Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan Revised Deposit 2003

A2 - The Policy Context

Sustainable Development

A2.1 The Local Plan's policies and proposals are influenced by a range of national and local strategies and policy frameworks. Fundamental amongst these is the need to move towards more sustainable patterns of development. The Government has defined sustainable development as ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come (A Better Quality of Life 1999, Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions).

A2.2 Sustainable Development is about seeking balance. It is about ensuring a high quality of life by promoting the development we need for a healthy economy and meeting social needs whilst at the same time conserving the environment. It is about making sure that all members of our communities have access to jobs and healthy lifestyles in a way which does not harm the natural or built environment. It is about considering the long term implications of decisions.

A2.3 A policy framework based on sustainable development therefore means taking into account economic, environmental and social perspectives (see Quick Guide 2, above).  Nevertheless, there will be situations where a trade-off is necessary. For instance, certain types of development in especially sensitive areas may have to be constrained. Alternatively, in a particular location there may be an overriding need for a development in a particular location becomes critical in order to ensure future employment opportunities for coming generations.  It is the purpose of the Local Plan to provide a clear basis for this decision making.

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Sustainable Development Appraisal

A2.4 The Local Plan Deposit Draft has been subject to a sustainable development appraisal, the results of which are available as a separate document. Appraisals take place at various stages in the production of the Local Plan in order to ensure that it’s polices policies and proposals take us nearer to achieving sustainable development.   The appraisal is integral to the Local Plan preparation process and helps to clarify the Local Plan objectives, inter-connections and possible conflicts between policies.  It will influence the content of the Plan in its next stages.

Local Agenda 21

A2.5 In order to encourage more sustainable ways of living and greater community involvement, the Council has worked with local communities to produce a Local Agenda 21 Initiative entitled Change 21. This sets out a 'Vision for the future - what local people want life to be like in 2019' (see para A3.3 & Quick Guide 4).

A2.5A In accordance with the Local Government Act 2000, the Council is currently preparing a Community Strategy for the District.  The Strategy will set out a long-term vision to enhance the quality of life of local communities, through action to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the area and its inhabitants.  A range of partner organisations (together forming a Local Strategic Partnership) are involved in its preparation, including those from public, private and voluntary sectors.  The completed Community Strategy will influence all other Council strategies, including the Local Plan as it progresses through the adoption process and is reviewed in the future.  

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Regional Planning Guidance

A2.6 The Regional Planning Guidance for the South West seeks to develop the Region in a "sustainable way as a national and European region of quality and diversity, where the quality of life for residents, the business community and visitors will be maintained and enhanced" (SWRPG 2001). It sets out a planning framework up to the year 2016.

A2.7 The District is part of the Northern sub-region which the RPG describes as having a high quality environment and where fostering economic growth is an essential part of the RPG strategy.

A2.8 Bath is designated in the RPG as a Principal Urban Area (PUA). As such it should provide a focus for new development whilst at the same time, its unique environment should be conserved. It emphasises the need to give a high priority to reducing road traffic and congestion affecting the City of Bath and other urban areas.

A2.9 Bristol, which adjoins the north-western part of Bath & North east Somerset, is also defined as a PUA and it has a key role for economic growth regionally and nationally as well as being a focus for other development. The RPG emphasises the need for integrated public transport facilities linking nearby urban areas.

A2.10 The RPG refers to smaller towns which act as a focus for local services and seeks a greater level of self-containment of such settlements, particularly focussing on the need to reduce levels of commuting to Principal Urban Areas.

A2.10A The Local Plan takes account of the principles set out in the RPG in so far as they relate to the Plan period.

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The Structure Plan

A2.11 The Joint Replacement Structure Plan (JRSP) sets out the broad planning policy framework for the former Avon County area up to the year 2011 based on the principles of sustainable development. The JRSP sets out the overall need for new housing and guides the broad location of new development. This is within the context of seeking to "reconcile, balance and integrate the protection and enhancement of the environment, the maintenance and enhancement of economic prosperity and meeting the social needs and aspirations of people of the area…." (JRSP Policy 1)

A2.12 A key function of the JRSP is to decide how much development should take place in Bath and North East Somerset and, in general terms, where it should go. Key objectives of the JRSP are described in Quick Guide 3.  The Local Plan is required to conform generally with the JRSP.  The JRSP is expected to be was adopted during in September 2002.  The Local Plan policies are based on the version intended to be adopted in 2000 together with a further modification placed on deposit in December 2001 aimed at addressing a direction by the Secretary of State increasing the overall housing requirement.

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Local Transport Plan

A2.13 It is essential that transport policies are fully integrated with land-use planning. Planning decisions on land-use will impact on the strategy in the Local Transport Plan and similarly the transport strategy will have implications for development plan policy.

A2.14 The Local Transport Plan for Bath & North East Somerset was approved in 2000. The five key themes of the Local Transport Plan relate to;

• the continued overview and management of road traffic in the District to minimise the adverse impacts of traffic;

• the ongoing promotion of better public transport and walking, cycling, safety and community togetherness;

• management and control of parking;

• the involvement of the public in the transport planning process with a view to successful implementation of transport and behavioural changes;

• the improvement of the local environment across the District through a transportation programme in sympathy with the World Heritage Status of Bath, its immediate surrounds, the two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the distinctive character of the towns and villages.

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National Guidance

A2.15 Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs) set out the Government's policies on different aspects of planning.  They cover a range of issues and must be taken into account in the preparation of Local Plans.  PPG advice may also be material to individual decisions on planning applications and appeals. Minerals Planning Guidance Notes provides advice on aspects of planning for minerals development.  Particular aspects of PPG advice is are referred to in the following sections. PPGs and other Government planning guidance are produced by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister Key PPG/MPGs are;

A2.16 The regard the Council has had to matters specified in regulation 20 of the Town & Country Planning (Development Plan) (England) Regulations 1999 is set out in the reasoned justification to the Local Plan as stated below:

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