ancient Woodland,Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves, Flood Zones and Flood Risk Areas;

• Biodiversity Opportunity Areas;

• Biodiversity Priority Landscape Project Areas;

• Public access to green space;

• Index of Multiple Deprivation;

• National Landscape Character Areas;

• Countryside quality; Water capacity; Groundwater quality;

• Water quality;




• Air quality;

• Green infrastructure corridors.

• IP1 Urban Green Adaption: As a result of climate change our urban areas will face increasing summertemperatures and higher levels of rainfall. The programme will seek to secure investment for urbantree planting, new surface water infrastructure and greening to provide shading and cooling and helpreduce flood risk. In Wakefield District this can be achieved through town centre master planning,urban regeneration projects and new development proposals.

Leeds City RegionGreen InfrastructureStrategy

• IP2 Greening Our Economic Potential: Investment in green infrastructure has been proven to lead tomore inward investment. The programme focuses on the planning of green infrastructure to supportthe remediation and redevelopment of brownfield sites, improvement of business parks/ industrialestates, promotion of strategic employment sites, and improving key transport hubs and corridors,especially where they coincide with local communities. In Wakefield District this can be achievedthrough various regeneration projects and new development proposals.

• IP3 Carbon Capture: The programme will seek to ensure that provision is made for retaining andcreating carbon sinks such as woodland and peatland. In Wakefield District this can be achievedthrough the planting of new woodland such as the Five Towns Forest project and new developmentproposals. Street Scene Forestry section is working in partnership with the White Rose Forest and hasidentified a potential 90 hectare for woodland creation. Plans have been submitted for 12 hectares,these newWoodlands will be planted with the intention of sequestrating carbon in conjunction with theWoodland Carbon Code (part of the Forestry Commission).

• IP4 Woodfuel: The woodfuel investment programme will encourage the sustainable management ofwoodland assets within the city region. The programme will build on and extend current initiatives suchas the West Yorkshire Working Woodlands Project operated by the Yorwoods Project, which aims toachieve the sustainable management of woodlands in theWhite Rose Forest area to produce woodfuel.In Wakefield District this can be achieved through the planting of new woodland such as the Five TownsForest and the Abel project (see the Tree and Woodland Strategy). Street Scene Forestry Section hassubmitted an Invest to Save Business Plan for the purchase of Woodland Harvesting machinery toaddress the Wood fuel demand for the proposed City Centre District Heating System.

• IP5 Rivers for Life: The programme will establish a coordinated approach to river catchmentmanagement and enhancement across the city region. Its main focus will be on the restoration of riverchannels to reduce flood risk but will also deliver access, recreation and biodiversity benefits. InWakefield District this can be achieved through projects such as the Castleford riverside regenerationproject and various flood defence works.

• SP1 Fresh Aire: There are a number of projects along the River Aire and River Calder which willimprove green infrastructure, public access and recreation. These include the St Aidens and LowerAire Valley projects in Leeds, which adjoin the Wakefield District boundary, and the River Calder projectwhich will provide restoration and habitat creation between Brighouse andWakefield. There is potentialto link the Castleford riverside regeneration and other new developments along the Aire and Calderriver corridors providing a vital ecological network, access to the countryside and outdoor recreationopportunities in the district. The Council is meeting with theWhite Rose Forest to investigate possibilitiesof implementing the Fresh Aire project within the Wakefield District.

• Green Infrastructure Growth Areas: These are intended to complement investment programmes andstrategic projects in the Growth Point areas of Barnsley, Calderdale and Wakefield. In Wakefield urbanrenaissance, regeneration and provision for increasing the capacity of green infrastructure assets inthe district is planned.




• Strategic Urban Renewal Areas: The Green Corridor is a joint initiative between Barnsley, Doncasterand Wakefield for urban regeneration in the south east coalfield area. New housing and environmentalimprovements including investment in green and blue infrastructure are planned in the south east ofthe district.

The partnership established a Green Infrastructure Programme across West Yorkshire in 2008, whichincludes five projects within Wakefield District:

The White RoseForest

• The Five Towns Forest – establishment of woodland on derelict land as a setting for homes, businessesand recreation over a 25 year period;

• Notton Wood – access and forestry management;

• Calder Drift – woodland planting around the Scout camp and recreation site;

• Roundwood – gateway to Wakefield, community wood along the M1 corridor;

• Abel Project, Caldervale – approximately 6 hectares of woodland to be planted for short rotationforestry biomass and used for training and amenity, operated by a social enterprise.

Local

The Wakefield District Plan was formerly The Community Strategy. It is produced by the WakefieldTogether Partnership, formed by Wakefield Council, Wakefield NHS, West Yorkshire Police, Wakefieldand District Housing, Jobcentre Plus and Wakefield College. The plan sets out 5 pledges setting outthe ambitions and priorities for the Partnership. Those which relate to leisure, recreation and openspace are set out below:

Wakefield DistrictPlan 2012 - 2016

Pledge 3: To strive to reduce health inequalities between different parts of the district

• Build on the Olympic legacy to improve the physical fitness and mental health of people of all agesand abilities through more varied sport and leisure opportunities;

• Make the most of our leisure and countryside facilities to promote health, wellbeing and better, moreenjoyable lives for all;

Pledge 5: To strive to create a better quality environment

• Ensure high quality urban centres and open space that meets the needs of our citizens andcomplements our cultural and tourism offer.

Greenspace is distributed widely across Castleford, except in Townville. Issues of greenspace qualityand accessibility at Fryston Trails and Water Fryston.

Castleford LocalArea Plan

‘Friends’ groups helping to improve parks in the Castleford area. Better quality, more accessible greenspace - through greater understanding of existing provision and targeted remedial action. Increasedcommunity involvement e.g. through volunteering and ‘friends’ groups.

Aim - C4.21 - Three Areas Project Activity (TAP) includes a number of key activities highlighted below:

• Support low level green spaces to be turned into allotments /community growing plots

• Improve cycle routes around Castleford




• Exercise on referral

• Weight management sessions

• Recruit physical activity champions to advocate active healthy lifestyles

• Health walks and cycling

Aim C4.22 - Provision of sporting activities as part of the Targeted Youth Support offer, to improve thephysical health of young people identified as being at risk of offending and anti-social behaviour.

Aim C4.23 - Deliver activities for young people at the Hut in Airedale.

Aim C6.1 - Apply for external funding to develop a skate park in at King George Fields. Potential forthe Hut to look to build a skate park.

Aim C6.2 - The 8 active Friends groups in Castleford area are at different stages of development andsupport a diverse range of greenspace sites in Castleford. Street Scene will continue to provide acomprehensive support package of expertise and resources to empower voluntary groups to developand improve local greenspaces. The support package Street Scene can provide includes obtainingpermissions and approvals : project planning and design : consultation methodology: fundraising,procurement and managing finances: project and contract management and delivery.

Aim C6.3 - (i) Support the development of a group to develop The Hut playing field Airedale. (ii) Manageand promote green leisure places such as the riverside

Smawthorne marsh, parks and woods.

Greenspace provision is patchy in some parts of the area, including the northern part of Featherstoneand south east Normanton.

Normanton andFeatherstone LocalArea Plan

Friends of Purston Park Group in Featherstone. This group is now planning a number of fundingapplications and projects to improve the quality of the park and boating lake.

Aim NF2.5.1 Provide health based physical activity interventions

Aim NF2.5.2 To promote low cost options to access leisure facilities in the Normanton & FeatherstoneArea

Aim NF2.5.3 Promote activity programmes in Normanton & Featherstone that provide social benefit

Aim NF2.5.6 Improve public rights of way to promote healthy lifestyles

Aim NF4.4.3 Develop new community sports facilities and library in Altofts

Aim NF5.1.4 Improve Purston Park

Aim NF5.2.2 Strategy to Improve Haw Hill Park

Aim PK1.4 - Integrated wellbeing and sports activities part of WDH environmental programme.Pontefract andKnottingley LocalArea Plan (i) Youth clubs; and (ii) Sporting activities - Kingsmead Pontefract and within the Warwick area of

Knottingley.




Aim PK1.7 - (i) Encourage more outdoor safe “free” play opportunities (ii) Improvement to facilities atFerrybridge Recreation Ground (Sport England ‘Inspired Facilities’ funding)

Aim PK2.28 - Improve quality and provision of fitness suite at Knottingley Sports Centre.

Aim PK4.1 - Develop the destination parks (Pontefract Park, Valley Gardens, Kellingley and Ferrybridge)through:

- working with ‘friends’ groups in parks

• Friends of Friarwood valley gardens.

• Friends of Pease Park.

• Carlton T.A.R.A.

• Friends of Orchard Head.

• Friends of Pontefract Park & Racecourse.

• Friends of Lakeside Meadows Pond.

• Ferrybridge Park.

• Holes Lane Play Area.

• Warwick Ahead Project.

- Using planning gain (S106) funding where available

Aim SE4.1.3 Implement Green Space Strategy – specifically to facilitate increased communityinvolvement in the management of green spaces.

South East LocalArea Plan

Aim SE4.1.5 Regenerate Vale Head Park through utilisation of the Community Payback scheme. StreetScene

Aim SE4.1.6 Improve entrances to Fitzwilliam County Park Street Scene Medium Term

Aim SE4.1.7 Continue to support the activities of the Friends of Vale Head Park Group

Aim SE6.3.2 Improve Vale Head Park Street Scene Friends of Vale Head Park

Aim SE6.3.3 Engage local community in order to improve Upton Country Park

Aim WC4.11 - Improve the quality of greenspace within the Wakefield Central area by working withvolunteer groups. Planned and ongoing projects with volunteers include:

Wakefield CentralLocal Area Plan

- Restoration of the conservatory, bandstand and amphitheatre in Thornes Park

- Eastmoor Community Garden

- Flanshaw Junior and Infants school - city garden within school grounds

- Secret garden in Thornes Park (with Clarence, Holmfield & Thornes Park - CHAT group)




-Conservatory /Glasshouse Thornes Park

-Improve internal signage around the parks

-Alverthorpe Road open space

Aim WC4.23 - Identify priority areas of greenspace in the Wakefield Central area which requireimprovement.

- Develop an action plan to undertake remedial actions.

Ossett is not well-provided with local green spaces. Also, there are some urban parks where qualityis relatively low, such as Outwood Grange Park and Green Park Horbury.

Wakefield NorthWest Local AreaPlan

Aim NW4.1 - Improve the quality of Greenspace within the Wakefield North West area by working withvolunteer groups. Planned and on-going projects with volunteers include:

Refurbishment of bowling green and tennis courts at Reid Park, Horbury Bridge.

Redevelopment of play area in Gawthorpe.

Aim NW5.3 - Support voluntary and community groups to apply for external funding to developcommunity facilities and to rejuvenate key parks

including:-

Rejuvenated bowling and tennis facilities in Reid Park, Horbury Bridge

Illingworth Park, Ossett

Former Lofthouse Colliery Site

Aim WR1.14 - Develop the key development site of the Bretton Estate –Wakefield RuralLocal Area Plan

(i) determine planning applications;

(ii) secure hotel operator;

(iii) emergency works to dams.

Aim WR3.8 - To work with local community groups to secure external funding to improve the followingcommunity facilities:-

Renovate BMX track at Betty Eastwood Park, Crigglestone.

Aim WR3.9 - To provide technical and external funding advice to local people regarding their proposalto regenerate the Havercroft skate park.

Aim WR3.10 - Support Walton Community Centre to apply for external funding to purchase a MUGAand other sporting equipment.

Aim WR3.11 - Introduction of play area in Kettlethorpe at the rear of the former Standbridge School.




AimWR4.4 -To explore external funding options with regards to rejuvenating key parks within WakefieldRural including Manygates Park.

TheWakefield Flood Risk Management Strategy 2006-12 and 2013-17 link with the Council’s CorporateStrategy 2013-17, Wakefield’s Local Flood Risk Strategy (proposed for 2013), the European FloodRisk Regulations 2009, the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the European Water Framework

Wakefield FloodRisk ManagementStrategy

Directive, the Local Biodiversity Plan and areas of highest deprivation identified by the WakefieldTogether Partnership. The following priority flood risk catchments have been identified for flood storagecreation, wetland creation, flood protection works, culvert improvements, watercourseimprovements,biodiversity improvements:

C8 Ings Beck (North West & Central Wakefield)C7 Oakenshaw Beck (Agbrigg, Crofton, Walton, Sharlston)E2 Ea Beck (South Kirkby, South Elmsall, North Elmsall, Hemsworth)E1 River Skell (Upper) (Upton, Wrangbrook)C2 Carr Beck (Glasshoughton, Cutsyke)C10 Lupset Beck (Ossett, Wakefield South,Thornes)W7 Hoyle Mill Beck (Kinsley)W10 Went Beck (Featherstone, Streethouse)

The Strategy sets out the objectives, targets and actions for:Cycle Strategy forWakefield

• Creating a network of cycle routes;

• Design principles and standards;

• Construction of cycle routes;

• Maintenance of cycle routes;

• Guidelines for cycle parking;

• Travel Plans implemented as part of the planning process to secure measures to promote cycling inthe workplace and in residential developments;

• Safe routes to school and school travel plan initiatives;

• Land use planning policies and planning decisions to allow for and encourage cycling;

• Communication and promotion of cycling

The plan objectives are to:Wakefield DistrictRights of WayImprovement Plan • Protect, improve and extend the rights of way network as an important means of access to the

countryside for recreation and for health;

• Enhance opportunities for safe and sustainable travel, both for recreation and access to work, schooland services;

• Improve accessibility of rights of way for all members of our communities and provide appropriatepublicity;

• Ensure the condition of the rights of way network enhances the appearance and amenity of the naturaland built environment and our local heritage; and




• Ensure that the rights of way network contributes to the enhancement of economic opportunities.

The plan identifies that Wakefield district has no shortage of green space, but there are issues to dowith the quality and distribution of open space, and opportunities to capitalise on assets (including

Jobs and GrowthPlan

rivers, valleys, lakes and parks) in a more co-ordinated way. Where appropriate, and to support actionwe will use amasterplanning approach to enhance green infrastructure to ensure sound and sustainablemanagement of our country parks, or ex-colliery sites, and existing and newly created areas of woodland.

Wakefield LocalDevelopment

Policy CS1- Location of Development

a. most new development, including most housing, employment, retail and mixed use development,will take place within the urban areas taking advantage of existing services and high levels ofaccessibility, with the largest amount of development located in the Sub Regional City of Wakefield,

Framework, CoreStrategy, 2009

with smaller, but significant, amounts in the Principal Towns of Castleford and Pontefract. In otherurban areas the scale of development will reflect the settlement’s size and function, the spatial prioritiesfor urban renaissance and regeneration in the Community Strategy and the need to tackle local highlevels of deprivation.

b. new retail, leisure, office, cultural and tourist facilities development will be located within Wakefieldcity centre and other town centres and in identified special policy areas where consistent with nationalplanning policy and the spatial development strategy, taking advantage of existing services and highlevels of accessibility;

c. in local service centres the scale of development will be appropriate to the size of the settlement,meet the identified needs of the settlement and its immediate area, and help create a balancedsustainable community;

d. in settlements identified as villages only small scale development will take place where it helps tomeet identified local needs within the existing boundaries of the settlement;

e. in other settlements not washed over by the Green Belt development will be strictly limited to meetingidentified local needs within the existing boundaries of the settlement;

f. in the Green Belt, development will conform to national, regional and LDF policies relating to theGreen Belt.

Target of at least 95% of floorspace developed for employment in employment or regeneration areaswithin urban areas.

Target of at least 40% of employment floorspace on previously developed land for all types.

Target of 65% of new and converted dwellings on previously developed land.

Target of 95% of completed retail, office and leisure development in town centres.

Policy CS4 – Sustainable Transport

Target of 100% of new dwellings completed (in schemes of 10 dwellings or more) which conform withthe RTS Accessibility criteria

Target of 100% of new employment related uses (B1, B2, B8) over 1000m2 and retail uses over 2500m2

which conform with the RTS Accessibility Criteria.

Policy CS5 – Community Facilities and Services




Target to increase number of community facilities/services granted planning permission in local servicecentres and villages

Target to increase number of higher level health facilities granted planning permission in wards ofhighest health deprivation.

CS10 – Design, Safety and Environmental Quality

Change in areas and populations of biodiversity importance, including change in priority habitats andspecies (by type); and change in areas designated for their intrinsic environmental value, includingsites of international, national, regional, sub-regional or local significance – Target – no reduction.

Target is zero planning applications refused on landscape grounds.

Target is reducing area of derelict land in the district per annum.

Target is reducing number of ‘sites of potential concern’ within the local authority area, with respect toland contamination.

CS11 – Leisure, Recreation and Open Space

Target of 70% of residents within 120m of Accessible Greenspace – comprises of Natural Areas, sportsfields, church-grounds and amenity areas (not visual-only).

CS12 – Green Belt

Target of maintaining the general extent of the Green Belt.

CS13 – Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change and Efficient Use of Resources

Target of no planning permissions granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on eitherflood defence grounds or water quality.

CS14 – Influencing the Demand for Travel

Target 100% of completed non-residential development within Use Class Orders A, B and D, complyingwith car parking standards set out in the LDF.


D4 - Sites Designated for Biological or Geological Conservation

Target for 95% of SSSIs to be in favourable or unfavourable recovering conditionFramework,DevelopmentPolicies document,2009 Target for annual increase in improved local biodiveristy active management of local sites

D5 - Ecological Protection of Watercourses and Water Bodies

Target of no planning permissions granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on eitherflood risk or water quality grounds.

D6 - Wildlife Habitat Networks

Target to ensure all planning applications received within networks are accompanied by an assessmentwhich meets the criteria set out in the policy




D7 - Protection of Trees and Woodland

Target for no loss of ancient woodland

Target to ensure than no residents are more than 500m from at least one area of accessible woodland

D13 - Protected Areas of Open Land

Target for no planning permissions which adversely affect Protected Areas of Open Land

D24 - Flood Risk

Target of no planning permissions granted contrary to the advice of the Environment Agency on floodrisk grounds.

Target to reduce the number of windfall housing developments approved in flood zones 2 or 3

D25 - Drainage

Target for all eligible proposals to incorporate sustainable drainage techniques


Policy CW4 - Development of Pedestrian and Cycle Routes

Such routes are shown on the Central Wakefield Area Action Plan Policies Map. Target to improveaccessibility and links between the city centre and surrounding communities.

Framework, CentralWakefield AreaAction Plan, 2009


Policy TS9 - Barnsley Canal Restoration

Land is safeguarded from alternative forms of development along the likely route of the Barnsley Canal.Framework, SiteSpecific PoliciesLocal Plan, 2012 Allocations are made for Special Areas of Conservation, Ancient Woodland, RIGS, Local Nature

Reserves, Wakefield Local Wildlife Sites, Wildlife Habitat Network, Archaeological Sites, Historic Parks,Gardens, Landscapes and Battle Sites, Conservation Areas, Protected Areas of Open Land, LandReclamation.

Wakefield UnitaryDevelopment PlanFirst Alteration -2003

Saved policies in relation to leisure, recreation, open space, and cycling. These policies andproposals will be reviewed and replaced by the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan.

The Greenspace Audit contains the baseline data for the Greenspace Strategy. The findings andanalysis of the Greenspace Audit are a major component of the Greenspace Strategy.

Wakefield DistrictGreenspace Auditand the WakefieldGreenspaceStrategy 2013-2018

The objectives of the Strategy are to:

• Develop a network of good quality and attractive greenspaces that meet the recreational and landscapeneeds of residents;

• Increase community involvement in all aspects of greenspace enhancement and upkeep;

• Support the economic regeneration of the district by providing an environment that attracts businesses,investment, professional workers and cultural tourism;




• Work in a more coordinated and integrated fashion with community groups, partners, agencies andother stakeholders;

• Coordinate improvement projects – improvements to greenspaces should be delivered at the sametime as other regeneration projects;

• Improve the quality of key greenspaces - compared to 2010 baseline audit;

• Improve the distribution of greenspaces - compared to 2010 baseline audit;

• Use baseline audit data and planning guidelines contained in this strategy to guide planning decisionsrelated to greenspaces;

• Use baseline audit data to inform the decision-making process – such as responding to requestsfrom the public for improvements to greenspaces;

• Use baseline audit data to explain decisions related to greenspace in consultation with residents andcommunity groups;

• Share baseline audit data with community groups and partners – this data uses a GeographicalInformation System (GIS) but this cannot be achieved under current arrangements;

• Use the strategy to access and secure funding for projects identified as strategic priorities – mostexternal funding is only available to constituted groups from the community;

• Use the strategy to secure contributions from developers - and also to guide where and how thesecontributions should be spent;

• Use the strategy to help assess proposals to transfer greenspace assets into community management(and leases of pitches to sports clubs);

• Reduce costs by addressing overprovision of greenspace - and embrace lower maintenance andlower risk designs for greenspace and features.

Wakefield CouncilSport and ActiveLifetsyles Strategy2007-2012

To provide opportunity to increase participation and improve performance in sport and physicalactivity.To ensure a complementary sporting and community development programme to ensure everyonehas the opportunity to participate and progress to their sporting potential.To promote active lifestyles and enhance quality of life for Wakefield communities through thedevelopment of a sustainable network of high quality sport, recreation and fitness facilities,offering a wide range of activities.

Contains an audit, assessment and analysis of sports facilities, and sets out policy options andrecommendations. The Plan shows that the district has 321 hectares of natural grass used for football,cricket and rugby and identifies a need for an additional 84 hectares, some of which can be met fromincreased use of school playing fields and existing unused or partially used playing fields. Many pitchesalso need to be improved with better changing facilities. The Strategy provides a framework for:

Wakefield PlayingPitch Strategy 2010-2030

• Making informed planning decisions;

• Targeting financial support and investment in facilities;

• Planning the delivery of sports development programmes.




Objective to improving health and tackling health inequalities. There are links between earlydisadvantage and poor health outcomes throughout life. To break this pattern, the plan aims to improvehealth and reduce inequalities before birth and continue to support people throughout their life.

Wakefield Children& Young People’sPlan 2012 - 2016

Wakefield DistrictTransport StrategyMarch 2007

To address current and potential transport problems in the Wakefield district and prioritisesolutions for those schemes according to likely impact.To improve access between areas within Wakefield district.

Wakefield DistrictLocal BiodiversityReport 2001

Prevent any further loss of ancient semi-natural (ASN) woodland in the Wakefield district.Ensure all ASN woodland is being appropriately managed by 2010.Plant 50ha of new broadleaved woods adjacent to or linking existing ASN woodland by 2010.Ensure 20% of all broadleaved woods are in appropriate management by 2010 and 50% by2015.Create 10ha of Lowland Heath through appropriate management by 2020.Ensure all scrubby areas are being appropriately managed by 2010.Ensure all Marshland and Wet grassland is being appropriately managed by 2010.Create 10ha of Marshland and Wet grassland through appropriate management by 2020.Ensure all Magnesian Limestone Grassland is being appropriately managed by 2010.Create 10ha of Magnesian Limestone Grassland through appropriate management by 2020.Establish 2 new breeding sites for Great Crested Newt by 2005.Increase the district population of Lapwing by at least 20% by 2015.Increase the district population of Skylark by at least 10% by 2015.Improve habitat for water vole along 5 km length of river/ditch/lakeside by 2010, targeting areasthat will link existing populations.

Treescapes - A Treeand WoodlandStrategy for theWakefield District2004-2009

Increase the tree cover in the district from 1,258 hectares to 1,764 hectares by 2009. Thisrepresents a 7% year on year increase in actual tree cover.This will mean 688,500 more trees being planted by 2009.

Table 3 Summary of Objectives, Targets and Indicators taken from relevant strategies, Plans and Programmes

Baseline Characterisation and Key Issues

4.2 The SEA Directive requires a description of the current baseline environment and existing trends. An extensive searchfor baseline information has been undertaken using a range of sources including web based databases and publications,personal communications, published reports and stored information.

Baseline InformationSubject

The latest census data show 64% of working-age women are now economically active, up from 46% 30 yearsago (1981). This rate and trend is very similar to that seen across England as a whole. However, 44% of allfemale employees work part-time, and this level has remained fairly constant since 1981. (The definition ofwhat it means to be economically has changed over the last 30 years.)

Employment

The proportion of men who are economically active has risen from 71% in 2001 to 73% in 2011, with a similarincrease seen across England as a whole (up to 75%). The proportion of male employees working part-timehas doubled in the last ten years and now stands at 10%. Thirty years ago only 1% of male employees workedpart-time. Similar increases have occurred nationally; indeed across England the 2011 rate is higher, at 12%.




In 2011 there were 134,800 people employed at workplaces within the district and of these over 69% wereworking full-time, which is very similar to the national average. A further 3,800 people were working in thedistrict as sole traders/proprietors, partners and directors. Despite challenging economic conditions employmentgrowth occurred in some sectors, including warehousing and support services; business support activities;food manufacturing; and civil engineering.

The latest estimate of the employment rate of residents aged 16-64 is 67.9% (September 2012), which isclose to the regional (68.6%) and national (70.5%) rates (10). The district employment rate for people aged65+ has not yet changed by an amount that we can say is significant but nationally and regionally there havebeen measurable increases in recent years in the employment rate of people in older age groups.

The size of the employment base ranks Wakefield as the 26th largest local authority in England (out of 326)in terms of jobs. Latest available figures show the number of active businesses in theWakefield district peakedat 8,900 in 2009 but fell by 195 (3%) between 2009 and 2011. Prior to the downturn, business growth in

EconomicPerformance

Wakefield had been strong with significant increases year on year up to 2007. Between 2004 and 2009, thenumber of active enterprises in Wakefield increased by 737 representing a growth rate of 9%, above bothregional (6.3%) and national (8.3%) rates.

The commercial property occupancy rates as measured by business rates has shown a slight increase overall(up from 86% to 87% between April and December 2012). Compared to ten years ago, 4,775 more Wakefieldresidents are now employed in higher occupations (managers, directors and senior officials; and professionaloccupations). And of all people in these occupations, 46% are now women, up substantially from 37% in 2001.Of all women working, 21% are now employed in the top-two highest occupation groups (up from 16% in2001), and of all men working, 22% are employed in the top-two highest occupation groups (very similar to2001, 23%). Average wages are 4.6% and 19% lower for men and women respectively than across the countryas a whole.

Health is the largest employment sector in the district, as it is nationally. By contrast, the proportion of peopleworking in transport and storage is higher than the national rate and the proportion of people working inprofessional, scientific and technical jobs is lower. Although there has been a decline in the number ofmanufacturing jobs, at 11%, the proportion employed in Wakefield remains higher than the national average.Around 24% of jobs are located in the public sector compared to 21% nationally in 2011 (provisional figures).

The IMD 2010 shows that conditions have improved for some of the district’s most deprived areas relative todeprivation elsewhere in England. At the district level Wakefield is now the 67th most deprived district inEngland (out of 326 districts). The IMD 2010 also shows that 40,459 people in the district are living inneighbourhoods amongst the top-10% most deprived in England. This is 12.5% of the district’s population6,down from 14.6% of the population in 2007.

Deprivation

Of the district’s 12 Priority Neighbourhoods (defined using the IMD 2007) the IMD 2010 showed significantimprovements in the Moorthorpe, Westfield & Broad Lane, South Elmsall Priority Neighbourhood. There waslittle change in the amount of deprivation in the other Priority Neighbourhoods. According to the IMD 2010,the top-10% most deprived neighbourhoods in the district now includes the Peacock estate, Wakefield, andthe Woodhouse estate, Normanton.

The proportion of households that own their own home (64%) has changed little over the last 10 years. Thelatest census, however, shows a large increase in the proportion of households that rent privately, with therate in Wakefield up from 7% in 2001 to 11% in 2011. This equates to an additional 6,900 households that

Housing

rent privately across the district. The scale of the increase is similar across England as a whole. There is a




broad spectrum of house types and house sizes across the district but Council Tax records show the majorityof properties (71%) are in the lower-value bands A and B, compared to 64% and 44% for the region andEngland respectively.

The number of new homes constructed between 2009 and 2012 was 2699 which falls short of the Local Plantarget of 1600 dwellings per year, however the Council adopted the LDF Site Specific Policies Local Plan in2012 which together with existing planning permissions ensures that the district has a considerable housingsupply on both previously developed and greenfield sites.

The district enjoys several sites of national distinctiveness, such as Pontefract racecourse and HemsworthWater Park. There are seven country parks in total, several of which sit on the reclaimed sites of formercollieries. The wider countryside is accessed by a 560-kilometre network of public Rights of Way and permissivepaths, along with the 20-kilometre section of the Trans-Pennine Trail that passes throughWakefield for walkers,cyclists and horse riders.

OutdoorLeisure andRecreation

The district has nine sites designated as being Regionally Important Geological & Geomorphological Sites(RIGS). These designations recognise and protect important earth science and landscape features for futuregenerations to enjoy. Wakefield district also has 16 Local Nature Reserves, the highest number of any WestYorkshire local authority. These reserves are declared not only for their value to wildlife but also their valuefor education, scientific research and the potential for local community involvement. Some of these reservesare also home to the district’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A considerable number of 'destination' parks and outdoor water based facilities are also accessible to thecommunity. More information on these can be found in the Appendix to the Early Engagement document.

Popular team sports are represented by many clubs, both for adults and juniors. The most popular sport,football, has over 400 football teams playing regularly, across 127 senior pitches and 58 junior and minipitches. The distribution of facilities throughout the district is generally good and the numbers of playersinvolved in football is similar to the national average.

Sports

Key measures of participation in sport and exercise are produced from the results of the Active People Surveyconducted by Sport England. In 2011, 27% of Wakefield people were a member of a sports club, a slightlyhigher figure than the national rate (24%). The 2011 participation rate also represented 7 percentage-pointincrease on the 2006 level. However, the proportion of people receiving tuition or taking part in organisedcompetition is a little below the national average. Levels of physical activity were also captured by Wakefield’sHealth and Lifestyle Survey in 2009. This showed variation by age and gender in the frequency of vigorousactivity undertaken by local people. Vigorous activity is that which causes people to sweat or get out of breathor raise their heart rate substantially, for example by power walking, jogging or cycling up hill. Young menundertake substantially more exercise of this sort than their female counterparts, probably due to team sportparticipation, but that gender gap closes quite quickly as people get older. When asked, over half of residentsresponded to the survey by saying they would like to increase their level of physical activity.

Wakefield loses a disproportionately large amount of its life-years in the most deprived communities to chronicheart disease (CHD), lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and – particularly in men– chronic liver disease. Although it is not known for certain what led to these early deaths, the likely causes– smoking, poor diet, low exercise, excessive drinking – are known, and are all preventable.

Health

Mortality rates from cardio vascular disease (CVD) are significantly higher than the national rate, but havedecreased by 48.1% since 1995-97. There is a definite correlation between deprivation and CVD mortalityand this problem is much higher in the twelve Priority Neighbourhoods.




Local health data shows that less than one third of all adults aged over 20 in Wakefield District have a normalBody Mass Index (BMI). Problems with being overweight or obese are more common among people in middleage and there is a strong correlation between obesity and deprivation.

There are numerous sites of archaeological importance (some are of national importance) on the CountyHistoric Environment Record, which is maintained by West Yorkshire Archaeological Advisory Service. Thereare 23 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, 24 grade I Listed Buildings, 60 grade II* Listed Buildings, and 653

CulturalHeritage

grade II Listed Buildings in the district. There are 29 Conservation Areas inWakefield District. Within Yorkshirethere are 118 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens, with three of these being in Wakefield. There is onelocally designated Site of an Historic Battle in the district, and one locally designated Historic Landscape.Three grade I and II* Listed Buildings are considered by English Heritage to be buildings at risk in Wakefield.This is relatively low compared to other local authorities in the region.

The district has nationally important cultural heritage sites at Pontefract Castle, Nostell Priory and the NationalCoal Mining Museum, and well-established facilities like the Theatre Royal Wakefield. The Yorkshire SculpturePark has emerged as internationally important, known for its innovative exhibitions and displays of sculpture,while the Xscape leisure complex near Castleford has quickly become a very popular paying attraction.Furthermore, in 2011 the internationally important Hepworth Wakefield was opened. Visit England produceannual visitor number statistics for major attractions in Englan. The Hepworth Wakefield set itself a target of150,000 visitors in its first year of opening, but this was exceeded by a large margin. In 2011 there were largeincreases in visitor numbers at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Bretton Country Park, but there was areduction in visitor numbers at the National Coal Mining Museum.

Wakefield has good transport links to the wider region and UK, being served by the M1 and M62 motorwaysand an extensive network of rail and bus services. The Transport Plan target is for 96% of district residentsto be able to reach one of the three main centres (Wakefield, Castleford and Pontefract) by public transportwithin 45 minutes.

Transport

The car population is growing. The proportion of Wakefield households that have a car or van (73%) has nowcaught up with the England rate (74%), and on average there are now 1.5 cars per car-owning household.More people use their cars to travel to work in Wakefield than in the region as a whole and nationally, andjourneys tend to be longer. This is likely to reflect the dispersed nature of settlements in the district.Nevertheless, the 2001 census showed that 41% of people travelled less than 5km to work each day.

Rush-hour survey data show that car travel in Wakefield is the dominant mode of transport for commutingand this has increased slightly to 70.7% in 2010. Conversely, public transport as the preferred mode of travelhas dropped slightly.

The 2001 census showed that 26,700 people aged 16-74 were living in neighbouring local authority districtsbut travelling into the district to work, while 33,000 residents of Wakefield commuted the other way.

Protected sites cover just 2% of Wakefield district’s land area. The district contains one internationally importantSpecial Area of Conservation (SAC) and 6 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), which are of nationalimportance.

Biodiversity,flora andfauna andGeodiversity

The SAC is ‘Denby Grange Colliery Ponds’, an 18.53ha site primarily designated for its important populationof great crested newts.

Of the six SSSIs, three are in a favourable condition, two have areas in both favourable and unfavourableconditions and one, Nostell Brick Yard, has been destroyed by landfill.




The district also has 26 Sites of Scientific Interest (SSIs), 16 Local Nature Reserves, and 72 ‘Wakefield NatureAreas’ (now known as Wakefield Local Wildlife Sites, these being sites which have been locally designatedfor their nature conservation value). The majority of the protected sites are in the south west of the district oralong the River Calder corridor to the east and north of Wakefield city.

Woodland cover in the district is just 3.8%, compared to the national figure of 10.5%. The majority of woodsin the district are in the south and west of the district. The woods in the west of the district form part of thestrip of oak-birch woodland running up the side of the Pennines. Ancient woodlands are few in number, withjust over 20% being plantations on ancient sites, and just under 20% being Ancient Semi Natural (ASN)woodland, making them all the more important. They may be particularly vulnerable due to disturbance bycultivation or drainage.

Wakefield district has Biodiversity Action Plans for 12 habitats and species - including tree sparrows, otters,water voles and yellow meadow ant. UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats are ancient woodland,heathland, marshland, wet grassland, scrub and unimproved magnesian limestone grassland. The Councilhas recently designated 72 Wakefield Nature Areas across the district (WNAs) (recently renamed WakefieldLocal Wildlife Sites). These are are sites of local wildlife value containing habitats and species identified inthe Wakefield District Local Biodiversity Report.

8 Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) have recently been designated withinthe district. These represent good examples of certain geological features exposed in quarries, railway cuttingsetc. These include former sites of sandstone, limestone and magnesian limestone quarries. The sites areconcentrated towards the eastern and western edges of the district. Further survey work is required on anumber of these sites, which have been designated for a reasons of educational value.

The vast majority of theWakefield district falls within the ‘Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfields’character area, with the eastern side of the district falling in the ‘Southern Magnesian Limestone’ characterarea. The district is relatively low lying topographically and does not have any Areas of Outstanding NaturalBeauty or National Parks.

Landscape

Countryside Quality Counts (CQC) assessments carried out by the Countryside Agency indicated that in theperiod 1990-98 the ‘Southern Magnesian Limestone’ character area saw ‘limited or small changes consistentwith character’. During this period the woodland area increased and there was a good uptake of CountrysideStewardship. There were, however, some areas of marked residential and commercial development in ruralareas and village envelopes. A more recent assessment has been carried out for the period 1999-2003 ofthis area, which concludes that the area remains mainly arable, and the character of the woodland resourcehas been strengthened. Although there is significant development pressure, which continues to erode therural character locally, the overall character of the area has probably been maintained and is consistent withthe vision for the area.

CQC assessments indicated that in the period 1990-98 the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and YorkshireCoalfields Character Area saw ‘some changes inconsistent with the character’ of the area. Examples ofreasons for this change include; marked development pressure in urban areas and inner urban fringe, andhigher rates of conversion from ‘undeveloped’ to ‘developed’ in the relatively small rural areas that remain.The CQC assessment for the period 1999-2003 concludes that the character of the agricultural landscapeand trees and woodland probably remains weakened from neglect, while pressure from development continuesto transform the character of the area. Other aspects of character are also generally in a weakened state,although restoration schemes have improved the situation in many localities.

The Council has carried out a Landscape Character Assessment of the district. Six Landscape CharacterTypes are identified:-

Calder Valley




Northern CoalfieldsWent River BasinLimestone EscarpmentSouth East CoalfieldSouth West Coalfield

Due to the decline of coal mining and other traditional industries, the district has suffered significantenvironmental degradation, dereliction and (in part) potential for suspected contamination. Approximately 800hectares of the district are derelict, however many more hectares have been or are currently being transformed

Land and soil

by reclamation schemes. Soil found on the magnesian limestone is very fertile and include some grade 2agricultural land. Soils on the coal measures are of a poorer quality, but a significant amount of land withinthe district is grade 3a agricultural land.

A number of Mineral Safeguarding Areas are identified in the Sites Specific Policies Local Plan and the numberof new coal extraction facilities is expected to increase.

Exceeding the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective has resulted in Air Quality Management Areas beingdeclared in ten areas of the district. These include the three major road networks (M1, M62 and A1/A1(M)),and the centres of Wakefield, Castleford, Pontefract, Knottingley and Featherstone. Traffic is the main source

Air Quality &Pollution

of NO2 in these locations. The district also comprises 36 authorised large industries located mainly in the northof Castleford and the east of Knottingley; and 96 authorised small industries, which are associated with mineraland coating processes. These are situated in the north of the district in Wakefield and Castleford.

1996-2004 there was a 14.2% improvement in the energy efficiency of residential homes. April 2006 - October2007 saw a further 6.44% improvement in efficiency standards.

CO2 emissions per capita each year is 9.1 tonnes for the district, which is higher than the average for WestYorkshire of 8.26 tonnes per capita and has increased from the estimate of 8.6 tonnes since 2003. On 5 June2007 Wakefield Council signed the Nottingham Declaration, thereby pledging to reduce the effects of climatechange including its greenhouse gas emissions.

Wakefield lies within the three major catchments of the Rivers Aire, Calder and the combined Don, Dearneand Rother. These rivers and their most important tributaries are designated as main rivers. These totalapproximately 80km. The district is drained into these via a multitude of smaller watercourses, totalling in

WaterResources

excess of 250km, which are divided into 31 catchments of varying sizes. Many of these are at or near maximumcapacity in annual storm conditions, and there are more than 40 locations in the district that flood on a regularbasis. Properties at risk of flooding are situated on the River Calder, River Aire and River Went. Water tablelevels are rising in coal mining areas as ground water pumping has ceased. This is causing the release ofgases associated with coal measures and contaminated land.

The district has a number of major and minor aquifers of high vulnerability as a result of the high leachingpotential of soils.

A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) for Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield was published in May2005. This assessed the housing and employment sites that were put forward in the existing UDP in termsof their risk from flooding. The SFRA has been considered in determining the site allocations taken forwardfrom the UDP as part of the Sites document.

An updated SFRA for Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield was published in November 2008. This documentidentified and analysed current and future broad scale flooding issues for key locations. This document hasprovided the basis for further assessment and sequential testing, for the sites considered for allocations inthe consultation draft of the Sites document.




The Council is currently working on its flood risk management strategy which includes prioritising flood reductionin certain river catchments.

Table 4 Summary of Baseline Information and Key Issues

Limitations and Outstanding Data

4.3 The collection of data for an SA is an on-going and potentially indefinite exercise. However, the data that is presentedin this SA is considered to be sufficient to determine the key sustainability issues facing Wakefield district. It has beenupdated from previous SA reports for this scoping report.

4.4 The requirement to monitor the sustainability of the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan in the long term willprovide further detailed and focused baseline information for use in subsequent SA work.



The SA Framework



5 The SA Framework5.1 The following section presents the Sustainability Appraisal Framework, through which the policies and proposals put

forward for the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan will be assessed.

5.2 The SA Framework consists of a series of sustainability objectives (including core objectives and sub objectives) toaddress the economic, social and environmental elements of sustainable development. The SA Framework has beenprepared to predict and assess the likely significant effects of the LDF and has been amended slightly from that of theprevious SA reports to ensure that it is applicable to the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan. The SAobjectives and sub-objectives are identified in the table below.

Sub-objectivesObjective (Ref)

Economic

Good quality employment opportunitiesavailable to all (SA1)

Will it provide employment opportunities?Will it ensure employment opportunities are accessible by public transport?

Conditions which enable businesssuccess, economic growth andinvestment (SA2)

Will it encourage inward investment?Will it increase office and retail floor space?Is the scale and type appropriate to the location?

Social

Education and training opportunities tobuild skills and capacities (SA3)

Will it provide appropriate on-the-job training?

Conditions and services to engendergood health (SA4)

Will it improve equitable access to health service (especially to groups ofpeople most excluded and in highest need)?Will it promote positive health and prevent ill-health?

Safety and security for people andproperty (SA5)

Will it reduce crime through design measures?Is it likely to increase the frequency of nuisance complaints and criminal /antisocial activity (noise pollution, vandalism, anti-social behaviour orders)?

Vibrant communities to participate indecision making (SA6)

Will it build social and community capital, capacity and confidence?Will it improve social cohesion?Will it increase community participation in activities?Will it improve and increase community facilities?

Create, enhance and provideaccessibility to culture, leisure andrecreation activities (SA7)

Will it increase provision and variety of culture, leisure and recreation (CLR)activities / venues available to all ages?Will it address specific shortfalls/surpluses in provision across the district?Will it increase participation in CLR activities by tourists and local people?Will it increase accommodation provision for visitors?Will it preserve, promote and enhance culture and heritage?Will it increase access to open spaces?

Local needs met locally (SA8) Will it ensure that essential services (e.g. health services and shops) andresources are within walking distance or are available with public transport?Will it support the vibrancy of the city, town and village centres?




Quality housing available to everyone(SA9)

Will it assist in providing a high quality of housing with planned public openspace and/or equivalent off site provision?Will it assist in the provision of locally accessible greenspaces and sportsfacilities?

Environmental

To provide a transport network whichmaximises access whilst minimisingdetrimental impacts (SA10)

Will it reduce the need to travel by increasing access to key resources andservices by means other than the car (e.g. by improving public transport)?

A quality built environment that protectsand enhances its historic assets, andefficient land use patterns that make

Will it promote the development of communities with accessible services,employment, shops and leisure facilities?Will it support local distinctiveness and ensure new development is in keepingwith the character of the city, town or village?good use of derelict sites, minimise travel

and promote balanced development(SA11)

Will it preserve or, where appropriate, enhance architectural, archaeologicalor other heritage assets?Will it protect and enhance the existing built heritage of the district?Will it preserve the historic street pattern?Will it maintain the Countryside Character of the area? (Countryside Charactercan be referred to as Landscape Character)Will it encourage the reuse of existing buildings?Will it protect material assets?

A bio-diverse and attractive naturalenvironment (SA12)

Will it protect the integrity of the Green Belt?Will it protect and enhance existing priority habitats and species and providefor appropriate long term management of wildlife habitats?Will it protect and enhance individual features such as hedgerows, dry stonewalls, ponds and trees?Will it make use of opportunities wherever possible to enhance theenvironment as part of other initiatives?Will it protect and enhance the region’s rivers?Will it take into account the geomorphology of the land?Will it promote, educate and raise awareness of the enjoyment and benefitsof the natural environment and biodiversity and promote access to wildlifeon appropriate sites?Will it increase the quality and quantity of woodland cover in appropriatelocations using native species?

Minimal pollution levels (SA13) Will it clean up contaminated land?Will it reduce air, water, land, noise and light pollution from current activitiesand the potential for such pollution?Will it reduce the risk of pollution incidents and environmental accidents?Will it reduce pollution to water bodies and gaseous emissions from formermine workings?Will it lead to an improvement in air quality within the designated AQMAs?Will it control land allocation for housing or amenity space in the AQMAs?

Minimal greenhouse gas emissions anda managed response to the effects ofclimate change (SA14)

Will it reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport, residential,commercial and industrial sources?




Will it plan and implement adaptation measures for the likely effects of climatechange?Will it prevent inappropriate development in flood plains?Will it increase the use of sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) (whichreduce run-off and improve water quality)?Will it increase the amount of energy from renewable sources that isgenerated and consumed in the region?

Prudent and efficient use of energy andnatural resources with minimalproduction of waste (SA15)

Will it develop renewable energy / resources?Will it make efficient use of land (appropriate density, protect good agriculturalland, use brownfield land in preference to greenfield sites)?Will it increase prevention, re-use, recovery and recycling of waste?Will it reduce use of non-renewable resources?

Table 5 Sustainability Appraisal Framework for the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan



How will the SA influence the Local Plan



6 How will the SA influence the Local Plan6.1 SA is an iterative and ongoing process, which will inform the objectives of the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local

Plan and options for policies and proposals. The next stage of plan making will consider options further and these willbe tested against the SA objectives to understand their relative impacts on sustainability. It is important to note that theSEA Directive requires the assessment of ‘reasonable alternatives’. For the purposes of SA and local plan making,‘options’ and ‘alternatives’ have the same meaning.

6.2 The Initial SA will comment on how sustainable policy and proposals options might be, along with any considerationsthat would need to be taken into account when implementing the option.

6.3 The SA report of the Consultation Draft will comment on the beneficial and adverse impacts of the included options, alongwith the uncertainties of implementing them. Mitigation measures and monitoring proposals will also be put forward.

6.4 The SA Report of the submission version of the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan will contain the finalappraisal of the options, and as at previous stages comments on the beneficial and adverse impacts of is policies andproposals, along with the uncertainties of implementing them. Mitigation measures and monitoring proposals will alsobe put forward.

The SA Methodology

6.5 The Council regards the methodology of the Sustainability Appraisals, carried out to date, as compliant with therequirements of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, and of European Directive2001/42/EC. This has been confirmed by SA consultees at previous stages of the LDF.

6.6 The SA of the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan requires a methodology which will allow the assessmentof both policy and site proposal options. Policy options will be assessed against the SA framework and the SA objectivesto understand if they are 'consistent', 'neutral', 'impact unclear at this stage', or 'inconsistent'. This will allowrecommendations to be made to policy wording/options and form a basis for accepting and/or rejecting policy approachessupported by SA evidence. At this scoping stage the draft Local Plan objectives have been assessed in this way and theresults are set out in chapter 7.

6.7 Each site proposal will be assessed against a number of social, economic, environmental (transport) and environmental(other) sustainability criteria as set out below:

1. The location of a proposal in relation to economic and income deprivation (SA1, SA2 and SA3)

2. The location of a proposal in relation to health deprivation (SA4)

3. The location of a proposal in relation to areas of need (e.g. shortfalls in provision) (SA7)

4. The relative accessibility of a proposal by public transport (SA1, SA10, SA11)

5. Whether it will improve community access to leisure, recreation and open space (e.g. Inter-relationship betweenexisting housing/planned new growth) (SA4, SA5, SA6, SA7, SA8, SA9)

6. Whether the proposal is located in a floodplain, an area of significant flood risk and whether it actively contributesto flood management (SA11, SA14)

7. Whether the proposal is located in the Green Belt, area of high landscape quality or historic landscape (SA11,SA12)

8. If the proposal is located within a locally, nationally, or internationally designated ecological area (SA12)

9. If the proposal is located within a designated archaeological site (SA11)



10. If the proposal is located in or is within the immediate vicinity of locally, nationally or internationally designatedheritage sites (SA11)

11. Whether the proposal is on previously developed land or not (SA11, SA15)

12. Whether the proposal is within an Air Quality Management Area (SA13, SA14)

6.8 The criteria have been divided into social, economic, environmental (transport) and environmental (other) sustainabilitycategories. The results: '√√' indicates a major positive effect or no environmental constraints; '√' indicates a minor positiveeffect or very limited environmental constraints; '―' indicates a neutral effect or some limited environmental constraints;'X' to indicates a minor negative effect or several environmental constraints; 'XX' indicates a major negative effect orsubstantial environmental constraints; and ‘?‘ indicates an uncertain effect.

6.9 The following table sets out the scoring framework against which policies and site proposals will be assessed:

CriteriaMagnitude of Effect

Economic

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities of a suitable scale in an Urban Area, LocalService Centre or Village AND in an area falling within the 10%most deprived Super Output Areas(SOA) in terms of employment or income deprivation or in a Priority Neighbourhood.

√√

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities of a suitable scale in an Urban Area, LocalService Centre or Village AND in an area falling within the 20% most deprived SOAs in terms ofemployment or income deprivation.

√

OR

Allocation of leisure and recreational facilities of a suitable scale to the size and type of thesettlement AND is location specific, such as water based or countryside activities.

OR

Indirect economic benefit of allocation of land for leisure and recreational facilities of a scaleappropriate to the size and type of settlement.

Allocation of leisure and recreational facilities and open space that is unlikely to generate significantemployment.

―

Allocation of inappropriate cultural, leisure and recreational facilities in an area outside the settlementhierarchy i.e. facilities and activities that are inappropriate in the countryside.

x

OR

Indirect economic effect of allocation of land for cultural, leisure and recreational facilities whichis inappropriate to the size and type of the settlement achieving ‘x’ or ‘xx’ social effect.

Allocation of inappropriate cultural, leisure and recreational facilities in an area outside the settlementhierarchy i.e. facilities and activities that are inappropriate in the countryside AND which maydamage the rural economy.

xx

Table 6 Key to individual policy and site analysis scoring




Social

Allocation of land for cultural, leisure and recreational facilities of a scale appropriate to the sizeand type of the settlement.

√√

Allocation of land for leisure and recreational facilities which are location specific, such as waterbased or countryside activities.

√

OR

Indirect social benefits associated with allocation of leisure and recreational facilities achieving ‘√’or ‘√√’ in the economic sector.

Indirect neutral social effect associated with employment allocations achieving ‘─’ in the economicsector.

―

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities of an inappropriate scale to the size andtype of the settlement.

x

OR

Indirect social effects of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities which is inappropriate in locationin terms of the settlement hierarchy achieving ‘x’ or ‘xx’ for economic effect.

Allocation of inappropriate cultural, leisure and recreational facilities in a location outside thesettlement hierarchy i.e. facilities and activities that are inappropriate in the countryside.

xx

Environmental (transport)

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities of a suitable scale in an Urban Area, LocalService Centre or Village which are accessible by walking, cycling and public transport.

√√

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities of a suitable scale on land adjoining anUrban Area, Local Service Centre or Village which are accessible by walking, cycling and publictransport.

√

Allocation of land for leisure and recreational facilities which are location specific, such as waterbased or countryside activities.

―

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities on land adjoining an Urban Area or LocalService Centre which are not accessible by public transport.

x

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities in a location outside the settlement hierarchyi.e. facilities and activities that are inappropriate in the countryside.

xx

Environmental Other

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities of a suitable scale to the settlement whichprovides new open space or facilities to meet an identified shortfall within the area.

√√

OR




Provides new open space or facilities AND direct environmental benefits such as creation ofwoodland and new wildlife habitat, restoration of derelict land, and improved quality of existingopen space.

OR

Contributes to flood risk reduction or management of water resources.

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities of a suitable scale to the settlement withno other environmental constraints.

√

Allocation of cultural, leisure and recreational facilities located within the Green Belt allocated foracceptable uses in accordance with the Core Strategy spatial development strategy.

―

The site is located within a designated biodiversity/geodiversity conservation area (Wakefield LocalWildlife Sites, Local Nature Reserves, and RIGS), a designated heritage site (Class II archaeologicalsites or Historic Landscapes/Battlesites), the Wildlife Habitat Network, or contains protectedspecies.

x

OR

The site is located partly within Strategic Flood Risk Area (SFRA) Zone 3 or washland, or whollywithin a SFRA Zone 2 (unless the allocation is connected with flood risk reduction or managementof water resources).

OR

The site is located within an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) or AQMA buffer and is likelyto contribute to emissions to the detriment of air quality (by generating a significant amount ofvehicular traffic for example).

Allocation of inappropriate cultural, leisure and recreational facilities located within the Green Belt.xx

OR

The site is located within a nationally or internationally designated ecological site (SACs, SSSIs),heritage site (SAMs or Historic Parks/Gardens), or Ancient Woodland.

OR

The site is located in a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consultation zone where the HSE haveadvised against the development.

OR

The site is located wholly within SFRA Zone 3 or washland (unless the allocation is connectedwith flood risk reduction or management of water resources).

Where sites are located on grade 2 agricultural land the environmental effect will be reduced by one level.

In some cases, only a small part of the site creates an Environmental (Other) XX effect. It may be recommended that theboundaries of these sites are revised, or further recommendations will be incorporated at the submission stage.




It is assumed that the integrity of Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas will be protected in accordance with the DevelopmentPolicies document and therefore, their presence

does not necessarily reduce the overall effect.

Table 7

6.10 As shown in the table above, in some cases, a major positive economic or social effect has a knock-on effect. For example,providing a substantial amount of employment in a deprived area will have a major positive economic effect and a minorpositive social effect, through the reduction of income and employment deprivation / unemployment. New cultural, leisureand recreational facilities in an area with high demand is likely to result in a minor positive economic effect, by attractingpeople to the area. Environmental effects will not have knock-on economic or social effects; the presence of flood riskzones, washlands, AQMAs, designated or archaeological areas on a site will only have a knock-on environmental effectin so far as they will reduce the overall environmental result of that particular site.

Cumulative Effects

6.11 In accordance with the SEA Directive, secondary or indirect effects, cumulative and synergistic effects that may resultfrom the implementation of the policies have been considered. These are collectively referred to as cumulative effectsand the assessment is presented together with the overall summary of the SA below. Secondary effects are indirecteffects and cumulative effects are the combined effects of several allocations, plans or schemes. Whilst the individualeffects of each policy or proposal may not be significant, when they are considered together, a significant effect can arise.Synergistic effects are additive effects, where the total effect is greater than the sum of individual effects. For example,the combination of increased traffic, an associated reductions in air quality, and an increase in noise may result insynergistic adverse effects on nearby residents. Cumulative effects will be considered in the next stages of the SAprocess.



Testing the Local Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives



7 Testing the Local Plan Objectives against the SA Objectives7.1 It is important that the objectives of the LDF are in accordance with sustainability principles. They have therefore been

tested for compatibility with the SA objectives using the matrix below:

LP6LP5LP4LP3LP2LP1Objective

NeutralCompatibleNeutralUnclear at thisstage

Unclear at thisstage


SA1




SA2




SA3

CompatibleCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleSA4

CompatibleNeutralNeutralUnclear at thisstage


CompatibleSA5

NeutralCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleSA6


NeutralUnclear at thisstage

CompatibleCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleSA8

NeutralNeutralCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleSA9

NeutralUnclear at thisstage

NeutralCompatibleCompatibleCompatibleSA10


CompatibleUnclear at thisstage



CompatibleSA12




CompatibleSA13





Table 8

7.2 As can be seen from the table none of the Local Plan objectives have been identified as been incompatible with thesustainability objectives of the SA. Where compatibility is unclear, or assumptions have been made, comments and/orrecommendations have been made. These are presented below:

Recommendation: consider specifically includingsocial, environmental and economic considerationswithin the meaning of sustainable development in the

LP objective 1 versus SA objectives 1, 2 and 3 – the objective in itselfwill not necessarily lead to the creation of employment opportunities,economic growth and education/training opportunities being made

objective to ensure that it will be clear that economicavailable to all as ultimately this will depend on the scale, location



and nature of leisure, recreation and open space facilities proposed.Objective lacks clarity in relation to what is meant by sustainabledevelopment and quality of life.

considerations can be considered alongsideenvironmental and social factors. Consider how 'qualityof life' is defined and will be measured ensuring thatemployment and wealth are factors which will beconsidered.

Recommendation: consider specifically includingreferences to locating new leisure, recreation and openspace development where it can meet 'needs' but also

LP objective 2 versus SA objectives 1, 2 and 3 – the objective in itselfwill not necessarily lead to the creation of employment opportunities,economic growth and education/training opportunities being madeavailable to all as ultimately this will depend on the scale, locationand nature of leisure, recreation and open space facilities proposed.

where it can provide local job opportunities, enhancethe physical environment for businessoperators/investors and help build community capacity.

Recommendation: consider further the links betweenleisure, recreation and open space and how it canfacilitate crime reduction.

LP objective 2 versus SA objective 5 - the objective makes referenceto safety in relation to accessibility, but does not contain referencesto crime reduction in relation to the 'location' of new leisure, recreationand open space.

Recommendation: ensure satisfactory mitigationmeasures are considered through the SA process andtechnical assessment of policies and/or proposals.

LP objective 2 versus SA objectives 12 and 13 - the objective isconcerned with the location of new development in meeting needsand it is uncertain at this stage whether new facilities/proposals willimpact on the district's biodiversity and contribute towards pollutionlevels. However such matters can be mitigated against and can bebalanced against the other Local Plan objectives seeking to meetthese objectives.

Recommendation: consider how 'quality of life' isdefined and will be measured ensuring thatemployment and wealth are factors which will beconsidered.

LP objective 3 versus SA objectives 1, 2 and 3 – the objective in itselfwill not necessarily lead to the creation of employment opportunities,economic growth and education/training opportunities being madeavailable to all as the focus of the objective relates to the provision ofnew opportunities to improve quality of life.

Recommendation: consider further how 'quality' ofnew facilities will be measured, taking into accountcrime reduction and designing out crime. Consider

LP objective 3 versus SA objective 5 - the objective makes referenceto safety in relation to accessibility, but does not contain referencesto crime reduction in relation to the 'quality' of new leisure, recreationand open space facilities. Objective lacks clarity in relation to what ismeant by 'improve the quality of life'.

how 'quality of life' is defined and will be measuredensuring that crime reduction factors will beconsidered.

Recommendation: consider further how 'quality' ofnew facilities will be measured, taking into accountbiodiversity and pollution issues. Consider how 'qualityof life' is defined and will be measured ensuring thatbiodiversity and pollution factors will be considered.

LP objective 3 versus SA objectives 12 and 13 - the objective isconcerned with the quality of new development in meeting needs andit is uncertain at this stage whether new facilities/proposals will impacton the district's biodiversity and contribute towards pollution levels.However such matters can be mitigated against and can be balancedagainst the other Local Plan objectives seeking to meet theseobjectives.



Recommendation: consider amending objective toinclude reference to 'supporting sustainable economicgrowth and a dynamic local economy'

LP objective 5 versus SA objectives 8, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15 - theobjective is concerned with supporting a dynamic local economy inrelation to leisure, recreation and open space facilities. It is uncertainat this stage whether this will be compatible with meeting local needslocally, reducing the need to travel, biodiversity objectives, pollutionreduction and responses to climate change. However such matterscan be mitigated against and can be balanced against the other LocalPlan objectives seeking to meet these objectives.

Table 9



Implementation and Monitoring Proposals



8 Implementation and Monitoring Proposals8.1 The SEA Directive explicitly requires monitoring of the significant environmental effects resulting from implementation of

the Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan. A monitoring system is being designed to help to fulfill the followingrequirements:

To provide baseline data for the next SA and to provide a picture of how the environmental / sustainability criteriaof the district are evolving;To monitor the significant effects or uncertainties of the plan; andTo ensure that action can be taken to reduce / offset the significant effects of the plan.

8.2 The precise inidicatots and targets to be used for monitoring will be set out fully in later stages of SA and in the ConsultationDraft. Monitoring already plays a large role in the performance management of the Council, and additional monitoringrequirements have resulted from the introduction of Annual Monitoring Reports (AMRs), which track the performance ofthe Local Development Scheme and associated documents. There is also considerable monitoring activity being carriedout for other plans and programmes (e.g. the West Yorkshire Local Transport Plan) and other bodies at the regional levelsuch as the Environment Agency.

8.3 Where relevant, use will be made of these existing monitoring processes, for the monitoring proposed as part of this SA,to avoid duplication of effort. Monitoring measures will relate to both the significant positive and negative effects thathave been predicted to result from options that will be considered and draft policies and proposals, as well as any areaswhere there was significant uncertainty in the prediction.

8.4 The significant effects of the Local Plan will be monitored on an annual basis through the AMR unless otherwise stated.However, it is noted that the monitoring requirements may change as a result of changes to the Local Plan followingconsultation or due to other external influences on the baseline situation (the AMR will be revised on a yearly basis).

8.5 Relevant indicators and targets suggested to the Council as a response to this scoping report will be considered fully inthe preparation of the next stage of the SA.



Next Steps



9 Next Steps9.1 Any comments received on this scoping report from the statutory SA bodies will be fully taken into account in the next

stage of SA work and will help refine the SA objectives, baseline information. How these comments have been takeninto account will be set out in the Initial SA document and/or subsequent SA documents.

9.2 The Leisure, Recreation and Open Space Local Plan and its accompanying Sustainability Appraisal reports will be subjectto consultation at each stage of production. Statutory bodies, key stakeholders and the public will have the opportunityto comment on both documents at each stage. Prior to adoption by the Council the documents will be examined in publicby an independent inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.



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