CC/5/2

CAMBORNE POOL REDRUTH MAJOR SCHEME PUBLIC INQUIRY

THE CORNWALL COUNCIL (CAMBORNE POOL REDRUTH) (HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS) COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER 2011

And

THE CORNWALL COUNCIL (CAMBORNE POOL REDRUTH) (HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS) (CLASSIFIED ROAD) (SIDE ROADS) ORDER 2011

Proof of Evidence

PLANNING

VOLUME 2 – TEXT

By

Matthew I Williams BSc (Hons) MRTPI

Cornwall Council

June 2012

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This Proof of Evidence is presented in the following documents:

Volume 1 Summary CC/5/1

Volume 2 Text CC/5/2

Volume 3 Appendices CC/5/3

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Contents 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Qualifications and experience ...................................................................................... 3

1.2 Scope of the evidence .................................................................................................. 3

1.3 Involvement with the scheme ....................................................................................... 3

2 FUTURE LAND USES / PLANNING APPROACH ...................................................... 4

2.1 Future direction of employment and housing ............................................................... 4

3 PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR THE CPO SCHEME ............................................. 5

3.1 Cornwall Council Strategy ............................................................................................ 5

3.2 Phase 1 Planning Application: East Hill, Dudnance Lane Duelling and Wilson Way ... 5

3.3 Phase 2 Planning Application: Dolcoath to Dudnance Lane ........................................ 7

3.4 Phase 1 Scheme Extension of time.............................................................................. 8

3.5 Accordance with Planning Policy ............................................................................... 10

3.6 National Planning Policies .......................................................................................... 10

3.7 Relevance and Continuation of Existing Policies ....................................................... 11

3.8 Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development ........................... 12

3.9 Planning Policy Statement 1 Supplement: Planning and Climate Change ................ 12

3.10 Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Development ...... 13

3.11 Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment ......................... 13

3.12 Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation ................... 14

3.13 Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control .................................. 14

3.14 Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk .................................... 15

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3.15 Minerals Policy Statement 1: Planning and Minerals ................................................ 15

3.16 Planning Policy Guidance 13: Transport .................................................................... 16

3.17 Planning Policy Guidance 24: Planning and Noise .................................................... 16

3.18 Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the Historic Environment ...................... 17

3.19 Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and Planning ......................................... 17

3.20 Regional Policies ........................................................................................................ 18

3.21 Regional Planning Guidance Note 10: RPG10 .......................................................... 18

3.22 Regional Spatial Strategy ........................................................................................... 19

3.23 Regional Economic Strategy (RES) ........................................................................... 21

3.24 Local Policies ............................................................................................................. 22

3.25 Cornwall Structure Plan 2004 ..................................................................................... 22

3.26 The Kerrier Local Development Framework ............................................................... 26

3.27 CPR Area Action Plan (2005-2026)............................................................................ 27

3.28 Cornwall Council Local Development Framework ...................................................... 27

3.29 The Core Strategy ...................................................................................................... 28

3.30 The Core Strategy ...................................................................................................... 29

3.31 The CPIR Framework ................................................................................................. 31

3.32 Summary of the planning assessment of the Scheme by the planning authority ....... 32

4 CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................................... 34

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Qualifications and experience

1.1.1 My name is Mathew Ian Williams. I am a Chartered Town Planner and a member of

the Royal Town Planning Institute. I have a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in

Construction Management from Nottingham Trent University, and have nineteen

years experience in Town Planning within Cornwall, and particularly within the

Camborne Pool Redruth area.

1.1.2 I am currently employed as a Principal Development Officer within the Council’s

Planning Delivery Team for the West of Cornwall, which includes CPR.

1.1.3 I have worked on various development projects within the CPR area, in respect to

pre-application, application processing and determination of major development

proposals, and in ensuring that planning proposals are appropriately delivered on site

once planning approvals have been acquired.

1.1.4 My experience over the past 6 years has predominantly been securing the

appropriate delivery of planning approvals for some of the development master plan

proposals within CPR, most recently those projects in and around East Hill /

Dudnance Lane Camborne, and the Trevenson Road area of Pool.

1.2 Scope of the evidence

1.2.1 My evidence covers the historic and current planning policy position within CPR, and

will also include the Planning Authorities’ assessment of the planning applications for

the Scheme, and an analysis of the issues which were considered material in the

determination of those proposals and how the Scheme accords with relevant

planning policies. Furthermore, it will set out the direction that the Council is taking

with regards to the future land uses and growth of CPR and how the Scheme meets

the requirements of those future plans and policies.

1.3 Involvement with the scheme

1.3.1 The current and former Planning Authorities have been directly involved in

processing three planning applications for (phases 1 and 2 of) The Scheme.

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2 FUTURE LAND USES / PLANNING APPROACH

2.1 Future direction of employment and housing

2.1.1 The Government published its National Planning Policy Framework (CD4.1) in March

2012. It sets out the Governments approach to streamlining the planning system and

to promote sustainable economic development.

2.1.2 The NPPF requires Planning Authorities to ensure an appropriate supply of

deliverable housing sites, with a presumption in favour of sustainable development.

2.1.3 The NPPF explicitly encourages economic growth, and recognises issues of viability

and delivery constraints.

2.1.4 The Councils Core Strategy Preferred Approach (CD 3.13) identifies the need to

target areas including CPR for regeneration and economic growth.

2.1.5 It highlights a need to plan for up to 6500 new homes within CPR, some of which

would be provided though the regeneration of urban and brownfield sites.

2.1.6 The CPIR Framework (CD 3.13) seeks to clarify how this growth can be provided.

Much of this desired economic and employment growth will be targeted towards

urban and brownfield sites within the urban area and which can strengthen the

employment hub of CPR.

2.1.7 However, the transport infrastructure required to deliver the urban and brownfield

sites within CPR needs improvement in order to overcome congestion, to improve

linkages between the main towns and to the Strategic A30, and to promote

sustainable transport alternatives. The CPO Scheme provides the necessary

highway improvements which in turn enable the release of urban sites to provide new

jobs and new homes.

2.1.8 The Council’s approach to the future economic and housing growth for CPR within its

emerging Core Strategy is in accord with government planning policies set out within

the NPPF.

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3 PLANNING APPLICATIONS FOR THE CPO SCHEME

3.1 Cornwall Council Strategy

3.1.1 The Council decided to pursue the planning applications for the proposals as two,

free standing phases. A planning application for Phase 1 was submitted to Cornwall

Council in July 2008 and approved in November 2008. Phase 2, from Dolcoath

Avenue to Dudnance Lane was submitted in 2009 and approved in January 2010.

An extension of time for the implementation of Phase 1 was approved in September

2011.

3.2 Phase 1 Planning Application: East Hill, Dudnance Lane Duelling and Wilson Way

3.2.1 In November 2008, Cornwall County Council’s Planning Committee considered a

planning application for Phase I of the road scheme, as part of the overarching

transport strategy to facilitate regeneration within CPR. This phase included highway

improvements from East Hill through Dudnance Lane to Wilson Way and Barncoose

Industrial estate, to link up with the A3047 at Barncoose, Redruth.

3.2.2 Specifically the scheme would alleviate existing and projected congestion on the road

network, and improve accessibility to the area (including to and from the A30) and

improve highway safety.

3.2.3 The planning application was supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment

that included assessments relating to Air Quality, Contamination, Flooding, Ecology,

transport impacts / assessments, noise, landscape, heritage assets / impacts,

3.2.4 In assessing this application, the then County Council considered the proposals

against the relevant Local Planning Policies within the Cornwall Structure Plan 2004

(CD 3.12).

3.2.5 It was noted that the proposals would bring about long term and sustainable

improvements to Cornwall’s economic, social and environmental circumstances

focusing on a strategic urban centre of CPR through the appropriate improvement of

existing transport infrastructure, without harming future opportunities.

3.2.6 The proposals delivered high standards of design and protection of the environment

from significant adverse effects, contributing to the regeneration of the area, and

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would utilise previously developed land to deliver the scheme whilst also addressing

and managing the potential for flooding and pollution

3.2.7 CPR is identified as a strategic priority for regeneration, supporting both employment

and housing proposals, and should be supported by improvements in local transport,

in particular enhancing public transport links.

3.2.8 The proposals would provide a more effective, environmentally friendly and safer

transport system, supporting economic and social well being through enabling the

efficient and effective movement of people and goods, enabling the safe movement

of traffic.

3.2.9 Issues were considered relating to cultural heritage , the World Heritage site;

landscape and visual impacts; air quality and land contamination; traffic impacts

during construction and during operation; impacts from noise and vibration; potential

for impacts on ecology and conservation; issues surrounding the drainage of the

road; and potential implications under the Human Rights Act.

3.2.10 The former County Council as Local Planning Authority recommended approval

within the report to the Planning Committee (Appendix 1, CC/5/3) because, in

summary, the proposal would enhance the highway infrastructure providing long

lasting benefits to the business and employment areas, and reduce the pressures on

the A3047, facilitating regeneration of the CPR corridor. Whilst impacts on the

surrounding area were acknowledged, these were predominantly during the

construction period, and were considered acceptable in the absence of any

alternative scheme with a lesser impact.

3.2.11 In particular, it was considered that some impacts would arise with regards to

landscape, amenity and ecology, but also with potential for impacts on the World

Heritage Site (WHS).

3.2.12 In considering these matters, the former County Council had regard to the advice

from its statutory consultees, which included English Heritage. The report to the

planning committee (Appendix 1, CC/5/3) confirmed the views of English Heritage

that the proposals, whilst within the WHS, would not give rise to any potential harm to

the setting of the WHS that would merit the refusal of the application on heritage

grounds.

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3.2.13 In considering these views, the committee report at paragraph 27 acknowledges the

potential impacts of the phase 1 proposal on the WHS. It highlights that there is not

a general presumption against major infrastructure development within WHS areas,

where such schemes are justified. With the advice from English Heritage, the report

concludes on balance that the potential impacts would not be significant so as to

justify a refusal of planning permission.

3.2.14 The report considers archaeology at its paragraph 28, and address the potential

impact on this cultural heritage. It confirms the views from English Heritage that any

impacts on archaeological remains would not justify a refusal of the scheme, and that

appropriate mitigation through monitoring and recording the sites and any features

could be appropriately secured through planning conditions.

3.2.15 Through appropriate mitigation and control by planning conditions, the identified

impacts would not be significant, and would not conflict with the aims of policies 1

and 2 of the Structure Plan.

3.2.16 Overall, it was considered that, subject to the identified mitigation measures and the

use of safeguarding planning conditions, the impacts generated by the proposals

were outweighed by the need for the road improvements in supporting regeneration

of the CPR area.

3.3 Phase 2 Planning Application: Dolcoath to Dudnance Lane

3.3.1 In January 2010, Cornwall Council considered the planning application for Phase II of

the road scheme. A copy of the report to the planning Committee is attached at

Appendix 2 (CC/5/3).

3.3.2 This planning application was also supported by a comprehensive Environmental

Impact Assessment that included assessments relating to Air Quality, Contamination,

Flooding, Ecology, transport impacts / assessments, noise, landscape, heritage

assets / impacts.

3.3.3 This phase would provide the road from Dolcoath Avenue, across the Red River

Valley through Tuckingmill to meet with the Phase I scheme at Dudnance Lane.

3.3.4 The principle of the road scheme had been long established, and sits within the Local

Transport Plan (2006-2011) (CD 3.4), and in turn within the CPR Transport Strategy.

It would clearly facilitate the regeneration of the CPR area through the relief of the

local network in particular the A3047.

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3.3.5 Planning policies promote economic growth and supporting infrastructure

improvements focused within the CPR area, to bring about sustainable development

and transport improvements.

3.3.6 Further consideration was given to matters of highway safety, visual impacts, flood

risk and surface water drainage; ground stability and contamination; minerals

planning; ecology; residential amenity; noise and vibration; historic environment; and

air quality.

3.3.7 In balancing these considerations, it was acknowledged during the assessment

within this report that the road proposals constitute an important catalyst for the

regeneration of CPR, improving highway safety, relieving the existing network from

congestion, enhance public transport opportunities, provide sustainable surface

water drainage and mitigate for any loss of wildlife habitat and other impacts arising

from the proposals.

3.3.8 The potential for significant impacts on the historic environment and WHS highlighted

within the supporting studies was acknowledged during the determination of this

application. These impacts were balanced against the wider benefits that would be

achieved from the proposals, the mitigation proposed, and the safeguarding

conditions to address landscape and visual impacts.

3.3.9 With regards to impacts on the mineral operations at the Crofty Mine, and the conflict

with policy S1 of the Minerals Local Plan (CD3.25), it was confirmed that the mine

operations could be appropriately safeguarded through the use of a planning

condition that would restrict commencement of the works until alternative access to

the mine and allocation of land for the processing of ore and ancillary operations is

achieved.

3.3.10 The application was approved as recommended, and subject to controlling and

mitigating planning conditions.

3.3.11 Subsequent to this approval, Cornwall Council as Local Planning Authority has

granted planning permission for the proposed new ore processing facility for the

South Crofty Mine in November 2011. This provides the required alternative location

for the working of South Crofty mine and which will ensure that the mineral resource

is safeguarded in addition to the generation of new jobs associated with the mine.

3.4 Phase 1 Scheme Extension of time

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3.4.1 Following the approval of the Phase 1 scheme in 2008, an application was submitted

to Cornwall Council in August 2011 to extend the period of time within which the

phase 1 scheme approval could be commenced

3.4.2 That application was assessed having regard to the relevant planning policies.

3.4.3 The key issues considered within this application were:

• The principle of extending the time in which to commence a development is

acceptable subject to there being no relevant changes in planning circumstances

and policy

• Where changes had occurred in planning policy terms with the publication of new

National Policy Guidance, these did not give rise to any new material

considerations that would give rise to a reconsideration of the phase 1 proposal

3.4.4 The following issues were given particular consideration in addressing a number of

objections to the proposals:

• In terms of the loss of any existing business space that would arise as a result of

the proposal, were issues considered within the original approval and did not

override the potential regeneration benefits associated from the proposals, and

that those benefits can not be realised without the road scheme being delivered

• In terms of funding not being available, the Council has given a commitment to

deliver the road scheme, even if funding is Government funding is reduced, when

appropriate funding is available

• Regarding the transport impacts of the scheme, no objections were raised from

either the Highways Agency or the Councils Highways Development

Management officer

3.4.5 Having regard to the conclusions set out within the original report that recommended

approval, the committee report considered that there was nothing further to add

arising from any changes in the intervening period since the original application, and

its supporting environmental statements;

3.4.6 The (at that time, draft) National Planning Policy Framework was acknowledged as

being a material consideration, and the report accepted that the proposal was in line

with the direction of travel in policy terms.

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3.4.7 On the basis that there were no material considerations, environmental or otherwise,

that indicated that the application should be determined any differently to the

previous approval, and that the proposals would bring about the same benefits as

identified before, the application to extend the period of time for commencement was

approved, subject to controlling conditions.

3.4.8 Copies of the Committee reports for these applications and the subsequent decision

notices are attached at Appendix 3 (CC/5/3).

3.5 Accordance with Planning Policy

3.5.1 The reports to the relevant Planning Committees set out within them how the

proposals accord with the relevant planning policies.

3.5.2 My proof also sets out below how the CPO Scheme is in accordance with the

Development Plan, and National Planning Policies

3.5.3 National Planning Policies

3.5.4 The National Planning Policy Framework (CD 4.92)

3.5.5 The Government published its National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in March

2012, and is the Government’s primary Planning Policy Document.

3.5.6 The new NPPF revokes other National Planning Policy Statements and Guidance,

and must be considered in all plan and decision making processes.

3.5.7 Key drivers within the NPPF include:

3.5.8 Contributing towards achieving sustainable development, which comprises three

dimensions: economic, social and environmental roles, which are mutually

dependant and not isolated from one another. The presumption in favour of

Sustainable development is a golden thread throughout plan and decision making

3.5.9 The Government is committed to securing economic growth, and the planning

system should do all it can to support this aim

• Planning should recognise and seek to address barriers to investment that

include a poor environment and a lack of infrastructure

3.5.10 Councils should identify priority areas for economic regeneration and infrastructure

provision

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3.5.11 Encourages sustainable, mixed use developments

3.5.12 Promote sustainable transport, and solutions that support the reduction of

greenhouse gases

3.5.13 Develop strategies to provide viable infrastructure necessary to support sustainable

development

3.5.14 The Scheme has been identified by the Council within it latest Transport Plan,

Connecting Cornwall (CD 3.5), and the Transport Strategy for CPR. It is also

specifically identified as essential infrastructure within its emerging Core Strategy and

CPIR Framework (CD 3.13) (discussed in more detail below) that will help address

local transport conditions and infrastructure barriers to investment, promote

opportunities for sustainable transport and help to deliver the economic regeneration

to the priority area of CPR.

3.5.15 Whilst the NPPF is new and was not relevant to the consideration of the planning

applications for the road scheme, the delivery of the Scheme is, in my opinion, in line

with the aims of the NPPF in that it (1) promotes economic growth in priority areas

such a CPR, and (2) provides social and environmental improvements, including

necessary infrastructure, to improve the quality of people’s lives, and (3) promotes

sustainable economic and housing development opportunities.

3.5.16 In my opinion these clear benefits of the Scheme outweigh any impacts arising as a

result of the scheme.

3.5.17 Relevance and Continuation of Existing Policies

3.5.18 The NPPF makes it clear that its policies are material considerations which Local

Authorities should take into account. However, for the purposes of decision making,

the NPPF clarifies that local plans should not be considered out of date simply

because they were adopted prior to the publication of this framework.

3.5.19 Policies adopted since 2004 that might have a limited degree of conflict with the

NPPF, can continue to be used for 12 months from the day of publication of NPPF.

3.5.20 In other cases, and following the 12 month period, due weight should be given to

relevant policies in existing plans, according to their degree of consistency with the

Framework.

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3.5.21 Currently the Development Plan for reference remains as RPG10 (CD 3.2), and the

Cornwall Structure Plan 2004 (CD 3.12), which are addressed in more detail below.

3.5.22 Whilst the following National Policies have been superseded with the publication of

the NPPF in March 2012, set out below is how the scheme accords with the

overarching objectives of each of the previous government policies that were relevant

at the time of determining the planning applications.

3.5.23 Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development (CD 4.16)

3.5.24 PPS 1 sets out that planning should aspire to make places better for people and

deliver development where communities need it and which is sustainable. Planning

should facilitate and promote sustainable patterns of urban and rural development

by:

3.5.25 Making suitable land available for development in line with economic, social and

environmental objectives to improve the quality of life.

3.5.26 Contributing to sustainable economic growth.

3.5.27 Protecting and where possible enhancing the natural and historic environment and

the quality and character of the countryside, and existing successful communities.

3.5.28 Ensuring high quality development through good design.

3.5.29 Ensuring that development supports existing communities and contributes to the

creation of safe, sustainable and liveable communities with good access to jobs and

key services

3.5.30 By providing improvements to transport infrastructure that overcomes local

congestion, including the A3047, and provides improved accessibility and linkages to

the main A30 and between the towns, as well as providing improved sustainable

transport opportunities, the Scheme clearly accorded with this aspect of government

policy, by enabling brownfield sites for employment and housing schemes to come

forward, thereby stimulating sustainable economic growth and supporting existing

communities.

3.5.31 Planning Policy Statement 1 Supplement: Planning and Climate Change (CD 4.93)

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3.5.32 This PPS supported sustainable developments with the key aim of reducing the

amount of carbon emissions arising as a result of development proposals. It also

supports the aim of reducing the need to travel and promoting more sustainable

methods of transport.

3.5.33 The scheme would clearly support sustainable development by providing

improvements to transport infrastructure that overcomes local congestion, addresses

the A3047, and provides improved accessibility and linkages to the main A30 and

between the towns, as well as providing improved sustainable transport opportunities

addressing. This enables the release of brownfield urban sites for employment and

housing, reducing the need to travel and providing improved opportunities for

sustainable transport.

3.5.34 Planning Policy Statement 4: Planning for Sustainable Economic Development (CD 4.100)

3.5.35 PPS 4 set out an overarching objective for supporting economic growth in a

sustainable form, and included a number of policies that supported this aim to deliver

economic growth.

3.5.36 The delivery of the Scheme would help to support economic growth in terms of

releasing sites for sustainable development opportunity, but also through improved

transport linkages between the towns, and the A30, and also in addressing local

congestion on the A3047, and other links, and providing sustainable transport

opportunities.

3.5.37 Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment (CD 4.22)

3.5.38 PPS5 set out the Government’s policies and guidance on the conservation of the

historic environment and historic assets, and replaced PPG 15 and PPG 16 when it

was published in 2010.

3.5.39 It set out the need to consider the historic environment and historic assets when

considering the potential impacts on historic assets arising from development

proposals. Where harm is likely to occur, it required planning authorities to balance

the impact and harm against wider public benefits that might be achieved from such

proposals

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3.5.40 Appropriate consideration was given to the Historic Environment within the

supporting Environmental Statements, which detailed the impacts arising from the

Scheme on the WHS. Those statements provided for mitigating measures to

address the impacts that would arise as a result of the proposals, including

landscaping to minimise visual impacts. Furthermore, impacts arising to historic

archaeological assets were acknowledged, and mitigated appropriately through the

use of safeguarding conditions, ensuring that monitoring of works and recording of

any assets discovered. In determining the application, the Planning Authority and

English Heritage were content that impacts arising from the proposals would be

adequately addressed though the imposition of safeguarding planning conditions,

and that with such controls, that the proposals would accord with the requirements to

the protection of the historic environment, having regard to the wider benefits that

would be achieved by the Scheme.

3.5.41 Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (CD 4.18)

3.5.42 PPS 9 established the Government’s policies on the protection of biodiversity and

geological conservation through the planning system. The PPS recognises the need

to balance development and economic growth whilst ensuring effective conservation

of wildlife and natural resources.

3.5.43 The supporting Environmental Statements assessed and considered the impacts of

the scheme on Biodiversity and geological conservation. In assessing and

determining the application, the Planning Authority was content that no materially

harmful impact would arise as a result of the proposals, and that appropriate and

identified mitigation could be secured, where required though controlling planning

conditions. The Scheme accorded with the requirements of PPS9.

3.5.44 Planning Policy Statement 23: Planning and Pollution Control (CD 4.20)

3.5.45 PPS 23 provided advice on the relationship between planning and pollution control

systems, encouraging close liaison between both systems, particularly in respect of

air quality, water quality and waste management. Where potentially polluting

developments are proposed, the PPS advised that the Environmental Statement

should: “provide a full and systematic account of a development’s likely effects on the

environment, including those which are subject to pollution controls, and the

measures envisaged to avoid, reduce, or remedy significant adverse effects”.

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3.5.46 The supporting Environmental Statements provided appropriate consideration to the

potential for pollution arising from the proposals and that in determining the

application, the Planning Authority was content that no materially harmful impact

would arise as a result of the proposals, and that controlling conditions could address

any concerns. The Scheme satisfied the requirements of PPS 23.

3.5.47 Planning Policy Statement 25: Development and Flood Risk (CD 4.21)

3.5.48 PPS25 identified that the susceptibility of land to flooding is a material consideration

in the development process. It highlighted that a precautionary principle should be

to avoid flood risk and manage it elsewhere, and sets out a sequential approach to

the development of land, directing development towards land at a lower risk of

flooding in the first instance.

3.5.49 Appropriate consideration was given to the potential for flooding and flood risk within

the supporting Environmental Statements, and that in determining the application, the

Planning Authority was content that no materially harmful impact would arise as a

result of the proposals. Furthermore, that appropriate planning conditions would

secure the delivery of an appropriate scheme of sustainable drainage in order to

minimise any risks associated with flooding and surface water. The Scheme

accorded with the requirements of PPS25, in terms of considering and addressing

flood risk.

3.5.50 Minerals Policy Statement 1: Planning and Minerals (CD 5.32)

3.5.51 This National Policy Statement was published in 2006, and set out the Governments

National Objectives and polices with regards to Minerals Planning.

3.5.52 National objectives of particular relevance to the proposed road scheme include:

• To safeguard mineral resources as far as possible

• To secure adequate and steady supplies of minerals required by both society and

the economy within limits set by the environment, and without irreversible

damage.

3.5.53 These objectives are achieved through the National policies, which include:

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• Define Minerals Safeguarding Areas in Local Development Documents in order

that proven mineral resources are not needlessly sterilised by non-mineral

development.

• The Scheme and its supporting statements have taken into account the need to

adequately safeguard the mineral resource. The Council considered the formal

views of the Minerals Planning Authority and the operators of South Crofty Mine

in considering the proposals. In determining the applications for approval, the

Council were content that the proposals accorded with the requirements of the

MPS1.

3.5.54 Planning Policy Guidance 13: Transport (CD 4.14)

3.5.55 Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 – Transport (PPG13) sought to integrate planning

and transport at the national, regional, county and local level. The emphasis was

upon more suitable forms of development involving less need to travel, but also

acknowledged that sustainable development has to recognise and allow for the

associated transport infrastructure that is needed to support such development. Such

associated infrastructure can range from major new transport investment to more

localised measures facilitating pedestrian and cycle movements.

3.5.56 Clearly, the scheme would deliver an important improvement to the local transport

infrastructure, and not only help to reduce congestion and improve accessibility

around the A30, East Hill junction and along the A3047, but also offer improved

opportunities for sustainable transport. The Scheme would accord with these

overarching aims of PPG13.

3.5.57 Planning Policy Guidance 24: Planning and Noise (CD 4.15)

3.5.58 Planning Policy Guidance Note 24 – Planning and Noise (PPG24) noted that noise

can have significant effect on the environment and on the quality of life enjoyed by

individuals and communities. As such, it seeks to achieve separation of noise

generating activities from the most sensitive receptors, in particular residential areas.

3.5.59 The scheme and its supporting assessments have confirmed that with appropriate

delivery and the identified mitigation, that the generation of noise arising form the

proposal can be adequately addressed. These are to be appropriately controlled by

the use of planning conditions. In light of these considerations and the delivery of the

mitigating measures, the Scheme would accord with the aims of PPS24.

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3.5.60 Planning Policy Guidance 15: Planning and the Historic Environment (CD 4.99)

3.5.61 This PPG was replaced by PPS 5 when it was published in 2010.

3.5.62 PPG15 previously sought to provide guidance for the protection of Historic Buildings

and Conservation Areas, and required Local Planning Authorities to have proper

regard to the impacts of development proposals on the historic environment.

3.5.63 Where harm would occur to the historic environment, the PPG required local

authorities to have regard to any wider community benefits that might outweigh the

harm created.

3.5.64 This PPG was relevant to the consideration of the first planning application for phase

I of the road scheme in 2008.

3.5.65 Appropriate consideration was given to the Historic Environment within the

supporting Environmental Statements which acknowledged the impacts of the

proposals on the WHS and other historic features. In determining the application; the

Planning Authority was content that impacts arising from the proposals would be

adequately addressed though the imposition of planning conditions, and that with

such controls, that the proposals would accord with the requirements to the

protection of the historic environment, having regard to the wider benefits that would

be achieved by the Scheme.

3.5.66 Planning Policy Guidance 16: Archaeology and Planning (CD 4.98)

3.5.67 This PPG was replaced by PPS 5 when it was published in 2010.

3.5.68 PPG 16 provided guidance for the appropriate consideration and protection of

Archaeological remains within the historic environment. It required local authorities

to have appropriate regard to the potential for buried remains and to ensure that

appropriate assessment was given to archaeological remains within development

proposals, and that appropriate mitigation and or protection was afforded to remains

affected by development proposals.

3.5.69 This PPG was relevant to the consideration of the first planning application for phase

I of the road scheme in 2008.

3.5.70 Appropriate consideration was given to the archaeological features of the Historic

Environment, which were assessed within the supporting Environmental Statements.

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Further, mitigation in the form of monitoring and recording of any features discovered

during the development would ensure adequate protection of any historic features

discovered. In determining the application; the Planning Authority was content that

impacts arising from the proposals would be adequately addressed though the

imposition of planning conditions, and that with such controls, that the proposals

would accord with the requirements to the protection of the historic environment,

having regard to the wider benefits that would be achieved by the Scheme.

3.5.71 Regional Policies

3.5.72 Regional Planning Guidance Note 10: RPG10 (CD 3.3)

3.5.73 As detailed above, the Development Plan currently comprises of Regional Planning

Guidance Note 10 (RPG10)

3.5.74 RPG10 was published in September 2001.

3.5.75 It required that local Authorities, the SWRDA, local economic partnerships and other

agencies should support the sustainable development of the regional economy by:

• Positively promoting and encouraging new economic activity in the areas where it

can bring the greatest economic and social benefits and make the greatest

contribution to reducing regional disparities in prosperity;

• accommodating continued economic development in sustainable locations in the

more prosperous north and east of the region and seeking to develop beneficial

economic linkages between these areas and areas to the west whose economies

have performed less well;

• Ensuring that the region’s unique environmental and cultural assets are

maintained, enhanced and utilised to attract and develop business activity;

• Developing the skills and abilities of the region’s people by improving access to

training, education and employment opportunities.

3.5.76 Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were identified as areas of special need, and at policy

SS3 it identified CPR as an area for growth and regeneration within its western sub

region. Its policy SS6 notes that future development should “recognise the CPR area

as one where there are major regeneration issues and where policies, plans,

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proposals and programmes will need to promote opportunities for employment

growth in particular Cornwall Structure Plan 2004”.

3.5.77 RPG10 set the framework for the provision of policy documents within Cornwall,

including the Cornwall Structure Plan 2004.

3.5.78 Regional Spatial Strategy (CD 3.2)

3.5.79 The Draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for the South West was submitted for

formal consultation in April 2006. An Examination in Public (EiP) was held during

Spring 2007 where all the consultation responses were taken into account.

3.5.80 After the EiP, an independent Panel Report was published which identified proposed

modifications to the Draft RSS. The proposed modifications were submitted for

formal consultation in Spring 2008 and the final RSS was expected to be published in

Winter 2008 to replace the current RPG10.

3.5.81 The RSS would have provided a framework for the preparation of local development

strategies, local transport plans and regional/sub-regional strategies that influence

land-use activities. The Strategy would have become part of the key development

plan used to determine planning applications in the South West. However, the RSS

was not formally confirmed or published as Regional Planning Policy due to the

Governments intention to abolish Regional Planning Guidance. Consequently, when

considering development proposals the content of the draft RSS remains a material

consideration.

3.5.82 The RSS identifies 21 cities and towns in the Region as Strategically Significant

Cities and Towns (SSCTs) including the combined CPR, Truro and Falmouth-Penryn

area. These areas were selected because of their current and potential significance

for the region, and not simply due to their size. It is considered that these areas

would be able to accommodate significant amounts of new development in a

sustainable way.

3.5.83 Although CPR has a population less than 45,000, its main towns are making an

important contribution to sustainable development. There are strong inter-

relationships between many of the settlements across Cornwall, although a core

group formed by CPR, Truro and Falmouth-Penryn is functionally the most

significant, providing the largest employment, retail and housing capacity

opportunities. The employment and service relationships between them are complex

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and interdependent. Therefore, there is a need to plan for their complementary

development in an integrated way. These urban areas are, therefore, the focus for

sustainable growth in this part of the region.

3.5.84 With regard to employment and housing development needs for the future of the

area, SR 40 and SR 41 of the Draft RSS stated:

“Local Development Documents (LDDs) will stimulate the economy, reduce social

inequalities, address housing affordability and reflect the complex inter-relationships

between many of the settlements, and should make provision for about 16,500 jobs

in the Camborne-Pool-Redruth, Truro and Falmouth-Penryn TTWA (travel to Work

Area) and an average of about 690 dwellings per annum at Camborne-Pool-Redruth,

Truro and Falmouth-Penryn collectively over the period (present day to 2026),

distributed as follows:

• An average of about 250 dwellings per annum within and adjoining Truro’s urban

area

• An average of about 300 dwellings per annum at Camborne-Pool-Redruth

• An average of about 140 dwellings per annum at Falmouth-Penryn”

3.5.85 Additionally it notes that:

• “Investment will be made in key infrastructure to enable the achievement of the

development proposed in this Policy. Development at Camborne-Pool-Redruth,

Truro and Falmouth-Penryn will focus on the intensification of the urban areas

through the re-use of previously developed land and buildings, maximising

densities whilst seeking high quality design standards, complemented by the

provision of a strategic urban extension to the South/South west of Truro for

about 4,000 dwellings.”

3.5.86 The RSS identified a Housing Provision of “6,000 new houses within the CPR area”.

Amongst the proposals made in the EiP, however, although not yet approved, a

further housing provision was sought, targeting 11,100 homes for CPR.

3.5.87 Whilst the draft RSS was never finally approved or formally adopted, it remains a

material planning consideration.

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3.5.88 The RSS clearly identifies CPR, along with two other key areas, as being of strategic

importance for the delivery of sustainable growth, and highlights the need to invest in

key infrastructure that would enable the growth of these strategically important towns.

3.5.89 The Scheme would contribute significantly towards the overarching aims of the RSS

for the CPR area. It does this through providing important key infrastructure

improvements that help to focus opportunities for economic and housing growth

within the strategic urban area of CPR, and enable the use of previously developed

land as a priority.

3.5.90 The proposed scheme is therefore in full accordance with, and supports, the relevant

overarching objectives of the RSS.

3.5.91 Regional Economic Strategy (RES) (CD 3.1)

3.5.92 The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) was the organisation

charged with overseeing the economic development of the South West Region.

3.5.93 In 2003 the Agency published its second Regional Economic Strategy (CD3.10)

focussing on the period 2003 to 2012 and the third covering 2006 to 2015. (CD3.7).

The Regional Economic Strategies set out a vision in which:

• “The South West of England will have an economy where the aspirations and

skills of our people combine with the quality of our physical and cultural

environment to provide a high quality of life and sustainable prosperity for

everyone.”

3.5.94 The Strategy moved on to identify three strategic objectives that will support the

achievement of this vision. These were summarised as:

• To raise business productivity

• To increase economic inclusion – this objective specifically recognises the

differing levels of prosperity and economic development across the Region and

establishes the requirement to narrow the gap between the best and least well-off

areas. The main priority is to improve the economic performance of deprived

urban communities, specifically mentioning that regeneration activity should be

focused in the areas that need it the most; more specifically on the

concentrations of multiple deprivations in Plymouth, Torbay, Bournemouth,

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Bristol, Gloucester and in the areas of the two urban regeneration companies:

Camborne – Pool – Redruth and Swindon.

3.5.95 Alongside the review of the Regional Economic Strategy in 2003, the Cornwall and

Isles of Scilly Economic Forum, the Sub-Regional Partner for SWRDA, reviewed and

updated their “Strategy and Action” document. This document set out the economic

development priorities for Cornwall, its Districts, and its various sectoral businesses

and local communities.

3.5.96 “Strategy and Action” (CD 3.11) established an overall vision to “achieve sustainable

prosperity for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly” and especially by “supporting and

encouraging the regeneration of communities.” This was to be achieved through

action in relation to six key areas: business, sector development, infrastructure,

learning and skills, communities and “distinctive Cornwall”.

3.5.97 The “Strategy and Action” document listed CPR as one of the Key Identified Towns in

Cornwall where regeneration is actively developing. The objective was to maximise

the benefits that could be achieved by the presence of the CPR Urban Regeneration

Company.

3.5.98 The Scheme would provide infrastructure improvements to address local congestion,

the A3047, accessibility between the towns and to the A30, and to provide enhanced

opportunities for sustainable transport. In doing so, it will help to deliver the

regeneration long planned within CPR, and maximise those opportunities that have

arisen from having a regeneration company within CPR and the development

projects that it enable.

3.5.99 As a consequence, the Scheme would accord with the objectives set out within the

RES.

3.5.100 Local Policies

3.5.101 Cornwall Structure Plan 2004 (CD 3.12)

3.5.102 The Cornwall Structure Plan (CD 3.12) was adopted by Cornwall County Council in

September 2004 and covers the period to 2016. It is currently the key spatial

planning strategy document for Cornwall. Under present planning procedures, the

Structure Plan is scheduled to be replaced by a Local Development Framework, but

currently remains a material consideration in the determination of any planning

application in the County, as part of the Development Plan.

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3.5.103 The Structure Plan established a vision for the County that balanced social,

economic and environmental well-being within the land use planning framework.

3.5.104 The plan defined the role of the main Cornish towns, as well as identifying the

improvements to transport infrastructure that would enhance the efficiency of the

transport system in the County and, at the same time, reduce the need to travel.

Within the Plan, the transport proposals included:

• Integrated transport strategies for the Camborne-Pool-Redruth (CPR) area and

Truro, recognising the key part these two areas will play in spatial planning terms

and for the County's economic objectives.

3.5.105 The Structure Plan designated the CPR area as one of the largest growth areas in

Cornwall with the potential to provide substantial numbers of additional houses and

new jobs by 2027.

3.5.106 The Structure Plan required the provision of an integrated transport strategy for CPR.

The major scheme proposal is a key component of that Integrated Strategy to deliver

improvements to the local transport infrastructure within CPR to enable economic

and housing regeneration, and as such is consistent with the Structure Plans

requirements in this respect.

3.5.107 The Scheme also contributes towards the delivery of the other policy aims within the

Structure Plan, as set out below:

3.5.108 Policy 1 sets out the principles for sustainable development, requiring development

to bring about long term and sustainable improvements to Cornwall’s economic,

social and environmental circumstances, without harming future opportunity. It

requires developments to be compatible with, the regeneration of towns and villages

in meeting the needs of their population, reducing the need to travel and promote

sustainable alternatives to the car, and to provide access to all sectors of the

community to well paid, rewarding employment, satisfactory housing, services and

facilities.

3.5.109 The Scheme would provide improvements to the local transport infrastructure to

address local congestion and accessibility, enabling regeneration of urban sites for

economic and housing development. This would generate opportunities for jobs,

housing and other community services and facilities, along with sustainable transport

opportunities. This contributes towards the long term sustainable improvement to

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Cornwall’s economic and social circumstances in an area identified for such growth

and regeneration. In this respect, the Scheme satisfies the requirements of policy 1

of the Structure Plan.

3.5.110 Policy 2 addresses character areas, design and environmental protection. It requires

that the quality, character, diversity and local distinctiveness of the natural and built

environment are protected. In particular, this policy seeks to ensue that development

respects local character and contributes towards regeneration, restoration

enhancement or conservation of the area, creating safe, pleasing and

understandable areas, positively relating to townscape, landscape character through

siting, design and use of materials.

3.5.111 The scheme would deliver infrastructure improvements that would facilitate the

regeneration of CPR, and whilst its siting, design would generate impacts on the

WHS, that these impacts were not overriding in considering the benefits arising from

the scheme, and the potential to minimise impacts through appropriate landscaping.

In this respect, the Scheme accords with the overarching aims of policy 2 of the

Structure Plan.

3.5.112 Policy 3 targets an appropriate use of resources, and prioritises the use of previously

developed land and buildings to meet development needs, avoiding land at risk of

flooding, utilising sustainable drainage solutions, and avoiding pollution.

3.5.113 The Scheme will enable the development of a number of previously developed or

brownfield urban sites. It incorporates the use of sustainable urban drainage, and

adequately addresses any potential of flooding and or pollution. The Scheme would

clearly satisfy the requirements of policy 3 of the Structure Plan.

3.5.114 Policy 5 seeks to protect and conserve the valuable minerals resources. The

Scheme has a clear relationship with the local minerals resource within CPR.

However, the Scheme has been prepared alongside the need to protect this mineral

resource, through the relocation of the South Crofty mine to a new ore processing

plant. The Scheme has considered the access and relocation requirements for the

mineral operations, and subject to controlling conditions limiting commencement of

the scheme until the new location and access issues are identified, accords with

policy 5 of the Structure Plan. It is also important to note that the planning

permission for the new ore processing unit has been granted, providing a new

location for the mineral operations.

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3.5.115 The Scheme would provide improvements to the transport network that would enable

the further regeneration of urban sites within CPR, for the delivery of both

employment and housing. To this end, it satisfies the requirements of policies 8 and

10 of the Structure Plan that seek the delivery of housing schemes within CPR (as

part of the former Kerrier District) and with a priority on the use of previously

developed brownfield sites.

3.5.116 Policy 11 promotes economic growth and employment through the regeneration and

investment in the strategic urban centres, and other towns, with a priority for

regenerating urban areas and having particular attention to the role of strategic urban

centres as locations for housing and employment growth. CPR is identified within

RPG10 as such a strategic urban centre, as set out above, but also within Structure

Plan policy 16, which targets CPR as a focus area for new development.

3.5.117 The scheme will enable the economic and housing regeneration of the strategic

urban centre of CPR, through the improvement to local transport infrastructure to

address local congestion, accessibility in the area and to the main A30, and

opportunities for the shift to more sustainable transport options. The scheme will

facilitate the development of urban sites to deliver economic regeneration within

CPR, and accords with the aims of policy 11 and 16 of the Structure Plan

3.5.118 Policy 12 seeks to ensure the availability of a range of sites for employment. The

Scheme provides the infrastructure improvements to help deliver such sites for

employment growth within CPR, and satisfies the requirements of policy 12 in this

respect.

3.5.119 Policy 15 seeks to make the best use of existing infrastructure and ensure that the

necessary improvements to infrastructure are made. Clearly the Scheme provides

such infrastructure improvements, delivering regeneration within CPR, in areas

where other physical and educational infrastructure and services are already

available. In this respect the Scheme is strongly in accordance with the need to

identify and deliver necessary infrastructure improvements.

3.5.120 Policy 17 specifically addresses CPR. It is identified as a strategic priority for

regeneration and growth, with Pool and Tuckingmill being the focus for business and

housing growth. The Scheme will deliver necessary improvements to the local

transport infrastructure that will enable the regeneration and development of urban

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sites within the Pool area for employment and housing growth. The scheme clearly

accords with the aims of this policy to focus regeneration and growth within CPR.

3.5.121 Policy 27 sets out the transport strategy, and seeks a more effective and safer

transport system. It identifies the provision of local transport strategies for the main

towns, with a priority for strategic urban centres such as CPR.

3.5.122 The Scheme is integrated within the transport strategy for CPR. However, as a key

component within the CPR transport strategy, the Scheme would accord with the

aims of this policy in terms of providing a more effective, efficient and safer transport

system within CPR.

3.6 The Kerrier Local Development Framework (CD3.15)

3.6.1 The Kerrier Local Development Framework (KLDF) (CD3.15) was produced by the

former Kerrier District Council. It consisted of the local development documents that

would contribute to the delivery of the sustainable spatial planning and regeneration

strategy for the former Kerrier DC area.

3.6.2 The Vision and Strategy of the Local Development Framework was developed from

the broader vision of the Community Strategy and it addressed local social, economic

and environmental issues. The KLDF provided for an inclusive and sustainable

community with implications for the development and use of land. This meant:

• The conservation of assets (particularly mining heritage) and environment

• The enhancement of local distinctiveness and culture

• Enabling affordable housing

• Provision for employment, education, leisure and for the other needs of its

growing community

3.6.3 A major part of the Kerrier LDF vision was to achieve “the regeneration of the main

Camborne Pool Redruth urban area and to foster its strategic role both for

development in Kerrier and in relation to other towns in Cornwall. This includes the

enhancement of its physical and built environment, investment in infrastructure and

transportation, the generation of local employment and the provision of affordable

housing”.

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3.6.4 The major scheme proposal is identified as a component in the KLDF and is thus

consistent with this Framework, as it delivers infrastructure improvements that would

enable the release of urban sites to bring about regeneration within CPR, generating

employment and delivering affordable housing.

3.6.5 CPR Area Action Plan (2005-2026) (CD3.15)

3.6.6 The Area Action Plan (AAP) for the regeneration of Camborne Pool Redruth forms

part of the Kerrier Local Development Framework, and was developed to be

consistent with the policies of the Cornwall Structure Plan (2016-2026) and the

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) (CD3.2).

3.6.7 The initial draft of the AAP provided “planning policy guidance and allocated

development proposals for the environmental and economic regeneration and growth

of Camborne-Pool-Redruth for the period from 2005-2026”. Many of the proposals

identified in the AAP were dependent upon improved accessibility to the identified

site locations being available.

3.6.8 Proposals for new and improved highway infrastructure across CPR, including a new

east-west link road, were [again, what is this] included in the draft AAP and were

integral to its proposals.

3.6.9 The AAP was not progressed beyond its draft form by Kerrier District Council and,

following Local Government Reorganisation in 2009 when Cornwall Council was

formed as the Unitary Authority for Cornwall, responsibility for developing

Frameworks and Plans passed to the new Council.

3.6.10 Cornwall Council Local Development Framework (CD3.13)

3.6.11 Following Local Government Reorganisation, the new Cornwall Council is required to

prepare a Local Development Framework (LDF) for Cornwall to guide planning

decisions and manage change in Cornwall over the next 20 years. This new

framework will build on, and replace, the policies and strategies which have been

pursued over the past decade in previous Structure Plans and Local Development

Plans. The Cornwall LDF will set out the Council's policies for meeting the

community's economic, environmental and social aims for the future where this

affects the development and use of land.

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3.6.12 The “Cornwall Core Strategy Option Paper” and the “Camborne, Pool and Redruth

Community Network Area Discussion Paper” (CD3.13) have been recently issued for

consultation - from Jan to 2 March 2012 and include the proposals for the delivery of

the approved Transport Strategy.

3.6.13 The Core Strategy

3.6.14 The Council is required to prepare a Local Development Framework (LDF) for

Cornwall, in line with Government Regulations set out within the Planning and

Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, to guide planning decisions and manage change in

Cornwall over the next 20 years. This new framework will build on, and replace the

policies and strategies which have been pursued over the past decade in Structure

Plans and Local Development Plans.

3.6.15 The “Cornwall Core Strategy Option Paper” (CD3.13) and the “Camborne, Pool and

Redruth Community Network Area Discussion Paper” (CD3.13) have been recently

issued for consultation - from Jan to 2 March 2012.

3.6.16 The new Local Development Framework (LDF) will set out the Council's policies for

meeting the community's economic, environmental and social aims for the future

where this effects the development and use of land. The LDF consists of the

following elements:

• Local Development Scheme (LDS): a three year plan identifying the documents

to be produced in the LDF and the timetable for their production.

• Statement of Community Involvement which advises how the public become

involved in the planning system

• Local Development Documents (LDDs) - the documents that will provide the

framework for delivering the spatial planning strategy for Cornwall.

• The “Core Strategy” (CS): the main document in the LDF. It sets out the spatial

vision for each area, and the spatial objectives and the strategic policies required

to deliver the vision.

• Infrastructure Delivery Plan- Planning and delivery are the means by which

infrastructure needs are identified and planned for, underpinned by organisational

investment regardless of sector. The integration of these individual processes

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and programmes into an Infrastructure Delivery Plan will enable service providers

to more effectively target areas of need with the potential to achieve greater

efficiencies and savings.

• Evidence Base - LDF documents must be founded on a robust and credible

evidence base, and work is underway on producing a sound evidence base for

Cornwall. This work includes a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment,

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, Smaller Settlements Study, Cornwall Retail

Study, Cornwall Employment Land Review , Habitats Regulations Assessment

(HRA) and other essential studies and reports.

• Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) - sets out progress in terms of producing Local

Development Documents (LDDs) and in implementing policies.

• Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA) - all

policies and proposals contained in the LDF must be appraised to ensure that

they contribute to the aims of sustainable development.

• The Sustainable Community Strategy 'Future Cornwall' which sets out Cornwall's

long term vision for economic, social and environmental well-being, and provides

the context for the Core Strategy

3.6.17 The Core Strategy (CD3.13)

3.6.18 The “Core Strategy” (CS) is the main document within the LDF. It sets out the spatial

vision for each area, and the spatial objectives and the strategic policies required to

deliver that vision.

3.6.19 The Core Strategy will set out the broad distribution of development in Cornwall over

the coming years and the key policies needed to guide planning decisions. Policies

relating to individual sites will be dealt with separately; however, where key sites are

necessary, to achieve the overall aims of the strategy, the Core Strategy may identify

specific sites for delivering development such as housing, employment, retail, leisure,

community facilities, essential public services and transport.

3.6.20 The Core Strategy will also sit alongside other plans that Cornwall Council and its

partners have prepared, or are preparing. Crucially, it provides a framework for

planning decisions to help achieve the Council’s corporate objectives and those of

the Sustainable Community Strategy (Future Cornwall) and the Local Transport Plan

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(LTP3 Connecting Cornwall: 2030); together with other key strategies in the county,

such as those for education, health and social inclusion.

3.6.21 The Councils Core Strategy preferred approach (CD3.13) sets out its Spatial

Strategy at paragraph 1.14 – 1.20.

3.6.22 There are a number of key priorities that form the basis of the strategy, including:

• Supporting the regeneration of former industrial heartlands of our economy,

central to resolving deprivation and strengthening the economy.

3.6.23 CPR is identified as one of those key areas for economic regeneration, with a

particular focus on brownfield land.

3.6.24 The Core Strategy Preferred Approach goes on to target CPR as a focus for reducing

deprivation and to maintain and enhance the role, function and sustainability of the

towns, at paragraphs 2.10 – 2.13.

3.6.25 At paragraph 2.18-2.28, the Core Strategy highlights the priority that the Council

places on the provision of affordable housing, and an acknowledgement that the

economy and issues of viability can impact on the delivery of affordable housing

proposals.

3.6.26 In considering jobs and skills, the Core Strategy Preferred Approach, at paragraphs

2.24 – 2.27, seeks the equivalent of one job per new home created. It acknowledges

that, to make the economy stronger and to overcome issues of deprivation and

seasonal work, there is a need to broaden the range of businesses and to ensure

that conditions are right to support not just the major employers, but to encourage

and allow smaller scale opportunities and support expansion of existing business and

the growth of new business sectors.

3.6.27 To achieve this economic growth, it sets a clear focus around delivering the

necessary infrastructure required, including road improvements around the A30.

3.6.28 In addressing Accessibility at paragraphs 2.39 – 2.42, and at its policy H:

Accessibility, the Core Strategy Preferred Approach seeks to ensure that

development proposals are consistent with and contribute towards the

implementation of Connecting Cornwall 2030, (Cornwall Local Transport Plan).

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3.6.29 The Scheme is an integral part of Connecting Cornwall 2030, the Local Transport

Plan (CD3.3).

3.6.30 The Core Strategy Preferred Approach identifies that the Council will ensure that its

primary objectives for affordable housing and the economy are delivered, by

providing for at least 48,000 new homes within Cornwall. It further highlights at

paragraph 4.11 and policy PP4 that 6,500 new homes should be planned for the

urban area of CPR, with a further 500 homes to be delivered within the wider CPR

Community Network Area. Policy PP4 further defines the importance of delivering

highway and sustainable transport infrastructure, including the road Scheme.

3.6.31 The delivery of the Scheme would therefore meet the requirements of the Core

Strategy in terms of necessary infrastructure required to facilitate economic and

housing regeneration of sites within CPR, as set out within this document.

3.6.32 The CPIR Framework (CD3.15)

3.6.33 A place based paper; the CPIR Framework is the Councils document that seeks to

deliver the target for 6500 new homes and the provision of employment and

regeneration opportunities for the CPR area identified within the Core Strategy.

3.6.34 The framework considers the importance of delivering affordable housing to meet

identified needs, and highlights that it is anticipated that the number of families in

housing need is likely to increase over the plan period by 60-70 families each year.

3.6.35 The current Home Choice register for families in need of housing within CPR stands

at 1850, as of March 2011.

3.6.36 It is clear that there is a substantial need for affordable housing within CPR, and that

this demand will continue to grow in subsequent years, and the Scheme can help

release urban sites to tackle this need.

3.6.37 In identifying areas that are suitable for development to deliver such growth and

regeneration, the Framework aims to deliver previously developed, urban sites as a

priority. A plan indicating the current options within the CPIR Framework is attached

at Appendix 4 (CC/5/3), and highlights the importance of the urban brownfield sites

to deliver the growth being planned for CPR.

3.6.38 The Framework is informed by a number of assessments, including a Transport

Assessment, which confirms the continued need for transport infrastructure

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improvements as being fundamental to the regeneration of the area for employment

and housing in order to contribute towards delivering the growth set out within the

Core Strategy, including the development of previously developed sites. Such

infrastructure improvements include increasing capacity around the A30 junctions,

developing an East – West link between Camborne and Redruth, as well as a

number of sustainable transport improvements including bus, cycle and pedestrian

facilities. The Scheme is specifically highlighted within the Framework as being a

critical piece of transport infrastructure to deliver regeneration and growth for CPR.

3.6.39 The regeneration of sites that the scheme will provide for new jobs and new homes

helping to address the significant need for affordable housing and employment

opportunities within CPR

3.6.40 In progressing the Town Framework the Council is continuing to liaise with a number

of land owners and developers with the aim of planning for the delivery of such

previously developed sites through master planning, but which are reliant on those

transport infrastructure improvements for development proposals to be delivered.

The result is that the Council has a number of projects waiting to come forward, but

which are awaiting the delivery of the transport infrastructure improvements for them

to be deliverable.

3.6.41 The scheme provides critical improvements to the local transport infrastructure that is

identified within the emerging Core Strategy and CPIR Framework (CD3.13). Delivering the road scheme will help to enable regeneration of urban brownfield sites

that have been identified as opportunities for economic and housing growth within the

Framework. These sites are key components to delivering the Councils future plans

for growth and regeneration within CPR. As such, the Scheme is in accordance with

aims of the Councils emerging Core Strategy and its supporting CPIR Framework.

3.7 Summary of the planning assessment of the Scheme by the planning authority

3.7.1 In granting planning permission for each of these applications, the planning authority

has considered the proposals both as an improvement to the local transport

infrastructure, but also as an enabler of the regeneration of urban sites within CPR.

The perceived benefits of the Scheme in addressing issues of deprivation

surrounding employment, wage and skill levels, and housing have played a key role

in the Council’s assessment of the scheme.

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3.7.2 In considering the applications, the relevant planning Authorities were content that

the proposals were in accordance with all tiers of the relevant planning policies at a

National, Regional and local level. In addition, it is considered that the Scheme is

also in accordance with the newest level of government planning policy, the NPPF,

and the Councils emerging planning policies contained within the emerging Core

Strategy and its accompanying CPIR Framework.

3.7.3 Furthermore, each application was supported by comprehensive Environmental

Impact Assessments, which considered the potential for environmental impacts

arising from the development of the road scheme. In considering and assessing the

applications the Planning Authority had full regard to the content of the EIA and

considered the responses and advice from its consultees in this respect. In granting

the planning permissions, the Planning Authority were satisfied that there were no

overriding environmental impacts, or issues that could not be addressed through

appropriate mitigation or the use of planning conditions, that would indicate that

planning permission should be withheld. On this basis, planning permission was

granted for both applications, subject to the imposition of planning conditions.

3.7.4 The Scheme is identified as a part of the approved developments considered above,

and which is to be delivered in a phased manner.

3.7.5 The Council has committed to deliver the approved road development as the funding

becomes available to do so, but that currently, as an initial phase, the Scheme has

funding to ensure its delivery now in order to enable the regeneration of CPR.

3.7.6 The Scheme is a partial implementation of a larger scheme with planning permission

and which has been the subject of EIA assessments. The Council, is satisfied that

the Scheme can lawfully be constructed with the benefit of the existing planning

permissions and that the impacts of the reduced development are such that no

further Environmental Impact Assessment was required to be undertaken.

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4 CONCLUSIONS 4.1 In assessing and subsequently approving the planning applications for the Scheme,

the Council as Local Planning Authority gave consideration to the Environmental

Statements submitted in support of the proposals. Whilst the proposals would give

rise to environmental impacts, it found that there were no overriding harmful impacts

that would warrant a different conclusion, and that appropriate planning controls

could be imposed on the permissions through planning conditions to address any

concerns that arose during the consideration of the application, such as Air Quality

and Noise.

4.2 The Scheme would provide improved transport infrastructure to an important location

within CPR, and would address both network congestion and capacity, but also

improve accessibility both within the urban area, but also to and from the main A30

Trunk road. In doing so, the Scheme also provides better opportunities to bring

about improved opportunities for sustainable transport.

4.3 The Council as Planning Authority clearly acknowledged the critical role that the

Scheme plays in releasing brownfield urban sites for the future regeneration, growth

and well being of CPR. These sites would facilitate the delivery of new jobs and

homes, helping to meet identified housing needs, including the significant need for

affordable homes within CPR.

4.4 The Scheme remains a critical piece of transport infrastructure for CPR and its future,

and is identified within the Councils Emerging Core Strategy and CPIR Framework

as essential to deliver both regeneration and growth for CPR now and into the future.

4.5 The Council is satisfied that the Scheme is in accordance with all tiers of planning

policy.

4.6 The Council has progressed a number of master plans and project proposals that are

reliant upon the delivery of the road in order to overcome long standing constraints

on the local network (A3047) and at the A30 East Hill Junction. These plans and

projects play an important role for the future of CPR in delivering much needed jobs

and homes. Without the scheme, those sites would remain constrained and

unavailable for regeneration.

4.7 The Council as Planning Authority has considered that the many benefits that the

Scheme brings about in terms of regeneration to address the deprivation and the

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acknowledged need for jobs, housing and affordable housing within CPR, outweighs

any negative impacts that the Scheme might generate.