Local Development Framework and Community Strategy

STAKEHOLDERS' WORKSHOP:

DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

SHROPSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST OFFICES

MONDAY 14^th MARCH 2005

PROGRAMME

4.00pm Arrival and Coffee

4.15pm Welcome and Introduction

Richard Davies, Chair of Environmental Wellbeing Theme Group. Geoff Harrison, Planning Policy Manager, Shrewsbury and Atcham B.C.

4.25pm Local Development Framework

Summary of the process and timetable for the preparation of the new Development Plan for the Borough for the period up to 2021. Dave Wallace, Principal Planning Policy Officer, SABC

4.40pm Landscape Character Landscape Capacity and Sensitivity Study

Dave Wallace, SABC Shrewsbury

Landscape Character Survey

Selby Martin, Roger Carlyle CPRE

5:00pm Discussion

5:20pm Break

5:25pm Flood Zone Strategy

Latest Flood Zone Map and policy issues for discussion - Jonathon Morgans, Development Control, Environment Agency

5:40pm Air Quality Review of Air Quality

James Thompson, Sustainability Officer, SABC

5:50pm Discussion

6:10pm Sites of Ecological Value County Wildlife Sites Review

Viv Geen, Shropshire Wildlife Trust. Shrewsbury Sites of Ecological Value - Gerald Longley, Countryside Unit

6.30pm Green Space

Review of Green Space Policy - Dave Wallace, SABC

6.40pm Discussion / Other Issues

7:00pm Close

KEY POINTS FROM DISCUSSIONS

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT

• Agreement that landscape character assessment is complex and needs to be applied to differing degrees of detail at different levels, depending on purpose;
• CPRE Shrewsbury Landscape Character Assessment and current Borough Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Phase 2 Study - a comparison of the results may potentially be beneficial. Superimposing the map-based results could provide an effective means of analysis;
• The landscape value of specific areas around Shrewsbury is identified in a set of CPRE Landscape Character Assessment maps. Red areas are highly sensitive including Shelton Rough and Berwick Estate - potential development of the North West Relief Road is considered a key issue for these areas;
• Air traffic disturbance - the issue of tranquillity in the Borough Council's Phase 2 study should consider this concern - the Council has raised this issue with the Consultants;
• The Local Development Framework (LDF) provides an opportunity for policies to not just protect valuable landscapes, but also to recreate landscape features and indicate opportunities for enhancement - including planting trees and improving hedgerows;

DEVELOPMENT AND FLOOD RISK - A STRATEGIC APPROACH

• Agreement that a Flood Zone Map approach can work over a long period of time;
• Possible beneficial implications of construction of a barrage for Shrewsbury do not mean that should not start applying a zoning system;
• Greening up of the river corridor is desirable with appropriate spacing and siting of trees;
• Climate Change - considered a key issue and if the risks of the phenomenon were fully recognised there should be no more development in the floodplain

AIR QUALITY

• Air pollution in the town centre - a view was expressed that the Council needs to take extensive action to reduce potentially damaging levels of pollution. It was suggested that: there should be no more planning permissions for residential development in the town centre; the Borough and County Council must take the issue of pollution from cars and climate change seriously - a need to reassess car parking standards; and public awareness must be raised. It was agreed that education is a key issue and noted that the Borough Council seeks synergy with the County Council - including for sustainable transport schemes. However, the need to keep an appropriate perspective on the issue was also expressed, as the consultants had adopted a very precautionary approach - a full understanding of the data is necessary to provide a way forward;

SITES OF ECOLOGICAL VALUE ABD GREEN SPACES

• Single Payment Scheme - a positive element of the scheme is considered to be the wider breadth and nature of beneficiaries as coverage expands to woodlands, bogs, etc.;
• Use of the River Severn - a question of balance was raised between utilising the river for tourism purposes and protecting wildlife. Education at the local levels is considered to be the key factor e.g. informative walks along the river in favour of river boat trips, passive forms of recreation are considered to be the most appropriate activities;
• A developer's viewpoint was provided outlining the importance of an attractive environment to selling houses and generating an attractive setting. The presence of wildlife adds interest as housing sits well with ecological value. Improvements in the building industry are encouraging the co-existence of wildlife and housing. Balancing varying forms of development pressures is considered a key issue for planners. Potential developers need to look at the key non-negotiable assets of a site and therefore how development can accommodate and enhance these factors;
• The importance of rural ecological areas was emphasised and particularly as access to Green Spaces and Wildlife Sites is not just an urban problem. It was noted that broad progress on Parish Plans in the Borough is a valuable development in identifying Green Spaces and sites of local importance;

FINAL COMMENTS

• Combining datasets - it was suggested that all issues are brought together to highlight the most important geographical areas, and to help assess the appropriateness of development on specific sites.

If you wish to obtain copies of the presentations used during this meeting please contact a member of the Planning Policy Section:

• Dave Wallace 01743  281315 
• Karen Jones 01743 281314
• Libby Harper 01743 281546