planning and compulsory purchase act 2004apps.caerphilly.gov.uk/ldp/examination/pdf/ed47.pdfplanning...

Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) (Wales)

Regulations 2005 (Regulation 23)

Comprehensive List of Changes Caerphilly County Borough Local Development Plan

September 2010

Background Caerphilly County Borough Council submitted the Local Development Plan (LDP) to the Welsh Assembly Government and the Planning Inspectorate for Examination on the 7th October 2009. The Examination into the Caerphilly County Borough Local Development Plan formally opened on the 20th April 2010. The Planning Inspector (on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government) is now in the process of examining the LDP, together with the background evidence, the Sustainability Appraisal Report and all Representations to the plan to determine whether or not the plan is sound. The Inspector is examining the Deposit Plan as modified by the Focused Changes and Additional Focused Changes that the Council ratified on 15 September 2009 and 1 December 2009 respectively (ie submitted documents SB.80, SB.81 & SB.82). Given that this is the starting point of the examination, these changes do not form part of the Schedule (although any subsequent alterations to these changes will be listed). Matters Arising Changes to the LDP The Council has resolved to make a series of changes to the LDP in response to matters raised through the Examination process by the Inspector and respondents. The Matters Arising Changes are prefixed by the reference number ‘MAC’. These changes are proposed as a direct result of discussions between the Inspector, Respondents and the Council during the Hearing Sessions that were held as part of the Examination process. The changes have been arranged in plan order for ease of reference. Please note that where a change features a number of times throughout the plan, the change has been placed in plan order under its first occurrence and is not repeated throughout the Schedule. In addition, and for ease of reference, changes to the text of the Plan are highlighted in bold italic font. Minor Editorial Changes During the examination procedure the Planning Inspector indicated that the Council should also take responsibility for undertaking work of an editorial nature arising from discussions at the Hearing Sessions. The changes that result from this work should not materially affect the substance or soundness of the submitted plan and have not been given a reference number. The Council is required to provide a comprehensive list of these changes so that the Inspector can simply accept them. These changes are contained in the Schedule of Minor Editorial Changes.

CONTENTS PAGE

Page

Written Statement

- Introduction

- Section A - Strategy

- Section B - Countywide Policies

- Section C - Area Specific Policies

o Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area

o Northern Connections Corridor

o Southern Connections Corridor

Appendices to the Written Statement

Proposals Map

Appendix 1 - Maps Illustrating Matters Arising Changes

Appendix 2 – Amendment to MAC36

Appendix 3 – MAC41 – Amendments to Appendix 1

Appendix 4 – MAC44 – Amendments to Appendix 19

1

1

3

7

18

25

27

27

29

31

45

47

67

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MATTERS ARISING CHANGES WRITTEN STATEMENT

CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES REF. SITE /

POLICY / OTHER

REQUIRED CHANGE Written Statement

Appendices

INTRODUCTION MAC01 Para 0.32 Propose that Paragraph 0.32 should be

amended to include an additional sentence before the final sentence of Paragraph 0.32 to read:

“Therefore, whilst the Proposals Map forms part of the Plan, the Constraints Map does not.”

Line 5, change the word “plans” to “maps”

Para 0.32 N/A

MAC02 Para 0.36 Propose that Paragraph 0.36 should be amended to read:

“Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) will be produced and will be the subject of appropriate public consultation. SPG does not form part of the LDP…”

Para 0.36 N/A

MAC03 Paras 0.44, 0.45, 0.46 and 0.47

Propose that Paragraphs 0.44, 0.45, 0.46 and 0.47 are amended as follows:

“National Planning Guidance

0.44 In producing the LDP, the Council has had regard to national planning policies. The Assembly Government’s national land use planning policies are set out in Planning Policy Wales, Circulars and Ministerial Interim Planning Policy Statements (MIPPS) supplemented by Technical Advice Notes (TANs).

0.45 Mineral Planning Policy Wales (MPPW) sets out the land use planning policy of the Assembly Government in relation to mineral extraction and related development in Wales, which includes all minerals and substances (including onshore oil, gas and coal bed methane) in, on or under land extracted either by underground or surface working. MPPW is supplemented by Mineral Technical Advice Notes (MTANs) and Ministerial Interim Minerals Planning Policy Statements (MIMPPS).

Paras 0.44 - 0.47

N/A

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Appendices

Repetition of National Guidance

x.xx In accordance with guidance contained in LDP Wales, LDPs should have regard to national planning policies, but they should not repeat them. The LDP should therefore be considered in conjunction with the Planning Policy Wales Companion Guide, which identifies those areas where clear statements of national development control policy should not need to be repeated as local policies in the LDP. It should be noted therefore that the LDP only provides the policy framework for issues of a locally distinct nature. Development Proposals that do not present specific locally distinct issues will be assessed in accordance with the requirements of National Planning Policy.

x.xx Caerphilly County Borough Council is the Mineral Planning Authority with responsibility for planning control over minerals exploration and working within the county borough. There is not a Companion Guide in terms of Minerals Planning Policy Wales. However, the Council has taken the decision that on minerals issues, national policy and guidance is sufficiently clear and therefore will be relied upon in the determination of planning applications in relation to mineral extraction and related development.

x.xx National policy and guidance, taken together with the policies in the LDP set out the planning framework for Caerphilly County Borough. It is important to remember that policies are interrelated and must be read together to understand their combined effect upon a planning proposal.”

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Appendices

NB: The numbering of the plan will change as a result of these changes.

SECTION A - STRATEGY MAC04 Key Diagram Propose that the following changes are

made to the key diagram: Amend the terminology of ‘key

settlements’ to ‘local centres’ Cross reference to the

introduction in Section C, which elaborates on the role of centres

Include a footnote on the key diagram, which indicates that each strategy area has its own more detailed diagram

Key Diagram (pg.30)

N/A

MAC05 Para 1.20 Propose that paragraph 1.20 be amended to include a reference that outlines that residential settlements are those areas that are defined by settlement boundaries as follows:

“Residential settlements – other areas within settlement boundaries that have neighbourhood shops and/or individual units serving more immediate needs.”

Para 1.20 N/A

MAC06 Para 1.28 Propose that Paragraph 1.28, line 2 should be amended to: “background papers to the Deposit Plan”

Para 1.28 N/A

MAC07 Paras 1.54 & 1.55

Propose that Paragraph 1.54 and Paragraph 1.55 should be amended as follows:

Paragraph 1.54 – Delete the final sentence: “The strategy therefore balances the need for the development of renewable energy schemes against the potential impact of such development on the landscape and on sites of ecological interest”

Paragraph 1.55, line 11 – Delete the words: “ renewable energy schemes or”

Paras 1.54 & 1.55

N/A

MAC08 SP4 – Settlement Strategy

Propose that: reference to “Key Settlements”

should be changed to “Local Centres” in line with the Wales Spatial Plan and cross refer to the key diagram

reference to “Residential Areas” is changed to “Residential Settlements”

reference to “All other villages within settlement limits” is changed to “All other areas

SP4, Paras 1.20, 1.29, 1.58, 1.62, 1.89, 3.5 & 3.8 CM4, Paras 3.85 & 3.168

9 (A9.1), 10 (A10.1), 19 (A19.1) 20 (A20.5, A20.12 & A20.19)

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Appendices

within defined settlement boundaries”

MAC09 SP7 – Planning Obligations

Propose that an additional criterion is inserted into Policy SP7 in respect of flood mitigation measures as follows:

SP7 The Council will seek to secure Planning Obligations (S106 Agreements) where they are necessary to remove obstacles to planned development, meet local needs and make development more sustainable. Such obligations will include:

A Infrastructure for walking, cycling, public transport, parking

B Schools and ancillary facilities

C Community Facilities

D Strategic highway improvements in the Northern and Southern Connections Corridors

E Flood defence measures required to mitigate the risk of flooding

F Formal and informal open and leisure space

G Affordable housing; and

H Other facilities and services considered necessary

SP7 N/A

MAC10 SP7 – Planning Obligations and supporting text

Propose that the supporting text for SP7 be amended as follows:

Paragraph 1.66, amend to include the following at the end of the paragraph: “In line with national guidance the Council will ensure that the level and scale of obligation is necessary, directly related to the development and fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind.”

Paragraph 1.67, replace the current paragraph with the following: “In the case of previously used land, the Council will take into consideration abnormal costs associated with the redevelopment of a site when negotiating the level of planning obligation to be sought. Where a developer considers that the level of

SP7, Paras 1.66 & 1.67

N/A

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Appendices

obligation sought may affect the viability of a development proposal to an unacceptable degree the Council will require the developer to provide sufficient evidence to support this position as part of the planning obligation negotiation process.”

MAC11 SP10 – Renewable Energy

Propose that Policy SP10 Renewable Energy be deleted.

SP10, Paras 1.70 - 1.72

N/A

MAC12 SP11 – Waste Management, Supporting text, Paragraph 1.74

Propose that the final sentence of Paragraph 1.74 be amended as follows:

“The designation of all allocated and protected use class B2 industrial sites as suitable in principle for in-building waste management facilities represents a substantial choice of sites compared with the maximum estimated need of approximately 10.4 Ha of land which the RWP calculates will be required for such facilities.”

Para 1.74

MAC13 SP12 – Conservation of Natural Heritage & supporting text

Propose that Policy SP12 be amended as follows:

“SP12 Conservation of Natural Heritage

The Council will protect, conserve, enhance and manage the natural heritage of the County Borough in the consideration of all development proposals within both the rural and built environment.”

Propose that Paragraph 1.77 be amended to read:

Almost 80% of Caerphilly County Borough Council is classified as countryside, i.e. lies outside of defined settlement boundaries. Whilst change is inevitable and opportunities for growth and development of the Borough need to be provided, respecting the unique and distinctive features or characteristics of the natural heritage of the County Borough is essential in protecting, conserving, enhancing and managing the valuable features in both the natural and built environment.

SP12 & Para 1.77

N/A

MAC14 SP16 – Total Housing

Propose that Policy SP16 and the supporting text of paragraphs 1.83 &

SP16, Paras 1.83 & 1.84

N/A

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Appendices

Requirements & supporting text

1.84 be amended as follows:

Policy SP16 – consider the rewording of Policy SP16 to read:

“The Council has made provision for the development of up to 10,269 new dwellings in the County Borough between 2006 and 2021 in order to deliver the 8625 new dwellings required to meet the moderate growth strategy. This 19% over provision allows for flexibility and choice.”

Paragraph 1.83 – include the text in italic, to read:

“The Local Development Plan ensures that sufficient residential land is made available to meet the future needs of communities for both market and affordable housing. On the basis of sites allocated for housing under Policy HG 1, as well as completions, units under construction and allowances for windfall sites, small sites, conversions, demolitions and bringing empty properties back into beneficial use, the Plan makes provision for 10,269 dwellings. This represents 1,644 (19%) residential units more than the 8,625 dwellings required to meet the dwelling housing requirement identified by the moderate growth strategy. This allowance provides for choice and flexibility. The assumptions used to underpin this housing land provision are set out in the Population and Housing Background Paper.

Paragraph 1.84 – include the text in italic, to read:

Opportunities for residential development will be distributed across the whole County Borough, in line with the role and function of individual settlements. In particular, housing development will be targeted at settlements with good rail and bus services and also former mining villages that require additional housing in order to promote and sustain them as viable residential areas. Furthermore, brownfield sites will be promoted over greenfield sites where appropriate.”

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Appendices

MAC15 SP17 – Affordable Housing Targets & supporting text

Propose that the potential wording of SP17 and Paragraph 1.86 be amended in order to reflect the level of affordable housing to be provided through the planning system:

SP17 be amended to read:

“SP17 The Council will seek to deliver through the planning system at least 940 affordable dwellings between 2006 and 2021 in order to contribute to balanced and sustainable communities”

Paragraph 1.86 be amended to read: “The target of at least 940 affordable dwellings reflects the number of units that it is expected can be delivered across the County Borough through the use of planning obligations on qualifying sites coming forward for development over the Plan period. The target of at least 940 dwellings delivered through the planning system forms part of a wider total of around 3640 affordable dwellings which it is estimated could be provided using all other delivery mechanisms in response to levels of need.”

SP17 & Para 1.86

N/A

MAC16 SP22 – Transport Requirements for Development

Propose that Policy SP22 Transport Requirements For Development be deleted.

SP22, Paras 1.94 & 1,95

N/A

SECTION B – COUNTYWIDE POLICIES MAC17 CW7 - Design

Considerations: Telecoms Apparatus

Propose that Policy CW7 Design Considerations: Telecoms Apparatus be deleted.

CW7 & Para 2.17

N/A

MAC18 CW8 – Natural Heritage Protection & supporting text

Propose that Policy CW8 and its supporting text be amended to read:

“CW8 Development proposals that affect locally designated natural heritage features will only be permitted:

A Where they conserve and where appropriate enhance the distinctive or characteristic features of the Special Landscape Areas (SLA) or Visually Important Landscape Areas (VILLS).

CW8, Paras 2.18 & 2.xx

N/A

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Appendices

B Within, or in close proximity to sites designated as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), Local Nature Reserves (LNR), Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS), Green Corridors or Local Priority Habitats and Species that either: i Conserve and where

appropriate enhance the ecological or geological importance of the designation, or

ii Where the need for the development outweighs the ecological importance of the site and, where harm is minimised by mitigation measures and offset as far as practicable by compensation measures designed to ensure there is no reduction in the overall value of the area or feature.

2.18 The natural heritage of the County Borough is diverse and contains specific biodiversity protection areas from European to local designations, together with local landscape designations. It is important that these are protected from inappropriate development. This policy test applies to any development proposal that would, or would be likely to, have a detrimental effect upon the distinctive biodiversity, geological or landscape features and characteristics of the County Borough. The level of potential harm will be assessed, taking into account, mitigation, compensatory and restoration measures.

2.xx Minerals underlay the majority of the County Borough, and the Council aims to balance the need to conserve the distinctive features and characteristics of the natural heritage with

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Appendices

the need to safeguard nationally important mineral resources. Proposals for mineral workings are subject to other policy tests, as set out in Minerals Planning Policy Wales (MPPW), 2000, Minerals Technical Advice Note 1 (Aggregates) (MTAN1) and Minerals Technical Advice Note 2 (Coal) (MTAN2). These will need to be considered in respect of the distinctive features and characteristics of the natural heritage identified within the plan.”

MAC19 CW9 – Trees and Woodland Protection & supporting text

The Council propose the following amendments:

“Trees, Woodland and Hedgerow Protection

CW9 Development proposals on sites containing trees, woodlands, and hedgerows, or which are bordered by one or more such trees or hedgerows, will only be permitted provided that:

A Where arboricultural surveys are required, they are received and approved, and any mitigation, compensation or management requirements are submitted as part of the planning application.

B The root systems will be retained and adequately protected for the duration of all development activity on site.

C Development proposals have made all reasonable efforts to retain, protect and integrate trees, woodlands or hedgerows within the development site.

D Where appropriate, suitable replacements are provided where existing trees, woodlands or hedgerows are removed.”

The Supporting text would then read:

“2.19 Trees, woodlands, and hedgerows make a positive contribution to both the natural

CW9, & Paras 2.19 - 2.22

N/A

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Appendices

and built environment. They enhance the amenity value, character and diversity of the landscape, provide vital habitat for biodiversity and offer substantial environmental benefits such as offsetting of noise and improving air quality. Trees can occupy a substantial part of a development site and because of their potential size can have a major influence on the planning and use of the site. Arboricultural surveys identify, evaluate and propose mitigation on the effects of development on trees. Arboricultural surveys, including topographical surveys, tree survey and categorisation, tree constraints plan, and arboricultural implications assessment provide important information on the quality, quantity of trees and identify, evaluate and recommend mitigation on the potential impacts of the development proposals, including the construction process on existing trees and woodlands, including the root systems.

2.20 All reasonable effort should be taken to protect existing trees, woodlands and hedgerows that have been identified as worthy of retention through the arboricultural survey process. These features, if integrated sensitively and with due care and consideration will make a significant contribution to the amenity value of the development and protect a valuable natural heritage resource to enhance sites, to protect amenity and biodiversity value and to minimise the blanket loss of trees and woodlands.

2.21 Where the loss of trees, woodlands and hedgerows is unavoidable, the loss should be minimised by providing

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Appendices

appropriate replacements. Replacing these features will ensure that the overall amenity, landscape and / or biodiversity value of the immediate and wider setting is protected and conserved.

2.22 The requirements to be observed with regards to trees and woodland are detailed in Supplementary Planning Guidance: Trees and Development – A Guide to incorporating Trees in Proposals for Developing Land.”

MAC20 CW14 – Affordable Housing Planning Obligation

Propose that if the Inspector is minded to reduce the threshold to 5 dwellings or 0.15 Ha as a means of increasing the affordable housing target, it is suggested that Policy CW14 be amended as follows:

“Affordable Housing Planning Obligation

CW 14 Legal agreements will be required to ensure that there is provision of an element of affordable housing, in accordance with an assessment of local need, for all allocated and windfall housing sites that:

A Accommodate 5 or more dwellings; or

B Exceed 0.15ha in gross site area, or

C Where the combined product of adjacent housing site proposals would exceed the thresholds set in A or B above

Where there is evidence of need, the Council will seek to negotiate the following affordable housing targets of: 40% of the total number of

dwellings proposed on sites within the Caerphilly Basin (excluding Aber Valley);

25% in the Northern Connections Corridor (excluding Newbridge); and

10% in the Rest of Caerphilly County Borough (including Aber Valley and Newbridge but excluding the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area)”

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Appendices

MAC21 Para 2.31 Propose that a footnote to Paragraph 2.31 is inserted which cross-refers to TAN 15 Flood Risk and that the second sentence of the paragraph is amended to read:

“Every industrial site that is allocated or protected for use class B2 is considered suitable, in principle, for the location of in-building waste management facilities.”

Para 2.31 N/A

MAC22 CW17 – General Locational Constraints - supporting text

Propose that a supporting paragraph be included to Countywide Policy CW17 to read:

x.xx “Minerals development is unique in that it can only happen where the minerals occur. There are substantial mineral resources within the County Borough, including resources of shallow coal, limestone, sandstone and sand and gravel all of which are indicated on the Proposals Map. In addition some of the coal resources in the County Borough also have the potential to contain economically viable amounts of coal bed methane and two licenses (PEDL) have been granted for their exploration and development, although the PEDL also relates to the exploration of on shore oil and gas.

x.xxx Any proposals for the winning or working of minerals will be considered in the context of national guidance together with the countywide polices and appropriate site-specific policies contained within the LDP. Development proposals that do not present specific locally distinct issues will be assessed in accordance with the requirements of national planning policy.”

CW17 & Paras x.xx & x.xxx

N/A

MAC23 CW22 – Buildings in the Countryside &

Propose that Policy CW22 and its supporting text be amended as follows:

“Locational Constraints –

CW22, Paras 2.41 - 2.44 & 2.xx

N/A

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Appendices

supporting text Conversion, Extension and Replacement of Buildings in the Countryside

CW 22 The conversion, extension or replacement of a building outside settlement boundaries will be permitted where:

A The proposed use, scale, form, siting, design and materials are suitable within its context.

B A conversion is justified by demonstrating that: i The building is not

makeshift in nature and is of permanent, substantial construction; and

ii The building is structurally sound and capable of conversion or rehabilitation without major alteration or reconstruction;

iii The building is capable of re-use without materially changing its existing character;

iv The development does not result in the domestication of an otherwise rural setting.

C Extension is justified by demonstrating that: i The existing building

remains the dominant element;

ii The extension does not result in the loss of undeveloped countryside land or features;

iii The extension does not result in the domestication of an otherwise rural setting;

iv In the case of proposals to extend buildings or land that has previously been extended, the proposal should have regard for the scale and character of the original part of the building or land area.

D Replacement is justified by demonstrating that: i The building is structurally

unsound and not capable

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Appendices

of conversion or rehabilitation without major alteration or reconstruction; and

ii The existing use has not been abandoned;

iii The existing use is no longer suitable or appropriate for the building; and

iii it can be demonstrated that all other appropriate alternatives for re-use have been examined.”

2.41 Many buildings outside of the settlement boundary become redundant and fall into disrepair with many becoming unfit for the purpose they were originally intended. When assessing planning applications for the reuse or adaptation of a building, the primary consideration will be whether the nature and extent of the new use proposed for the building is acceptable in planning terms.

2.42 When permitting development beyond the settlement boundary a careful balance is required to conserve, protect and enhance the rural environment through a considered approach to design including scale, form, siting and the use of materials, all of which should be suitable for the context of the proposed development. Consideration should also be given to the character of the immediate and wider setting of the building.

2.43 Proposals for the conversion of buildings outside of the settlement boundary should respect local building styles and materials and should be sympathetic to the character of the original building and the locality. For conversion to

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Appendices

be acceptable the building should be structurally sound and capable of conversion or rehabilitation without major alteration or reconstruction; it should be of permanent and substantial construction and should not result in the domestication of an otherwise rural setting. Buildings that are clearly ruinous or abandoned would not normally be considered suitable for conversion.

2.44 Many buildings beyond the settlement boundary require an extension or alteration to meet the modern day demands placed upon them. Where an extension is proposed it should respect the character, size and scale of the host building, with the host building remaining the dominant element of the overall building. Careful consideration should be given to proposals that would further extend buildings that have previous extensions. It is important that the character of the original host building is not compromised. Proposals should respect the scale of both the host building and its immediate and wider setting and should not lead to an unacceptable loss of undeveloped countryside land or features.

2.xx In order to retain appropriate forms of development in the countryside and avoid their replacement with inappropriate development, replacement buildings will only be permitted where criterion D can be satisfied. This policy is designed to ensure that where buildings are clearly ruinous or abandoned they are not classed as buildings that require rebuilding; and that where buildings are replaced, the new development is

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Appendices

sympathetic to its location in terms of its use and design.

MAC24 CW25 – Locational Constraints – Quarry Buffer Zones

Propose that the title of Policy CW25 be amended to refer to Mineral Buffer Zones as follows:

“Locational Constraints – Mineral Buffer Zones”

CW25 N/A

MAC25 CW25 – Locational Constraints – Quarry Buffer Zones – supporting text

Propose that 2 additional paragraphs be inserted following Paragraph 2.48 to read:

x.xx “In line with national guidance, buffer zones have been delineated around active, inactive and dormant quarry sites. In relation to active and inactive sites, the buffer zones are drawn from the outer edge of the permission boundary. The extent of the buffer zone will reflect the known effects of mineral working at the site and may exceed the minimum distances set out in MPPW, MTAN1 and MTAN2. For dormant sites, where there is no experience of the impact of mineral extraction operations, the minimum distances set out in guidance will apply.

x.xxx Whilst dormant sites retain permission, full modern conditions would be applied to the extant permission in accordance with national guidance prior to any working recommencing on site. National guidance also recognises the importance of determining the future use of dormant and inactive sites to give certainty to local communities that may be affected by future mineral operations. Having regard to this, the council will continue to review, on an annual basis, those sites that have not worked to any substantial extent in the preceding two years and will consider an appropriate strategy for the future use and restoration of

Paras x.xx & x.xxx

N/A

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Appendices

those sites, which may include Modification, Suspension, Discontinuance, Revocation or Prohibition Orders where appropriate."

MAC26 CW26 – Supplementary Planning Guidance

Propose that Policy CW26 Supplementary Planning Guidance be deleted

CW26 & Para 2.49

N/A

MAC27 CWxx – Water Protection Policy & supporting text

Propose that the Water Protection Policy be amended to be entitled “Protection of the Water Environment” and that the Policy and supporting text is amended as follows:

CW xx Protection of Water Environment

Development proposals will only be permitted where:

A They do not have an unacceptable adverse impact upon the water environment, and

B Where they would not pose an unacceptable risk to the quality of controlled waters (including groundwater and surface water)

2.50 Whilst the Environment Agency Wales has a regulatory role with regards water quality, the planning system has a crucial role in avoiding and managing the risks associated with development.

2.51 Climate change, increases in populations and changes in lifestyle have all had an impact upon the water environment and the pressures upon it. Climate change will affect the amount of rain that falls, it will impact upon river flows, replenishing of groundwater, the quality of water available and incidents of flooding, particularly localised, flash flooding. The demands and pressures on water resources will also change, with the scale and nature of the problem differing across Wales, as will the approach to dealing with the problems. The approach to

CWxx, Paras 2.50 & 2.51

N/A

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Appendices

the protection of the water environment will need to take into account the quality and quantity of the local water resource, and how this impacts upon the wider environment in terms of preventing further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems, associated habitats, fisheries, promoting the sustainable use of water, and controlling water abstractions. This is particularly important in terms of any development proposals that are likely to impact on the rivers Rhymney, Ebbw and Sirhowy.

SECTION C – AREA SPECIFIC POLICIES - HOVRA MAC28 Para 3.11 Propose that Paragraph 3.11 be amended

to read:

"3.11 The Upper Rhymney Valley offers the most significant potential in terms of energy production within the County Borough due to the presence of coal resources at Nant Llesg and the potential of the Upper Rhymney Valley area in terms of renewable energy generation. However, the area is also a principal gateway to the northern end of the County Borough and is prominent when viewed from the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road. The plan seeks to balance the merits of renewable energy schemes and the safeguarding and potential development of minerals in this area against the objective of safeguarding against further landscape degradation and, where possible, securing landscape enhancement. Due to its prominence, any proposal for development associated with renewable energy generation or mineral extraction within the Upper Rhymney Valley will need to recognise that development must be

Para 3.11 N/A

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Appendices

undertaken in an environmentally acceptable manner. Development proposals should, where appropriate, secure effective landscape rehabilitation and enhancement as an integral part of the scheme. Proposals will also need to be consistent with the wider regeneration strategy and enhanced recreational and tourism role envisaged for this part of the Plan area."

MAC29 NH1 – Special Landscape Areas - supporting text

Propose that the supporting text providing the reasoned justification for Policy NH1 is amended to be consistent with the requirements of Policy CW8 as follows:

“3.19 Special Landscape Areas are local non-statutory designations that seek to protect areas that exhibit distinctive landscape, historical, cultural, biodiversity and geological features and characteristics within the County Borough. They are locally important elements of the natural heritage of the rural and urban environments, and provide a living history of the evolution of the area’s landscape as well as cultural backdrop and visual setting. The designation of SLA’s highlights the holistic consideration of the landscape, with emphasis placed on the ‘special’ nature of the distinctive landscape features and characteristics in these areas. (LDP Paragraph 3.19 – HOVRA, 3.100 – NCC and 3.190 – SCC).

3.20 These areas will be protected from any development that would harm their distinctive features or characteristics. The policy is not designed to preclude development. However, an applicant will

Paras 3.19 - 3.21, 3.100 - 3.102 & 3.190 - 3.192

N/A

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Appendices

need to demonstrate that any development proposal will not have an unacceptable impact on the distinctive features or characteristics associated with the specific Special Landscape Area. (LDP Paragraph 3.20 – HOVRA, 3.101 – NCC and 3.191 – SCC)

3.21 LANDMAP is the national information system for taking landscape into account in decision-making. It separates landscape into five aspect areas: geological landscapes, visual and sensory, landscape habitats, cultural landscapes and the historic landscapes. The system allows information to be gathered, organised and evaluated within a nationally consistent data set. All of the Special Landscape Areas have been identified using LANDMAP information and Special Landscape Area designation methodology. This recognises that an SLA may include small parts of the local landscape that do not display the same level of landscape importance. A detailed description of the Special Landscape Area designations can be found in Appendix 1, which provides a breakdown of the distinctive landscape features and characteristics within the SLA. (LDP paragraph 3.21 – HOVRA, 3.102 – NCC and 3.191 – SCC).”

MAC30 NH2 – Visually Important Local Landscapes – supporting text


“3.22 Visually Important Local Landscapes (VILLs) are non-statutory designations that seek to protect the

Paras 3.22 - 3.23, 3.103 - 3.104 & 3.193 - 3.194

N/A

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Appendices

distinctive features or characteristics of the visual and sensory landscape of the County Borough and how we perceive and respond to the landscape around us. VILLS have been identified using only the visual and sensory layer of LANDMAP. (LDP Paragraph 3.22 – HOVRA, 3.103 – NCC and 3.193 – SCC)

3.23 Development will only be permitted where it conserves and, where appropriate, enhances the distinctive visual and sensory landscape features or characteristics of the VILL. Development proposals should demonstrate that these features of the visual and sensory LANDMAP aspect layer are conserved and, where appropriate enhanced for the benefit of the visual landscape. A detailed description of the VILL designations can be found in Appendix 2, which provides a breakdown of the distinctive visual and sensory landscape features and characteristics within the VILL. (LDP Paragraph 3.23 – HOVRA, 3.104 – NCC, 3.194 – SCC).”

MAC31 NH3 – Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation


“NH3 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation are identified and will be protected at the following locations:

NH3XX (To be completed as per the strategy area)

3.24 Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) are an important biodiversity resource covering significant areas of priority habitats and

Paras 3.24 - 3.26, 3.105 - 3.107 & 3.195 - 3.197

N/A

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Appendices

species. Designations should be based on objective scientific criteria to accord with the (developing) Wales wide guidelines. This policy applies to all sites that meet the criteria for designation.

3.25 Development will normally be permitted where it would not cause unacceptable harm to the features of the SINC. Where harm is unavoidable it should be minimised by effective mitigation measures to ensure that there is no reduction in the overall nature conservation value of the area or feature. Where this is not possible, compensation measures designed to conserve, enhance and manage locally distinctive natural habitats and species should be provided, including for example details of restoration and reclamation schemes. A description of the Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation can be found in Appendix 4.”

MAC32 WM1.1 – Cwmbargoed Waste Facilities Site & supporting text & Appendix 6

Propose that the potential wording of WM1.1, Paragraph 3.27 and Appendix 6 – Page A6.1 be amended as follows:

Propose that Policy WM1.1 be re-worded to read:

“MINERALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT HANDLING FACILITY

Specific Minerals and Waste Handling Site

MW 1 A railhead site is identified as suitable for minerals handling and despatch and rail transport-related waste management facilities, as follows:

MW 1.1 Cwmbargoed Disposal Point, northwest of Fochriw “

Propose that Paragraph 3.27 be re-worded to read:

WM1.1 & Para 3.27

6 (A6.1)

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POLICY / OTHER


Appendices

“3.27 The Cwmbargoed Disposal Point complex straddles the boundary of Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil County Boroughs. The majority of the site lying within Caerphilly County Borough is used for the preparation and despatch of coal. Other appropriate employment activities relying on the railhead facility and satisfying the sustainability principles of the Plan, for example waste management facilities and aggregates handling and despatch, would be acceptable. A detailed description of this site can be found in Appendix 6.”

Propose that Appendix 6 Page A6.1 be amended to read:

“MINERALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT HANDLING FACILITIES – SITE DESCRIPTION

Specific Minerals and Waste Handling Site MW1 A railhead site is identified

as suitable for minerals handling and despatch and rail transport related waste management facilities, as follows:

MW1.1 Cwmbargoed Disposal Point, northwest of Fochriw

Cwmbargoed Disposal Point is an existing industrial installation primarily used for the preparation and dispatch of coal by road and rail. It currently handles all the coal from the adjoining Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme and includes amongst other things staff accommodation, welfare and car parking facilities ancillary to the scheme. As such, it is considered to be a brownfield site for the purposes of the proposed allocation. The site complex continues into Merthyr Tydfil CBC area in two small parcels. It lies on

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POLICY / OTHER


Appendices

the edge of the Ffos-y-Fran Land Reclamation Scheme and has direct access to the rail network. The coal disposal point has its own railhead and other associated industrial / mineral land uses have been accommodated in the past. Aggregate handling and despatch, rail transport-related waste management facilities and other appropriate employment activities relying on the rail head facility and satisfying the sustainability principles of the Plan, would be acceptable land uses on this site. A tiny sliver of land within the allocated site has been identified as a SINC. Any future proposals should have regard to the presence of the SINC and provide sufficient mitigation in terms of any likely impact on this part of the site.”

MAC33 New Policy XX Coal Buffer Zone – Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area

Propose that a new policy be included within Section C – Area Specific Policies HOVRA as follows:

“Coal Buffer Zone – Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area

A 500m Buffer zone is identified around the Ffos Y Fran Open Cast Coal Site.”

NB: Corresponding amendments to the Proposals Map will need to be made.

MNX N/A

MAC34 TR7.1 – New Roads to Facilitate Development & supporting text

Propose that Policy TR7.1 be deleted and Paragraphs 3.66, 3.67 and 3.68 be replaced with the following:

3.66 It has always been the council’s view that a Relief Road, which alleviates the highway issues at the Bedwellty Lights junction in Aberbargoed, is desirable and should be pursued. This proposal has been identified in previous development plans, as the Bedwellty Relief Road, and the council remains committed to bringing forward the scheme. However, concerns in respect of the deliverability of the proposal during the plan period have precluded the allocation of

TR7.1 & Paras 3.66 – 3.68

15 (A15.2) 20 (A20.8)

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POLICY / OTHER


Appendices

the scheme in the LDP.

3.67 Planning permission was granted in February 2009 for housing development on the LDP housing allocation site HG1.16 - Bedwellty Road. The development on this site provides the eastern part of the Bedwellty Relief Road. However as part of that permission it would be unreasonable to expect the development to provide the full extent of the Relief Road scheme and the council will need to identify funding to provide the remaining section.

3.68 The specific route alignment for the remaining section of the Relief Road has yet to be considered in detail. The council remains committed to progressing the full scheme and will undertake the necessary detailed investigative and feasibility work required for the identification of the specific alignment and cost of the remaining section of the road. The council will also identify and pursue opportunities for securing funding to facilitate the provision of the remaining section of the road during the LDP plan period.

NB: Corresponding amendments to the Proposals Map will need to be made.

SECTION C – AREA SPECIFIC POLICIES - NCC MAC35 MN1 – Quarry

Buffer Zones As a consequence of MAC24, it is proposed that Policy MN1 be amended to be entitled ‘Mineral Buffer Zones’ with the following inclusions proposed in italic, to read:

“Mineral Buffer Zones – Northern Connections Corridor

MN1 Buffer Zones are identified around the following quarries:

MN1.1 Bryn Quarry - Active MN1.2 Hafod Fach Quarry -

MN1 NCC & MN1 SCC

N/A

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POLICY / OTHER


Appendices

Active MN1.3 Gelligaer Quarry – Active MN1.x Caerllwyn Quarry – Dormant MN1.xx Darren Felin Farm Gravel Pit - Dormant

Mineral Buffer Zones – Southern Connections Corridor

MN1 Buffer Zones are identified around the following quarries:

MN1.4 Machen Quarry – Active MN1.5 Cefn Onn Quarry –

Dormant MN1.6 Cwmleyshon Quarry –

Inactive MN1.7 Blaengwynlais Quarry –

Inactive MN1.xxx Pontymister Quarry –

Dormant”

NOTE: Corresponding amendments to the Proposals Map will need to be made.

MAC36 HG1.35 – Penallta Colliery

Propose that the number of dwellings to be accommodated on the Penallta Colliery Site and the area of the site is amended as follows:

Site Name Settlement Units Size (Ha)

HG1.35 Ystrad 689 27.18 Penallta Mynach ha Colliery+

This change has a consequential affect on Appendix 7 (A7.14), which should be amended to read: “The site forms part of the Penallta Colliery complex, which has now been reclaimed.

The site was granted full planning consent in 2003 for a mixed–use development incorporating 580 dwellings, including the conversion of the listed pithead buildings on the site. The masterplan for the site also identifies the provision of a primary school, playing pitch and commercial use.

In line with the conditions of the planning consent, details of the siting, design and external appearance have been submitted to the local authority for approval as phases of the scheme have progressed. On the basis of this

HG1 NCC 7 (A7.14)

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POLICY / OTHER


Appendices

detail submitted it is apparent that the number of dwellings likely to be delivered on this site within the Plan period will far exceed that anticipated in the masterplan. There is therefore a realistic prospect that the site will deliver in the region of 825 units in total, across the new build and listed building conversion schemes.

As of the base date of the 1st April 2007 Joint Housing Land Availability Study, the first phase of the development comprising 136 dwellings had been completed, resulting in a residual 689 units to be constructed in the period 2007-2021”

NB: The amendment of the site area requires a consequential amendment to the proposals map, please cross-refer to MAC47.

MAC37 Para 3.143 Propose that the final sentence of Paragraph 3.143 is amended to read:

“These areas are also used for walking and cycling, and where they are close to the National Cycle Path Network they offer areas for informal enjoyment for cyclists passing through the area”

Para 3.143 N/A

MAC38 Para 3.147 Amend final sentence of paragraph 3.147 to read:

“The indicative alignments on the Proposals Map, therefore, are not prescriptive.”

Para 3.147 N/A

SECTION C – AREA SPECIFIC POLICIES - SCC MAC39 Para 3.229 Propose that the final sentence of

Paragraph 3.229 is amended to read:

“The colliery spoil tips to the north of the colliery site are proposed for a country park in the longer term”

Para 3.229 N/A

MAC40 Policy TR9 Propose that the text of policy TR9 be amended to read as follows:

“Land will be safeguarded to the southeast of Caerphilly town to prevent development that would prejudice the possible future construction of a Caerphilly Southeast Bypass.”

Policy TR9 N/A

APPENDICES MAC41 Appendix 1 –

Special Amend Appendix 1 to include LANDMAP descriptions for all aspect layers including

1 (A1.1 – A1.14)

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POLICY / OTHER


Appendices

Landscape Areas

Historical Landscapes (this information was unavailable at time of the preparation of the Deposit Plan as Countryside Council for Wales were quality assuring the data).

NB: Appendix 1 is attached as an appendix to the Schedule due to the number of change.

MAC42 Appendix 7 - HG1.22 Park Estate, Bargoed

Propose that the relevant paragraph of the HG1.22 housing site description contained within Appendix 7, be amended to make reference to the Taraggan Project, which occupies the former school site that lies to the north east of the allocated site. The Taraggan site lies outside the site allocated under HG1.22. However it is important that the proposed development respects the presence of the Taraggan project and provides a layout conducive to its continued, and potential expanded, operation. The housing site description for the site, contained in Appendix 7, could be amended to take this into account, and include the following text:

“The Taraggan Project, a community based organic allotment and education facility, adjoins the north-eastern corner of the housing allocation. Care will need to be taken that the layout of the proposed development takes appropriate account of the Taraggan project to ensure its continued operation, and accommodate some limited expansion if required.”

N/A 7 (A7.9)

MAC43 Appendix 7 - HG1.53 Pen-y-Cwarel Road, Wyllie

Propose that the relevant paragraph of the HG1.53 housing site description contained within Appendix 7, be amended to reflect an error and to this end it is suggested that the relevant paragraph of the housing site description be reworded to reflect the current situation as follows:

“the site could be accessed from either the south of the site off Pen-y-cwarel Road, subject to the provision of footways or off the northern edge of the site from the Avenue, although additional land would need to be acquired”

N/A 7 (A7.20)

MAC44 Appendix 19 - Monitoring Framework

Propose that the monitoring framework tables be added to the end of Appendix 19.

N/A 19

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POLICY / OTHER


Appendices

PROPOSALS MAP MAC45 NH1.1 Propose that a change is made to the

boundary of Special Landscape Area NH1.1 Upper Rhymney Valley.

N/A N/A

MAC46 NH2.1 Propose that a change is made to the boundary of VILL designation NH2.1 Northern Rhymney Valley.

N/A N/A

MAC47 Land adjoining Aberbargoed Tip

Propose that a settlement boundary change be made in this location to provide a more defensible boundary.

N/A N/A

MAC48 EM1.12, EM2.18 & HG1.35

Propose that the following amendments are made to the Proposals Maps to rectify a drafting error:

amend the proposals map to delete the employment allocation EM1.12 from allocation HG1.35.

land to the north of the land currently identified as EM1.12 which lies within the boundary of EM2.18, should be shown as EM1.12 as the extension area for Penallta. The site area for this piece of land is 1.6ha as indicated in the Written Statement

amend the boundary of EM2.18 to exclude 1.6ha of land which should have been designated as EM1.12

N/A N/A

MAC49 Gellideg Heights, Maesycwmmer

Propose that the settlement boundary and the boundary of green wedge allocation SI1.16 are amended to reflect a 2009 Appeal decision (Appeal Reference: App/K6920/A/082092651).

N/A N/A

MAC50 TR1 Propose that the delineation of all cycleways under policy TR1 be changed from a dashed line to a dotted line and the legend "Cycleways TR1" be amended to read "Cycleways TR1 - indicative alignment".

N/A N/A

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- 31 -

APPENDIX 1 -

MAPS ILLUSTRATING MATTERS ARISING CHANGES

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- 33 -

MAC32 - MW1.1 – CWMBARGOED WASTE FACILITIES SITE

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MAC33 – COAL BUFFER ZONE– MNX

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MAC35 – NEW MINERAL BUFFER ZONES – MN1.x CAERLLWYN QUARRY

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MAC35 – NEW MINERAL BUFFER ZONES – MN1.xx DARREN FELIN FARM GRAVEL PIT

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MAC35 – NEW MINERAL BUFFER ZONES – MN1.xxx PONTYMISTER QUARRY

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MAC45 – AMEND BOUNDARY OF SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREA DESIGNATION NH1.1 UPPER RHYMNEY VALLEY

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MAC46 – AMEND BOUNDARY OF VISUALLY IMPORTANT LOCAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNATION NH2.1 NORTHERN RHYMNEY VALLEY

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MAC47 - SETTLEMENT BOUNDARY CHANGE – LAND ADJOINING ABERBARGOED TIP, ABERBARGOED

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MAC48 - PROPOSALS MAP: AMEND BOUNDARIES OF EMPLOYMENT ALLOCATIONS EM1.12 & EM2.18 AND HG1.35 PENALLTA COLLIERY

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MAC49 - SETTLEMENT BOUNDARY & GREEN WEDGE BOUNDARY CHANGE – GELLIDEG HEIGHTS, MAESYCWMMER

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MAC50 – AMENDMENT TO TR1 CYCLEWAYS

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APPENDIX 2 MAC36 - Change in Housing Units on HG1.35 Penallta Colliery, Ystrad Mynach Penallta Colliery was granted full planning consent in 2003 for a mixed–use development incorporating 580 dwellings, including the conversion of the listed pithead buildings on the site. The masterplan for the site also identifies the provision of a primary school, playing pitch and commercial use. In line with the conditions of the planning consent, details of the siting, design and external appearance have been submitted to the local authority for approval as phases of the scheme have progressed. On the basis of this detail submitted it is apparent that the number of dwellings likely to be delivered on this site within the plan period will far exceed that anticipated in the masterplan. There is therefore a realistic prospect that the site will deliver in the region of 825 units in total, across the new build and listed building conversion schemes. The table below provides an indication of the number of units proposed in each of the phases of development. As of the 1st April 2007 Joint Housing Land Avilability Study, the first phase of development (Phase 1a - 136 units) had been completed by Redrow, resulting in a residual 689 units to be constructed in the period 2007-2021. A breakdown of the number of units proposed in each phase of development is set out within Table 1. The table has been derived from information provided by the developers of the new build site (Redrow and St James Parade) and the listed building development (Pinecraven Developments). In respect of the Redrow development, phases 1 and 2 have been submitted to the Council for approval. The figures for phase 3 reflect the number of units anticipated by the developer for the remainder of the site based on the development densities of phase 2 of the scheme. The listed building development was granted listed building consent in 2007 (06/0562/LBC). The table indicates the number of units proposed as part of the conversion of each of the listed buildings.

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Table 1 – breakdown of units by phase New build development Number of dwellings Phase 1a actual 136 Phase 1b actual 67 Phase 1c actual 9 Phase 2a actual 49 Phase 2b St James Parade (for

United Welsh Housing Association)

55

Phase 2c as submitted 37 Phase 2d as submitted 32 Phase 2e as submitted 25 Phase 2f as submitted 22 Phase 3a St James Parade (max

figure in sale agreement)

50

Phases 3bcde interpolated balance figure based on the density of phases 2cde&f

155

Total (new build development) 637 Listed Buildings Number of dwellings Phase 1 (Great Engineering Building and Engineering Hall) 26 Phase 2 (Lamp House - 6 units, Bank House - 3 units, Bath House - 26 units, new build lower plateaux - 3 units) 38 Phases 3 and 4 (New Build Upper Plateau - 56 units) 56 Phase 5 (Great Powerhall - 48 units) 48 Phase 6 (New Engineering Buildings) 20 Total (listed buildings) 188 Total (new build development plus listed buildings) 825

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APPENDIX 3: MAC41 – AMENDMENTS TO APPENDIX 1 SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AREAS NH 1.1 UPPER RHYMNEY VALLEY Relevance against Strategic Criteria

Need

The area represents one of the most open upland areas within the County Borough, abutting the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The dualling of the A465 Heads of the Valleys has changed part of

the character of the area, and will increase development pressures with increased accessibility.

Whilst this has certain negative effects upon the quality of the

landscape it reinforces the need to ensure the quality of the remainder of the area is maintained.

In terms of landscape structure it forms the northern edge of the

coalfield and shows evidence of historic mine workings.

Coherence

The area covers the northern part of the Upper Rhymney Valley, primarily to the north of the A465 corridor.

It provides a distinctive upland landscape unit, formed primarily by

the boundaries of adjacent local authorities.

It abuts the Brecon Beacons National Park and forms a natural buffer zone to further protect the Park’s nationally important landscape character and quality.

Consensus

It relates very closely to an existing SLA designated under the Rhymney Valley Landscape Strategy.

Professional stakeholders supported designation.

Primary Landscape Qualities and Features

Cultural Landscapes

It is a simple, open landscape with a number of recent regeneration projects in the area, primarily in the form of the improved A465 corridor, which has both increased in scale and size.

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An important example of industrial heritage, with areas of

reclaimed land and spoil tips.

There are examples of various historic and contemporary human occupation and exploitation in the form of prehistoric monuments, redundant industrial workings and transport systems.

Landscape Habitats

Despite largish areas of improved grassland being present there are also large areas of valuable grassland present. There is a good mixture of marshy, neutral and acid grasslands. Areas of semi-improved and unimproved grassland are fragmented within the wider improved grassland landscape. Uniform improved grassland is present resulting from reclamation of former mine workings.

Upland river corridor and enclosed upland pasture. Also riparian

woodland/scrub.

Geological Landscape

It exhibits the results of glaciation and forms the northern edge of the Pennant sandstone outcrop that underpins the South Wales coalfield. With broad, moderately steep-sided valleys controlled by South-dipping mud-dominated Coal Measures (Upper Carboniferous). Valley floor contains alluvium & glacial sand/gravel.

Numerous derelict mine workings, shafts, adits, colliery waste tips

& partially reclaimed opencast workings present within and immediatley adjoining the landscape, which gives it a particularly industrial feel and character.

Visual and Sensory

Strong visual links with the Brecon Beacons. Views of the upland area are extensive and very open with minimal

field boundaries and patterns. Adjacent upland areas dominate views into the landscape.

Strong underlying feel of industrial past. Industrial remnants

include old railway sidings and earthworks.

Overhead pylons are visual detractors, and the A465 has both noise and movement impacts.

Area is currently predominantly used as rough grazing and

agriculture.

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Historical Landscapes

An extensive area of unenclosed open moorland, forming the

easternmost outline of Merthyr Common, which has remained relatively, unchanged since the 19th Century, in spite of encroachment by industrial extraction activity, in particular lime and ironstone quarries.

The area contains numerous water management features

that form part of the extensive remains of Dowlais Free Drainage System. There are also quarries associated with the Dowlais Ironworks, which together with the water management features represent a significant concentration of 19th Century industrial water-management features of considerable historical importance.

Key Policy, Management and Development Control Issues

Long Term

Future development proposals should not see the loss of any historic environment or geological or geomorphological features present within the landscape.

Undertake mine spoil and post industrial land reclamation schemes

where necessary and in circumstances where it will benefit the overall landscape. The significant historic and cultural aspects of the landscape should not be lost as a result of a reclamation scheme.

Encourage appropriate management of notable habitats - Ensure

areas of semi-improved, acid and marshy grassland are not degraded to improved grassland.

Encourage sympathetic landscape management practice including

removing Japanese Knotweed - Implement a Japanese knotweed strategy.

Protect elements of Dowlais Free Drainage water

management system.

Medium Term

Prevent further loss of overall landscape quality and character on the settlement edge as a result of development. The settlement edges are sensitive and due care and consideration needs to be given to the wider landscape setting and character when making these development decisions.

Minimise the visual and noise detractors in the landscape, including

light pollution from the introduction of road lighting and additional large scale features such as pylons and wind turbines.

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Encourage reduced grazing - Stock grazing will prevent the

grassland from reaching higher levels of ecological value. Possibly introduce the Tir Gofal scheme or current equivalent to the area. Prevent the further fragmentation of grasslands within the wider improved grassland landscape.

Restore to natural landscape, maximising natural regeneration and

removing industrial debris. Immediate

Prevent Continued degradation of habitats and landscape features through appropriate management and development decisions.

Minimise and remove visual landscape degradation including fly

tipping, burnt/ dumped cars, littering and illegal off roading. NH 1.2 GELLIGAER COMMON Relevance against Strategic Criteria

Need

The core of the area - Gelligaer Common - represents an important and increasingly rare upland landscape within southeast Wales exhibiting continuity of land use over many centuries. This is reflected in the archaeological remains from pre Roman times.

The area offers extensive opportunities for recreation and access

although there are signs of degradation and loss of quality through fly tipping and litter in general.

The surrounding, more lowland areas above Penpedairheol,

Bargoed and Deri form both physical and visual buffer zones to the core SLA.

Coherence

The area is based upon a distinct, upland landscape unit.

The western boundary is formed by the boundary with Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council, along Cefn Gelligaer.

The other buffer zones are included to establish appropriate,

defensible boundaries and reflect the inter-visibility between the two landscape units.

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Consensus

It relates closely to an existing SLA designated under the Rhymney Valley Landscape Strategy.

Professional Stakeholders have supported the designation.


Cultural Landscapes

The Area is Included in the Register of Special Historic Interest in

Wales.

Gelligaer Common represents a rich and increasingly rare upland landscape in South-east Wales, having numerous distinct foci of settlement representing continuity of land use from the prehistoric period to the recent past. The area includes: Bronze Age funerary and ritual monuments, a Roman fort and associated features including a Roman road and military practice camps; a mediaeval earthwork castle and a significant concentration of mediaeval platform houses which include some of the first examples of the type to be archaeologically investigated in Wales.

Upland valley with mix of past industrial remains and relics of local

cultural importance.

Landscape Habitats

Designated as common land, the majority of the area exhibits typical upland heath vegetation.

Unenclosed uplands comprising of unimproved acid grassland, wet

dwarf shrub heath, wet heath/ acid grassland mosaic flushes, open water, bracken, ephemeral/short perennials on spoil. Many of the fields are improved grassland.

Small field pattern, hedgerows with mature trees & patches of

broadleaved woodland present, particularly in the south of the SLA. Japanese knotweed present.

There are a number of vegetation lined minor streams.


Physically it is a characteristic glaciated upland landscape and includes, at its southern end, part of the fault bounded ‘col’, formed by glacial melt waters and linking the Taf and Rhymney Valleys. Today, this is used by the cross-valley B4254 road. Steep-sided valleys cut into South Wales Pennant Formation sandstones (Upper Carboniferous).

Valley floor contains alluvium & glacial sand/gravel; boulder clay in

the form of hummocky moraine.

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Visual and Sensory

An open, extensive, exposed and an increasingly rare upland landscape in southeast Wales. It has distinct visual and sensory characteristics with extensive views over the coalfield plateau and up to the Brecon Beacons. Rock outcrops impart a strong upland character tempered by urban presence to south of area. Dramatic views all around with stonewalls being the predominant boundary treatment.

The landscape exhibits numerous examples of continuity of land use

from prehistoric times, rough grazing and bracken and scattered rural farms. Sheep & horses grazing present throughout the whole of the area.

The eastern flank of the SLA is typified by more rolling landscape

pattern interspersed with woodland blocks, spinneys and hedgerows.

Wind noise is a dominant factor, which evokes particular experience

of exposure and wildness. Noise & movement is more noticeable within a generally quiet landscape.


The landscape of Gelligaer common represents an increasingly rare survival in Southeast Wales of an extensive area of high upland moor rich with an exceptionally rich and diverse archaeological heritage, demonstrating a long continuity of human activity and occupation.

The lower areas are characterised by extensive, well

preserved irregular and enclosed upland landscape, dominated by significant remains of medieval/ post-medieval agricultural settlement and later 19th – 20th century industrial extractive activity.


Long Term

The landscape's cultural attributes are relatively unspoiled - The whole area should be protected from inappropriate development and encroachment. Keep open feel to the area, with the lowland landscape area acting as a buffer zone for the upland common.

Future development proposals should not see the loss of any

historic environment or geological or geomorphological features present within the landscape. A wealth of archaeology from all periods, especially the Industrial/Modern period is present and should be protected.

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Ensure that valuable habitats are not lost and notable habitats are

appropriately managed - Investigate condition of habitats.

Medium Term

Encourage reduced grazing - Stock grazing will prevent the grassland from reaching higher levels of ecological value. Possibly introduce the Tir Gofal scheme or current equivalent to the area. Prevent habitat fragmentation between grassland types.

Development proposals should not see the removal of the

characteristic stonewalls and hedgerows. The continued conservation, maintenance and enhancement of these features are required as part of the development process.

Restrict urban spread and soften the urban edges.

Control bracken spread

Immediate

Undertake land reclamation where considered appropriate, including post-industrial land uses.

Prevent the loss of upland habitats.

Minimise and remove visual landscape degradation including fly tipping, burnt/ dumped cars, littering and illegal off roading.

Improve public access including long distance paths and loops and

links networks.

Remove Japanese Knotweed – implement a knotweed strategy.

NH 1.3 MYNYDD EGLWYSILIAN Relevance against Strategic Criteria

Need

The area, whilst consisting of two distinct landscape types – open uplands and lowlands – represents an important landscape unit adjacent to the populated Rhymney Valley in the east and the Cynon Valley to the west.

This provides a wider landscape setting and context for the

settlements of Nelson, Ystrad Mynach, Llanbradach, north Caerphilly / Bedwas, Abertridwr and Senghenydd.

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Coherence

The boundaries reflect a coherent landscape unit abutting Rhondda Cynon Taf to the west and settlement boundaries to the remainder of its area.

The two landscape types have an intervisibility that justifies their

inclusion in one SLA and form the visual context for settlements in and around the area.

Consensus

Equates partially with a landscape area identified in the Rhymney Valley Landscape Strategy.


Cultural Landscapes

This is a multi-period landscape, with emphasis on 19th and 20th century development as industrial and residential communities emerged in the immediate and surrounding areas. Some evidence of historic and contemporary human occupation and exploitation in the form of prehistoric monuments, redundant industrial workings and transport systems is present throughout the area.

Landscape Habitats

Agriculturally improved grassland with patches of broadleaved woodlands and bracken. Both upland and lowland areas are heavily grazed. This is preventing the spread of bracken, but is also preventing the improved grassland areas from increasing in ecological value.

Semi-improved grassland, marshy grassland and flushes, dry

heath/ acid grassland mosaic and areas of blanket mire occur throughout the SLA.

Significant features found within the SLA include; ponds, hedgerows

with mature tree species, unimproved acid grasslands, marshy grassland, bracken, European Protected Species, UK protected species and LBAP priority species and habitats.


Glacial mountain valley. Southerly Valley dissected through Pennant sandstones (Upper Carboniferous) extensively filled with drift. Glacial sand/gravel in lower valley, with eskers at Abertridwr.

Major colliery tips, some restored & several closed mine shafts.

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Visual and Sensory

This is not a remote landscape due to the proximity of the valleys to their associated urban areas. The upland ridge is open with panoramic and sometimes dramatic views over upland and adjoining valleys. A pleasant landscape, with some attractive rolling farmland away from the built form of urban edges.

Land cover is predominately rough grazing with bracken. There is a

mixture of boundary treatments across the SLA. Rolling farmland hedgerows and stock proof fencing are the predominant boundary treatments, although there are some traditional stonewalls present.

Some visual clutter of pylons slightly detracts from this otherwise

wild/exposed typical upland area with a strong sense of place.


The area represents a remarkably coherent, rich multi-period, well preserved landscape with significant remains of Roman military occupation.

The overall landscape pattern characterised by a mixed

fieldscape and a largely dispersed pattern of settlement that has survived relatively unchanged. Although there has been some encroachment by 20th century housing development.

The archaeological record for this area is exceptionally rich

with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age.

The Nelson area is dominated by the 20th Century industrial

settlement and transport corridor and developments, which has lead to the substantial loss of earlier patterns of landscape and settlement in this area. However, there is still significant evidence for Roman and medieval occupation in this area.

The Mynydd Eglwysilian and Meio areas represent an

important and remarkably well-preserved historic landscape containing a wealth of archaeological evidence. The area is an extensive enclosed area of mountain moorland that has remained substantially intact and unaffected by 19th – 20th Century industrial exploitation or modern forestry plantations.


Long Term

Future development proposals should not see the loss of any historic environment or geological or geomorphological features

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present within the landscape. A wealth of archaeology from all periods, especially the Industrial/Modern period is present and should be protected.

Care should be taken not to subsume past cultural attributes

beneath pressures for expansion and regeneration - Plan and allow expansion compatible with the ability of the area to contain such pressures.

Prevent the area becoming to cluttered with incongruous vertical elements, including pylons and turbines.

Prevent the loss of habitats, both upland and lowland which contribute to the character of the area - Ensure that valuable habitats are not lost.

Longer term management of forestry plantations around Llanbradach with consequent effect upon visual qualities of the landscape.

Medium Term

Hedgerows and stonewalls should be protected, maintained andenhanced.

Restrict urban spread in to the countryside and soften the existingurban edge.

Encourage reduced grazing - Stock grazing will prevent the grassland from reaching higher levels of ecological value. Possibly introduce the Tir Gofal scheme or current equivalent to the area. Prevent habitat fragmentation between grassland types.

Immediate

Encourage the reduction of grazing in the most sensitive landscape habitat areas and increase grazing in areas dominated by bracken to reduce the spread.

Investigate the condition of habitats and implement management plans where appropriate.


NH 1.4 NORTH CAERPHILLY Relevance against Strategic Criteria

Need

The area represents a substantial area of the middle Rhymney

- 57 -

valley landscape, almost totally surrounded by developed valley floors.

It is important for public access and recreation, and links into the

wider recreational network.

Although more lowland in character, it provides an important visual context and setting to the settlement along the valley floor.

Coherence

The boundaries reflect an almost entirely intact landscape unit. The eastern boundary along the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk

provides on obvious line forming the watershed between the Rhymney and Sirhowy Valleys. The latter of the two landscape areas having a totally different character and form, being densely planted and narrow.

Consensus

Relates closely to an existing SLA defined in the Rhymney Valley Landscape Strategy.

Professional stakeholders have supported the designation.


Cultural Landscapes

Agriculture, forestry and rural settlements and practices are the predominant cultural influences on this area.

Evidence of historic and contemporary human occupation and

exploitation in the form of prehistoric monuments, redundant industrial workings and transport systems, and of forestry.

The area is traversed by a number of rights of way, with the

Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk long distance path forming its northern boundary, being important for public access and recreational use.

Landscape Habitats

The following are all resent within the SLA; Improved grassland with patchy broadleaved woodland that includes upland Ash, Oak, Birch ancient woodland with diverse ground flora, semi-improved neutral grassland, semi-improved acid grassland, marshy grassland and bracken. Conifer plantation.. Beech is associated with hedges.

Significant features include; European Protected Species, UK

protected species, LBAP species and habitats.

- 58 -


Steep-sided U shaped valley cut into South Wales Pennant (Upper Carboniferous) sandstones. Glacial sands & gravels. & boulder clay all present. Glacial sands & gravels. & boulder clay all present.

There are areas of derelict and reclaimed land associated with

former mining and quarrying industries.

Visual and Sensory

It is a relatively gentle, rolling valley side, rising up to Mynydd y Grug. Much of the area looks down on to Caerphilly and across the Rhymney Valley giving it an open feel. Views from the countryside out onto urban areas and carboniferous plantations can detract from the value of the area. Towards the south east of the SLA near Machen the slopes are steeper and more wooded resulting in a more enclosed and upland feel which dominate the landscape.

The lower valley sides are characterised by a mosaic landscape habitats of rough pasture, semi improved grassland interspersed with hedgerows, hedgerow trees and small spinneys.

The landform is a mix of pastoral farmland in field enclosures, woodland blocks, both broadleaved and coniferous plantation all exhibiting features typical of the former coalfield valleys. Also present is Bracken, which dominates the steeper/higher slopes in areas such as Mynydd Dimlaith.

A mixture of boundary treatments are present across the SLA, although these are, in general, currently poorly managed and of varying quality.


This area represents a remarkably diverse multi-period upland landscape with particularly significant concentrations of prehistoric ritual/ funerary monuments and medieval settlement sites.

The landscape has remained essentially unchanged,

although the semi-natural woodland along the Sirhowy has been increasingly superseded by modern forestry plantation.


Long Term

Future development proposals should not see the loss of any historic environment or geological or geomorphological features

- 59 -

present within the landscape. A wealth of archaeology from all periods, especially the Industrial/Modern period is present and should be protected.

Manage woodlands and plantations and their effect upon the visual

characteristics of the landscape by looking at ways of softening edges of coniferous plantations with broadleaved planting and improving ecological value – Implement a forestry management plan.

Development proposals should not see the removal of the characteristic stonewalls and hedgerows. The continued conservation, maintenance and enhancement of these features are required as part of the development process. All management plans and regimes should also make provision for the preservation and enhancement of existing boundary treatments.

Medium Term

Prevent and positively manage the degradation of landscape habitats and quality associated with public access areas and corridors. Potential to enhance management of public rights of way network.

The whole area should be protected from inappropriate

development and encroachment into the countryside and SLA area. Restrict the loss of character along settlement edge in response to development pressures.

Immediate


Encourage the reduction of grazing in the most sensitive landscape

habitat areas and increase grazing in areas dominated by bracken to reduce the spread.

NH 1.5 SOUTH CAERPHILLY Relevance against Strategic Criteria

Need

The SLA forms an important buffer zone between Caerphilly and the M4 corridor to the south. It also forms the visual context and setting for the historic town of Caerphilly.

Its mixture of upland and lowland character, plantations and rights

- 60 -

of way networks provide an important recreational feature in the area. Its topography reflects the underlying geology of being on the southern boundary of the coalfield valleys.

It contains a number of important habitats.

Coherence

The boundary reflects the proximity of the LANDMAP aspect areas to the Borough boundary with Cardiff to the south.

The Northern boundaries adjacent to Caerphilly and the River

Rhymney establish an important buffer zone for the upland core of Caerphilly Mountain and Mynydd Rudry.

Consensus

This largely equates to a SLA defined in the Rhymney Valley landscape strategy.


Cultural Landscapes

Caerphilly Mountain is common land, and together with key sites and the interlinking network of paths and bridleways forms an important recreational area to the people in the Rhymney Valley to the north and greater Cardiff to the south.

Landscape Habitats

The area has a range of landscape habitat types from upland heath and moorland, through to plantation and broadleaved woodlands down to lowland mosaics of grassland, hedgerows, spinneys and arable farmland.

The SLA has a range of habitats including areas of bracken, dry

heath, amenity/ improved grassland, acid grassland, semi-improved grassland, small areas of calcareous grasslands and woodland (oak/ash). A range of species are present within the SLA including European Protected Species, UK Protected Species and LBAP species.

Significant hedgerows are present throughout the entire SLA with

the presence of mature tree specimens supported by these hedgerows. A few poorly maintained stonewalls are present, these are predominantly on the common land.


The area comprises a sandstone ridge with scarp slope across a dissected plain of Old Devonian Red Sandstone, and carboniferous limestone ridge with evidence of past coal and mineral extraction

- 61 -

within the area. Evidence of derelict coal mine sites and associated spoil tips and

some evidence of ancient landslips.

Visual and Sensory

A wide valley that gently slopes upwards to the south. The steepness of the slope increases as the land rises up to areas such as Caerphilly and Rudry Common. The dominant views are across the valley and down into the valley with the settlements, predominantly Caerphilly, being the focal points.

The land is a mix of pastoral farmland on the lower and gentle

slopes with coniferous woodland dominating the higher areas. Scattered rural buildings and farms are the primary settlement pattern.

There is a mixture of boundary treatments, although the

hedgerows, which often contain mature species of trees, are the most prominent. There are some stonewalls, but these are generally in poor condition.

The main visual detractor of this SLA is the coniferous plantations

that are out of place in the more lowland areas.


The landscape is a complex, multi-period landscape containing evidence of prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post-medieval occupation that has remained relatively unchanged, with little evidence of intrusion by 19th – 20th century industrial or residential development.

The predominant landscape pattern in this area is

characterised by a mixed fieldscape enclosing areas of open moorland interspersed with substantial tracts of ancient, semi-natural woodland and isolated and dispersed farmsteads.

Ruperra Castle and ground also falls within this area whish

is an outstanding example of national importance of an early Jacobean Renaissance mock castle, virtually unique in Wales.


Long Term

Future development proposals should not see the loss of any historic environment or geological or geomorphological features present within the landscape.

- 62 -

Reinstatement of broadleaved woodland, particularly around the

edges of the coniferous woodland areas. Reduce the dominance of the coniferous woodland in general.

Reduce the impact of recreational activity on habitats and

landscape quality. The area is heavily used for recreational purposes and management plans/ regimes need to reflect the sensitive landscape character.

Preserve the openness of higher ground through the development

process. Prevent any encroachment into the SLA or the countryside in general.

Medium Term

Reduce and effectively control development pressure along the settlement edge. All new development should be sited sensitively and seek to soften the generally well-defined urban edge.

Introduce additional stock grazing, especially on the common land

area to reduce and control the spread of bracken and scrub.

Preserve, maintain and enhance the existing hedgerows, banks and stonewalls as good examples of the typical boundary treatments in the SLA. Development proposals should seek to integrate these features into the overall design and where they are currently present, they should be preserved.

Immediate


Ensure that no more heath is lost to bracken and scrub.

NH 1.6 MYNYDDISLWYN Relevance against Strategic Criteria

Need

A small, but important open upland area surrounded by extensive plantations.

Its designation recognises the importance of open moorland features in this part of the Borough and the quality of its associated landscape habitats.

- 63 -

Coherence

Clearly defined landscape unit reflecting a distinctive pattern of landscape types.

Consensus

Reflects SLA defined in the Islwyn Landscape Strategy. Primary Landscape Qualities and Features

Cultural Landscapes

The area contains examples of historic and contemporary human occupation and exploitation in the form of prehistoric monuments, redundant industrial workings, transport systems and forestry.

Landscape Habitats

Significant habitats in the SLA include; coniferous woodland, semi natural broadleaved woodland, acid grassland, neutral grassland, marshy grassland, improved grassland, upland heathland, dry heath and bracken. Presence of ancient woodland on the higher slopes of the SLA.

Presence of European protected species, UK protected species,

LBAP species and habitats.

Hedgerows are the primary boundary treatment, with significant examples present throughout the SLA.

Stock grazing and tree felling are the main land management

activities.


Steep sided South Wales pennant (upper carboniferous) valleys with Boulder clay, glacial sands/ gravel and alluvium in valley floor.

Disused sandstone quarries, closed colliery shafts and waste tips

present.

Visual and Sensory

A relatively small, but distinct landscape unit formed by the open, upland ridge of Mynydd y Lan to the north of Cwmfelinfach and west of Abercarn. It represents a key open upland area in a fairly intensively developed part of the borough, which has not totally been given over to commercial forestry plantations, such as further east at Cwmcarn and Coed Medart.

The open ridge is surrounded on two sides by plantations covering

the steep valley sides, which form a distinctive backdrop to the

- 64 -

settlements on the valley floors.

It also includes the more enclosed agricultural area of Mynydd Islwyn, which is a mixture of rough pasture and grazing land.


A large and reasonably well-preserved irregular rural fieldscape of post-medieval date, which has survived largely intact in spite of encroachment by 20th Century quarrying activity.

Extensive 20th century quarrying activity along the Sirhowy

and Ebbw valley has taken place, which has ultimately distracted from the overall coherence of the landscape.

An extensive, relatively well-preserved tract of open

moorland is also present at Mynydd y Lan, which has remained largely intact, although much of the semi-natural woodland has been superseded by modern forestry and there is currently a modest record of archaeological remains recorded in this particular area.


Long Term

Future development proposals should not see the loss of any historic and cultural environment features or geological or geomorphological features present within the landscape.

Retain the open character of Mynydd y Lan. Prevent the loss and

degradation of farmed landscape e.g.: field boundaries, spinneys etc. Preserve and enhance hedgerows. Development proposals should seek to protect and positively integrate these features into all development proposals.

Felling and continued management regimes of the coniferous

woodland will open up area and increase the ecological value of the area. Seek to enlarge the ancient woodland and broadleaved woodland areas within the SLA.

Regenerate and/or reclaim the disused quarry areas and spoil tips.

Prevent and reduce habitat fragmentation through the protection of

the landscape as a whole and the protection of habitat linkages.

Medium Term

Encourage reduced grazing - Stock grazing will prevent the grassland from reaching higher levels of ecological value. Possibly introduce the Tir Gofal scheme or current equivalent to the area.

- 65 -

Prevent the area becoming to cluttered with incongruous vertical

elements, including pylons and turbines to protect the vulnerable open integrity of the area.

Immediate


Reduce and effectively control development pressure along the

settlement edge. All new development should be sited sensitively and seek to soften the generally well-defined urban edge.

Investigate the condition of notable habitats and implement

management plans where appropriate. Notable and/or vulnerable habitats should not be damaged as a result of development. Mitigation and/or compensation should be provided where damage is unavoidable.

- 66 -

- 67 -

APPENDIX 4: MAC44 – AMENDMENTS TO APPENDIX 19 MONITORING OF STRATEGIC POLICIES: TARGETS AND INDICATORS APPENDIX 19

Policy Target Indicators

SP1 Development Strategy in the Heads of the Valleys Area

Promote economic development

Reduce deprivation levels

% of population economically active

% of population in the 100 most deprived wards in Wales

SP2 Development Strategy in the Northern Connections Corridor

Reduce the need to travel Promote development of Oakdale

Changes in commuting levels

Take-up of employment land

SP3 Development Strategy in the Southern Connections Corridor

Maximise use of brownfield land within settlement limits

Reduce the need to travel

% of developments on brownfield land within settlement limits

Number of new developments with Travel Plans

SP4 Settlement Strategy Enhance the role & function of Principal Towns & Local Centres

% increase in footfall in retail centres % residents satisfied with their centre

SP5 Settlement Boundaries

Promote efficient use of urban land

% of developments within settlement boundaries

SP6 Place Making Creation of sustainable communities

% of development with Design Statements

SP7 Planning Obligations Secure contributions from developers towards required infrastructure

Total obligations negotiated with developers

SP9 Minerals Safeguarding

Safeguard nationally important mineral resources

Contribution of county borough to regional demand

SP11 Waste Management

Provide waste management facilities as required by the SE Wales Regional Waste Plan

% of waste management facilities required that are provided

SP12 Conservation of Natural Heritage

Conserve the natural heritage of the County Borough

Loss of features of the natural heritage

- 68 -


SP13 Countryside Recreation

Promote sustainable increase in use of countryside recreation facilities

Numbers of visitors to countryside recreation facilities

SP14 Development of the Valleys Regional Park

Promote developments that contribute to the Valleys Regional Park

Number of developments that contribute to the Valleys Regional Park

SP15 Leisure Centre within the Heads of the Valleys Area

Secure development of a leisure centre within the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area

Development of Leisure Centre in the HoV Regeneration Area

SP16 Total Housing Requirements

Secure construction of 8,625 new dwellings

Maintain 5-year housing land supply

Annual house-building rates

Amount of land available for housing development in next 5 years

SP17 Affordable Housing Target

Secure construction of 940 affordable dwellings through the planning system

Annual construction of affordable dwellings

SP18 Managing Employment Growth

Increase employment levels in the county borough

Provide sufficient land for all employment land needs

Annual estimates of employment levels

Annual rate of employment land take up

SP19 Promoting Commercial Development

Increase employment levels in commercial services

Provide sufficient land for commercial services employment

Annual estimates of employment levels in commercial services

Annual rate of commercial services employment land take up

SP20 Protection of Strategic Leisure Network

Maintain accessibility to public open space, natural green space, and recreational facilities

Loss of public open space, natural green space, and recreational facilities to developments

SP21 Transport Infrastructure Improvement

Improve the existing transport infrastructure to promote sustainable communities

Improvements in the transport infrastructure achieved

- 69 -


SP23 Road Hierarchy Ensure the efficient use of the highways network

Levels of congestion by road type

SP24 Parking Standards

Implementation of Parking Standards laid out in the CSS Wales Parking Standards 2008

Developments approved in accordance with new Parking Standards

SP25 Community, Leisure and Education Facilities

Creation of sustainable communities

Annual construction of new facilities

- 70 -

SP1 – Development Strategy HoV

Target Indicator Monitoring Aim Source Data Monitoring Target

Adoption 73%

2016 74%

Promote economic development

% of population economically active

Increase economically active population of those of working age to 75% or over

Statswales Annual Labour Market data http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=959

2021 75%

Trigger Points to Consider Review

Monitoring Factors Source Data Area

Base Leve

l

Trigger level

Unemployment Rate

Statswales Annual Claimant Counts http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=959

CCBC 2.9%

(2005) Rise to 15%

Total employment floorspace vacant

CCBC Annual Employment Land Survey

HoV Strategy

Area

16.3% (2006

Vacancy Level)

Rise to 30% or drop to

5%


Reduce deprivation levels

% of population in the 100 most deprived wards in Wales

Decrease in population in most deprived wards.

Welsh Index of Multiple

Deprivation 2021

10 % reduction in

%age population

in 100 most deprived wards

- 71 -


Monitoring Factors Source Data Area

Base Leve

l Trigger

level

New housing developed as a percentage of total housing stock

CCBC Joint Housing Land Availability Study

HoV 0%

2 consecutive years of no increase.

- 72 -

SP2 – Development Strategy NCC (1 of 2)


Adoption 44.65%

2016 42% Reduce the need to travel

Changes in commuting levels

Reduce out-commuting (as a percentage of total travel to work) by 10% points from the 2006 level (49.62%)

StatWales: Commuting Patterns in Wales by Authority http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=4891

2021 39%


Monitoring Factors Source Data Area Base Level

Trigger level

Job Density

Nomis –Caerphilly Local Authority Profile https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/2038432102/subreports/jd_time_series/report.aspx?

CCBC 0.55 Decrease

below 0.50

Out-Commuting as a percentage of total commuting in and out of the county borough.

StatWales: Detailed Commuting Patterns in Wales by Authority http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=4891

CCBC 38.4% (2006 level)

Increase over 50%

Out commuting as a percentage of total commuting of residents of the county borough.

StatWales: Detailed commuting Patterns in Wales by Authority http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=4891

CCBC 46.26% (2006 level)

Increase over 50%

- 73 -

SP2 – Development Strategy NCC (2 of 2)


Adoption None

2016 5%

Promote development of Oakdale

Take-up of employment land

Development of 20% of allocated land at Oakdale/Penyfan Industrial estates.

CCBC Planning Applications

2021 20%



Trigger level

Development of land allocated for employment use under policy EM1


NCC

16.3ha (Past trend

pro rata developme

nt rate)

No new development

for 5 consecutive

years

- 74 -

SP3 – Development Strategy SCC


Adoption 75%

2016 75%

Maximise use of brownfield land within settlement limits

% of developments on brownfield land within settlement limits

75% of development on brownfield land.


2021 75%



Trigger level

Percentage of total new development on brownfield land


SCC Not

Applicable Not

Applicable

Percentage of total new housing development on Brownfield land

CCBC Annual Joint Housing Land Availability Study

SCC 88% Decrease

below base level


Adoption None

Reduce the need to travel

Number of new developments with Travel Plans

All development generating large traffic movements to have adopted travel plans with sustainable transport measures.


2021 100%



Trigger level

Number of large traffic generating developments (defined in accordance with Annex D of TAN18) with agreed Travel Plans containing sustainable transport measures.


SCC 0

25% (cumulative in number)

without travel plan

- 75 -

SP4 – Settlement Strategy

Target Indicator Monitoring

Aim Source Data Monitoring

Target

Enhance the role & function of Principal Towns & Local Centres

% increase in footfall in retail centres

Increase of 10% in total footfall in retail centres compared to 2006 base level

CCBC Principal Town centre footfall counters.

2021 10% over 2006 base



Trigger level

Annual footfall in 3 of the principal town centres (information is only collected for Bargoed, Blackwood & Caerphilly centres)

CCBC Principal Town centre footfall counters.

Principal 3 Town centres

2006 counts

-10% on base level

20% Vacancy Rates in the 3 of the principal town centres (only Bargoed, Blackwood & Caerphilly)

CCBC Annual Town Centre Surveys


10%

5%



Target

Enhance the role & function of Principal Towns & Local Centres

% residents satisfied with their centre

Increase of 10% of people satisfied with their town centre.

CCBC Customer satisfaction surveys

2021 10% over 2006 base



Trigger level

% of residents satisfied with their town centres (only Bargoed, Blackwood & Caerphilly)

CCBC Customer Satisfaction Surveys


2006 levels

-10% on base level

Percentage of money spent in County Borough retail centres as a total of total spend

Mapinfo Sector Based Retail Expenditure Estimates

CCBC Conven-

ience Goods

2006 expenditur

e levels (84%)

75%

- 76 -

CCBC Non-Bulky Goods

2006 expenditur

e levels (30%)

25%

CCBC Bulky Goods

2006 expenditur

e levels (31%)

25%

- 77 -

SP5 - Settlement Boundaries


Aim Source Data Monitoring Target

Adoption 100% Promote efficient use of urban land

% of developments within settlement boundaries

100% urban forms of development within settlement boundaries

CCBC Planning Applications 2021

100% (cumulativ

e)



Trigger level

5% Number of applications for urban forms of development (as defined by criterion D, Policy CW17) located outside of settlement boundaries either approved by CCBC or allowed on appeal

CCBC Planning Applications and Appeals

CCBC 0 Positive

results for 3 or more

consecutive years.

- 78 -

SP6 - Place Making

Target Indicator Monitoring Aim

Source Data

Monitoring Target

Adoption 100%

Creation of sustainable communities

% of development with Design Statements

100% of all applications accompanied by a design statement (unless exempt)

CCBC Planning

Applications 2021 100%



Trigger level

3 in any year

Number of Planning applications approved not in accordance with relevant Supplementary Planning Guidance (i.e. Development Design Guides relating to the proposed use or a site development brief).


CCBC 0

Positive results for 3

or more years

- 79 -

SP7 – Planning Obligations CW26 – Supplementary Planning Obligations

Target Indicator Monitoring Aim Source Data

Monitoring Target

Adoption 10 per year

2016 15 per year

Secure contributions from developers towards required infrastructure

Total obligations negotiated with developers

Increase numbers of planning applications that include planning obligation / S106 agreements providing infrastructure.


2021 20 per year



Trigger level

Number of Policy CF1 Schemes delivered through Planning Obligations


CCBC Provision of 5 facilities.

5 consecutive

years without a

facility being

provided

- 80 -

SP9 – Minerals Safeguarding

Objective Indicators Monitoring


Adoption At least 10

yrs

2016 At least 10

yrs

Safeguard nationally important mineral resources

Contribution of county borough to regional demand

Maintain a landbank of at least 10 years of permitted aggregate resources.

Aggregates Working Party Annual Surveys

2021 At least 10

yrs



Trigger level

Area of permitted development approved in identified safeguarding areas, as a percentage of total safeguarding area for that mineral.

CCBC Applications

CCBC 0% 1%

Average yearly usage of aggregates by the construction industry (averaged across the preceding 3 years)

Aggregates Working Party Annual Survey

CCBC 845,000 Tonnes

890,000 Tonnes or

over Or

800,000 Tonnes or

under

- 81 -

SP11 – Waste Management

Objective Indicators Monitoring Aim

Source Data

Monitoring Target

Adoption 75% (of

1999 levels)

2013 50% (of

1999 levels)

Provide waste management facilities as required by the SE Wales Regional Waste Plan

% of waste management facilities required that are provided

To provide sufficient facilities to meet the Landfill Directive Target of reducing land-filling of biodegradable municipal wastes to 35% of 1999 levels

CCBC Waste Management Data

2021 35% (of

1999 levels)



Trigger level

Number of permitted applications for, or incorporating, waste management facilities on existing industrial estates.


CCBC 1 per year

No approvals

for 2 consecutive

years.

- 82 -

SP12 – Conservation of Natural Heritage



Target

Conserve the natural heritage of the county borough

Loss of features of the natural heritage

No net loss of natural heritage features


2021 No Net Loss



Trigger level

Area of SSSI Lost to development on a site (SEA/SA Indicator)


CCBC 0 5%

Number of approved applications that result in loss of Area of SINC/LNR to development


CCBC 1

Greater than 1 for 3

or more consecutive

years

Number of approved applications that provide compensatory provision (equal or greater in area than that lost) as a percentage of the number of approved allocations that result in loss of SINC/LNR.


CCBC 75% 50%

Number of refused applications relating to SLAs as a percentage of all applications relating to SLAs

CCBC Planning Applications CCBC 17.5%

Decrease to 15% or less

Number of refused applications relating to VILLs as a percentage of all applications relating to VILLs

CCBC Planning Applications CCBC 17.5%

Decrease to 15% or less

- 83 -

SP13 – Countryside Recreation


Source Data Monitoring Target

2006 310,000

2011 325,500

2016 341,000

Promote sustainable increase in use of countryside recreation facilities

Numbers of visitors to countryside recreation facilities

20% Increase on 2006 Base

People count at specific facilities. CCBC Annual Survey Data

2021 372,000



Trigger level

Increase Customer Satisfaction CCBC Survey Data CCBC 54.77%

Decrease below Base

Level

Number of monitored facilities with satisfaction levels below 60%

CCBC Surveys CCBC 4

5 or

3 for five consecutive

Years.

- 84 -

SP14 – Development of the Valleys Regional Park



Adoption 0

2016 4

Promote developments that contribute to the Valleys Regional Park

Number of developments that contribute to the Valleys Regional Park

Establish and enhance the Valleys Regional Park through the delivery of 12 schemes.

CCBC Valleys Regional Park Monitoring 2021 12



Trigger level

Delivery of Valley Regional Park Schemes

CCBC Valleys Regional Park Monitoring

CCBC 4 in 5 Years

3 or less provided in

any consecutive

5-year consecutive

period.

- 85 -

SP15 – Leisure Centre In The HoV Regeneration Area



Secure development of a Leisure Centre within the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area

Development of Leisure Centre in the HoV Regeneration Area

Provision of a leisure centre in the HoV area

CCBC Planning Applications 2021

Leisure Centre

Provided



Trigger level

Provision of a Leisure Centre in the HoV area

CCBC Planning Applications CCBC N/A

No Leisure Centre By

2021

- 86 -

SP16 - Total Housing Requirements



2009 1888

dwellings built

2013 4133

dwellings built

2017 6379

dwellings built

Secure construction of 8,625 new dwellings

Annual house-building rates

The construction of at least 8625 new dwellings by the end of the Plan period

Yearly Joint Housing Land Availability Reports

2021 8625

dwellings built

Adoption

5 year + land supply

(Residual Method)

2016


(Residual Method)

Maintain 5-year housing land supply

Amount of land available for housing development in next 5 years

To maintain a continual housing land supply of 5 years or more based on the Residual method of calculation


2021


(Residual Method)



Trigger level

Annual building rate


CCBC 575 (LDP allocation build rate)

+ 50% (862) or – 50% (288)

of base level.

Housing land supply calculated by Past building rates method


CCBC 5 Years

land supply

Less than 5 years land

supply

- 87 -

SP17 - Affordable Housing Target CW14 – Affordable Housing Planning Obligation (1 of 2)


Source Data

Monitoring Target

Adoption Built by Adoption

2016

½ (total requirement – built

by Adoption)

Secure construction of at least 940 affordable dwellings through the planning system, as part of total affordable housing provision of 3640 units via all mechanisms

Annual construction of affordable dwellings

Construction of 940 affordable dwellings (delivered through planning obligations)

WAG Annual Return on Affordable Housing

2021

½ (total requirement – built

by Adoption)



Trigger level

0% area

0% + 37.5% (3.75%)

10% area 10%

+ Or – 37.5%

(6.25% or 13.75%)

25% area

25%

+ Or – 37.5%

(15.6% or 34.4%)

Yearly affordable housing unit numbers delivered through the planning system as a percentage of total housing units (based on units built)

Joint Housing Land Availability Report CCBC Annual Survey of Affordable Housing

40% area

40%

+ Or – 37.5%

(25% or 55%)

Average House Price (over the base Viability Study 2009 level)

Land Registry Data

County £99,149

20% increase

(cumulative)

Developments using Social Housing Grant or other public

CCBC Annual Survey of

0% area

100% No Trigger

- 88 -

10% area

90% No Trigger

25% area

0% 10%

sector funding as a percentage of all developments

Affordable Housing

40% area

0% 10%

SP17 - Affordable Housing Target CW14 – Affordable Housing Planning Obligation (2 of 2)


Monitoring Factors Source Data Area Base Level Trigger

level

0% area

100% No Trigger

10% area

90% No Trigger

25% area

0% 10%

No of units provided on developments using Social Housing Grant or other public sector funding as a percentage of total units

CCBC Annual Survey of Affordable Housing

40% area

0% 10%

- 89 -

SP18 – Managing Employment Growth (1 of 2)

Objective Indicators Monitoring Aim Source Data Monitoring Target

2009 67,500

2016 70000

Increase employment levels in the County Borough

Annual estimates of employment levels

Realise an overall increase of 10% in employment levels in the County Borough compared to 2006 levels

WAG StatWales: Annual Employment levels by Occupation and Welsh Local Authorities http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=5517

2021 74200



Trigger level

Annual Unemployment rates

WAG StatsWales: Annual Unemployment Rates By Welsh Local Authority http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx?ReportId=14383

CCBC 10.5% (June 2009)

20% or higher

Number of County Borough Residents in employment

WAG StatsWales: Employment Status persons 16+ by local authority http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx

CCBC 69900 (June 2009)

No increase for 3 or more

consecutive years,

Or Decrease

below Base level

- 90 -

Number of employees in part time employment as a percentage of total employees in employment

WAG StatsWales: Employment Status persons 16+ by local authority http://www.statswales.wales.gov.uk/TableViewer/tableView.aspx

CCBC 25% (Jan

2006) Increase to 30%

SP18 – Managing Employment Growth (2 of 2)


Source Data

Monitoring Target

Adoption 6ha

2016 20ha

Provide sufficient land for all employment land needs

Annual rate of employment land take up

Development of 64.2ha of land for Class B employment use

CCBC Biennial employment land survey 2021 64.2ha


Monitoring Factors Source Data Area Base Level Trigger level

Annual area of land developed for Class B Employment Use


CCBC 4.28ha

Greater than 10ha Or

less than 1ha for two or

more consecutive

years.

- 91 -

SP19 – Promoting Commercial Development (1 of 2)



Target

2008 57000

2015 60000 Increase employment levels in commercial services

Annual estimates of employment levels in commercial services

Number of employee jobs in commercial sector (not including manufacturing, construction and public administration sectors)

Nomis: Employee Jobs (2008) https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/2038432102/report.aspx

2021 65000



Trigger level

Employees in commercial sector as a percentage of total employees

Nomis: Employee Jobs (2008) https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/2038432102/report.aspx

CCBC 64% Decreases below 60%

- 92 -

SP19 – Promoting Commercial Development (2 of 2)

Objective Indicators Monitoring Aim Source Data Monitoring Target

Adoption 5ha

2016 14ha

Provide sufficient land for commercial services employment

Annual rate of commercial services employment land take up

Development of 29.3ha of land for commercial employment uses.


2021 29.3ha


Monitoring Factors Source Data Area Base Level Trigger level

3 in a single year

Number of Commercial/Retail employment developments permitted outside the designated Principal Town Centre Boundaries.


5 Principal Towns

0 1 a year for 3 or more

consecutive years.

Bargoed 0%

No Development for 7 or more consecutive

years Or

Any Decrease

Blackwood

0%


years Or

Any Decrease

Area of Class B1 employment uses permitted within Commercial Opportunity Areas, as a percentage of total designated area.


Caerphilly 0%


years Or

Any Decrease

- 93 -

SP20 – Protection of Strategic Leisure Network



Adoption 0

2016 0

Maintain accessibility to public open space, natural green space, and recreational facilities

Loss of public open space, natural green space, and recreational facilities to developments

No net loss of recreational and play facilities to development


2021 0



Trigger level

Number of formal play areas lost to development


CCBC 0

1 or more for 3

consecutive years

Numbers of planning applications that provide new formal play areas through S106 agreements


CCBC 3

No increase over base level for 3 or more years

Or Decrease

below base level

- 94 -

SP21 – Transport Infrastructure Improvements



Adoption 1

2016 6

Improve the existing transport infrastructure to promote sustainable communities

Improvements in the transport infrastructure achieved

The commencement of all highway improvements allocated in policies TR5, TR6 and TR7

CCBC Planning Application

2021 15



level

CCBC (TR5)

Provision of 5

7 consecutive

years without a

facility being provided

CCBC (TR6)

Provision of 8

7 consecutive

years without a


Number of Schemes identified in Policies TR5, TR6 and TR7 delivered through Planning Obligations and Unilateral Undertakings


CCBC (TR7)

Provision of 3

7 consecutive

years without a


- 95 -

SP23 – Road Hierarchy



Adoption

0 Without Planned

Improvements

2016

0 Without Planned

Improvements

Ensure the efficient use of the highways network

Levels of congestion by road type

To maintain all monitored road links below congestion rate flow (CRF) level

CCBC annual traffic counting programme

2021

0 Without Planned

Improvements



level

The Number of Monitored Links That Are Above CRF level.

CCBC Traffic Count Data Model

CCBC Highway Network

9 14

The Number of Monitored Links That Are Above CRF level that do not have planned improvements

CCBC Traffic Count Data Model

CCBC Highway Network

0

1 or more for 3 or more

consecutive years

- 96 -

SP24 – Parking Standards



Adoption 100%

2016 100%

Implementation of Parking Standards laid out in the CSS Wales Parking Standards 2008

Developments approved in accordance with new Parking Standards

All applications approved in accordance with new parking standards

CCBC Planning Applications 2021 100%



level

Number of permitted applications that have reduced levels of parking as a result of compliance with sustainability factors


CCBC 10%

Less than 5% for 3 or

more consecutive

years

- 97 -

SP25 – Community, Leisure and Education Facilities



Adoption 10%

developed

2016 50%

developed Creation of sustainable communities

Annual construction of new facilities

The development of all identified community, leisure and education facilities.


2021 100%

developed



Trigger level

Number of schools that are oversubscribed in terms of the school rolls.

CCBC education information

CCBC 2

Increase over base

level for 3 or more

consecutive years

Or Increase over base level by

20%

Number of allocated Community Facilities sites approved for development as a percentage of the total number of allocations in Policy CF1


CCBC 0

No approvals for 2 or more

consecutive years.

Area of allocation protected by policies LE1 and LE3 lost to development.


CCBC 0 5ha

planning and compulsory purchase act 2004apps.caerphilly.gov.uk/ldp/examination/pdf/ed47.pdfplanning...

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