Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement Contents 1. Neighbourhood Development Plan – Designated Area ......................................... 3 2. Designation Area Certificate ............................................................................ 4 3. Introduction .................................................................................................. 5 4. Qualifying Body ............................................................................................. 5 5. Proposal of Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan ............... 5 6. Proposed effect period .................................................................................... 5 7. Excluded development: .................................................................................. 6 8. Regard to National Policy ................................................................................ 6 9. Table A – Brief summary of Whiteshill and Ruscombe policies in conformity with the NPPF.................................................................. 8 10. Table B – Brief summary of Whiteshill and Ruscombe policies in conformity with the Stroud District Local Plan (2015) ......................... 14 11. Be Compatible with EU Obligations ................................................................. 20 12. Strategic Environment Assessment & Habitats Regulations Assessment .............. 20 12. 1 Introduction ........................................................................................... 20 12. 2 Consultation Period ................................................................................. 20 12. 3 Stroud District Council – SEA and HRA Determination ................................. 21 12. 4 Consultation Response from Natural England ............................................. 23 12. 5 Consultation Response from Historic England ............................................. 26 12. 6 Consultation Response from Environment Agency ....................................... 27 12. 7 SEA / HRA Screening Report .................................................................... 28 Page Number 2 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 1. Neighbourhood Development Plan – Designated Area Page Number 3 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 2. Designation Area Certificate Page Number 4 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 3. Introduction This Basic Conditions Statement has been prepared for the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan. Paragraph 8 of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 requires that Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDP) must meet the following basic conditions: The draft NDP must have appropriate regard to national policies and advice contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF); The draft NDP must contribute to the achievement of sustainable development; The draft NDP must be in general conformity with the strategic policies contained in the development plan for the area of the local planning authority, Stroud Local Plan; And The draft NDP must meet the relevant EU obligations. This Basic Conditions Statement addresses these requirements in four sections: Section 1 - demonstrates the conformity of Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP with the NPPF; Section 2 - shows how the Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP will contribute to sustainable development; Section 3 - demonstrates the conformity of Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP with the Stroud Local Plan; and Section 4 - demonstrates compliance with the appropriate EU obligations 4. Qualifying Body Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan is submitted by Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council, which is a qualifying body as defined by the Localism Act 2011. 5. Proposal of Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan The Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan proposal relates to planning matters (the use and development of land) and has been prepared in accordance with the statutory requirements and processes set out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011) and the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012. 6. Proposed effect period The proposed Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan period for which it is in effect will be from 2015 – 2031. Page Number 5 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 7. Excluded development: The policies do not relate to excluded development. The Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan proposal does not deal with county matters (mineral extraction and waste development), nationally significant infrastructure or any other matters set out in Section 61K of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan proposal relates to the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Area and to no other area. There are no other neighbourhood plans relating to that neighbourhood area. A map of the designated area and the official designation letter from Stroud District Council is included in this document above. Whiteshill and Ruscombe is designated as Tier 3 in the Stroud Local Plan indicating that “these villages possess a limited level of facilities and services that, together with improved local employment, provide the best opportunities outside the Local Service Centres for greater self-containment. They will provide for lesser levels of development in order to safeguard their role and to provide through any Neighbourhood Plans some opportunities for growth and to deliver affordable housing.” (Stroud Local Plan) 8. Regard to National Policy Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP must have appropriate regard to national policy. The following section demonstrates how the NDP proposal relates to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (March 2012). The NPPF has the main purpose of providing sustainable development, describing this in the ministerial foreword as: ‘Sustainable means ensuring that better lives for ourselves don’t mean worse lives for future generations’ ‘Development means growth…’ This is broken down into three dimensions – Social, Economic and Environmental: (NPPF p7) Social – supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of the present and future generations; and by creating a high quality built environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs and support its health, social and cultural wellbeing. Economic – contributing to building a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right type is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth and innovation; and by identifying and co-ordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure. Page Number 6 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement Environmental – contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; and as part of this, helping to improve biodiversity, use natural resources prudently, minimise waste and pollution, and mitigate and adapt to climate change including moving to a low carbon economy. Set out in Table A below, is a brief summary of how each policy within the Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP conforms to the NPPF. The particular paragraphs referred to in the table are those considered the most relevant to each policy but are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible relevant paragraphs. Table B demonstrates how the Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP policies conform to the Stroud Local Plan. These tables should be read in conjunction with each other. Page Number 7 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 9. Table A – Brief summary of Whiteshill and Ruscombe policies in conformity with the NPPF Whiteshill & Ruscombe NDP Policy W&R – BE1 Built Environment: Open Spaces Policy number and description 1. Development on brownfield (previously developed) or in-fill sites within existing settled areas will generally be supported. 2. Proposals to convert / demolish and re-build existing under-utilised or disused buildings including the on-site recycling of demolished material will be supported subject to the conditions set out in this plan. 3. The parcel of land identified as Area A on the Potterton Associates Landscape Appraisal Map, “The Plain”, performs an important role providing separation between Whiteshill & Ruscombe and the remainder of Stroud and as such development in this area of open countryside should conserve the role and function of this locally valued area. 4. The parcel of land identified as Area D on the Potterton Associates Landscape Appraisal Map, “Ruscombe Valley”, is an area that also performs the important role of separating Whiteshill & Ruscombe and the remainder of Stroud. In this location the following uses are considered to enhance the area without compromising its important role and function: NPPF Ref. Comments P111 The NDP supports the use of brown field land and is therefore in conformity with the NPPF P55 The NDP supports the reuse of redundant buildings to enhance the settings of the Parish and is therefore in conformity with the NPPF P17, P55 The NDP recognises the intrinsic beauty of open countryside and identifies the role and function of locally valued areas of open countryside that contribute to the Character of Whiteshill & Ruscombe. P17, P55 The NDP is supportive of sustainable development in rural areas and seeks to avoid new isolated homes in the countryside unless there are special circumstances. The NDP recognises the intrinsic beauty of open countryside and identifies the role and function of locally valued areas of open countryside that contribute to the Character of Whiteshill & Ruscombe. The NDP is supportive of sustainable development in rural areas and seeks to avoid new isolated homes in the countryside unless there are special circumstances. Page Number 8 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – BE2 Built Environment: Building Standards and Design sustainable farming enterprises recreation and necessary community facilities. 1. New development must conform to the criteria defined in any district wide Design Guidance or Building Standards Policies contained within the Stroud District Council Local Plan and should contribute positively to the character of the two villages, maintaining the overall shape of the villages and their sense of place 2. Developments consisting of more than one property should have those properties individually designed so that the richness of the varied architectural character of existing property continues and is extended into the future 3. Design of new build, conversions and extensions shall reflect the character of nearby buildings and their setting, including scale of development and choice of materials 4. Sustainable construction and design features which complement the character of the area will be supported. 5. All ‘spoil’ generated as a result of new build, conversions and extensions shall be retained on site and used for landscaping where physically possible. 6. The inclusion of bin and recycling storage facilities will be encouraged in all new P8, P17, P43, P55, P56, P59, P61, The NDP promotes sustainable designs that complement the landscape and character of the Parish. The Parish has a diverse range of buildings and these are encouraged. P55, P61 The Parish has a diverse range of housing design and this should be continued and promoted. P55, P61 The NDP promotes high standards in architecture, enhancing the settings and being sensitive to the local characteristics of the parish P8 The NDP recognises that the design of buildings can improve the lives of people and communities by complementing the area and providing / using sustainable resources. Recycling facilities and sustainable drainage are encouraged and will be supported in developments. The NDP promotes sustainable reuse of materials and this is in conformity with the NPPF Ch10 Ch10 The NDP promotes sustainable reuse of materials. Recycling facilities and sustainable drainage are Page Number 9 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – BE3 Built Environment: Heritage and Social W&R – LF1 Local Facilities build properties to stimulate sustainable waste management within the parish. 1. Designated heritage assets including listed buildings, monuments and conservation areas will be preserved and enhanced where possible in accordance with their significance and their importance to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place. 2. Non-designated local heritage assets will be defined against the criteria set out in Appendix C. Planning applications for demolition, development or substantial alterations of buildings or structures defined as local heritage assets will be expected to show what consideration has been given to retaining: a) The asset itself b) Its most distinctive and important features c) The positive elements of its setting and immediate surroundings d) The contribution of the asset and its setting makes to the character of the local area 2. Developments that deliver at least 30% of affordable accommodation that also conform to the above policies will be supported 1. Developments that enhance the vibrancy and vitality of the parish will be supported 2. Development should safeguard local facilities, amenities or services and encouraged and will be supported in developments. P17, P65, P115, P126, P128, P129, P131 The NDP promotes conserving heritage assets to be enjoyed by future generations, in conformity with the NPPF P17, P55, P115, P126, P128, P129, P131, P135 The NDP demonstrates its acknowledgement of nondesignated heritage assets and their importance within the parish, wishing to conserve them in a manner appropriate to their significance. This is in conformity with the NPPF P54, P159, P173, P174 In line with the Stroud Local Plan and to meet the needs of types of housing. This is dependent on the viability of any land that may be identified and the impact on the area. As part of the NDP a Housing Needs Assessment was undertaken to identify the housing need. The NDP supports sustainable development that enhances the vibrancy of the community, this is in conformity with the NPPF The NDP supports development that looks to providing and / or continuing facilities to the local P7 P17, P28, Page Number 10 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – LE1 Local Economy W&R – TC1 Transport and Communications further development should not have an adverse impact or restrict access the these 3. Development, where it maintains and enhances existing facilities and their usage, to support an inclusive and healthy community in Whiteshill and Ruscombe, will be encouraged. 4. Developments that provide additional local facilities in line with local need will be encouraged. P69, P70 community. This is in conformity with the NPPF P17, P28, P70 The NDP supports development that looks to providing and / or continuing facilities to the local community. This is in conformity with the NPPF P69, 1. Enterprise development which is of a size and scale that does not demonstrably have a significant and adverse effect upon the character, infrastructure and environment of the villages will be encouraged. 1. Future developments will mitigate any identified significant impacts on the transport network P17, P28 The NDP supports developments that include looking at what the community requires and looks to provide these facilities. This is in conformity with the NPPF The NDP, in conformity with the NPPF, encourages business development to support the economy of the local parish that also meets the need of the area without any adverse impact on the countryside 2. Developments a) should not have a severe impact on the existing road infrastructure b) that are likely to significantly increase traffic movements should contribute towards the provision of turning points and passing places on the parish’s narrow lanes c) should promote sustainable transport by providing access to public transport facilities and services, where it is practical to do so d) should provide adequate provision of off-road parking e) should promote sustainable transport by providing ready access to P17, P35 P17, P29, P162 The NDP supports development that improve the highway infrastructure in the parish making it safer and more accessible for all users. The NDP supports development where it enhances the access for pedestrians to public transport and cycle lanes and footpaths. This is in conformity with the NPPF Page Number 11 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – LC1 Landscape Character W&R – NE1 Natural Environment local facilities by foot and by bicycle where it is practical to do so 3. Opportunities will be sought to improve pedestrian safety, particularly on the Main Road north of the crossroads with Kitesnest and Ruscombe Road. 1. New development will be in keeping with existing settlement patterns, maintaining the shape of the villages within the landscape and protecting their distinctive identity and landscape character 2. Development will be supported where it: a) conserves the landscape and scenic beauty of the parish and the key characteristics of this part of the Cotswold’s AONB b) safeguards open countryside and cherished public views from inside and outside the parish as defined in the Landscape Character Assessment c) does not adversely impact on existing green horizons 3. Development needs to retain the fields and farmland to the south and west of the parish that serve as a genuine gateway into the Cotswold AONB 4. Development should seek to conserve landscape features such as hedgerows, dry stone walls, fields, woodlands and water courses. 1. Development shall conserve the integrity of designated sites and areas of identified priority habitats P32 The NDP encourages that development takes into account the safety of users for safe and suitable access to developments, in conformity with the NPPF P55 The NDP supports development that will enhance and maintain the villages to promote sustainability, in conformity with the NPPF P115 The NDP cherishes the fact the villages are within an AONB and promote the conserving of the landscape and scenic beauty of the area, this is in conformity with the NPPF. P115 The NDP cherishes the fact the villages are wholly within an AONB and promote and support the conserving of the landscape, natural environment and scenic beauty of the area, this is in conformity with the NPPF. The NDP supports the conservation of biodiversity features of the landscape and minimising impact in the parish and is therefore in conformity with the NPPF P7, P109, P117, P118 P109, P117, P118 The NDP supports the conservation of biodiversity features of the landscape in the parish and is therefore in conformity with the NPPF Page Number 12 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 2. Development shall conserve features of ecological connectivity such as hedgerows, field margins and roadside verges, and encourage the transit of flora and fauna between areas 3. Development shall avoid or mitigate any adverse impacts on protected or priority species. P109, P117, P118 The NDP supports the conservation of biodiversity features of the landscape in the parish and is therefore in conformity with the NPPF P109, P117, P118 4. Development shall promote the restoration, enhancement or creation of priority habitat where appropriate. 5. Development shall adopt best practice in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and water quality. 6. Development shall minimise light pollution upon the natural environment in accordance with the Institute of Lighting Engineers advice. P109, P117, P118 The NDP supports the conservation of biodiversity features of the landscape in the parish and is therefore in conformity with the NPPF The NDP supports the conservation of biodiversity features of the landscape in the parish and is therefore in conformity with the NPPF The NDP supports the usage of SuDS and is in conformity with the NPPF P103 P125 The NDP encourages good design to minimise light pollution within the area in line with the NPPF Page Number 13 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 10. Table B – Brief summary of Whiteshill and Ruscombe policies in conformity with the Stroud District Local Plan (2015) Whiteshill & Ruscombe NDP Policy W&R – BE1 Built Environment: Open Spaces Policy number and description 1. Development on brown-field (previously developed) or in-fill sites within existing settled areas will generally be supported. 2. Proposals to convert / demolish and re-build existing under-utilised or disused buildings including the on-site recycling of demolished material will be supported subject to the conditions set out in this plan. Local Comments Plan reference SO5, SO6 The NDP supports the use of brown field land and is therefore in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan, whilst noting the local plan aims to minimise impact of development within the AONB with regards to wildlife and biodiversity CP14 (6), The NDP supports the re-use of CP15, redundant buildings and this is in SO5 conformity with the Local Plan promoting restoring buildings, lessening the effects of building on green spaces and positively contributing to the site and surroundings 3. The parcel of land ES7, CP15 identified as Area A on the Potterton Associates Landscape Appraisal Map, “The Plain”, performs an important role providing separation between Whiteshill & Ruscombe and the remainder of Stroud and as such development in this area of open countryside should conserve the role and function of this locally valued area. 4. The parcel of land ES7, CP15 identified as Area D on the Potterton Associates Landscape Appraisal Map, “Ruscombe Valley”, is an area that also performs the important role of separating Whiteshill & Ruscombe and the remainder of Stroud. In The NDP backed by a Landscape Character Assessment identifies a number of open countryside spaces that are valuable to the parish. The NDP promotes the conservation of the role and function of identified areas in order to protect the separate identity of settlements and the quality of the countryside. This is in conformity with the Local Plan 2015 The NDP backed by a Landscape Character Assessment identifies a number of open countryside spaces that are valuable to the parish. The NDP promotes the conservation of the role and function of identified areas in order to protect the separate Page Number 14 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – BE2 Built Environment: Building Standards and Design this location the following uses are considered to enhance the area without compromising its important role and function: sustainable farming enterprises recreation and necessary community facilities. 1. New development should conform to the criteria defined in any district wide Design Guidance or Building Standards Policies contained within the Stroud District Local Plan and should contribute positively to the character of the two villages, maintaining the overall shape of the villages and their sense of place 2. Developments consisting of more than one property should have those properties individually designed so that the richness of the various architectural character of existing property continues and is extended into the future 3. Design of new build, conversions and extensions shall reflect the character of nearby buildings and their setting, including scale of development and choice of materials 4. Sustainable construction and design features which complement the character of the area will be supported. 5. All ‘spoil’ generated as a result of new build, identity of settlements and the quality of the countryside This is in conformity with the Local Plan 2015 CP14, HC1 The NDP supports good design of development that will maintain and integrate to the sense of place within the two villages. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan CP4, ES12 Whiteshill and Ruscombe have a wide variety of styles in housing design. The NDP promotes development with individual locally distinctive architectural designs and character, in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan CP14, HC1 The NDP supports development that demonstrates appropriate scale, density, layout and design that is compatible with the character of the area. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan CP4, CP5, CP8, CP14, ES1 The NDP supports development using sustainable construction methods including waste and water recycling SO5, CP4, CP5, ES1 The NDP encourages and supports the reuse of materials including Page Number 15 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – BE3 Built Environment: Heritage and Social conversions and extensions shall be retained on site and used for landscaping where physically possible. 6. The inclusion of bin and recycling storage facilities will be encouraged in all new build properties to stimulate sustainable waste management within the parish 1. Designated heritage assets including listed buildings, monuments and conservation areas will be preserved and enhanced where possible in accordance with their significance and their importance to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place. 2. Non-designated local heritage assets will be defined against the criteria set out in Appendix C. Planning applications for demolition, development or substantial alterations of buildings or structures defined as local heritage assets will be expected to show what consideration has been given to retaining: a) The asset itself b) Its most distinctive and important features c) The positive elements of its setting and immediate surroundings d) The contribution of the asset and its setting makes to the character of the local area 3. Developments that deliver at least 30% of affordable accommodation that also conform to the ‘spoil’ for new development. This is in conformity with Stroud Local Plan ‘minimising waste and maximising recycling’. CP4, CP5 The NDP supports the use of recycling and the requirement for having this for every new build. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan ES10, CP14, ES7 The NDP supports development which conserves and enhances heritage assets such as St Pauls Church and other listed buildings (along with those that have heritage within the parish such as the Village Hall). It will support development that is in keeping with the heritage aspects of the AONB. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan Undesignated heritage assets such as the Village hall CP15 CP9 The NDP support development that provides affordable housing in line with the need required in the Housing Need Assessment. Page Number 16 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – LF1 Local Facilities W&R – LE1 Local Economy W&R – TC1 Transport and Communications above policies will be supported 1. Developments that enhance the vibrancy and vitality of the parish will be supported 2. Development should safeguard local facilities, amenities or services and further development should not have an adverse impact or restrict access the these 3. Development, where it maintains and enhances existing facilities and their usage, to support an inclusive and healthy community in Whiteshill and Ruscombe, will be encouraged. 4. Developments that provide additional local facilities in line with local need will be encouraged. Ch 5.46, CP3, CP14 This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan THE NDP promotes the continued vitality and vibrancy of the parish, in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan Whiteshill and Ruscombe value their community facilities and encourage development not to have any adverse effects on this CP3, CP6, CP14, EI6 Whiteshill and Ruscombe value their community facilities and encourage development to maintain and enhance the facilities for future generations. This is in conformity with Stroud Local Plan CP3, CP6, CP14 The NDP supports developments that provide or enhance facilities through S106 monies or Community Infrastructure Levy. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan The NDP supports new business development in line with the character of the parish. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan 1. Enterprise development which is of a size and scale that does not demonstrably have a significant and adverse effect upon the character, infrastructure and environment of the local villages will be encouraged. 1. Future developments will mitigate any identified significant impacts on the transport network CP11 2. Developments a) should not have a severe impact on the existing road infrastructure b) that are likely to significantly increase traffic movements should contribute towards the CP13, EI12, ES3 CP13, EI12, ES3 The NDP supports development that improves the Highways and reduces risk within the parish. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan The NDP supports development that caters for the needs of the parish’s infrastructure as identified in the NDP, such as improved pavements on the Main Road. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan Page Number 17 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – LC1 Landscape Character provision of turning points and passing places on the parish’s narrow lanes c) should promote sustainable transport by providing access to public transport facilities and services, where it is practical to do so d) should provide adequate provision of offroad parking e) should promote sustainable transport by providing ready access to local facilities by foot and by bicycle where it is practical to do so 3. Opportunities will be sought to improve pedestrian safety, particularly on the Main Road north of the crossroads with Kitesnest and Ruscombe Road. 1. New development will be in keeping with existing settlement patterns, maintaining the shape of the villages within the landscape and protecting their distinctive identity and landscape character 2. Development will be supported where it: a) conserves the landscape and scenic beauty of the parish and the key characteristics of this part of the Cotswold’s AONB b) safeguards open countryside and cherished public views from inside and outside of the parish as identified in Landscape Character Assessment c) does not adversely impact on existing green horizons EI12 The NDP supports development that improves areas that have been identified in the NDP for improved safety usage. ES7, SO1, HC6 The NDP encourages development to remain within the settlement patterns protecting the identity and character of the area and AONB. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan ES7 The NDP supports development which meets the criteria of development within the AONB. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan Page Number 18 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement W&R – NE1 Natural Environment 3. Development needs to retain the fields and farmland to the south and west of the parish that serve as a genuine gateway into the Cotswold AONB 4. Development should seek to conserve landscape features such as hedgerows, dry stone walls, fields, woodlands and water courses. 1. Development shall conserve the integrity of designated sites and areas of identified priority habitats 2. Development shall conserve features of ecological connectivity such as hedgerows, field margins and roadside verges, and encourage the transit of flora and fauna between areas 3. Development shall avoid or mitigate any adverse impacts on protected or priority species. 4. Development shall promote the restoration, enhancement or creation of priority habitat where appropriate. 5. Development shall adopt best practice in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and water quality. 6. Development shall minimise light pollution upon the natural environment in accordance with the Institute of Lighting Engineers advice. ES7, HC1 The NDP will support development where it enhances the natural open countryside and conserves them to ensure the parish keeps its identity. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan ES7, HC1, ES8, CP14 The NDP supports development that promotes the conservation of biodiversity within the parish. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan SO6, The NDP encourages development to conserve the biodiversity of the parish. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan ES6 The NDP encourages development to conserve the biodiversity of the parish. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan ES6 The NDP encourages development to conserve the biodiversity of the parish. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan ES6, ES8 The NDP encourages development to conserve the biodiversity of the parish. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan SO5, CP4, CP5, ES4 The NDP supports the use of SuDS within new development. This is in conformity with the Stroud local Plan CP14, ES3 The NDP supports development that minimises light pollution. This is in conformity with the Stroud Local Plan Page Number 19 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 11. Be Compatible with EU Obligations Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan does not breach, and is otherwise compatible with all EU regulations. The below statement provides evidence that the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood development Plan does not require a SEA or HRA 12. Strategic Environment Assessment & Habitats Regulations Assessment 12. 1 Introduction During July and August 2015 Stroud District Council undertook a Strategic Environmental Assessment screening exercise. This was to determine whether or not the Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) would require a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and/or a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA). The result of this screening exercise concluded that in the opinion of Stroud District Council the Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP did not require an SEA or HRA to be carried out. As required by the relevant regulations this screening opinion was circulated to the following organisations so that a determination could be achieved in consultation with the relevant statutory bodies. The statutory bodies concerned were as follows: Natural England Historic England Environment Agency. The following documents were supplied to the above statutory bodies: Stroud District Council – SEA and HRA Screening Opinion, A copy of the Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP, Assessment of the contribution of the Whiteshill and Ruscombe NDP to the achievement of sustainable development, SEA/HRA Screening Flowchart prepared by Ecological Planning & Research (EPR) Consultancy. 12. 2 Consultation Period The consultation period on the Stroud District Council – SEA and HRA Screening Opinion was from 2nd September 2015 until 7th October 2015. Page Number 20 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 12. 3 Stroud District Council – SEA and HRA Determination Page Number 21 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement Page Number 22 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 12. 4 Consultation Response from Natural England Page Number 23 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement Page Number 24 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement Page Number 25 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 12. 5 Consultation Response from Historic England Page Number 26 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 12. 6 Consultation Response from Environment Agency Strategic Planning Policy Stroud District Council Ebley Mill Council Offices Westward Road Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 4UB Our ref: SV/2010/104083/SE05/SC1-L01 Your ref: Date: 07 October 2015 Dear Sir/Madam STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL'S SEA/HRA SCREENING OPINION OF THE WHITESHILL & RUSCOMBE NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN (NDP). Thank you for forwarding the above consultation received on 2 September 2015. We have reviewed the SEA and HRA Screening Opinion document, and would offer the following opinion at this time: Strategic Environmental Assessment: Once adopted, the NDP will have the status of being part of the statutory development plan for the area. We therefore acknowledge that screening is required to be undertaken by the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, Regulation 9, for certain types of plans and programmes that could have ‘significant’ environmental effect(s). To assist your Council’s determination of the SEA Screening opinion, we advise that based on the Screening Report submitted (dated 2 September 2015), and in consideration of those matters within our remit, we feel the NDP is considered unlikely to have significant environmental impacts. We therefore agree with your councils conclusions presented within the report that following the analysis undertaken, that a Strategic Environmental Assessment and/or Habitats Regulations Assessment of the Whiteshill & Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan is not required. We have also received a further consultation direct from Helen Dunn, the Clerk to Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish Council on the Draft Neighbourhood Development Plan, and we will provide detailed comment in response to their consultation, by the deadline of 25 October 2015. Yours sincerely Mrs Anita Bolton Planning Advisor Direct dial 01684 864529 Direct e-mail anita.bolton@environment-agency.gov.uk Page Number 27 Whiteshill and Ruscombe Neighbourhood Development Plan – Issued December 2015 Basic Conditions Statement 12. 7 SEA / HRA Screening Report The full Screening Report can be accessed via the online version of the NDP at wr-neighbourhood-plan.co.uk under the Associated Documents Heading alternatively it can be accessed from the Stroud District Council web site. Page Number 28