Post on 29-Apr-2018
Health Impact Assessment for the Ashfield Local Plan (2017-2032)
September 2016 Ashfield District Council
Contents 1.0. Introduction 2.0. Linking the Local Plan to Health Impact Assessment 3.0. Linking the Health Impact Assessment to the Sustainability Appraisal 4.0. Health Profile of Ashfield District 5.0. Health Impact Assessment Process and Methodology 6.0. Findings and Recommendations
Appendices Appendix 1: Ashfield District Health Profile Appendix 2: The Rapid Health Impact Assessment Matrix
1.0. Introduction
1.1. The Ashfield Local Plan will guide development in Ashfield District up to 2032. The strategic objectives and planning policies set out in the Local Plan will indefinitely impact upon the long-term health and well-being of Ashfield’s residents. This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) embeds public health and well-being considerations within the Local Plan’s strategic objectives and planning policies, with the purpose of identifying any potential negative impacts and making recommendations to mitigate against them.
1.2. The World Health Organisation defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental
and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity1’. Determinants which can influence health encompass the physical, social and economic environments, all of which can be influenced by the Local Plan. The National Planning Policy Framework makes multiple references to supporting the health and well-being of communities, including within the ‘social role’ of achieving sustainable development:
“Supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of 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 well-being”.
1.3. This HIA assesses the strategic objectives and planning policies of the Local Plan
against criteria outlined by Nottinghamshire County Council2. A collaborative assessment approach has been taken between the Planning Department of Ashfield District Council and the Public Health Department of Nottinghamshire County Council. This has resulted in wider awareness of considerations, resulting in better recommendations.
Ashfield Local Plan (2017-2032)
1.4. The Ashfield Local Plan will perform the following functions:
Defines a spatial vision for Ashfield across the plan period (2017-2032);
Outlines strategic objectives to achieve the vision;
Outlines a spatial development strategy to meet the objectives;
Outlines strategic policies to guide and control the overall scale, type and location of new development and infrastructure investment;
Allocates sites for housing and employment development;
Contains policies which guide the determination of planning applications. 1.5. The following Strategic Objectives, Strategic Policies, Area Policies and Development
Management Policies are contained within the Local Plan:
1 World Health Organisation (1948), ‘Preamble to the Constitution of the WHO’. 2 Nottinghamshire County Council (2016), ‘Spatial Planning for the Health & Wellbeing of Nottinghamshire’, p.60.
Strategic Objectives The Economy
SO1 Economic Prosperity for All
SO2 Employment and Enterprise
SO3 Sutton-In-Ashfield Town Centre
SO4 Hucknall Town Centre
SO5 Kirkby-In-Ashfield Town Centre
SO6 Local Shopping Centres
The Community
SO7 Strong and Vibrant Rural Communities
SO8 Provision of Sustainable Housing
SO9 Safer Communities
SO10 Opportunities for All
SO11 Timely and Viable Infrastructure
The Environment
SO12 Addressing Climate Change
SO13 Reducing the Need to Travel by Car
SO14 Environmental Responsibility
SO15 Environmental Capacity
SO16 Legacy and Natural Resources
SO17 Natural Assets
SO18 Heritage Assets
SO19 Character of the District
SO20 Sustainable and High Quality Design
Strategic Policies S1 Sustainable Development Principles
S2 Overall Strategy for Growth
S3 Settlement and Town Centre Hierarchy
Area Policies Hucknall
HA1 Hucknall Town Centre
HA2 Hucknall Economy and Jobs
HA3 Hucknall Housing Allocations
HA4 Green Infrastructure in and around Hucknall
Sutton-In-Ashfield and Kirkby-In-Ashfield
SKA1 Sutton-In-Ashfield and Kirkby-In-Ashfield Town Centres
SKA2 Economy and Jobs in Sutton and Kirkby
SKA3 Sutton and Kirkby Housing Allocations
SKA4 Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocation
SKA5 Green Infrastructure in and around Sutton-In-Ashfield and Kirkby-In-Ashfield
The Rurals (The Wards of Selston, Jacksdale and Underwood)
RA1 The Rurals Economy and Jobs
RA2 The Rurals Housing Allocations (Selston, Bagthorpe, and Underwood area)
RA3 Green Infrastructure in the Rurals
Development Management Policies Adapting to Climate Change
CC1 Zero and Low Carbon Developments and Decentralised, Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Generation
CC2 Water Resource Management
CC3 Flood Risk and SuDS
Protecting the Environment
EV1 Green Belt
EV2 Countryside
EV3 Re-use of Buildings in the Green Belt and Countryside
EV4 Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity, and Geodiversity
EV5 Protection of Green Spaces and Recreation Facilities
EV6 Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows
EV7 Provision and Protection of Allotments
EV8 Equestrian and Other Rural Land Based Activities
EV9 Agricultural Land Quality
EV10 The Historic Environment
EV11 Protection and Enhancement of Landscape Character
Providing Jobs
PJ1 Business and Economic Development
PJ2 Business and Employment Development Sites
PJ3 Rural Business Development
PJ4 Agricultural, Forestry or Horticultural Development and Farm Diversification
PJ5 Education Skills and Training
Shopping
SH1 Retail, Leisure, Commercial and Town Centre Uses
SH2 Local Shopping Centres, Shopping Parades and Single Shops
SH3 Food, Drink and the Evening Economy
SH4 Shopfronts
Providing Homes
HG1 Provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople
HG2 Affordable Housing (Including Starter Homes)
HG3 Public Open Space in New Residential Developments
HG4 Housing Mix
HG5 Housing Density
HG6 Conversions to Houses in Multiple Occupation, Flats and Bedsits.
Contributing to Successful Development
SD1 Good Design Considerations for Development
SD2 Amenity
SD3 Recycling and Refuse Provision in New Development
SD4 Infrastructure Provision and Developer Contributions
SD5 Assessing Viability
SD6 Telecommunications
SD7 Contaminated Land and Unstable Land
SD8 Environmental Protection
SD9 Traffic Management and Highway Safety
SD10 Parking
SD11 Advertisements
SD12 Provision and Protection of Health and Community Facilities
SD13 Designing Out Crime and the Fear of Crime
2.0. Linking the Local Plan to Health Impact Assessment
Health Determinants 2.1. The environment in which we live is a major determinant of human health and well-
being. Town planning in Britain originated in a series of public health and housing reforms in the late-19th and early-20th century, focusing upon basic human living conditions. Today, the modern health and well-being agenda is much broader, with determinants considered to influence health and well-being encompassing the physical, social and economic environments3. Determinants are outlined in Figure 1:
Figure 1: Barton and Grant’s (2006) ‘Health Map’ of Determinants
2.2. The Local Plan will influence some of the determinants of health and well-being
outlined in Figure 1. The multi-discipline nature of these determinants presents the opportunity for collaboration between planning professionals, and others with a public health focus.
National Planning Policy and Health
2.3. There is an established link between planning and health and well-being. The National
Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) emphasises this as a core principle of the British planning system:
“Take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for all, and deliver sufficient community and cultural facilities and services to meet local needs4”.
3 Barton, H. and Grant, M. (2006). ‘A Health Map for the Local Human Habitat’. 4 DCLG (2012), ‘National Planning Policy Framework’, para 17.
2.4. The NPPF regards achieving sustainable development as the overall purpose of the planning system. This encompasses economic, social and environmental dimensions, all of which have relevance to the health determinants outlined in Figure 1:
“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 coordinating development requirements, including the provision of infrastructure;
Social: supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities by providing the supply of housing required to meet the needs of 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;
Environmental: contributing to protecting and enhancing our natural, built and historic environment; helping to improve biodiversity, using natural resources prudently, minimising waste and pollution, and mitigating and adapting to climate change, including moving to a low carbon economy5”.
2.5. Policies within the NPPF underpin the planning process, so have influenced the
production of the Ashfield Local Plan. Throughout the document, the NPPF makes various references to issues which influence the determinants health and well-being:
Transport policies which promote sustainable modes of transport;
More inclusive communities through greater participation in the planning process;
The achievement of places which enhance community contact, reduce crime and the fear of crime, and have high quality public areas as pedestrian routes;
The delivery of social, recreational and cultural facilities which service community needs;
The provision of sufficient choice in school places;
Access to high-quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation;
Adopt proactive strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including taking full account of flood risk;
Conservation and enhancement of both natural and historic environments;
Ensuring permitted operations do not have unacceptable adverse impacts upon human health – including from noise, dust, visual intrusion, traffic, tip- and quarry-slope stability, flood risk and the cumulative impacts of the development of multiple individual sites;
Assessing the quality and capacity of various forms of community infrastructure;
Cooperative working between planning and public health leads and health organisations to understand the health status and needs of the local population.
5 DCLG (2012), ‘National Planning Policy Framework’, para 7.
The Ashfield Local Plan and Health 2.6. Reflecting national policy, health and well-being considerations have been embedded
within the Local Plan. The strategic objectives and planning policies within the Local Plan include allocations of housing and employment; provision of appropriate community and commercial facilities; protecting and enhancing the natural and built environments; and enabling an inclusive and healthy district. These provisions should contribute towards the removal of health and wellbeing inequalities within Ashfield.
2.7. However, many health determinants are not within direct influence of decisions made
by the planning system, or the expertise of planners. As a result, Ashfield District Council has consulted with various organisations to inform decisions made during the plan-making process. Consultees include the Coal Authority, Environment Agency, Historic England, Natural England, Network Rail, Highways England, Surrounding Local Authorities (Planning and Education), Surrounding Parish Councils, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioners, Western Power Distribution, Relevant National Health Service Groups, Severn Trent Water, National Grid, Homes and Community Agency, Civil Aviation Authority, Lowland Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Local Nature Partnership and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. Whilst some of these consultees are more relevant to health and well-being than others, the successful coordination of this broad scope of expertise has enabled the production of a well-considered Local Plan.
2.8. The Local Plan must be demonstrably deliverable to be considered a ‘sound’ plan. The
Infrastructure Delivery Plan co-ordinates the delivery of infrastructure, by understanding infrastructure provider’s strategies, business plans and funding timeframes, and ensuring that these take account of the Local Plan. This is continually reviewed and updated as necessary. As health and well-being is embedded within the Local Plan, and the Local Plan is assessed to ensure deliverability, it should have an overall positive impact upon health and well-being in the long-term.
Health Impact Assessment
2.9. Producing a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) for the Local Plan enables the Council to
identify any potential negative health impacts. From this, a set of recommendations are made to highlight areas for further consideration; and ways in which to mitigate against any identified negative impact of the Local Plan.
2.10. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines HIA’s as:
“A practical approach used to judge the potential health effects of a policy, programme or project on a population, particularly on vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. Recommendations are produced for decision-makers and stakeholders, with the aim of maximising the proposal's positive health effects and minimising its negative health effects6”.
6 WHO (2016). ‘Health Impact Assessment: About HIA’, http://www.who.int/hia/about/en/
2.11. The two-tier administrative system (county and district) is recognised as exacerbating the lack of priority given to collaborative working between health-influencing professions, which is detriment to the health and well-being agenda7. As such, Nottinghamshire County Council has responsibility for coordinating local health policy with district planning policy. It has produced a ‘Rapid HIA Matrix’ with the purpose of assessing district-level planning decisions against the wider county health agenda (see section 5.3. for how this has been utilised). The criteria used is based upon the ‘Healthy Urban Planning Checklist’ developed by the London Healthy Development Unit, which aims to “ensure the health and wellbeing implications of local plans… are consistently taken into account8”.
7 LGiU (2015). ‘Planning, Health and Wellbeing’, p.13. 8 HUDU (2015). ‘Healthy Urban Planning Checklist’.
3.0. Linking the Health Impact Assessment to the Sustainability Appraisal 3.1 This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) forms part of the evidence base for the
Sustainability Appraisal (SA). The production of the SA, which meets the requirements of the European Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment, is an integral component of the plan-making process. This is a requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework9.
3.2. The SA has been undertaken at each stage of the production of the Ashfield Local Plan,
including the assessment of housing and employment options; the assessment of site allocations; and the assessment of policies. The SA considers and assesses the main alternatives faced during the process of developing the Local Plan against a set of sustainability criteria.
3.3. The methodology for the SA is set out in the Sustainability Framework. This framework
was established in the Ashfield Review of the Local Plan Sustainable Appraisal Scoping Report (2015). The criteria includes considerations of social, environmental and economic dimensions.
3.4. This HIA provides greater scope and depth specifically in relation to health and
wellbeing determinants. Whist the SA has an approach to consider general sustainability factors, the purpose of the HIA is to compliment the SA and ensure that specific attention is taken by Ashfield to consider all health and wellbeing determinants which are relevant to the Local Plan.
9 DCLG (2012), National Planning Policy Framework, para. 165.
4.0. Health Profile of Ashfield District Statistical Indicators 4.1. Appendix 1 is the ‘Ashfield District Health Profile 2015’ produced by Public Health
England10. The report concludes that the health of people living in Ashfield district is generally worse than the England average. The life expectancy in the most deprived areas of Ashfield is 10.6 years lower for men, and 11.2 years lower for women, when compared with those living in the least deprived areas of Ashfield.
4.2. Appendix 1 highlights that early deaths within Ashfield District as a whole have been
consistently above the England average in both men and woman. Early deaths as a result of heart disease, strokes, cancer and smoking related deaths are also above the England average. Particular indications of adult lifestyle in Ashfield District are ‘obese adults’ (28.2%) and ‘excess weight in adults’ (69.6%), both of which are significantly worse than the England average.
4.3. Appendix 1 also provides indicators of child health and well-being. The ‘child obesity
(year 6)’ (20.1%) is slightly worse than the England average. The measure of ‘children in poverty (under 16)’ (23.1%) is significantly worse than the England average, as is ‘GCSE achieved (5A*-C including English and Maths)’ (51.6%). As a whole, the general health of children in Ashfield District is worse than the England average.
4.4. The 2015 Indices of Multiple Deprivation conclude that Ashfield is the 79th (out of 326)
most deprived district in England11. In the Nottinghamshire context, this makes Ashfield the 3rd most deprived authority in the county, behind Nottingham City and Mansfield.
Priorities for Planning 4.5. The Nottinghamshire County Council Health and Wellbeing Board outlines a strategy
developed through collaboration with a wide stakeholder network12. It outlines four key ambitions: to enable people to have a good start in life; to enable people to make healthier choices and life healthier lives; to support people in improving their own health and well-being; and to encourage collaborative working between stakeholders.
4.6. It is widely accepted that certain individual lifestyle changes, dependent upon disease,
can be effective prevention measures in reducing early deaths. Proactive planning measure have the opportunity to be at the forefront of providing adequate facilities and provisions to enable and encourage lifestyle changes. The health profile of Ashfield District provides a solid basis to prioritise health and well-being considerations in the Local Plan.
10 Public Health England (2015). ‘Ashfield District: Health Profile 2015’. 11 Nottingham Insight (2015). ‘Indices of Deprivation 2015’. https://nottinghaminsight.org.uk/insight/key-datasets/indices-of-multiple-deprivation-2015.aspx 12 Nottinghamshire County Council (2014). ‘Our Strategy for Health and Wellbeing in Nottinghamshire 2014-17’
5.0. Health Impact Assessment Process & Methodology
5.1. The Health Impact Assessment (HIA) has been undertaken using the following process:
Screening → Scoping → Appraisal → Reporting → Evaluation
5.2. Step 1: Screening
The purpose of the screening process is to establish the health relevance of the topic,
and to determine whether or not a HIA is required. As discussed above, the role of
planning in enabling communities to lead healthier lifestyles has become increasingly
recognised. From a health impact perspective, it is therefore beneficial for planning
policies and planning decisions to be mindful of the relevant public health agenda.
The objectives and policies contained within the Ashfield Local Plan will guide the
development of Ashfield District for the plan period 2017-2032. It is therefore
considered appropriate to assess the potential health impacts of the Strategic
Objectives, Strategic Policies, Area Policies, and Development Management Policies
contained in the Local Plan through a HIA. These policies are outlined in Section 1 of
this document. This will increase the positive contribution towards public health and
wellbeing made by the Local Plan.
5.3. Step 2: Scoping (Methodology)
The purpose of the scoping process is to determine how the HIA appraisal stage should
be undertaken. It considers the potential to collaborate with subject specialists, and
outlines the method utilised to ensure maximum consideration of health and
wellbeing issues.
Ashfield District Council has utilised the expertise of the Public Health Department of
Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC), and integrated this within the methodology
of the HIA. In particular, NCC has undertaken research to link spatial planning with
health and wellbeing considerations, and has developed the ‘Nottinghamshire Rapid
HIA Matrix’ to enable appropriate and efficient HIA’s to be produced for reviewing
Local Plans in the county13. The Rapid HIA Matrix includes 26 assessment criteria
(across 12 themes) relating to the following issues:
13 Nottinghamshire County Council (2016), ‘Spatial Planning for the Health & Wellbeing of Nottinghamshire’, p.60
Housing quality and design
Access to healthcare services and other social infrastructure
Access to open space and nature
Air quality, noise and neighbourhood amenity
Accessibility and active transport
Crime reduction and community safety
Access to healthy food
Access to work and training
Social cohesion and lifetime neighbourhoods
Minimising the use of resources
Climate change
Health inequalities
The Rapid HIA Matrix will be conducted by a planner from Ashfield District Council and
Public Health Specialist from NCC. This dual-assessment approach will ensure that
cross-discipline considerations and reflections are made during the HIA process,
resulting in greater benefit in the outcomes. The methodology for conducting and
considering the HIA will be:
I. The HIA for the previously submitted 2013 Local Plan will provide a consideration
basis for the development and assessment of policies proposed in the 2016 Local
Plan.
II. The Preferred Local Plan will be assessed by a Public Health specialist from NCC
using the Rapid HIA Matrix. Recommendations will be reflected upon, and
appropriately considered in the formulation of the Publication Local Plan.
III. The Publication Local Plan will be assessed by a Planner from Ashfield District
Council, expanding upon NCC recommendations and considering each individual
objective and policy in relation to the 26 criteria.
IV. The Publication Local Plan and HIA will be reviewed by the NCC Public Health
specialist to ensure there is an agreement between the two disciplines in terms
of the impacts upon health and wellbeing.
The multi-assessment and cross-discipline approach utilised in conducting this HIA ensures that there are plenty of opportunities for reflection and alteration of policies, based upon their health and wellbeing credentials. The approach considers the chronological development of the Local plan, utilising the HIA of the previously submitted 2013 Local Plan; and assessment at both Preferred Approach and Publication stage of the Local Plan. The aims and objectives of the HIA assessment is supported by cross-discipline and cross-boundary research undertaken by the Planning and Public Health Departments of NCC.
5.4. Step 3: Appraisal (Assessment)
The purpose of the appraisal process is to identify the potential impacts upon health and wellbeing determinants of the Local Plan. The criteria for assessment and the methodological approach for conducting the appraisal is determined at the scoping stage of the HIA. Appendix 2 is the completed Rapid HIA Matrix. Evidence which supports a positive contribution towards each of the 26 criteria is provided by highlighting the individual objectives and policies which are relevant. The evidence used for the appraisal is gathered entirely from the Local Plan document. It was not considered necessary to gather further evidence for the purpose of the HIA, as the Local Plan is an evidence-based document. Subsequently, the overall impact of the Local Plan upon each of the criteria was determined. Finally, comments made from a Public Health Perspective propose ways in which health and wellbeing considerations within the Local Plan could be improved.
Discussion relating to the results of the HIA appraisal is contained in Section 6.
5.5. Step 4: Reporting (Recommendations)
The purpose of the reporting process is to provide a coherent synthesis of the findings of the HIA. It presents the main potential health impacts of the Local Plan, and makes recommendations which could minimise any negative health and wellbeing impacts which are highlighted. The report is based on the 12 policy themes, plus a section for general recommendations. The reporting and recommendations of the HIA are contained within Section 6.
5.6. Step 5: Evaluation and Monitoring
The purpose of the evaluation and monitoring process is to assess the outcome of the HIA, and ensure that the highlighted potential negative impacts upon health and wellbeing, and the recommendations made, continue to be considered in the future. A follow-up evaluation of this HIA, in relation to its process, input of expertise, and general appropriateness in assessing a Local Plan could be undertaken to guide the development of future HIA’s – both for Ashfield District Council and other Authorities. However, this will be subject to the resources available at a later stage. Annual monitoring of health and wellbeing considerations will take place within the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). This report is a requirement of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004), providing a profile of the social, environmental and economic issues in Ashfield District which drive spatial change over time. This reporting will highlight relevant changes occurring within the district, and assist in the formulation of future plan-making and the associated HIA’s.
6.0. Findings and Recommendations 6.1. The completed Rapid Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Matrix, in Appendix 2, includes
12 general assessment themes. This section draws findings from the assessment of each criteria and identifies appropriate recommendations.
6.2. Housing quality and design
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to housing quality and design was positive. This considered whether the plan (1) addresses the wider housing requirements including for older and disabled people; and (2) promotes the reduction of energy requirements and living costs across seasons. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations: Objectives: Housing which provides suitable tenures and affordability; promotes social inclusion through its distribution; meets immediate and lifetime needs (including those with mobility problems); is sustainably located to reduce travel costs and increase active modes of travel; and is environmentally sustainable.
Policies: The allocation housing provision includes 400 residential care home bed spaces; 8 gypsy/traveller pitches; internal living standards with 10% easily accessible units in developments over 10 dwellings; thresholds for affordable housing depending upon location. Housing developments must also mitigate against climate change and be adaptable to the evolving effects of it.
The following recommendations are made to improve housing quality and design impacts upon health and wellbeing:
Affordable housing should meet standards to maintain warm and healthy living conditions, and adequate internal living standards.
Gypsy/traveller accommodation should have access to primary care facilities.
Consider ‘A Research and Evaluation Framework for Age-Friendly Cities’ to ensure housing for the elderly supports healthy living14.
6.3. Access to healthcare services and other social infrastructure
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to access to healthcare services and other social infrastructure was positive. This considered whether the plan (3) seeks to retain, replace or provide health and social care infrastructure; (4) addresses the proposed growth and impact of growth on healthcare services; and (5) explores opportunities for shared community uses and co-location of services. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations:
14 UK Urban Ageing Consortium (2014). ‘A Research and Evaluation Framework for Age-Friendly Cities’. p67-91.
Objectives: Healthcare services and other social infrastructure provision should be appropriate for new and existing residents as a part of development; the location and distribution of such infrastructure should be equal to reduce social exclusion; and rural communities should have access to community facilities. Policies: Existing health and community infrastructure will be maintained or new infrastructure provided in respect of new development, and will be situated within the development; opportunities for co-location and multifunctional educational, health and community facilities will be promoted; the provision of specialist accommodation for the elderly and disabled. The following recommendations are made to improve access to healthcare services and other social infrastructure impacts upon health and wellbeing:
Potential to undertake modelling work to assess population growth and the associated impact upon healthcare services.
Co-operate with those who commission primary, community and secondary health care services to ascertain the requirements of service co-location. Also potential to identify opportunities for co-location within Ashfield.
6.4. Access to open space and nature
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to access to open space and nature was positive. This considered whether the plan (6) retains and enhances existing or provides new open and natural space to support healthy living and physical activity; (7) promotes links between open and natural spaces and areas of residence, employment and commerce; (8) ensures open and natural spaces are welcoming, safe and accessible; and (9) provides a range of play spaces for children and young people, including those who are disabled. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations:
Objective: Promote active forms of travel as an alternative to cars by providing infrastructure which connects jobs, homes and services; protect and promote green and blue infrastructure and recreational facilities to enable healthy lifestyles; require attractive design to enable the enjoyment of nature; take opportunities to reduce crime and disorder; ensure development does not detriment capacity of an area to support activity; ensure community facilities are distributed fairly and are inclusive for those with disabilities.
Policy: Natural environments, green spaces and existing recreational facilities will be protected against development and fragmentation, and will form focal points where possible; strategic green infrastructure/corridors are allocated within the named settlements of Ashfield; outdoor sports facilities will be considered exceptional circumstances for development within the Green Belt; outdoor open space, including gardens and children’s play spaces will be incorporated within residential development; green infrastructure linkages will be preserved, enhanced and created.
The following recommendations are made to improve access to open space and nature impacts upon health and wellbeing:
Greater reference to children’s play spaces for disabled children within policy. 6.5. Air quality, noise and neighbourhood amenity
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to air quality, noise and neighbourhood amenity was positive.
This considered whether the plan sought to minimise (10) construction impact such as dust, noise, vibration and odours; and both (11) air pollution and (12) noise pollution caused by traffic and employment/commercial facilities. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations:
Objective: Ensure that development takes consideration of the environmental capacity of the surrounding area.
Policy: Encourages designers to consider construction changes which reduce building carbon footprint; requires the management of contaminated water during construction; ensures amenity is maintained through the reduction of all forms of pollution; ensures retail and leisure facilities mitigate against all forms of pollution; ensures small and work-from-home businesses do not cause detrimental traffic generation; development must not impact upon human health and wellbeing and relevant mitigation strategies should be taken. No recommendations are considered necessary.
6.6. Accessibility and active transport
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to accessibility and active transport was positive. This considered whether the plan prioritises and encourages (13) walking and (14) cycling; (15) supports traffic management and calming measures to reduce road injuries and (16) promotes accessible buildings and places for people with disabilities and mobility problems. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations:
Objective: Promote active forms of travel between areas of employment, residence and services and distribute these to enable healthy lifestyle choices; ensure buildings and public places are accessible to people with disabilities and mobility issues.
Policy: Promotes sustainable active travel infrastructure as an alternative to cars; supports highway optimisation and development in general which supports highway safety; developments must have appropriate access including for pedestrians and cyclists; requires access for people who have disabilities or limited mobility in relation to highways and car parking, shop access, appropriate housing and inclusive design. No recommendations are considered necessary.
6.7. Crime reduction and community safety The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to crime reduction and community safety was positive.
This considered whether the plan (17) seeks to create environments and buildings which make people feel safe and secure from crime. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations: Objective: Improve community safety and reduce crime through well-planned environments and prioritising Ashfield’s most deprived areas.
Policy: Supports proposals which contribute to daytime activity of commercial areas; requires a Crime Impact Assessment on outside-of-centre evening/food/drink economy proposals and Partnership Plus Areas, ensures that police and other relevant bodies agree with proposals; promotes shop fronts which retain street surveillance through windows; promotes secure-by-design principles to reduce crime and the fear of crime; ensures potential for vandalism is considered in refuse provisions.
No recommendations are considered necessary.
6.8. Access to healthy food
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to access to healthy food was positive.
This considered whether the plan (18) supports the retention and creation of food growing areas such as allotments and (19) restricts the development of hot food takeaways. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations: Objective: Conserve and enhance existing natural resources and ensure new development does not adversely impact existing communities.
Policy: Supports the retention and provision of allotments; ensures conservation of good quality agricultural land; supports farm diversification; restricts the development of hot food takeaways (A5 units) within 400 metres of schools, colleges and youth facilities.
The following recommendations are made to improve access to heathy food impacts upon health and wellbeing:
Limiting the number of adjoining A5 units.
Restrict open hours of A5 units depending upon proximity to residential properties, which further addresses issues of crime and perception of safety.
Encourage the provision of healthy food options at A5 units to improve the nutritional value of menus.
6.9. Access to work and training The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to access to work and training was positive. This considered whether the plan (20) seeks to provide new employment opportunities and encourages training. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations:
Objective: Enables a range of economic developments to ensure a prosperous district; promotes social inclusion through learning, skill raising and a culture of enterprise; ensures rural access to education and employment; address worklessness.
Policy: Allocates employment sites within the named settlements; encourages local training and employment through the expansion of local business and re-use of rural buildings; enhances the skills of the working-age population through educational and training uses; supports the development of new employment sectors including working-from-home and tourism; supports farm diversification.
The following recommendations are made to improve access to open work and training impacts upon health and wellbeing:
Consider the ‘Social Mobility Index’15, which identifies older industrial towns as becoming social mobility cold spots – limiting opportunities for young people.
Greater emphasis on supported employment and job retention schemes, for example mental health supported employment and people with learning disabilities.
6.10. Social cohesion and lifetime neighbourhoods
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to social cohesion and lifetime neighbourhoods was positive.
This considered whether the plan (21) seeks to avoid physical barriers and severance between communities, and encourages social interaction between existing communities. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations: Objective: Ensures that communities have access to a range of suitably located and accessible facilities and infrastructure; maximise opportunities to reduce crime; ensure that development maximises settlement identity and promotes neighbourhood pride.
Policy: Development must be permeable and legible with secure-by-design principles and enhance the build environments of the urban centres.
No recommendations are considered necessary.
15 Social Mobility & Child Poverty Commission (2016), ‘The Social Mobility Index’.
6.11. Minimising the use of resources
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to minimising the use of resources was positive.
This considered whether the plan seeks to (22) incorporate sustainable design and construction techniques. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations:
Objective: The provision of environmentally sustainable housing; energy efficient development which promotes renewable energy generation where appropriate. Policy: Supports renewable energy schemes within development and encourages pre-application discussions on such schemes; encourages water resources management including contaminated water from construction; expects high quality, sustainable design against current best practice guidance; supports energy efficient housing.
No recommendations were considered necessary.
6.12. Climate change
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to climate change was positive. This considered whether the plan (23) incorporates renewable energy and ensures buildings and public spaces respond to various temperatures, and (24) maintains or enhances biodiversity. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations: Objective: Promotes renewable energy generation, energy efficient design and safeguards Ashfield’s natural assets.
Policy: Development must mitigate against and adapt to climate change; supports renewable energy schemes; protects, restores, enhances and creates green infrastructure, natural environments and habitats through various policies; allocates strategic green infrastructure/corridors in named settlements.
No recommendations were considered necessary.
6.13. Health inequalities
The appraisal stage concluded that the overall impact upon all criteria relating to health inequalities was positive.
This considered whether the plan (25) takes health inequalities into account and whether it encourages engagement from underserved communities. The following aspects are highlighted as positive contributions towards these considerations:
Objective: Reduce inequalities through the location and distribution of health and social infrastructure; ensure buildings and public spaces are accessible to people with disabilities and limited mobility.
Policy: Development must contribute towards health and wellbeing and consider impact on existing facilities; shopfronts must have equal access.
The following recommendations are made to improve health inequalities impacts upon health and wellbeing:
Define what constitutes ‘health inequalities’ within the Local plan, or make reference to criteria used within this HIA. This will enable more consistent monitoring.
6.14. General Recommendations
This HIA concludes that the overall impact of the Local Plan will have a positive impact upon health and well-being considerations for the district. Recommendations have been made to mitigate against complacency on the relevant issues. The following recommendations have arisen throughout the production of the HIA, which could improve the overall health and well-being considerations for planning in Ashfield:
The adoption of a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which provides both developers and the Council clear guidance on undertaking HIA’s in development proposals. This would provide greater certainty in relation to Policy SD12 of the Local Plan, which outlines the potential requirement for a HIA on major development schemes on 50 dwellings or more. An example of this kind of SPD South Cambridgeshire District Council16.
The ‘Spatial Planning for the Health & Wellbeing of Nottinghamshire’ document has been developed to provide supporting information for planners in relation to a range of public health stakeholders and considerations. The Rapid HIA Matrix used in this assessment was developed within the document. Adoption of this document should be considered.
Evaluate the health and well-being of Ashfield District through the Annual Monitoring Report, suggesting the incorporation of criteria used in this HIA. Evaluate the HIA process to determine the general appropriateness and effectiveness of the criteria used. This will help HIA’s for future Local Plan development.
16 South Cambridgeshire District Council (2011). ‘Health Impact Assessment SPD’.
APPENDIX 1 – Ashfield District Health Profile
APPENDIX 2: The Rapid Health Impact Assessment Matrix: Ashfield District Council Local Plan (2016-2032)
Assessment Criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
1. Housing quality and design
1. Does the plan seek to address
the housing needs of the wider
community by requiring provision
of variation of house type that will
meet the needs of older or
disabled people?
[For example does it meet all
Lifetime Homes Standards, Building for Life etc?]
Yes
SO8: Provision of Sustainable Housing - All residents within Ashfield should be provided access to suitable tenures and house types. SO10: Opportunities for All - Promotes social inclusion through the location and distribution of housing. -Buildings should be accessible for people with disabilities or mobility problems. SO20: Sustainable and High Quality Design - Requires housing design to be tailored to meet the immediate and lifetime needs of local people. S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Outlines the net increase of housing required over the plan period, including 400 residential care home bedspaces. - Permits identified accommodation needs for Travellers. SKA4: Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocation - Allocates 8 pitches for Gypsy/ Traveller accommodation at Park Lane, Kirkby-In-Ashfield. EV1: Green Belt - Outlines ‘limited affordable housing for community needs’ as an exceptional circumstance for Green Belt development. HG1: Provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople - Sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Showpeople must have adequate provisions, including water, pedestrian and vehicle access and residential amenity.
Positive
It is suggested that The Council consults
with Mansfield and Ashfield CCG and Adult
Social Care and Health to discuss
requirements relating to residential care
homes for the future. New models of
provision may mean that the information
provided in 4.16 – 4.19 may need to be
amended.
Choice of any additional sites for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation should take account of the need for access to healthcare, especially primary care (GP) services. Affordable housing should also be healthy housing, so new housing developments should meet standards required to maintain warm and healthy housing. The Council may find the Research & Evaluation Framework for Ageing Cities and Measuring the Age-Friendliness of Cities useful to contribute to the implementation of the plan: http://www.micra.manchester.ac.uk/medialibrary/A%20Research%20and%20Evaluation%20Framework%20for%20Age-friendly%20Cities_web%20version.pdf http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/2
03830/1/9789241509695_eng.pdf?ua=1
HG2: Affordable Housing (including Starter Homes) - Requires the provision of percentage affordable housing over specific dwelling thresholds, dependant on the area of proposed development. HG4: Housing Mix - Ensures that new residential development creates mixed and balanced communities, including adequate internal living standards, the provision of 10% easily accessible dwellings (for the elderly and people with disabilities) in developments over 10 dwellings, and supports proposals for specialist accommodation/institutions.
2. Does the plan promote
development that will reduce
energy requirements and living
costs and ensure that homes are
warm and dry in winter and cool in
summer
Yes
SO8: Provision of Sustainable Housing - Provision of environmentally sustainable housing in well-planned
locations, reducing travel costs.
- Residents should have access to affordable housing.
SO12: Addressing Climate Change
- Increase energy efficiency to tackle climate change, therefore
reducing household energy requirements and costs.
SO13: Reducing the Need to Travel by Car
- Promotes active travel opportunities and making use of existing land-
use patterns. This reduces travel costs, and promotes environmentally
sustainable modes of travel.
SO20: Sustainable and High Quality Design -Deliver high quality energy efficient and functional design, ensuring housing is tailored to the lifetime needs of local people. S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that developments mitigate against and adapt to climate change. CC1: Zero and Low Carbon Developments and Decentralised, Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Regeneration - Supports new residential development which exceeds National Housing Standards in relation to energy efficiency and carbon reduction.
Positive
- Ensures that the design of developments effectively adapt to rising temperatures as a result of climate change. CC2: Water Resource Management - Requires residential developments to minimise water consumption to 110 litres per day. SD1: Good Design Considerations for Development - Requires developments to be adaptable to the evolving effects of climate change.
Assessment Criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
2. Access to healthcare services and other social infrastructure
3. Does the plan seek to retain,
replace or provide health and
social care related infrastructure?
Yes
SO7: Strong and Vibrant Rural Communities
- Ensures that rural communities have access to educational,
community and leisure facilities.
SO10: Opportunities for All
-Promotes social inclusion to reduce inequalities through the location
and distribution of health and social related infrastructure, particularly
where this helps to promote healthy lifestyles.
-Public spaces and buildings should be accessible for people with
disabilities and limited mobility.
SO11: Timely and Viable Infrastructure
-Ensures that necessary infrastructure is provided as part of new
developments – beneficial for new and existing residents.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that existing facilities are maintained, and new facilities are provided when necessary. - Health and community infrastructure should be provided in scale of proposed development. HG4: Housing Mix - Supports the provision of dwellings tailored towards access for the elderly and disabled people, and specialist accommodation. SD4: Infrastructure Provision and Developer Contributions - Requires new and expanded health facilities as part of developer contributions.
Positive
SD12: Provision and Protection of Health and Community Facilities - Provision of high quality, accessible and inclusive health facilities across Ashfield, dependant on the potential impact of development on existing facilities.
4. Does the plan address the
proposed growth/ assess the
impact on healthcare services?
Yes
SO11: Timely and Viable Infrastructure
-Ensures necessary infrastructure is provided as part of new
developments – for new and existing residents.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Health and community infrastructure should be provided in scale of proposed development. SD4: Infrastructure Provision and Developer Contributions - Requires new and expanded health facilities as part of developer contributions. SD12: Provision and Protection of Health and Community Facilities - Requires development to consider the potential impact on existing health facilities, and contribute towards improvements or new facilities to meet local need.
Positive
The Plan could be strengthened by
undertaking modelling work to assess
population growth assessment and
healthcare service impact working in
conjunction with CCG colleagues.
5. Does the plan explore/allow for
opportunities for shared
community use and co-location of
services?
Yes
SO7: Strong and Vibrant Rural Communities
- Ensures rural communities have access to community facilities.
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Promotes social inclusion through the location and distribution of
community facilities.
SD4: Infrastructure Provision and Developer Contributions - Highlights opportunities for the co-location and multifunctional use of existing facilities/infrastructure as making a positive contribution towards sustainable growth. SD12: Provision and Protection of Health and Community Facilities - Encourages the co-location of educational, health and community services and facilities.
Positive
It is suggested contacting CCG
colleagues who commission primary,
community and secondary health care
services to ascertain what needs there
will be for shared community use and
co-location of services.
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
3. Access to open space and nature
6. Does the plan seek to retain and
enhance existing and provide new
open and natural spaces to support
healthy living and physical
activity?
Yes
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Promote leisure, green infrastructure and recreational facilities,
particularly where they help promote healthy lifestyles.
SO13: Reducing the Need to Travel by Car
- Aims to make efficient use of existing infrastructure to promote
active travel opportunities.
SO17: Natural Assets
- Ensures the protection, enhancement and expansion of Ashfield’s
green and blue infrastructure.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that natural environments are protected, conserved and
enhanced.
HA4: Green Infrastructure in and Around Hucknall
- Allocates strategic Green Infrastructure/ Corridors in and around
Hucknall.
SKA5: Green Infrastructure in and Around Sutton-In-Ashfield and
Kirkby-In-Ashfield
- Allocates strategic Green Infrastructure/ Corridors in and around
Sutton-In-Ashfield and Kirkby-In-Ashfield.
RA3: Green Infrastructure in the Rurals
- Allocates strategic Green Infrastructure/ Corridors in and around
Selston, Jacksdale, Bagthorpe and Underwood.
Positive
EV1: Green Belt
- Outlines ‘the provision of facilities for outdoor sport’ as an
exceptional circumstance for development in the Green Belt.
EV4: Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity and Geodiversity
- Ensures the delivery, conservation and enhancement of green
infrastructure
EV5: Protection of Green Spaces and Recreational Facilities
- Protects green spaces and recreational facilities, ensuring that any
loss as a result of development replaces, retains or improves existing
facility.
HG3: Public Open Space in New Residential Developments
- Requires open space asset provision within residential development –
including outdoor sports facilities.
SD1: Good Design Considerations for Development - Ensures that public realm and open space elements enhance their
surroundings, are located on main lines of movement, have high
quality design, and retain key natural features.
SD2: Amenity
- Ensures that all residential development has access to open space
and adequate garden space.
7. Does the plan promote links
between open and natural spaces
and areas of residence,
employment and commerce?
Yes
SO13: Reducing the Need to Travel by Car
- Promotes active forms of travel, such as walking and cycling, to
connect jobs, homes and services,
SO20: Sustainable and High Quality Design - Requires good quality attractive design, resulting in better health and wellbeing, ‘particularly through the quiet enjoyment of nature’. EV4: Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity and Geodiversity
- Requires linkages between green infrastructure assets to be preserved, enhanced and created to improve public access.
Positive
EV5: Protection of Green Spaces and Recreational Facilities
- Resists the fragmentation or loss of green spaces and recreational facilities, ensuring that such spaces contribute towards the setting of the settlement, and are focal points of the built up area.
8. Does the plan seek to ensure
that open and natural spaces are
welcoming, safe and accessible to
all?
Yes
SO9: Safer Communities
- Opportunities to reduce crime and disorder will be maximised
throughout Ashfield.
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Promotes social inclusion through the reduction of unequal access to
public services, facilities and amenities. Specific reference is made to
leisure, green infrastructure, cultural and recreational.
SO15: Environmental Capacity
- Ensures that development does not detriment the capacity of an area
to support activities.
SO17: Natural Assets
- Ensures Ashfield’s natural assets are protected and enhanced,
safeguarding the most important areas.
EV4: Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity and Geodiversity
- Requires linkages between green infrastructure assets to be preserved, enhanced and created to improve public access.
EV5: Protection of Green Spaces and Recreational Facilities
- Ensures that green spaces and recreational facilities are distinctive
and focal points of built-up areas.
HG3: Public Open Space in New Residential Developments
- Requires open space asset provision within residential development –
including public realm and natural spaces.
Positive
9. Does the plan seek to provide a
range of play spaces for children
and young people (e.g. play
pitches, play areas etc.) including
provision for those that are
disabled?
Yes
SO7: Strong and Vibrant Rural Communities
- Ensures that Ashfield’s rural communities have access to a range of
facilities.
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Ensures community facilities will be distributed to increase social
inclusion.
- Public spaces will be accessible for people with disabilities or mobility
problems.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that development contributes to improve the health and wellbeing of Ashfield, including access to sports facilities and play and recreation opportunities.
EV5: Protection of Green Spaces and Recreational Facilities
- Development of school playing fields will only be permitted when
essential for educational purposes.
HG3: Public Open Space in New Residential Developments
- Requires open space asset provision within residential development –
including play spaces.
Positive
This could be strengthened in the plan
particularly around the provision for
those that are disabled.
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
4. Air quality, noise and neighbourhood amenity
10. Does the plan seek to minimise
construction impacts such as dust,
noise, vibration and odours?
Yes
SO15: Environmental Capacity
- Ensures that development takes into account the environmental
capacity of an area.
CC1: Zero and Low Carbon Developments and Decentralised, Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Regeneration - Encourages designers to consider whether construction permits subsequent reductions in the buildings carbon footprint. CC2: Water Resource Management - Ensures that construction sites manage contaminated surface water, and prevent it from leaving a site untreated, and discharging to watercourses.
SH2: Local Shopping Centres, Sopping Parades and Single Shops
- Ensures that retail and leisure developments do not have significant
adverse effects through noise, odour, litter or disturbance.
SD2: Amenity
- Ensures that all development proposals consider the potential for
pollution, including noise, disturbance and contamination.
SD8: Environmental Protection
- Requires development to avoid impacting upon human health,
wellbeing and amenity, and mitigation/remediation measured should
be made where necessary.
Positive
11. Does the plan seek to minimise
air pollution caused by traffic and
employment/ commercial
facilities?
Yes
SO15: Environmental Capacity
- Ensures that development takes into account the environmental
capacity of an area.
CC1: Zero and Low Carbon Developments and Decentralised, Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Regeneration - Encourages designers to consider whether construction permits subsequent reductions in the buildings carbon footprint.
PJ1: Business and Economic Development
- Ensures that the direct and indirect impacts of small scale/ start-up
business from home remain incidental to the surrounding residential
area, including no detrimental effects on traffic generation.
SD2: Amenity
- Ensures that the impacts of traffic movement, and potential impacts
upon air quality, are assessed for all development proposals.
SD8: Environmental Protection
- Requires proposals to demonstrate that development minimises
harmful air emissions, and will not lead to a declaration of an, or
impact negatively upon existing, Air Quality Management Area.
SD9: Traffic Management and Highway Safety
- Supports development which reduces the need to travel by car, and
promotes active forms of travel – which reduces air pollution.
Positive
12. Does the plan seek to minimise
noise pollution caused by traffic
and employment/ commercial
facilities?
Yes
SO15: Environmental Capacity
- Ensures that development takes into account the environmental
capacity of an area.
PJ1: Business and Economic Development
- Ensures that the direct and indirect impacts of small scale/ start-up
business from home remain incidental to the surrounding residential
area, including no detrimental effects on traffic generation.
Positive
SD2: Amenity
-Ensures that the potential impact upon noise pollution is assessed for
all development proposals.
SD8: Environmental Protection
- Requires proposals to demonstrate that development does not have
a detrimental impact on indoor and outdoor acoustic environments.
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
5. Accessibility and active transport
13. Does the plan prioritise and
encourage walking (such as
through shared spaces) connecting
to local walking networks?
Yes
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Distribution of facilities and infrastructure, particularly where it helps
promote healthy lifestyles.
SO13: Reducing the Need to Travel by Car
- Promotes active forms of travel, including walking, to connect jobs,
homes and services.
-Makes efficient use of existing infrastructure.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Promotes new sustainable transport infrastructure as an alternative to cars, including improvements to pedestrian infrastructure.
SH2: Local Shopping Centres, Shopping Parades and Single Shops - Protects the provision of convenience food stores to meet day-to-day community needs, ensuring that alternative stores are similarly accessible by walking.
SD1: Good Design Considerations for Development - Ensures development has clear and direct access through and within, including effective pedestrian routes.
SD9: Traffic Management and Highway Safety
- Supports development which promotes active forms of travel, by
providing safe, direct and effective pedestrian routes.
Positive
14. Does the plan prioritise and
encourage cycling (for example by
providing secure cycle parking,
showers and cycle lanes)
connecting to local and strategic
cycle networks?
Yes
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Distribution of facilities and infrastructure, particularly where it helps
promote healthy lifestyles.
SO13: Reducing the Need to Travel by Car
- Promotes active forms of travel, including cycling, to connect jobs,
homes and services.
- Makes efficient use of existing infrastructure.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Promotes new sustainable transport infrastructure as an alternative to cars, including improvements to cycling infrastructure. SD1: Good Design Considerations for Development - Ensures development has clear and direct access through and within, including effective and integrated cycling routes. SD10: Parking - Ensures that parking provision for cyclists is in accordance with local standards. SD9: Traffic Management and Highway Safety
- Supports development which promotes active forms of travel, by
providing safe, direct and effective cycling routes and ensuring suitable
provision is made for cyclists.
Positive
15. Does the plan support traffic
management and calming
measures to help reduce and
minimise road injuries?
Yes
SO13: Reducing the Need to Travel by Car
- Prioritises active forms of travel in order to reduce car use, and
therefore mitigate traffic.
- Makes efficient use of existing infrastructure.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Promotes new sustainable transport infrastructure as an alternative to cars. - Optimisation of existing highway networks and capacity enhancement for major highways.
Positive
PJ3: Rural Business Development - Business development in rural areas must ensure that such development can be accommodated by the transport network, and would not be detrimental to highway safety. SD9: Traffic Management and highway Safety - Supports development which promotes safe and efficient flow of traffic on the highway network.
16. Does the plan promote
accessible buildings and places to
enable access to people with
mobility problems or a disability?
Yes
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Public spaces will be accessible for people with disabilities or mobility
problems.
SH4: Shopfronts
- Ensures that new shopfronts are designed to allow equal access for all
users.
HG4: Housing Mix - Supports the provision of dwellings tailored towards access for the elderly and disabled people, and specialist accommodation. SD1: Good Design Considerations for Development - Ensures that movement within development is inclusive of all potential users, including those with impaired mobility. SD2: Amenity
- Ensures that, in the case of residential care homes, level-access is provided to outdoor sitting areas/gardens.
SD9: Traffic Management and Highway Safety
- Ensures that suitable provision is made for people with disabilities
along highways.
SD10: Parking
- Promotes an integrated and design-led approach to parking, including
provision for people with impaired mobility.
Positive
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
6. Crime reduction and community safety
17. Does the plan create
environments & buildings that
make people feel safe, secure and
free from crime?
Yes
SO9: Safer Communities
- Aims to improve community safety and reduce both crime and fear of crime through well-planned environments. - Prioritises Ashfield’s most deprived areas (Kirkby East and Sutton East) SO20: Sustainable and High Quality Design - Ensures that developments have good design principles which reduce the risk of crime. S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that development contributes to improve the health and wellbeing of Ashfield, including improving community safety. SH3: Food, Drink and the Evening Economy
- Supports proposal for new food, drink and evening economy
businesses which contribute to daytime activity, and do not adversely
affect the character and safety of the surrounding area.
- Such developments on the edge/outside of centres require a crime
assessment.
SH4: Shopfronts
- Ensures that new shop fronts retain clear views into and out of shop windows, contributing to the attractiveness and safety of shopping areas. SD1: Good Design Considerations for Development - Ensures that developments are secure-by-design, which helps to reduce crime and the fear of it. This includes layout principles of natural surveillance, active frontages, and clearly delineated public and private space.
Positive
SD2: Amenity
- Ensures that the perception of risk from crime is minimised through secure-by-design principles, passive surveillance, clearly distinguished public and private areas, and security measures such as CCTV. SD3: Recycling and Refuse Provision in New Development - Ensures that recycling and refuse provision considers the security of such provisions from vandalism and unauthorised use. SD13: Designing Out Crime and the Fear of Crime - Expects developments within A3, A4, A5, C2, and C4 use classes to effectively demonstrate that they will not lead to increased vandalism, anti-social behaviour, or fear of crime. - Crime Impact Assessments are required in Partnership Plus Areas, and development will not be supported where police or other relevant bodies consider the development to have potential to exacerbate existing issues.
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
7. Access to healthy food
18. Does the plan support the
retention and creation of food
growing areas, allotments and
community gardens in order to
support a healthy diet and
physical activity?
Yes
SO16: Legacy and Natural Resources
- Considers the conservation and enhancement of existing natural
resources (for example, land for food growing).
SO17: Natural Assets
- Protects Ashfield’s green and blue infrastructure.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that development contributes to improve the health and
wellbeing of Ashfield, including promoting allotments and healthy
locally produced food.
EV7: Provision and Protection of Allotments
- Supports the provision of new allotments, and includes them within
green space requirements & Ensures that allotment land is only
developed for alternative use when it is demonstrated that the space is
no longer required, or there are overriding sustainability benefits.
EV9: Agricultural Land Quality
- Ensures that grades 1, 2, and 3a DEFRA Agricultural Land Classification
is conserved as an agricultural resource for the future.
PJ4: Agricultural, Forestry or Horticultural Development and Farm
Diversification
- Supports farm diversification, tis increasing the potential for food
growing industries to expand.
HG3: Public Open Space in New Residential Developments
- Requires open space asset provision within residential development –
including allotments.
Positive
19. Does the plan seek to restrict
the development of hot food
takeaways (A5) in specific areas?
Yes
SO11: Timely and Viable Infrastructure
- Ensures that new development does not have an adverse effect on
existing communities.
SH3: Food, Drink and the Evening Economy
- Restricts the development of hot food takeaways within 400 meters of
schools, colleges or youth facilities.
Positive
Being overweight or obese (excess weight) is a major public health concern for Nottinghamshire. The number of children who are overweight or obese is expected to increase by 5% between 2015-2019 and in adults by 4% over the same period. Morbid obesity in adults is expected to increase by 16% during this same period. Food environments relate to the
availability of food choices in an area
which can influence the type of food and
energy intake an individual can access.
Studies suggest that obesity is more
prevalent in areas where access to healthy
food sources is limited or considered
expensive. Exposure to takeaway food
outlets in home, work, and commuting
environments combined was associated
with marginally higher consumption of
takeaway food, greater body mass index,
and greater odds of obesity1.
The Council may wish to also consider planning approaches in relation to hot food takeaways:
Concentration and clustering/vitality and viability – limiting the number of A5 units next to one another; ensuring the number does not exceed a defined percentage of units or floor space in a primary shopping area/frontage; permission is granted where it will not result in overconcentration to the detriment of the retail function and restrictions where granting would prejudice the vitality and, or viability of a retail area. From a health perspective this
will reduce unhealthy options and poor nutritional choice available.
Hours of operation –planning conditions restrict the opening hours of the premises depending upon location and proximity to residential properties. This will also address crime and anti-social behaviour
Healthy eating options – encouraging the provision of healthy food options and improve the nutritional value of the menu (promoting sign up to the Nottinghamshire Healthy Options Takeaway scheme) The following document Tipping the scales published in January 2016 may be useful: http://www.local.gov.uk/documents/10180/7632544/L15-427+Tipping+the+scales/6d16554e-072b-46cd-b6fd-8aaf31487c84
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
8. Access to work and training
20. Does the plan seek to provide
new employment opportunities
and encourage local employment
and training?
Yes
SO1: Economic Prosperity for All
- Ensures that a range of premises for economic development are
proposed, enabling a prosperous and economically vibrant district.
SO2: Employment and Enterprise
- Promotes learning, skill-raising, and a culture of enterprise to address
worklessness.
SO7: Strong and Vibrant Rural Communities
- Ensures that rural communities have access to education and
employment opportunities.
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Promotes social inclusion through the reduction of inequalities of
employment and education.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth
- Outlines employment growth opportunities over the plan period.
- Encourages local training through supporting the survival and
expansion of indigenous and rural business, working with educational
providers and business to improve job access and training; and
promoting local employment and training initiatives.
HA2: Hucknall Economy and Jobs
- Allocates sites for sustainable economic growth in Hucknall.
- Identifies emerging employment sectors, including working-from-
home in Bestwood, and Tourism in Hucknall.
SKA2: Economy and Jobs in Sutton and Kirkby
- Allocates sites for sustainable economic growth in Sutton-In-Ashfield
and Kirkby-In-Ashfield.
Positive
Make reference to the Social Mobility & Child Poverty Commission (2016) report ‘The Social Mobility Index’ which identifies that older industrial towns such as Ashfield are becoming entrenched social mobility cold spots. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/496103/Social_Mobility_Index.pdf There could be more emphasis to
improve the take up of ‘supported
employment’ and job retention schemes
e.g. Mental Health supported
employment and/or employing more
people with learning disabilities.
-Prioritises office development within the town centres, and small-
scale economic development in surrounding fringe settlements.
- Safeguards sites which will support and develop opportunities for
tourism.
RA1: The Rurals Economy and Jobs
- Promotes an integrated and flexible approach to sustainable business
development in rural areas.
EV3: Re-Use of Buildings in the Green Belt and Countryside
- Ensures the re-use of buildings in the Green Belt and Countryside for
business use should provide jobs/services for the local community.
PJ1: Business and Economic Development
- Gives significant weight to proposals for business development which
provide, or assist in, the provision of, employment opportunities.
PJ2: Business and Employment Development Sites
- Aims to sustain and enhance Ashfield’s employment capacity by
highlighting business uses appropriate for allocated employment sites.
- Highlights educational or training uses within such areas as a means
of improving skills of the working age population.
PJ3: Rural Business Development
- Supports opportunities for business development in rural areas,
including highlighting principles of acceptable development, and
supporting the development of the rural tourism.
PJ4: Agricultural, Forestry or Horticultural Development and Farm
Diversification
- Supports farm diversification provided that proposals operate as part
of an established agricultural enterprise, that it is of appropriate scale,
and that new retail uses do not have a detrimental economic impact
on neighbouring villages.
PJ5: Education, Skills and Training
- Supports development which contributes towards raising skill levels
and opportunities for all residents of the district, through supporting
the growth of existing educational establishments, and supporting new
and additional educational facilities.
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
9. Social cohesion and lifetime neighbourhoods
21. Does the plan connect with
existing communities where the
layout and movement avoids
physical barriers and severance
and encourages social
interaction?
[For example does it address the
components of Lifetime Neighbourhoods?]
Yes
SO7: Strong and Vibrant Rural Communities
- Ensures that Ashfield’s rural communities have access to a range of
facilities.
SO9: Safer Communities
- Opportunities to reduce crime and disorder will be maximised
throughout Ashfield. This will be a particular consideration within the
District’s most deprived areas.
SO10: Opportunities for All
- Promotes social inclusion to reduce inequalities through the location
of services and facilities.
- Ensures public spaces and buildings are accessible to people with
disabilities or mobility issues.
SO11: Timely and Viable Infrastructure
- Ensures that the benefit of new infrastructure is gained by new and
existing residents.
SO19: Character of the District
- Ensures that development enhances settlement identity, including
developing a strong sense of place and neighbourhood pride.
SD1: Good Design Considerations for Development - Ensures that development creates permeable and legible layouts, with secure-by-design principles. SKA1: Sutton-In-Ashfield and Kirkby-In-Ashfield Town Centres - Ensures that the built environments of Sutton-In-Ashfield and Kirkby-In-Ashfield are enhanced, incorporating community uses/benefits.
Positive
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
10. Minimising the use of resources
22. Does the plan seek to
incorporate sustainable design
and construction techniques?
Yes
SO8: Provision of Sustainable Housing
- Provision of environmentally sustainable housing in well-planned
locations, reducing travel costs.
SO12: Addressing Climate Change
- Increase energy efficiency to tackle climate change, promote
renewable energy generation were appropriate, and manage surface
water/ flood risks.
SO20: Sustainable and High Quality Design
Deliver high quality energy efficient and functional design. CC1: Zero and Low Carbon Developments and Decentralised, Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Regeneration - Supports the development of renewable energy schemes within development, including pre-application consultations with local communities and stakeholders when proposing wind turbines. CC2: Water Resource Management - Ensures that construction sites manage contaminated surface water, and prevent it from leaving a site untreated, and discharging to watercourses. SD1: Good Design Considerations for Development - Expects all new development to be of high quality, sustainable design. Proposals will be assessed against current best practice guidance and standards for sustainability, design and place making.
Positive
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
11. Climate change
23. Does the plan incorporate
renewable energy and ensure that
buildings and public spaces are
designed to respond to winter and
summer temperatures, i.e.
ventilation, shading and
landscaping?
Yes
SO12: Addressing Climate Change
- Promotes renewable energy generation when the location is
appropriate.
SO20: Sustainable and High Quality Design
-Deliver high quality energy efficient and functional design, ensuring housing is tailored to the lifetime needs of local people. S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that developments mitigate against and adapt to climate change. CC1: Zero and Low Carbon Developments and Decentralised, Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Regeneration - Supports the development of renewable energy schemes within development.
Positive
24. Does the plan maintain or
enhance biodiversity? Yes
SO17: Natural Assets
- Ensures Ashfield’s natural assets are protected and enhanced,
safeguarding the most important areas.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that natural environments are protected, conserved and
enhanced.
- Promotes the enhancement of water environments/habitats.
HA4: Green Infrastructure in and Around Hucknall
- Allocates strategic Green Infrastructure/ Corridors in and around
Hucknall.
Positive
SKA5: Green Infrastructure in and Around Sutton-In-Ashfield and
Kirkby-In-Ashfield
- Allocates strategic Green Infrastructure/ Corridors in and around
Sutton-In-Ashfield and Kirkby-In-Ashfield.
RA3: Green Infrastructure in the Rurals
- Allocates strategic Green Infrastructure/ Corridors in and around
Selston, Jacksdale, Bagthorpe and Underwood.
CC2: Water Resource Management
- Promotes opportunities to restore or enhance watercourses,
including the enhancement of habitat and ecological benefits.
- Ensures upstream development will have no adverse effect.
EV4: Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity and Geodiversity
- Requires development to facilitate opportunities for preservation,
creation, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity assets.
- Ensures that only exceptional development will be permitted within
Sites of Special Scientific Interest; Local Wildlife Sites; nationally and
locally designates sites.
EV6: Trees, Woodlands and Hedgerows
- Development proposals should avoid the loss of trees, woodlands and
hedgerows. Permission will not be granted when development results
in the loss of designated trees.
EV11: Protection and Enhancement of Landscape Character
- Ensures that the location, scale, design and materials of development
are sensitive to local distinctive landscape features, such as
watercourses, woodland, trees, and ecological corridors.
PJ3: Rural Business Development
- Supports the development of rural tourism through safeguarding key
landscape and ecologically sensitive areas.
PJ4: Agricultural, Forestry or Horticultural Development and Farm
Diversification
- Ensures that proposals for agricultural, forestry and horticultural
buildings should be designed to minimise adverse impact on the
natural environment, including biodiversity, geodiversity, species and
habitats.
HG3: Public Open Space in New Residential Developments
- Where new residential developments cannot provide open space
assets, planning obligations will be negotiated for off-site open space,
including habitat/biodiversity schemes.
SD8: Environmental Protection
- Requires proposals to demonstrate that development does not have a
detrimental impact upon indoor and outdoor acoustic environments,
including areas of biodiversity interest.
Assessment criteria Relevant?
Yes/Partial/No Evidence
Strategic Objective
Relevant Policy
Potential health
impact?
Positive/Negative/
Neutral/Uncertain
Nottinghamshire County Council
Comments:
12. Health inequalities
25. Does the plan consider health
inequalities and encourage
engagement by underserved
communities?
Yes
SO10: Opportunities for All
-Promotes social inclusion to reduce inequalities through the location
and distribution of health and social related infrastructure, particularly
where this helps to promote healthy lifestyles.
-Public spaces and buildings will be accessible for people with
disabilities and limited mobility.
S2: Overall Strategy for Growth - Ensures that development contributes to improve the health and wellbeing of Ashfield.
SH4: Shopfronts
- Ensures that new shopfronts are designed to allow equal access for all
users.
SD12: Provision and Protection of Health and Community Facilities - Requires development to consider the potential impact upon existing health facilities, and contribute towards improvements or new facilities to meet local need.
Positive