Lancashire County Council: Environment Directorate: Local Transport Plan

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Local Transport Plan

Appendix E SEA Non-technical Summary

This is a summary of the Environment Report which has been produced as part of a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Lancashire County Council's second Local Transport Plan 2006/07 to 2010/11 (LTP2). The entire Environment Report is available for download from the Lancashire County Council Website.

E.0.1 What is Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)?

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is the process that is used to assess the potential effects that plans or programs with a spatial element (those relating specifically to locations or areas) may have on the environment.

There is a requirement for Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) to be carried out under UK law and European Directives. The UK SEA Regulations 2004 transcribe the requirements of European Directive 2001/42/EC 'the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programs on the environment', the 'SEA Directive'.

Lancashire County Council has adopted an SEA process which, whilst encompassing the requirements of the SEA Directive to assess the long-term effects of implementing its second Local Transport Plan (LTP2) on the environment, also takes into consideration the social and economic consequences of the LTP2. This approach ensures that the LTP2, whilst being environmentally sound, is also 'sustainable'.

Sustainability as defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) is;

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The UK Government within its strategy A Better Quality of Life presents four objectives for achieving sustainable development;

Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
Effective protection of the environment
Prudent use of natural resources
Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth.

E.0.2 What does an SEA involve?

The SEA process involves five stages. These stages are described below.

The stages of the SEA process include;

Setting the context to the LTP2 and establishing the current state of the environment 'the baseline situation'
Consulting authorities with environmental responsibilities on the scope of the SEA; developing and appraising alternative strategic 'options' for developing the LTP2
Assessing the effects of the LTP2 on the environment (including social and economic issues) and producing a 'draft' Environmental Report
Consulting on the 'draft' Environmental Report; incorporating results of the Environmental Report and consultations into the 'final' LTP2; and producing the 'final' Environmental Report
Monitoring the effects of implementing the LTP2.

A complete list of the requirements of the SEA Directive is presented in Appendix 1 of the Environmental Report.

E.0.3 How does the SEA process link into development of the LTP2?

This SEA was carried out in parallel to, and has interacted with, the development of Lancashire County Council's LTP2. This iterative approach to SEA ensures that any potential adverse effects that the LTP2 may have on the environment are identified and mitigated or removed prior to its publication. It also means that opportunities for environmental/sustainability improvement or enhancement can be incorporated into the LTP2 as it is developed. The iterative approach to SEA also ensures that the consultation responses received at various stages in the production of the LTP2 are taken into account during the environmental assessment.

The following flow diagram illustrates the links between the LTP2 and the SEA process.

Figure E1 Links to SEA Process

SEA Process

E.0.4 What does the Environmental Report Contain?

The Environmental Report contains;

A list of the plans, programmes and policies that were identified as being relevant to the LTP2
A summary of the key environmental and sustainability issues within the County of Lancashire
The SEA objectives used to assess whether the initiatives of the LTP2 are sustainable
A list of the indicators and targets developed to monitor implementation of the LTP2
A summary of the current baseline situation within the County of Lancashire
A test of the compatibility of the LTP2 objectives and the SEA objectives
Matrices presenting the results of the SEA of the LTP2
Recommendations for ways in which the LTP2 can be improved to prevent any adverse effects or enhance any positive affects that it may have on the environment
The framework that will be used to monitor the effects of the LTP2 on the environment in the future.

E.0.5 What does this Non-Technical Summary contain?

This Non-Technical Summary contains;

A list of plans, programmes and policies that are relevant to the LTP2
A summary of the key environmental and sustainability issues within the County of Lancashire
The SEA objectives used to assess whether the initiatives of the LTP2 are sustainable
Findings of the SEA of the LTP2
Summary of how the findings of the SEA were incorporated into the LTP2

E.0.6 Relevant Plans, Programmes and Policies

The following is a list of plans, programmes, policies and UK legislation that were identified as being relevant to the Lancashire County Council LTP2 and SEA. A summary of the information and objectives presented within each of the relevant plans, programmes, policies and UK legislation, is presented in the Environmental Report.

Table E.0.6 Relevant Plans, Programmes and Policies

List of plans, programmes and policies relevant to Lancashire County Council

National Plans and Programmes

Transport 10 Year Plan 2000 2000
UK White Paper Our Towns and Cities:
The Future Delivering an Urban Renaissance 2000
The Future of Transport July 2004
The UK Government Rural Strategy 2004
The UK Government Rural White Paper 2000
National Cycling Strategy DfT 1996
Climate Change: The UK Strategy 2000

Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland 2000
UK Biodiversity Action Plan 1994
Working with the Grain of Nature:
A Biodiversity Strategy for England 2002
Transport in Tomorrows Countryside 2003
Making the Connections: Final Report on Transport
and Social Exclusion (Social Exclusion Unit, 2003
Power of Place English Heritage 2000
The Historic Environment:
A Force for our Future (English Heritage)
Regional Plans and Programmes (North West)

Regional Transport Strategy for the North West
Regional Planning Guidance for the North West RPG13, March 2003
North Regional Freight Strategy 2004
North West Sustainable Energy Strategy
Making it Happen - The Northern Way Feb 2004

Wild about the North West: A Biodiversity Audit of North West England 1999
Regional Cultural Strategy
Regional Economic Strategy
Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West - Issues Paper 2004
Action for Sustainability - Northwest England's
Framework for a better Quality of Life 2000

Lancashire Documents

Lancashire Joint Structure Plan 2001-2016 (2005)
Lancashire's Structure Plan 1991-2006
Lancashire County Council LTP 2001/02-2005/06
and LTP Annual Progress Report 2004
Lancashire's Environmental Statement 2005-2010
Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan 2001
Lancashire Local Agenda 21 Strategy
REMADE: Final Business Plan Nov 2003
West Pennine Moors Statement of Intent 2000-2010
A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire
Lancashire Cultural Strategy
Lancashire SPG Heritage and Landscape (Draft)
Lancashire Historic Landscape Characterisation
Lancashire Environment Strategy

Lancashire County Council: Corporate Plan 2002-2005
Local Heritage Strategies and Conservation Area Appraisals
Lancashire County Council Capital Transportation Projects 2004/2005 Consultation Briefing Pack
Lancashire County Council Performance Plan
Lancashire County Council A Strategy for Remediation and
Reclamation of Contaminated Land 2004
A Physical Activity Strategy for Lancashire County Council 2005-2010: Towards a healthier community (Draft) 2004
Lancashire County Council Economic Strategy - New Realities
Lancashire's Rural Recovery Action Plan
Lancashire Districts Local Plans/Local Development Frameworks
The Forest of Bowland AONB Action Plan 2000-2010
The Arnside/Silverdale AONB Management Plan 2004-2009

UK Legislation

Highways Act 1980
Road Traffic Act 1988
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
The Conservation (Habitats &c.)
Regulations 1994 (Habitats Regulations)

Part IV Environment Act 1995 (England and Wales)
Air Quality Limit Values Regulations 2003
The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive)
(England and Wales) Regulations 2003
Planning (Listed Buildings and
Conservation Areas) Act 1990
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
Planning Policy Guidance
Planning Policy Statements

PPG 2: Greenbelt
PPG 3: Housing
PPG 6: Town Centres and Retail Development
PPG 9: Nature Conservation
PPG 10: Planning and Waste Management
PPG 13: Transport
PPG 15: Planning and Historic Environment
PPG 16: Archaeology and Planning
PPG 17: Planning for open space, sport and recreation
PPG 20: Coastal Planning
PPG 21: Tourism
PPG 24: Planning and Noise
PPG 25: Development and Flood Risk

PPS 1: Delivering Sustainable Development
PPS 6: Planning and Town Centre
PPS 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas
PPS 11: Regional Spatial Strategies
PPS 12: Local Development Frameworks
PPS 22: Renewable Energy
PPS 23: Planning and Pollution Control

E.0.7 Key Environmental and Sustainability Issues within Lancashire

From a review of the documents listed previously, internet and other desk based research, consultations with Lancashire County Council and consultation with the Statutory Consultees (English Nature, English Heritage, Countryside Agency and Environment Agency) the following environmental and sustainability issues were identified for consideration within the LTP2 and the SEA.

The following information was used to assist the SEA process and to develop a better understanding about the area for which the LTP2 is being produced.

Environment

Biodiversity

Protect Lancashire's statutorily protected sites of nature conservation importance (the County contains 69 nationally protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), of which 17 are internationally important (SPAs, SACs and Ramsar Sites)
Protect and enhance the 2 National Nature Reserves, 17 Local Nature Reserves, 1554 non-statutory Biological Heritage Sites, 117 Geological Heritage Sites, 22 key Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitats and range of Statutorily Protected and BAP Priority Species which are also located within Lancashire

Landscape

Protect and enhance Lancashire's designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Forest of Bowland AONB and the Arnside and Silverdale AONB)
Protect the character and quality of landscapes and historic landscapes
Protect and enhance the townscapes and urban street scene to help encourage people to move back into the inner urban areas
Protect key landscape features e.g. woodland, trees, hedgerows, Public Rights of Way, Pennine Bridleway National Trail, limestone pavements and areas of open access land (fells, moor, down and registered common land)
Promote and improve access to the countryside
Protect, enhance and improve access to areas of public open space
Consider effects of the LTP on the neighbouring Yorkshire Dales National Park

Cultural Heritage

Protect the County's cultural, archaeological and historical heritage (75 Conservation Areas, 29 historic parks and gardens, 156 Scheduled Monuments and additional sites on the Sites and Monuments Record, approximately 17,000 sites, and the 5336 listed buildings)

Air Quality and Climate Change

Reduce congestion in urban areas and City Centres (e.g. Preston and Lancaster), along main roads and in rural areas where there is an increased reliance on the car and an increase in the number of people using rural roads to avoid congestion hotspots on main roads
Promote the use of sustainable transport (public transport, walking and cycling)
Promote the use of cleaner fuels and vehicles
Reduce the need to travel by improving access to local services and employment (especially in the more socially deprived inner urban areas and the rural communities)
Work with planning policy to improve access to 'out/edge of town' business parks and shopping centres
Promote development of Park and Ride Schemes
Promote sustainable freight transport

Water Environment

Protection and improvement of the quality of all controlled waters

Land Use

Ensure that the transport system (public transport and road network) supports/enables the reuse of previously developed land
Minimise the use of Greenfield land by carefully planning new transport schemes and improving access into town and district centres

Flooding

Ensure that transport schemes do not increase the risk of flooding
Promote the use of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems in new transport schemes

Social

Improve road safety in rural and urban areas
Improve the safety of public transport (e.g. installation of CCTV on buses and at bus and railway stations) and safety of footpaths and cycleways (lighting and maintenance) to improve community safety, especially in the inner urban areas where rates of crime are highest
Assist with improving health by promoting cycling and walking as alternative modes of transport (school travel plans, workplace travel plans, personalised travel planning and education)
Improve access to employment, key services and facilities and healthcare in areas of highest social deprivation where many people are without a car (e.g. inner urban areas of Preston, Burnley and Lancaster)
Improve access to key services, employment and healthcare in rural communities where the use of out of town shopping centres by affluent rural residents has caused or is causing a breakdown in the local provisions and services that indigenous rural communities depend on
Need to provide lower fares for young people (urban and rural)
Need to provide more choice of sustainable travel for young people, elderly and disabled member of the community
Support and promote the continued use of Dial-a Ride schemes and Community Car Schemes
Promote the use of community rail transport
Improve access to inner urban areas to support and enable regeneration of town and city centres and to encourage people to move back into the urban areas
Work with planning policy to improve access to new housing, regeneration areas and employment development areas
Improve access to education for all residents
Look for alternative solutions to improving accessibility other than 'transport' though partnership arrangements with other service providers (Primary Care Trusts, Social Services and Education Authorities) and promoting the use of e-commerce, online shopping etc.

Economic

Promote and support economic growth
Ensure the transport network encourages inward investment by improving strategic access to and between the region's urban centres
Improve public transport within urban areas to improve the efficiency of business movements
Investigate and promote sustainable freight transport
Ensure the transport network supports and enables the development of the key regeneration sites that have been identified within Lancashire and the major ports (Heysham and Fleetwood)
Support initiatives for the regeneration of East Lancashire which has been identified as one of the 9 National Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder areas
Address and find solutions to the transport problems along the Fylde Coast
Enhance and exploit links to and use of the West Coast Mainline railway
Improve links between the Port of Heysham and the M6
Promote tourism by improving access to and movement within rural and coastal areas
Improve the attractiveness of key gateways and transport corridors

E.0.8 The SEA Objectives

What are the SEA Objectives?

SEA objectives are statements that define what is to be achieved in terms of sustainable development. The SEA objectives were developed to assess the effects of implementing the LTP2 on the environment, local population and economy. SEA objectives are separate from the LTP2 objectives, although they may influence each other or overlap.

How were the SEA Objectives Developed?

The LTP SEA objectives were also developed in the context of the required SEA Directive 'topics'. These SEA 'topics' include: biodiversity; landscape; cultural heritage; water; air; climatic factors; soil; flora; fauna; human health; population and material assets. It was also recommended in the Department for Transport's Guidance on SEA that objectives should be developed with respect to those presented in NATA (New Approach to Appraisal) outlined in TAG Unit 2.5. Appendix 6 of the Environmental Report illustrates the relationship between the NATA objectives and the SEA Directive 'topics'.

The development of the SEA objectives also took into consideration objectives presented in the relevant plans and programmes listed previously and information obtained during a review of SEAs and sustainability appraisals that were undertaken for a variety of documents from a national to local level.

The following table presents the Lancashire SEA objectives.

SEA Objectives for the Lancashire County Council LTP2

Protect the Natural and Built Environment

To protect and enhance biodiversity and geodiversity
To protect and enhance the quality and distinctiveness of the area's landscapes and open spaces, townscapes and streetscape
To preserve, protect and enhance buildings, sites, features and areas of archaeological, historical and architectural interest and diversity

Prudent use of Natural Resources

To protect and improve the quality of all controlled waters
To protect and improve local air quality
To use land efficiently
To reduce the causes of adverse climate change
To minimise the risk of flooding
To promote the use of local materials and the recycling of aggregates

Community Support and Involvement

To promote social inclusion
To maintain and improve the accessibility of key services and leisure facilities to all
To provide opportunities for physical activity to promote healthy lifestyles
To create safer communities
To encourage the use of sustainable and high quality design and construction principles in new transport schemes

Support the Economy

To support and facilitate economic growth and promote opportunities for employment
To improve access to employment
To diversify the economy of the rural areas
To improve the viability and vitality of town and district centres

E.0.9 Findings of the SEA Assessment

The following is a summary of the key findings of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). Full details of the method used to assess the LTP and the results of the assessment are presented in the Environmental Report. The measures for mitigating any adverse effects of the LTP on the environment, and delivering environmental enhancements, are summarised at the end of this Non-Technical Summary.

Assessing the LTP2

An overview of the main findings of the SEA is presented below.

The main transport problems in Lancashire have been identified as;

Congestion caused by high reliance of a large proportion of the population on the car, current capacity of the road network and a trend for 'out of town' developments
Poor accessibility in urban areas especially where social deprivation is high and there is a high proportion of car less households and in rural areas where the reliance of affluent rural homeowners on the car causes a breakdown in the local provisions and services that indigenous rural communities depend on
Road safety especially in areas with high levels of congestion and social deprivation.

The LTP presents a number of major schemes and strategies which aim to reduce congestion, improve accessibility and improve road safety, whilst ensuring environmental protection. The three major schemes presented for implementation during this LTP2. These schemes include;

Heysham to M6 Link
Blackpool to Fleetwood Tramway
Ormskirk Bypass.

In addition to the above schemes the LTP2 has identified an additional five potential future major schemes. The viability of these schemes will be investigated during this LTP2.

The SEA has identified that whilst these schemes aim to reduce congestion there is potential for the Heysham to M6 Link and Ormskirk Bypass schemes to have potentially adverse effects on biodiversity, landscape, cultural heritage, water quality, land use and increased flood risk. These effects will be assessed in detail through the EIA process.

Other LTP2 strategies (Congestion, Accessibility and Road Safety) identified as having potentially adverse effects on the environment will also be subject to a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Where an EIA is not required the LTP will adhere to mitigation measures presented at the end of the Environmental Report and summarised at the end of this Non-Technical Summary to ensure effects on the environment are minimised.

Opportunities for environmental enhancement were also identified. These are mostly in association with highway improvements and new highway schemes, establishment of greenways and green networks along public rights of way and public open space and streetscape improvements.

By reducing congestion the LTP will have positive benefits on local air quality and therefore human health, road safety, landscapes (urban and rural) and the vitality and viability of town centres by making them more attractive to shoppers, visitors and workers.

Reductions in congestion will also have positive effects on economic growth by improving the efficiency by which goods can be moved around the County and reducing the amount of revenue lost to local businesses and the local economy through increased journey times.

The schemes to improve accessibility involve improvements to public transport, improved facilities for walking and cycling and initiatives that will be developed through partnership agreements for services to be delivered more locally and to people's homes. These strategies will also have significant positive effects on social inclusion.

The County Council through its Other Quality of Life Issues Chapter demonstrates its commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment.

The following table summarises the findings of the SEA assessment of the LTP2.

Table E.0.9 SEA Assessment

LTP2
Chapter

LTP2 Major
Schemes

SEA Objective Categories

Environmental

Social

Economic

Chapter 5:
Major Schemes

Heysham
to M6 Link

The Heysham to M6 Link proposed route was selected following investigation into 3 alternative routes. The other 2 routes were rejected on basis that they potentially have adverse effects on European Protected Areas (Morcambe Bay SPA, cSAC and Ramsar Site and Lune Estuary SSSI).

The preferred route will have positive effects on improving local air quality, road safety and human health within the City of Lancaster. There would also be improvements to the historical value and character of the City.

The LTP and SEA has identified that an EIA would be required to ensure there were no significant adverse effects of the preferred route on biodiversity, landscape, views, cultural heritage, water quality, land use, increased flood risk, local air quality and noise.

The EIA will also need to take into account the potential for the scheme to lead to future 'development' along the link road and the effects of this future development on the environment.

The SEA has identified that the Heysham to M6 Link will have significant positive effects on improving road safety and human health (improved air quality and improved provisions for walking and cycling) within the Lancaster district.

There will also be slight benefits to improved accessibility due to increased road space for buses.

The Heysham to M6 Link will have significant positive effects on economic growth by improving the efficiency of road freight between the M6 and Heysham and reducing the amount of revenue local businesses lose to congestion.

There is potential for future development along the link road to have an adverse effect on access to employment as the main access to this 'out of town' location would be by car.

The link road will reduce congestion in the Lancaster district. This will improve attractiveness to shoppers, visitors and workers with positive effects on the vitality and viability of the City Centre and the regeneration of the Morecambe peninsula through better access to the Port of Heysham, the resort of Morecambe, the EDZ and local employment areas.

Blackpool to
Fleetwood Tramway

The main environmental benefits of improving the Blackpool to Fleetwood Tramway are on local air quality. Improved efficiency and increased frequency of services will help increase the usage of the tram. This will have positive effects on local air quality and climate change by reducing the need to travel by car and reducing congestion along the Fylde Coast.

The SEA identified that there would be minimal effects of this scheme on biodiversity, landscape, water, land use and flooding as the improvement works would only affect the existing tramway. The tram is a historic feature. Any improvements to it would benefit cultural heritage.

There is potential that if the tramway is not improved then there would be closures to the track for safety reasons. This would have adverse effects on congestion and air quality.

Improvements to frequency and reliability of the Blackpool to Fleetwood tramway would have a positive effect on accessibility.

There would also be indirect benefits on human health from reductions in congestion.

Closure of the tramway for safety reasons would have negative effects on accessibility and human health due to potential increases in congestion.

The tramway is an important tourist attraction. Improved or sustained tourism would have positive effects on local employment.

Closure of the tram would potentially have adverse effects on tourism along the Fylde Coast.

Ormskirk Bypass

The Ormskirk Bypass would have significant positive effects on reducing congestion and therefore improving local air quality within Ormskirk.

The scheme will also have positive benefits on the townscape of Ormskirk by removing the visual intrusion associated with congestion.

However there is potential for the scheme to have adverse effects on biodiversity, landscape, views, water quality, cultural heritage, increase the risk of flooding, local air quality and noise along the route. An EIA is currently being carried out for the preferred alignment to ensure that there are no significant adverse effects.

The EIA must take into consideration the potential for future development to be located along the bypass, and the effects of this development on the environment and local population.

The Ormskirk Bypass will have positive effects on road safety (reduced congestion) and human health (improved air quality) within Ormskirk.

There will also be positive effects on social inclusion and accessibility by improving opportunities, including increased walking and cycling, for people to reach town centre services and Ormskirk Hospital.

There will be positive benefits on the local economy of Southport by improving access to the town. There will also be benefits on economic growth by improving the efficiency of the movement of goods along the A570 and reducing the amount of revenue local businesses lose to congestion.

The bypass will reduce congestion in the centre of Ormskirk. This will have positive effects on the vitality and viability of the town centres by improving its attractiveness to shoppers, visitors and workers.

LTP2
Chapter

SEA Objective Categories

Environmental

Social

Economic

Chapter 9:
Delivering
Accessibility

There are no major schemes or strategies involving construction or development in this chapter. The effects on biodiversity, landscape, cultural heritage, water, land use and flood risk will be minimal.

Improvements to the quality, design and appropriateness of footpaths, cycleways and public transport facilities will have positive effects on quality and character of landscape, townscape and streetscapes.

Increased use of public transport and walking and cycling will have significant positive effects on local air quality and climate change by increasing the use of less polluting, more sustainable modes of transport.

All of the strategies presented in this chapter will have positive effects on social inclusion and accessibility.

The strategy to promote walking and cycling will have positive effects on human health.

The strategies will also have positive effects on community safety by improving the safety of public transport (CCTV camera installation at bus stations, bus stops, railway stations and on public transport) and by improving the safety of the streets and footpaths for walking and cycling (lighting and footpath/cycleway condition).

The strategies presented within this chapter will have no effect on economic growth.

There may be slight positive effects on improving access to employment by promoting the use of an improving the accessibility of public transport (improved information about services, increased safety).

Chapter 10:
Congestion

Congestion causes an increase in vehicle emissions and the concentration of these emissions in one location. By reducing congestion the strategies presented in Chapter 10 will have positive effects on local air quality. Schemes to reduce the need to travel or promote alternative modes of transport (e.g. walking and cycling, increased use of public transport) will also have positive effects on reducing causes of climate change by reducing emissions of CO2.

Congestion can also cause visual intrusion. Reductions in congestion in both urban and rural areas will have a positive effect on townscapes and landscapes and on the character of conservation areas.

The SEA has identified three schemes that would have adverse effects on the environment (sustainable freight transport, park and ride and Heysham M6 Link).

Reductions in congestion will have significant positive effects on the local population by improving road safety and improving local air quality.

Promoting the use of public transport will have positive effects on social inclusion and accessibility.

Reductions in congestion will have significant effects on economic growth by improving the efficiency of road freight between the M6 and Heysham and reducing the amount revenue local businesses lose to congestion.

Promoting the use of public transport and walking and cycling will have positive effects on improving access to employment

Reductions in congestion will also have positive effects on the vitality and viability of urban and rural centres by improving their attractiveness to shoppers, visitors and workers.

Chapter 11:
Air Quality

The strategy presented in Chapter 11 will have significant positive effects on improving local air quality and slight positive effects on reducing the causes of climate change by reducing CO2 emissions.
Improved local air quality will have a positive effect on human health.
No significant effects were identified.

Chapter 12:
Safer Roads

There will be minimal effects of these strategies on the environment. Any adverse effects of traffic calming measures and road signage on the quality of the landscape and streetscape will be minimised by ensuring that traffic calming and road safety infrastructure is of a high quality design and appropriate to the location.
The policies presented in Chapter 12 will all have significant positive effects improving road safety.
No significant effects were identified

Chapter 13:
Other Quality
of Life Issues

The strategies presented in this chapter will all have positive effects on the environment by reducing CO2 emissions, protecting landscape and biodiversity and improving public spaces (streetscape, townscape and public open space).

In creating sustainable communities the Council will improve access to the countryside by promoting the use of long distance trails and introducing a network of quiet lanes and greenways to make walking cycling and horse riding safer and more popular.

The quality of life strategies will have positive effects on improving accessibility and social inclusion by improving the attractiveness and safety of local communities. Improved walking and cycling provisions will also have significant positive effects on human health, as will reductions in traffic noise.

The Council also aims to improve community safety to help create sustainable and healthier communities.

Improvements in townscape and streetscape will have positive effects on the vitality and viability of urban and rural centres by improving their attractiveness to shoppers, visitors and workers.

Tourism associated with improved access to the countryside and provisions for recreation within the countryside will have a positive effect on the rural economy by supporting cottage industries, accommodation and restaurants.

Annexe A:
Managing our
Transport Assets

By maintaining the quality of highways and transport infrastructure the Council will have a positive effect on the quality of streetscapes (rural and urban) and conservation areas. There will also be positive effects on air quality by minimising congestion from road works.
By maintaining the quality of the highways and transport infrastructure (footpaths, cycleways, street furniture, bus stops and shelters, lighting) the Council will have positive effects on health, accessibility and road safety.
Road maintenance will have positive effects on economic growth by reducing traffic delays caused by road works (repairs and urgent maintenance.

E.0.10 Incorporating the SEA into the LTP

The following is a summary of the mitigation measures that will be applied to each of the schemes, strategies and initiatives presented in the LTP2 that were identified as potentially having significant adverse effects on the environment to ensure that, at the implementation stage these effects are reduced, avoided or minimised. Opportunities for environmental enhancement have also been recommended. The mitigation measures and enhancements are discussed in detail in the Environmental Report.

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

Protection

All schemes that will affect the County's 17 sites of international nature conservation importance (SPAs, SACs and cSACs and Ramsar Sites) will be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an Appropriate Assessment as required under the Habitats Directive.
Schemes or initiatives that are likely to affect one or more of the County's 69 SSSIs will be subject to a formal screening exercise prior to development to determine whether the development will be subject to an EIA.
Appropriate surveys will be carried out where there is potential for a schemes or initiative to have an adverse effect on Protected Species (under the Habitats Directive) or Priority BAP species.
Appropriate surveys will be carried out where there is potential for a schemes or initiative to have an adverse effect on priority BAP habitats or sites of local or county level wildlife importance.
Appropriate surveys will be carried out where there is potential for schemes or initiative to have an adverse effect on badgers as required under the Badger Act 1992.

Enhancement

Biodiversity and geodiversity enhancements will be implemented where appropriate e.g. use of wildflower mixes on grass verges and in other landscape schemes, use of native tree species in landscape schemes, creation of new habitats for protected species e.g. ponds (great crested newts), and the creation of 'green ways' and wildlife corridors along footpaths and cycleways, to encourage the movements of species.

Landscape

An EIA for any scheme that will potentially have an effects on the County's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
Landscape assessment will be carried out for large schemes (as part of the EIA) to determine the exact effect of the scheme on landscape character, quality and key landscape features.
High quality design and construction principles will be applied to all new developments and scheme involving modifications and improvements.
All schemes will be appropriately designed for the location.
All schemes will be maintained to ensure that they remain in good condition.
Landscaping schemes will be implemented in sensitive landscape areas.
All schemes will retain key landscape features (e.g. footpaths, hedgerows, trees) where possible.
Where key landscape features have to be removed/modified or landscape character will be temporarily altered Landscape Management Plans will be produced highlighting how the affected areas will be restored, replaced and enhanced.
All landscape schemes will incorporate biodiversity enhancements where appropriate e.g. use of native species, creation of greenways and green networks.
The LTP will improve the quality and appropriateness of street furniture (e.g. bins), lighting, public transport facilities and signage to ensure that they are appropriate to the location and do not have a negative effect on streetscape.
Reduce parking on grass verges and footpaths to improve the appearance of streetscapes.
Improve and maintain the quality of existing roads, footpaths and cycleway.
Ensure that all new transport schemes in conservation areas of a high quality and are appropriate to the character of the conservation area and its setting.
Ensure that pedestrianised areas are of a high quality design that enhances the appearance of location.
Ensure streetscape improvements, where possible, incorporate measures to protect and enhance biodiversity e.g. ensure that street lighting schemes do not have adverse effects on bats; identify opportunities for the creation of habitats in pedestrianisation schemes; or create greenways along new and existing public rights of way.

Cultural Heritage

Surveys will be undertaken prior to the implementation of a scheme to determine the whether it will effect sites or areas of archaeological importance.
New transport schemes that are likely to generate an increase in traffic (road or rail) will be assessed prior to installation to determine whether the vibrations that would be generated from the traffic would cause damage to listed buildings. Where the levels of vibration would have adverse effects on a listed building the scheme may require modification or removal.
Adverse effects on the character and quality of conservation areas will be avoided or reduced by improving the quality, design and appropriateness of street furniture, lighting, road signs, safety features, public transport facilities (bus stops) and by reducing street clutter. Improvements to the quality and design of new and existing highways, footpaths and cycleways will also have positive effects on the character and quality of conservation areas.
By reducing congestion the LTP will also have a positive effect on the character and quality of conservation areas by reducing or removing the intrusion of road traffic.

Water Quality

Ensure that all new transport schemes and transport improvement works involving construction activities adhere to appropriate Environmental Protection Standards, Good Codes of Practice, Construction Principles and design guides to ensure that the correct measures are implemented to prevent the pollution of surface water and groundwater.
Ensure all new transport schemes and transport improvement works will implement appropriate measures to minimise pollution from surface water runoff e.g. oil separators and silt traps.
Where new transport schemes and transport improvement works are likely to cause disturbance to contaminated land, advice will be sought from the Environmental Health Departments of the relevant Local Planning Authority and current guidance presented in Planning Policy Statement 23 (PPS23) Planning and Pollution Control prior to development. Where necessary PPC (Pollution Prevention Control) Permits will be obtained from the Environment Agency.
In areas where there are high water tables surveys will be required prior to the implementation of schemes involving construction activities to ensure that the there are no breaches into the groundwater and there are not future risks of groundwater pollution from road drainage schemes.
Where a scheme may affect sensitive wetlands (SPAs, Ramsar Sites, SSSIs) an Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment will be required to ensure that any changes to water quality or drainage patterns do not have adverse effects on the integrity of the wetland.

Local Air Quality and Climate Change

Achieve the aims of Chapter 10 of the LTP2 - Reducing Congestion.
Achieve the aims of Chapter 11 of the LTP2 - Better Air Quality.
Improve provisions for walking and cycling and improve the accessibility and efficiency of public transport as identified in Chapter 8 of the LTP2 Delivering Accessibility.
Work in partnership with Local Planning Authorities to ensure public transport improvements and infrastructure improvements target areas of highest demand/greatest need.
Ensure that, as identified in Chapters 10 and 11 of the LTP2, annual traffic monitoring is carried out to identify areas of traffic increase and congestion as they develop so that appropriate measures can be taken to reduce congestion and manage traffic growth as it occurs.
Ensure that the strategy to develop and maintain an integrated, efficient, sustainable freight transport system (Chapter 10) is implemented effectively to promote rail and water as an attractive and viable alternative mode of transport for moving freight and to improve the efficiency of road freight to minimise adverse effects on the environment.

Flood Risk

In accordance with PPG 25 Development and Flood Risk, and on advice of the Environment Agency, Flood Risk Assessments will be carried out for all new schemes and transport infrastructure improvements that are to be located in flood risk zones 2 or 3 or by their nature have the potential to cause flooding.
All new transport schemes and transport infrastructure schemes that are located in coastal areas will be assessed prior to implementation to ensure that they do not compromise existing coastal flood defences and do not prevent the installation of future coastal flood defences.
All new transport schemes and transport infrastructure schemes that are located in coastal areas will be assess prior to installation to ensure that they will not increase risk, or current rates of coastal erosion.
The Council will promote the implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SUDS) in new transport developments.

Land Use

The County Council will work in partnership with Local Planning Authorities to ensure that all new developments located on areas of previously developed land are accessible by public transport.
The County Council will investigate the implementation of schemes that will encourage and support future economic growth and the reuse of previously developed land.
Where new transport schemes and transport improvement works are likely to cause disturbance to contaminated land, advice will be sought from the Environmental Health Departments of the Local Planning Authorities and current guidance presented in Planning Policy Statement 23 (PPS23) Planning and Pollution Control prior to development. Where necessary PPC (Pollution Prevention Control) Permits must be obtained from the Environment Agency.
The County Council will work with Local Planning Authorities to ensure that new transport schemes minimise the use of greenfield land and the severance of agricultural land holdings.

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