Planning in Cannock Chase

Neighbourhood-Led Planning

Increased opportunities are available for community and neighbourhood planning processes to be proposed by town and parish councils or 'neighbourhood forums' agreed by the Council as Local Planning Authority. Cannock chase council will help facilitate such processes where they: 1. Are in general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan; 2. Accord with national policy in the NPPF; and 3. Are compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements. The Council, as local planning authority, will provide an early view where proposals meet these three criteria on the most appropriate way of achieving the communities aims. Options might include: 1. Parish Plan - to describe how residents wish to see their area develop over the next few years, over a range of issues; 2. Design statement - to describe the distinctive characteristics of the locality, and provide design guidance to influence future development; 3. neighbourhood Development Plan - to establish general planning policies for the development and use of land in a neighbourhood; 4. neighbourhood Development order - to permit the development they want to see - in full or in outline - without the need for planning applications; 5. community right to Build order - to allow certain community organisations to bring forward smaller-scale development on a specific site, without the need for planning permission. Any benefit from this development stays within the community to be used for the community's benefit. Community right to build orders are subject to a limited number of exclusions, such as proposals needing to fall below certain thresholds so that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required. The Council will, where invited and subject to available resources, assist by advising on proposals as appropriate, including any conditions which need to be met to ensure legal compliance and policy conformity. In the case of neighbourhood development plans or orders or community right to build orders (3 to 5) the Council will help by arranging for an independent qualified person to check that they appropriately meet these conditions as required under the Localism Act. Subject to passing this inspection, the Council will further assist by organising the referendum, under which a majority of votes must be obtained before

Social Inclusion and Healthy Living

The Council will work with public, private and third sector partners to ensure that appropriate levels of infrastructure are provided to support social inclusion and healthy living in the District. Subject to viability, development proposals will be required to have regard to the wider determinants of health and make a positive contribution to provision of infrastructure, design and layout which supports social inclusion and healthy living for sustainable communities. The key elements of this infrastructure include the items identified immediately below. The Council will work with applicants to identify and agree which of those elements of infrastructure are directly related to the proposed development (and are not already fully funded from other sources) and seek to agree an appropriate level of contribution. • Health facilities • Education facilities • Parks, open spaces and woodlands, play areas and allotments facilities (see also Policy CP12) • Playing pitches, golf courses and facilities for athletics, tennis and bowling • Cemetery/crematorium • Cycling/pedestrian routes and pathways • Indoor sport and physical activity facilities including sports halls and swimming pools • Cultural and community facilities and leisure/activity opportunities • Other buildings for community use including places for worship and public houses • Local shopping facilities Informed by assessments of quantity, quality and accessibility of facilities (which will be reviewed at regular intervals), new developments will be required to support the provision of wholly new facilities and/or protect or make improvements to existing facilities, including improvements to their accessibility and supporting their future maintenance. This will be delivered through a combination of Community Infrastructure Levy monies as well as on and off site direct provision (via Section 106 agreements and good urban design). Land for provision of new facilities will be required to be made available in connection with major developments, which may also need to address existing local deficiencies in provision. All developments should incorporate appropriate open space features relative to their scale as part of a good urban design approach (see Policy CP3). Developments of 50 dwellings or more will be expected to provide an additional element of on-site open space recreation provision to serve them, assisting mitigation of impacts upon the Cannock Chase SAC (see Policy CP13). There will be a presumption against the loss of other green space network sites and community buildings (that are not subject to the above national policy requirements) unless they are surplus and clearly no longer required to meet demand for any of the identified purposes or: • the wider sustainability benefits or major community benefits delivered by the proposal outweigh the loss (taking into account the value of the site); • appropriate mitigation measures and/or replacement space/facilities, equivalent or better in terms of quantity, quality and accessibility, can be provided to compensate for loss of the site and its value.

Public Realm

The public realm will be enhanced in Rugeley town centre in the following ways, particularly in the key areas shown on the Policies Map: • Canal – improvements to paths with a focus on improving surface and gradient to the towpath access at Leathermill Lane bridge, provision of signage to local facilities on the Canal (and in the town centre reciprocal signage to the Canal), interpretation facilities, signage, fencing, seating, sanitary station facilities for boaters and additional mooring facilities in conjunction with the Canal and River Trust. A water point and sanitary station facilities could be provided in conjunction with a new canal basin or separately adjacent to the canal. The need to safeguard wildlife corridors as well as protected species will need to be considered. • Water feature - the desire to deculvert Rising Brook as it flows through the town centre in conjunction with the Environment Agency has attracted support for development of a water feature in Brook Square, which would form a distinctive focal point. • Bandstand – the Council has agreed to support the principle of a bandstand in Brook Square together with a mining memorial on Globe Island, Rugeley, A460. • Paving – opportunities taken to renew, relay and improve the paving throughout the town centre using sustainable, high quality, durable materials. • Street furniture – opportunities taken to replace and refurbish existing street furniture together with removal of 'clutter'. • Environmental improvements in key locations including: - paving, signage, seating and soft landscaping along improved pedestrian/cycle links to town centre (Policy RTC10); - new planting to car park frontages to Forge Road; - enhancement of car park frontage to Market Street; - enhancement of open section of Rising Brook beside boardwalk; - continue programme of tree replacement/planting; - update design of Market Square; - enhance entrance to Park on Elmore Lane; - improve small areas of poor 'left over' open space around edge of town centre; - the use of natural vegetation in new planting schemes in view of the biodiversity benefit this provides.

Chase Shaping - Design

High standards of design of buildings and spaces which contribute to meeting the Vision for the District inspired by the nationally recognised environment of Cannock Chase and reflecting local identity will be expected in all development. Opportunities for the enhancement of town and local centres and other public open space will be maximised including designing out crime and anti-social behaviour. Mixed uses will be promoted within well-used attractive places designed to appeal to people of all ages regardless of their level of personal mobility, seeking to instil a sense of pride and safety in all those who use them. Opportunities to contribute to energy efficiency and renewable and low carbon energy generation will be encouraged as an element of good design. Well-designed new development which addresses relevant issues will be considered favourably without delay unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The following key requirements of high quality design will need to be addressed in development proposals: • Consider design imaginatively in its context, complementing and enhancing the character and appearance of the local area and reinforcing local distinctiveness (see also Policies CP14 and CP15); • Be well-related within the development and to existing buildings and their surroundings in terms of layout, density, access, scale, appearance, landscaping and materials based upon an understanding of the context of the site and appropriate professional expertise; • Successfully integrate with existing trees, hedges and landscape features of amenity value and employ measures to enhance biodiversity and green the built environment with new planting designed to enhance local distinctiveness (see also Policy CP12); • Conserve and enhance the local historic environment including reuse of buildings and sympathetic repair, using the historic environment as a stimulus to high quality design and enhancing local character and distinctiveness (see also Policy CP15); • Incorporate measures to design out crime and anti-social behaviour based upon Police guidance (currently 'Secured by Design' initiatives and Parkmark standards); • Protect the amenity enjoyed by existing properties including supporting mixed uses whilst avoiding incompatible ones and have regard to existing uses with potential to generate pollution which could have an unacceptably detrimental effect on proposed development (see also Policy CP16); • Promote appropriate design and uses in town centres with 'active' street frontages and high quality public space to ensure centres are well used and cared for with convenient attractive town centre parking; • Promote ease of access and mobility within the development and from its surroundings, contributing to a network of attractive, well-connected spaces in sustainable locations with the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users in mind (see also Policy CP10); • Optimise promotion of 'active design' increasing opportunities for physical activity and community interaction (see also Policy CP5); • Optimise opportunities to minimise resource use, mitigate climate change impact and maximise energy efficiency to ensure delivery of sustainable design and construction (see also Policies CP1, CP10 and CP16); • Show how the proposal forms appropriate development within the Green Belt to a design in keeping with its surroundings (see also Policy CP14); • Preserve and enhance the landscape, scenic beauty and character of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its setting through the careful design of new development (see also Policy CP13); • Involve the sympathetic design of high quality communications infrastructure.

Urban Design Principles

All new development and the conservation and enhancement of significant buildings, their settings and the public realm will be expected to address the urban design principles set out below. In addition the Council will develop and promote a Rugeley Town Centre Improvement Scheme to help revitalise the urban fabric of Rugeley town centre. The scheme will undertake or support appropriate projects which regenerate the historic core and actively promote the urban design principles. Where possible the scheme will be developed in partnership with others, utilising developer contributions and working closely with English Heritage. urban design principles 1. Reflect the characteristics of the Historic Urban Character Areas (HUCA's) in new development, alterations to existing buildings and their settings and the design and materials of shopfronts and signage to strengthen local distinctiveness and reinforce Rugeley's unique sense of place. 2. Encourage active frontages and enhanced boundary treatment to surrounding roads such as Elmore Lane and Forge Road to screen parking and servicing areas and create an 'outward face' to the town centre. 3. Respect the human scale of the town centre and its historic skyline, including views through the town centre, whilst providing opportunities for contemporary design and innovation. 4. Raise the profile of the Trent and Mersey Canal and enhance its setting with appropriate new waterside development and the conservation and reuse of traditional canalside buildings whilst protecting its 'green' character and wildlife value and linked to opportunities to link the canal corridor to the wider green infrastructure network. 5. Extend and enhance pedestrian links between the town centre and the Park, Canal, public transport nodes and surrounding residential areas to encourage sustainable travel. 6. 'Green' the urban town centre with tree planting and improve the public realm to enhance its attractiveness as a destination and improve biodiversity. 7. Encourage and promote the use of Rugeley's squares and spaces for community events and markets to complement town centre shops and other facilities and attract a wide range of visitors. 8. Open up Rising Brook, where feasible, creating focal points to reinforce Rugeley's identity, as envisaged in Policy RTC6, including flood mitigation measures agreed with the Environment Agency and having regard to biodiversity interests. 9. Work with building owners to encourage a high standard of repair and reuse of traditional buildings and take advantage of opportunities to upgrade modern building frontages to improve attractiveness of the town centre. 10. Reinforce references to Rugeley's history and canalside location using public art and information. 11. Encourage environmental best practice, sustainable construction, waste management and flood mitigation measures, and ensure that the town centre is well-managed, clean and safe.

Employment Land

To support the delivery of an appropriate employment land supply the Council will work proactively with existing and potential business investors, and other partners, to address any constraints to development including infrastructure and labour supply. The Council will maintain and enhance the environmental qualities of the District overall as a key asset for attracting continued investment. The Council will seek to assist delivery of at least 88ha of new and redeveloped employment land (primarily for non-town centre B class uses but with flexibility for other uses, particularly where in accordance with CP11). New and redeveloped land is identified as being currently available at the following locations, broadly in proportion to the Strategic Approach (Policy CP1). 1. completions 2006 - 2012 (34ha); 16ha at Cannock, Hednesford and Heath Hayes 18ha at Rugeley and Brereton 2. Land available at key locations (46ha - identified in the Key Diagram) 26ha at kingswood Lakeside 12ha at the A5 corridor, Bridgtown 8ha at Towers Business Park/Former Power Station, Rugeley 3. Land available at other employment locations (11ha) 8ha at Cannock, including Mill Green 3ha at Norton Canes (including 2ha as part of the mixed use urban extension at Norton Canes) Up to date information will be utilised to inform judgements on the availability of suitable land within the District over the plan period. Where demand at the strategic high quality sites (see below) indicates a need for continued, further supply then consideration will be given to the provision of new employment land via the expansion of kingswood Lakeside. This will be considered further via the Local Plan Part 2. Applications for new employment uses at other locations will be considered against all other Core Strategy policies, having primary regard to the presumption in favour of sustainable development (Policy CP1). Further employment land provision is made available via CP11 and the Rugeley Area Action Plan in relation to town centre uses. The redevelopment and modernisation of existing employment sites and other appropriate Brownfield land for employment purposes will be encouraged and supported, provided that it is not of high environmental value, in order to provide an ongoing supply of available land and premises. Proposals for employment developments at existing employment sites within the Green Belt will be treated positively (in accordance with other Core Strategy policies and national Green Belt policy) recognising that they are unlikely to be suitable for alternative uses. Further guidance for the redevelopment of the following sites will be supported by Local Plan Part 2 policies and Supplementary Planning Documents as appropriate: • Cannock Chase Enterprise Centre • Cannock Wood Industrial Estate • Lime Lane Business Area • Watling Street Business Park The Council will seek to retain and promote diversified 'B class' uses in existing and developing employment areas of the highest quality to assist the overall diversification of the local economy (having regard to Policy CP11 and the need for a sequential approach in relation to offices). High quality employment areas are characterised by good accessibility and high quality environments that provide an attractive offer to modern industry, targeted growth sectors and/or high profile investors. The strategic high quality sites in the District are kingswood Lakeside and Towers Business Park. 'Non-B class' uses proposals in these high quality areas will be considered on their merits, recognising the contribution they can potentially make as part of a mixed-use area. Their merit will be assessed in terms of their scale, the extent to which the proposal prejudices 'B class' operations or supports activities on site and the extent to which they contribute towards economic development priorities of the District, including employment generation, employment diversification and higher job density (see Policy CP9). Improvements to other existing employment locations will be promoted to improve their quality (where feasible), particularly to the employment location of the A5 corridor. In Green Belt or village locations the conversion of agricultural or other buildings to employment uses or the consolidation of existing employment locations will be considered against sustainable development principles (see Policies CP3, CP10, CP12, CP13, CP14, CP15, CP16), the strategic approach as it applies to rural areas (Policy CP1) and Green Belt policy (Policies CP1 and CP14). Proposals which involve the redevelopment or conversion of employment uses to alternative uses will be considered on their merits, based upon other Core Strategy policies and having primary regard to the following key criteria: • the ongoing availability of land supply at other locations and ability of existing businesses on site to relocate to suitable alternative sites within the District; • benefits arising from the proposal including improvements to local residential and environmental amenity, supporting existing businesses on site (see Policy CP9), or enabling funding for the relocation of an existing business within the District; • the quality of the site/unit and the extent to which the site/unit is no longer viable for employment use taking into account any information on vacancy rates and the potential for modernisation. This will be based upon the sites/units market attractiveness (taking into account its portfolio offer to locally based investors) and the viability of any potential employment redevelopment scheme. The Council will seek to retain primarily employment generating uses on site where evidence demonstrates that the site is still viable for employment use and that redevelopment will not provide any benefits, as defined above. In the case of residential proposals, regard will also be paid to the findings of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. Where a shortfall in the five-year housing supply is apparent then the presumption should be in favour of residential redevelopment, unless the economic evidence is strong and compelling. In accordance with CP1 employment developments will be managed in line with all other Local Plan policies and monitoring of the Objectives. Conditions will be applied to planning consents to ensure that town centre uses are not allowed in out-of-centre locations unless the sequential approach is met. Policy CP11 directs office developments towards town centres and the Council will seek to promote town centre sites, where they are suitable and viable. As per national planning policy (in considering proposals for main town centre uses which cannot be accommodated in or adjacent to town centres) in recognition of the current constraints to town centre office development the Council will ensure that the wider regeneration benefits to the District are not lost due to a lack of suitable and viable town centre and edge of centre sites. The sequential approach will be applied on a case by case basis and in assessing non-town centre proposals the Council will take into account the operating needs of the proposal; the accessibility of the site via public transport (and/or the proposals ability to improve this); and the general appropriateness of the site for office schemes by virtue of other complementary uses on site.

A Balanced Economy

Priority will be given to employment uses which add value to and strengthen the local economy to achieve the priority aims of economic resilience and restructuring. The Council will continue to work with key partners to deliver this, particularly as a member of Local Enterprise Partnerships. Broad support will be given to creating a balanced portfolio of employment land to meet existing business requirements and recognising a need for more professional, financial and out-sourced public sector opportunities alongside support for niche high quality manufacturing and research and development sectors. Whilst focusing upon these specific opportunities, the Council will support a range of proposals which contribute to broad diversification of the economy overall including retail and tourism growth. Proposals which help to raise the District's job density closer to that of the County average will generally be supported. Whilst the continued importance of the distribution and logistics sector is recognized, proposals for very low density uses such as storage and distribution (including self–storage) will need to be supported by sound evidence to demonstrate that the use can add sustained value to the local economy. This evidence will include the role such developments have in supporting the operations of other businesses in the District and employment prospects (including levels of job density and quality relative to other businesses/sectors). In order to increase local employment prospects and new job opportunities within the District (and at nearby employment centres) appropriate local training and skills initiatives will be supported, including via developer contributions where appropriate. Proposals to enhance the District's overall education offer will be supported (see also Policy CP5). The following key measures will generally be considered favourably or be required in support of increased employment opportunity: • Sustainable and co-ordinated transport links (in conjunction with Policy CP8); • Well-designed buildings and spaces and safe pedestrian routes that protect existing residential amenity (in conjunction with Policies CP2 and CP8); • Appropriately located live / work units; • Improved ICT services, such as broadband connectivity; • Associated social infrastructure such as nurseries, after-school clubs and other uses which enable the working population to have an easily accessible network of family care and support.

Climate Change and Sustainable Resource Use

2. For large-scale renewable and low carbon energy schemes, positive consideration will be given to proposals recognising their potential wider social, economic and environmental benefits. Account will be taken of other policy considerations in assessing their appropriateness, namely views and landscape character (particularly taking account of cumulative impacts in relation to large scale wind turbines or other large scale development proposals), biodiversity, the historic environment, pollution effects (including noise and odours), impacts upon the transport network, economic impacts and overall amenity including that of residents and businesses (Policies CP3, CP8, CP9, CP10, CP12, CP13, CP14, CP15, CP16). The ability to implement appropriate mitigation and restoration measures where relevant will be considered. For biomass proposals, account will also be taken of proximity of the supplies to demand and the impact this has upon the overall sustainability of the proposal. Biomass proposals should seek to derive supplies from locally available sources (or otherwise sustainable sources) to enhance their sustainability. The same criteria will apply in determining the Council's response to minerals and waste proposals, taking into account Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Joint Waste Local Plan and Staffordshire Minerals Plan Local Plan policies. 3. All residential and non-residential development proposals should contribute to tackling climate change and promoting sustainable resource use by: a. Exploring opportunities for exceeding national timetables for zero-carbon development and sustainable construction by virtue of their overall design, where viable. Account should be taken of the landform, layout, building orientation, massing, landscaping and use of materials. Schemes should also assess how they can utilise appropriate new renewable and low carbon technologies to help achieve higher carbon reduction standards, with the expectation that where conditions are favourable higher standards will be achieved. All new residential developments should achieve water efficiency standards of 105 litres/person/day or less (currently equivalent to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3/4) as a minimum and should have regard to wider sustainability standards of the Code (using Level 3 as a good practice benchmark, or any future equivalent national standard). New non-residential developments should reference BREEAM standards and should seek to achieve 'Very Good' status as a minimum (or any future equivalent national standard), where viable. As part of the ongoing Infrastructure Delivery Plan the Council will consider contributions towards carbon reduction projects via the Community Infrastructure Levy and this will also be used to support the national approach for payments towards 'allowable solutions' for zero-carbon standards, which can be retained locally (subject to future national legislation and policy); b. Improving the energy performance and wider sustainability of the existing building stock. Planning applications for extensions, conversions and refurbishments to existing domestic dwellings and non-residential schemes will be expected to undertake reasonable improvements to the energy and sustainability performance of the existing building. This will be in addition to the requirements of the Building Regulations for the changes for which planning permission is sought, including options such as installation of energy efficiency measures, renewable and low carbon technologies and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS). Opportunities for enhanced standards on larger-scale refurbishment works will be pursued and the appropriate re-use or refurbishment of historic properties is also encouraged (in line with Policy CP13). Standards achieved should be expressed in line with nationally recognised standards, namely Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM (or any future equivalents); c. Avoiding developments in high risk flood areas as per the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. The sequential and exceptions tests will be applied and flood risk alleviation may be required, taking into account cumulative impacts upon risk in the catchment. Assessments should also consider flood risk from other sources as appropriate, particularly surface water, by having regard to the Surface Water Management Plan; d. Protection of the water environment. This can be achieved by assessing options for (and implementing where viable) incorporating Sustainable Drainage to improve water quality, including consideration of green roofs; de-culverting watercourses; attenuating surface water discharges to combined foul/surface water systems and reducing overflows. Developments should ensure there is adequate on and off-site drainage infrastructure in place to serve their needs without posing a risk to the environment, including foul drainage and waste water treatment capacity; e. Incorporating landscaping and sustainable design measures that assist adaptation to climate change and minimise all forms of pollution, particularly via the use of multi-functional green infrastructure as per Policies CP5, CP10, CP12 and CP14; f. Supporting building re-use and construction methods that maximise the use of recycled and locally sourced materials. Developments should also ensure appropriate designs and facilities that support unit level recycling and waste minimisation once occupied. Regard should be paid to best practice and national standards for benchmarking performance (see point a); g. Considering their potential to sterilise mineral resources in consultation with the County Council. Developments within Mineral Consultation or Safeguarding Areas should not sterilise or seriously hinder the extraction of minerals. Proposals will be expected to extract any viable mineral resources prior to development, if practicable, and where this would not have unacceptable impacts upon neighbouring uses or conflict with other Core Strategy policies (see CP12, CP14, CP15, CP16). Where prior extraction is not considered feasible evidence supporting this view should be submitted and may include the impact upon the development's viability, impracticalities of prior extraction and the over-riding need for the development. Developments should also address any issues of land stability and surface hazards resulting from the legacy of past mining activity using existing evidence and via further site investigation information where appropriate to ensure safe development.

Landscape Character and Green Infrastructure

The District's Landscape Character and Green Infrastructure will be protected and enhanced via: • The consideration of landscape character in all development proposals in order to protect and conserve locally distinctive qualities, rural openness and sense of place and maximise opportunities for restoring, strengthening and enhancing distinctive landscape features including trees, woodland, canal corridors, sensitive edges of the rural areas and creating green infrastructure links in conjunction with new development. The reuse and sympathetic adaptation of existing buildings which make a positive contribution to their landscape setting will be supported (taking into account complementary Policies CP12 and CP15); • Supporting development proposals within the AONB that are compatible with its management objectives, as set out in the AONB Management Plan. Unless, in exceptional circumstances, an overriding need that cannot be accommodated elsewhere can be demonstrated to be in the public interest and the sustainability benefits outweigh the detrimental effects, major developments will not be permitted. Good management of horse pasture will be encouraged in conjunction with landowners, including field boundary treatments and 'gapping up' of hedgerows to maintain habitats. Development of adjacent land forming the setting of the AONB will be expected to avoid an adverse impact on the landscape and scenic beauty of the area; • Supporting development proposals across the rest of the District that help to facilitate the AONB Management Plan objectives, particularly the need to protect and enhance green infrastructure, including green roadsides, enhance green linkages and access where appropriate, ensure that tranquil areas (to be detailed in the District Design Guide SPD) retain this quality and ensuring mitigation of potential increased recreational pressures in accordance with Policy CP13. Proposals to enhance access to high quality open spaces, create missing links and connections to existing rights of way networks and 'quiet lanes' will be encouraged and initiatives pursued as resources permit; • Seeking developer contributions where appropriate in support of the AONB and landscape character (as guided by the AONB Management Plan); • Promote effective stewardship of key areas of green infrastructure, such as Local Green Space, and opportunities for enhancement in conjunction with landowners. Development proposals, including those for appropriate development within the Green Belt, and land management practices within the AONB and on its fringes including the Hednesford Hills, must be sensitive to the distinctive landscape character and ensure they do not have an adverse impact upon their setting through design, layout or intensity. Development proposals for extensions to and replacements of existing buildings within the Green Belt will be expected to demonstrate sympathy with their location through size, appearance and landscape impact mitigation. The ground floor area of any proposed extension or replacement building should not normally exceed that of the original property by more than 50%. Positive consideration will be given to developments which enhance their setting and character within these parameters.

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

the Districts biodiversity and geodiversity assets will be protected, conserved and enhanced via: • the safeguarding from damaging development of ecological and geological sites, priority habitats and species and areas of importance for enhancing biodiversity, including appropriate buffer zones, according to their international, national and local status. Development will not be permitted where significant harm from development cannot be avoided, adequately mitigated or compensated for; • support for the protection, conservation and enhancement of existing green infrastructure to facilitate robust wildlife habitats and corridors at a local and regional scale (particularly to complement Policy CP16); • supporting and promoting initiatives for the restoration and creation of priority habitats and recovery of priority species and the provision of new spaces and networks to extend existing green infrastructure; • supporting development proposals that assist the delivery of national, regional and local Biodiversity and Geodiversity Action Plan (LBAP/GAP)targets by the appropriate protection, incorporation and management of natural features and priority species; • the promotion of effective stewardship and management across the District to contribute to ecological and geological enhancements. key local strategic assets, including the Hednesford Hills and Local Nature Reserves, will continue to be managed positively in accordance with relevant management plans and opportunities for enhancements to all sites via better management will be promoted. Opportunities to enhance the Etchinghill Local Geological Site will also be promoted. Plans and initiatives such as the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (including the Local Biodiversity Opportunity Map), the Forest of Mercia, and any successors aiming for improved green infrastructure provision that is rich in biodiversity will be supported. Priority habitats for the District to promote via local biodiversity opportunity mapping include grassland, heathland, wetland and woodland. A key cross-boundary priority area for enhancing heathland exists between Cannock Chase and Sutton Park. Internationally and nationally important sites or species will receive the highest levels of protection. Developments resulting in potential direct and indirect impacts upon an international site will be determined in accordance with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (see CP13). Developments adversely affecting a national site will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances and with the provision of appropriate compensation. Planning permission will be refused for developments resulting in the loss of or adverse effects upon a locally designated site, ancient woodland, veteran trees or priority biodiversity habitat unless: • there is no alternative suitable site for the proposal and; • the need for and the wider sustainability benefits of the proposal outweigh its adverse impacts taking into account the value of the site and; • appropriate mitigation measures or new benefits can be provided to compensate for the loss Developments must have regard to the movement of wildlife via linear corridors and 'stepping stones', minimising any adverse impacts as far as possible. Local sites form an important part of the District's green infrastructure and will be protected (see also Policy CP7). Full consideration should be given to the designing of biodiversity into development schemes via site layout, features such as sustainable drainage systems, green roofs and small scale green infrastructure including private gardens, hedgerows and trees and green road frontages. The Local Plan (Part 2) and further Supplementary Planning Documents will provide further site-level implementation and guidance on measures that can be taken to enhance local features, including developer contributions where appropriate to support local priorities. The Policies Map shows locally designated sites which are up-to date as at the time of publication, but these are subject to ongoing review so the most up-to-date position should be obtained via consultation with the Council and Staffordshire Ecological Record. Newly recognised designations not mapped at the time of the Local Plan adoption will be treated as falling within the scope of policy.

Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Development will not be permitted where it would be likely to lead directly or indirectly to an adverse effect upon the integrity of the European Site network and the effects cannot be mitigated. To be in accordance with the Local Plan and for detailed development proposals to be permitted, the issues raised in any relevant Habitat Regulations Assessments should be taken into account by developers. In order to retain the integrity of the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC) all development within Cannock Chase District that leads to a net increase in dwellings will be required to mitigate adverse effects. The ongoing work by relevant partner authorities will develop a Mitigation and Implementation Strategy (SPD). This may include contributions to habitat management; access management and visitor infrastructure; publicity, education and awareness raising; provision of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS) within development sites where they can be accommodated and where they cannot by contributions to off-site alternative green space; and measures to encourage sustainable travel. The effective avoidance and/or mitigation of any identified adverse effects must be demonstrated and secured prior to approval of the development. This policy has jurisdiction over developments within Cannock Chase District only; however it will be implemented jointly with neighbouring authorities via the application of complementary policies in partner Local Plans as appropriate.

Landscape Character and Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

the District's landscape character will be protected, conserved and enhanced via: • The consideration of landscape character in all development proposals in order to protect and conserve locally distinctive qualities, rural openness and sense of place and maximise opportunities for restoring, strengthening and enhancing distinctive landscape features including trees, woodland, canal corridors, sensitive edges of the rural areas and creating green infrastructure links in conjunction with new development. The reuse and sympathetic adaptation of existing buildings which make a positive contribution to their landscape setting will be supported(taking into account complementary Policies CP12 and CP15); • Supporting development proposals within the AONB that are compatible with its management objectives, as set out in the AONB Management Plan. Unless, in exceptional circumstances, an overriding need that cannot be accommodated elsewhere can be demonstrated to be in the public interest and the sustainability benefits outweigh the detrimental effects, major developments will not be permitted. Good management of horse pasture will be encouraged in conjunction with landowners, including field boundary treatments and 'gapping up' of hedgerows to maintain habitats. Development of adjacent land forming the setting of the AONB will be expected to avoid an adverse impact on the landscape and scenic beauty of the area; • Supporting development proposals across the rest of the District that help to facilitate the AONB Management Plan objectives, particularly the n

Flood Alleviation Measures

To reduce existing flood risk affecting the town centre, a formal flood alleviation scheme will need to be constructed within the open land west of Western Springs Road, A460 (formerly A51). As a minimum, the scheme shall hold back functional flood plain flows and ensure that all site allocations, currently in flood zone 3B within the AAP are outside the functional flood plain, and will enable vehicular access. This scheme will be delivered in partnership through financial contributions from the Environment Agency and appropriate town centre developers and shall be undertaken to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency. Implementation of the scheme will be required prior to regeneration of the Rugeley Market Hall/Bus Station site (Policy RTC6) and also the Market Street Garages Site (Policy RTC5) unless flood risk assessment indicates otherwise in accordance with policy RTC5.

Historic Environment

The District's Historic Environment will be protected and enhanced via: • the safeguarding of all historic sites, buildings, areas, archaeological remains, their settings and their historic landscape and townscape context according to their national or local status from developments harmful to their significance in order to sustain character, local distinctiveness and sense of place; • supporting and promoting development proposals that are sensitive to and inspired by their context and add value to the existing historic environment, landscape and townscape character by virtue of their use, layout, scale, appearance, landscaping and materials to ensure that the historic environment acts as a stimulus to high quality design based upon guidance set out in the Design SPD; planning standards may be applied in a flexible manner to maintain continuity within historic townscapes. Opportunities for new development within conservation areas and within the setting of heritage assets to enhance or better reveal their significance will be considered; • supporting schemes which help to promote wider understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment by all members of the local and wider community, and wider social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits including continued use and enhancement of heritage assets most at risk; • maintaining an appropriate balance between conservation, re-use, sympathetic adaptation and new development via recourse to national policy in order to promote the sustainable management of the historic environment, mixed sustainable land use patterns and promote the historic environment as a catalyst for the regeneration of the District; • focussing development and regeneration around existing historic urban areas to maximise potential for investment within them and the benefits of heritage-led regeneration as opportunities arise.

Housing Land

As part of a Southern Staffordshire strategy to deliver 19,800 houses in Tamworth Borough, Lichfield District and Cannock Chase District between 2006 and 2028, land is identified in Cannock Chase District for 5,300 new houses. Land identified includes: 1. 1,625 new houses completed 2006-2012. 2. 2,350 new houses on urban sites identified by the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2012 (SHLAA) in the following proportions: (66%) in Cannock, Hednesford and Heath Hayes, (29%) in Rugeley and Brereton and (5%) in Norton Canes. This figure includes discounts and windfall allowances evidenced in the SHLAA. 3. a strategic site allocated for an urban extension on land west of Pye Green road for 750 new houses to be delivered as identified in the housing trajectory (identified on the Policies Map and key Diagram and elaborated in an adopted development brief). In addition there is potential for the site's capacity to increase to 900 dwellings, consistent with the site's strategic allocation. 4. Urban extension south of norton canes on land identified for up to 670 houses including land off Butts Lane/Walsall Road for a mixed development including up to 450 houses and 2ha of employment land (with planning approval), land off Walsall Road and land at the former Greyhound Stadium to be phased over the plan period (identified on the key Diagram). A strategic development allocation to the east of rugeley within the Lichfield District Local Plan assists in meeting the housing needs arising in rugeley and Brereton in line with the south-east Staffordshire strategy. Land removed from the Green Belt and identified on the Policies Map as safeguarded for longer term development under the Local Plan 1997 (known as Land East of Wimblebury Road, Heath Hayes), will continue to be safeguarded for potential development beyond the plan period subject to consideration within Local Plan (Part 2 - if appropriate) and/or a Local Plan review or replacement. The appropriateness of the Green Belt boundary at this site will be assessed as part of Local Plan Part 2. Within all town centres housing proposals will be encouraged as part of mixed use developments or to provide effective use of upper floors of buildings. Housing proposals within a defined village settlement boundary shown on the Policies Map will be limited to small infill sites which accord with sustainable development principles identified in the NPPF and the strategic approach defined in Policy CP1 and other Local Plan Policies as appropriate. Housing proposals at locations within the Green Belt will be assessed against the NPPF and Policies CP12 and CP14. All housing development will be required to contribute to SAC mitigation via either on-site provision of natural green space or developer contributions for off-site provision or other mitigating measures. The release of land for housing will be managed in order to achieve the re-use of previously developed land within the built-up areas and a balanced delivery guided by the District housing trajectory (Appendix B) over the plan period. Annual housing completions will be monitored and a minimum five year plus 5% housing land supply ensured. If monitoring identifies persistent under delivery of housing, a minimum five year plus 20% land supply will be provided. The annual review of the SHLAA and Authorities Monitoring Report (AMR) provide the mechanisms for monitoring. The SHLAA process, which involves house building professionals via the SHLAA Panel, will also help facilitate the advancement of sites into the five year deliverable supply. Alongside the SHLAA process, the Council will continue to positively engage with developers in bringing sites into the five year supply as part of the development management process. This includes positive consideration of sites not currently identified in the SHLAA (windfalls). Where the SHLAA identifies a shortfall in the five year deliverable supply of housing land, measured against the requirements of the NPPF, the Council will undertake measures to unlock existing planning permissions and bring forward currently non-consented/unallocated sites. A range of measures can be employed which include: • Working positively with developers to overcome site specific constraints (including those related to viability); • Actively considering joint working on Council-led ventures, where it is practicable; • A positive approach to the redevelopment of appropriate existing employment sites for housing (see Policy CP8). In accordance with CP1, housing developments will be managed in line with all other Core Strategy policies and monitoring of the Objectives.

Housing Choice

Housing Choice will be encouraged by the following measures and elaborated within a Supplementary Planning Document. AFFORDABLE HOUSING In recognition of a net annual need for 197 affordable homes in cannock chase District the council prioritises provision via a combination of the following measures: • Initially based on viability evidence produced in 2013, 20% affordable housing being provided by commercial house builders on developments of 15 or more units; • On smaller sites of fewer than 15 units and exceptionally on sites of 15 or more units, financial contributions based on the formula in the evidence on viability to be made to delivery on other sites; • Re-development of poor quality Council Housing estates; • Registered Providers' own investment programmes in new build and acquisitions. The overall target for affordable housing provision on commercial house builder's sites will be reviewed when evidence of changes in market conditions indicates this to be appropriate. Details will be elaborated in a Housing Choices SPD. Individual site viability issues will be considered in the context of the above evidence. Delivery on commercial house builders' sites or the alternative of pro-rata financial contributions will be secured by conditions imposed on the grant of planning permissions or the completion of planning obligations. Where sites have a construction programme which is proposed to extend beyond 2 years, the planning obligation will provide for the affordable housing component of later phases to be reviewed based on updated viability evidence which may result in an increase of the affordable housing requirement. BALANCED HOUSING MARKETS New housing development should provide for a mix of housing sizes, types and tenure which meet the needs and aspirations of the current and future population, informed by the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. Particular attention will be given to restoring balance in the housing market during the plan period by encouraging increases in the following types of provision: • Smaller dwellings suited to younger people • Housing suitable for households with specific needs, • Larger 3 and 4 bedroom houses, including to meet aspirational needs. This position will be managed should balance be shown to be restored during the plan period. HOUSING AN AGEING POPULATION A range of housing options will be encouraged through development applications which provide for choice in homes for the elderly covering a range of housing and care options, within both C2 and C3 class

Aelfgar Centre/Former Squash Courts, Taylors Lane

The redevelopment of the site for residential use will be pursued on the land identified on the Policies Map. The layout will be focused around an extension of Taylors Lane linking Elmore Lane and Church Street. A revised access to the Rose Theatre and car park will need to be provided. The development could comprise a mixture of residential dwelling types, including affordable housing. The sites abuts the Church Street Conservation Area and development will need to respect this in terms of design, materials, scale and massing, together with the adjacent Rugeley Town Centre and Sheep Fair/Bow Street Conservation Areas. A density range of between 30-40 dwellings per hectare would be appropriate to the site. Any development would need to retain the trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders within the site. A development brief will need to be prepared and approved prior to any development taking place.

Market Street Garages

The site is identified as suitable for residential development. Any development could comprise a mixture of residential dwelling types, including affordable housing, fronting Market Street and accessed off Market Street. A site density of between 30 - 50 dwellings per hectare would be appropriate to the site. The proposal allows for the BT telephone exchange site to be incorporated into the development at a later stage, in the event that it was declared surplus to requirements at a future date. Any development on the Market Street frontage would need to be compatible in design, scale, materials and massing with the listed buildings on the opposite side of Market Street. Development proposals should also seek to identify suitable alternative sites or premises for existing business tenants. A Flood Risk Assessment will need to be prepared as part of any site development proposals. Development should not be occupied until either a satisfactory Flood Risk Assessment has been approved which demonstrates that the flooding in the roads surrounding the site will not pose an obstacle to safe access and egress in the event of 100yr plus climate change flood event OR if this is not possible, a flood alleviation scheme on Hagley Park playing fields (see policy RTC11) is constructed which results in reduced flooding to the town centre to allow safe access and egress to the site.

Developer Contributions for Infrastructure

All housing, employment and commercial development will be required to contribute towards providing affordable housing and/or the infrastructure necessary for delivery of the Local Plan informed by viability assessment. Contributions will be secured primarily via: 1. Rates set out in a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging schedule 2. Section 106 planning obligations Where appropriate, contributions may be required by more than one of these methods and contributions from a number of developments may be pooled to address a cumulative impact. Infrastructure requirements for the plan period are set out in an infrastructure delivery plan (IDP). Delivery of affordable housing and the critical infrastructure identified in the IDP will be prioritised. The appropriate level of contributions for District-wide and sub-regional infrastructure will be set out in a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule and for site specific contributions in the Local Plan Part 1 for affordable housing and the Local Plan Part 2 for infrastructure, at a level that is economically viable for the majority of development. Viability of affordable housing is addressed in policy CP7. A meaningful proportion of CIL funds will be passed to neighbourhoods where the development has taken place, in accordance with national regulations. Once a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is adopted a new SPD on developer contributions will be produced. Only five S106 agreements can be negotiated for any item of infrastructure once the CIL schedule is adopted.

Strategic Approach

Focus development across the existing settlements of cannock / Hednesford / Heath Hayes, norton canes and rugeley / Brereton, developing service provision to meet existing balances in housing across the District.

Strategy

In Cannock Chase District the focus of investment and regeneration will be in existing settlements whilst conserving and enhancing the landscape of the AONB, Hednesford Hills, Green Belt and the green infrastructure of the District. The urban areas will accommodate most of the District's new housing and employment development, distributed broadly in proportion to the existing scale of settlement. The Local Plan allocates one strategic housing site on land to the west of Pye Green and identifies a location for urban extensions for housing south of Norton Canes (Policy CP6). A south-east Staffordshire strategy for housing provision in Tamworth Borough, Lichfield District and Cannock Chase District based on meeting a combined housing requirement provides the context for the level of housing provision in Cannock Chase District. As part of this strategy new housing east of Rugeley and Brereton within the Lichfield District Local Plan will contribute to meeting the housing needs of Rugeley and Brereton. kingswood Lakeside and Towers Business Area are identified as high quality employment areas and extension of kingswood Lakeside is identified for longer term employment use if required by monitoring delivery (Policy CP8). Comparison retail development will be mainly focused in Cannock town centre with new convenience and comparison retail development in the town centres of Rugeley and Hednesford (Policy CP11). Suitable development in villages identified on the Policies Map will be limited to infill sites only. The extent of the urban areas will be constrained by the Green Belt Boundary as defined on the Policies Map. Development proposals at locations within the Green Belt will be assessed against the NPPF and Policy CP14. Infrastructure needs requiring developer contributions are identified within relevant Local Plan Policy and documented within an Infrastructure Delivery Plan which will be regularly updated. The strategy will be delivered in accordance with the principles of all Local Plan policies. When considering development proposals the Council will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: 1. any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or 2. specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Centres Hierarchy

The centres hierarchy for Cannock Chase District is: Strategic sub-regional centre - Cannock; Town Centres - Rugeley and Hednesford; District Centre - Hawks Green; Local Centres - Norton Canes, Heath Hayes, Chadsmoor, Bridgtown, Fernwood Drive and Brereton. In order to retain and strengthen Cannock's role as a strategic sub-regional centre in the West Midlands the Council will encourage economic development and regeneration within an expanded Town Centre boundary identified on the Policies Map. Main town centre uses including retail, offices, commercial, leisure and cultural facilities should take a sequential approach that gives priority to the regeneration of the town centre within this boundary, followed by edge of centre locations. More specifically the Council will seek to deliver 35,000sqm (gross) comparison retail floor space in the plan period which may include ancillary leisure uses. Cannock's convenience retail offer is considered to be strong, consequently additional convenience floor space is primarily directed towards Hednesford. The importance of retaining and enhancing town centre markets is recognised. Working with developers, the Council will enable development of up to 30,000sqm of additional office floorspace at the District's town centres and their edges (with Cannock being the principal likely location). In recognition of the current challenging nature of delivering such developments at town and edge of town locations, the Council will consider appropriate out of town locations for office developments as per the criteria set out in Policy CP8 (following a sequential test on a case by case basis). Development within Cannock town centre will be guided by a Supplementary Planning Document or Area Action Plan (see Policy CP3). The Council will seek to deliver more attractive public spaces and streetscapes in Cannock town centre linked in part to a Management Plan for the Town Centre Conservation Area and will expect new development proposals to respect and add to this ambition. Accordingly the Council will encourage developments that create safe and attractive public spaces and a more balanced night time economy. The town centre boundary is extended to allow expansion towards Cannock railway station and the Beecroft Road area. A primary retail area is also defined within which existing class A1 retail uses will be retained and to which new retail development will be directed, together with secondary frontages. Development falling within other use classes will only be permitted where it will not create a concentration of non-shopping uses and result in unacceptable change in the retail character of the immediate area or have an adverse effect on the vitality and viability of the town centre. Both are identified on the Policies Map and key Diagram. Other uses will only be permitted where they do not detract from the primary retail function of the town centre. Rugeley's role as a Market Town serving the shopping needs of its hinterland will be continued and strengthened. Main town centre uses including retail, offices, commercial, leisure and cultural facilities should take a sequential approach that gives priority to the regeneration of the town centre within this boundary, followed by edge of centre locations.

Regeneration Strategy

Rugeley town centre, as identified on the Policies Map, will be improved by a series of complementary regeneration measures. The strategy for the plan period, and beyond, envisages consolidation and improvement of the historic core of the town focused on the Rugeley Town Centre Conservation Area, balanced by new growth around the Trent and Mersey Canal (also a Conservation Area) to the east, raising the canal's profile within the town by improving physical links and enhancing it's focus as a leisure destination. The strategy is illustrated in figure 5. Regeneration will include the development of key sites within the core town centre and improvements to its urban fabric, aided by the current Tesco store development to the east of the canal. This will be accompanied by measures aimed at creating an improved public realm between the historic centre and the canal via a combination of landscape improvements and/or new development. The town centre regeneration will be phased over the plan period and will enhance Rugeley's local distinctiveness.

Town Centre Land Uses

retail provision: The Rugeley Primary Shopping Area is defined on the Policies Map. There will be a presumption in favour of retaining a high proportion of A1 uses at ground floor level within the primary shopping area. Other A class uses will be supported only where they would not result in an adverse impact on the primary retail functioning and overall vitality of individual blocks of units and the centre as a whole. Other uses will only be supported at first floor level or above. Priority will be given to developing and maintaining a mixed community of businesses and residential uses above shops and other class A uses, by permitting changes of use of vacant or underused floorspace. Extensions to existing buildings for the uses described above will be supported provided that the design requirements of Policy RTC3 are met. Provision for cycle storage and waste re-cycling shall be made in connection with extensions or changes of use. Provision of on site car parking will not be required. Retail premises in Rugeley Town Centre outside the Primary Shopping Area may be appropriate for conversion to residential uses that contribute to meeting local housing need. Small infill sites in Rugeley Town Centre outside the Primary Shopping Area are generally appropriate for residential development unless identified for other uses. These should be high density development and contribute to meeting local and affordable housing need. Re-development of any larger sites outside the Primary Shopping Area which have not been identified individually in policies RTC4 to RTC8, will be supported for either residential or mixed residential/leisure/business uses that do not undermine the vitality and viability of the Primary Shopping Area and contribute to improving the quality of the urban fabric by meeting the requirements of design policy RTC3. leisure, Community, Cultural and recreational facilities: Development proposals will be supported for the creation of new or enhancement of existing facilities that will add diversity to the cultural scene, such as a cinema, bowling alley, youth drop in centre or other leisure and cultural attractions. Developer contributions for the provision of such facilities would be required from the redevelopment of the Aelfgar; Market Hall/Bus Station; Wellington Drive and Leathermill Lane/Trent and Mersey Canal Corridor sites, as set out in policies RTC4, and RTC6 to RTC8, unless they are provided as part of any development.

Rugeley Market Hall/Bus Station and Surrounding Area

the council will pursue the comprehensive redevelopment of the site with private sector partner(s) comprising: • A new market facility; • Revised bus station facility providing parking bays and covered waiting area; providing shelters, bus service information and small scale food and drink provision; • An anchor store to meet the needs of modern day operators; • Residential development at upper levels where feasible; • A new pedestrian thoroughfare linking up Elmore Park and Brook Square, including appropriate landscape treatment to slow down traffic and promote pedestrians crossing Elmore Lane, entrance improvements to the Park and incorporate the Chase Heritage Trail; • Provision of public parking to replace those on the existing market hall rooftop; • Cycle parking facilities; • Replacement taxi rank facility; • Replacement parking for market traders and disabled spaces; • Provision of enhanced or additional town centre CCTV. Any proposed development will need to take into account the requirements of the Level 2 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and national policy, including implementation of flood alleviation measures on land west of Western Springs Road and the potential to deculvert the Rising Brook where feasible. A large part of this site lies within Flood zone 3b. A Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) will therefore need to be carried out to demonstrate that the development can be made safe and flood risk is not increased elsewhere. Development shall not be occupied until a flood alleviation scheme on Hagley Park playing fields (See Policy RTC11) has been constructed in order to ensure that the development is safe and acceptable in policy terms. As a minimum this will mean that the site is removed from the 1 in 20 year flood plain extent, but would ideally remove it from the 1 in 100 year extent to meet the requirements of safe access and egress with an appropriate allowance made for climate change and to ensure that there is no need for floodplain compensation to be undertaken to offset the effects of the buildings footprint.

Land at Wellington Drive

the comprehensive mixed use development of the site is supported, comprising: A medium sized retail food or non-food store with; • Food and drink development; • Office and/or residential; • Enhancements to the pedestrian links to Brewery Street and Brook Square including tree planting; • Office/business development; • Replacement public car parking; • Cycle parking. A Flood Risk Assessment will need to be carried out for any development proposals for the site.

Leathermill Lane/Trent and Mersey Canal Corridor

The Trent and Mersey Canal will become a more prominent feature of Rugeley Town Centre, acting as a focus for linked trips between the core town centre and the new superstore site. Key locations adjacent to or near the canal will be regenerated to create new public spaces and accessible town centre uses. These will include: a Creating a new leisure destination centred on land adjacent the Leathermill Lane Canal Bridge, which would act as an attraction in its own right for linked trips to and from the core town centre including: • the redevelopment of land adjacent to Leathermill Lane on the eastern canalside, for leisure uses including open space, food and drink uses, retail units and potentially a cinema; • the regeneration of sites on Mill Lane on the western canal side including the retention and renovation of the former canal warehouse and associated building. Potential future uses could include apartment or office development and or restaurant or leisure uses; • a pedestrianised Leathermill Lane canal bridge and approaches leading to a pedestrian/cycle priority route to the core town centre, which could be further enhanced should the opportunity occur for further deculverting of the Rising Brook B New development fronting the canal and Love Lane and accessed from Power Station road. Such a development has the potential to form an attractive waterside development by incorporating either off-line (small marina) or on-line moorings in consultation with the Canal and River Trust. Residential development, or uses falling within use classes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and B1 would be appropriate. Any canalside related development will need to have regard to biodiversity interests, including appropriate survey and assessment. C Land north of Leathermill Lane occupied by empty employment units and more remote from the canal side has the potential to be redeveloped to form a more attractive frontage. Retail warehousing or leisure is seen as appropriate at this location for bulky goods such as DIY within an A1 use class.

Sustainable Transport

Cannock Chase Council will work with bus and rail operators, Staffordshire County Council, the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority (Centro), Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), local transport bodies and developers to help develop and promote sustainable transport modes that provide realistic alternatives to the car, and which help contribute to achieving national climate change targets and reduce air pollution. Developments will be expected to promote sustainable transport and where appropriate, developer contributions will be sought to support sustainable transport solutions elaborated in a Supplementary Planning Document and a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) charging schedule. Transport Assessments, Transport Statements or Travel Plans, will be prepared in accordance with DfT and LTA guidance for all developments that are likely to generate significant amounts of movement, to determine the measures required on the surrounding highway network to ensure necessary access by all transport modes. The strategic transport network and core public transport network for the District are identified on the key Diagram and Figure 4.5A. The Council will work with Staffordshire County Council to implement the Local Transport Plan 2011-2026, including the Cannock Chase District Integrated Transport Strategy. The latter will initially focus on delivering the Pye Green Valley Local Transport Package, Hednesford Town Centre regeneration and Chase Line improvements, followed by Rugeley Town Centre and Norton Canes Local Transport Package. The retention and development of conventional and demand responsive bus services will be supported to assist people, including the disabled, those without access to a car and other disadvantaged groups in the District, to gain access to work, shopping, health, leisure, education and other facilities. Service provision to rectify network gaps and respond to new strategic growth will be particularly important. The continued development of the Birmingham-Walsall-Cannock-Hednesford-Rugeley Chase Line rail service will be supported including the: Reinstatement of withdrawn passenger services for the remainder of the West Midlands franchise until 2015 and beyond in a future franchise; Development of new passenger services, as an integral part of the CENTRO, Network West Midlands network and in accordance with the West Midlands Rail Development Plan and as part of any future franchise; Upgrade of the Chase Line including increased line speed, resignalling and electrification, including preparing or supporting funding bids; Introduction of improved local rail services, including enhanced frequency, increased capacity and the restoration of direct services to Stafford and the introduction of new inter-regional services to Manchester and Liverpool; Promotion of the Crewe-Rugeley Trent Valley-London rail service; Station infrastructure improvements, including the provision of staffed booking offices at Hednesford, Cannock and Rugeley Town, platform lengthening and improved disability access; Conditional support for High Speed 2, subject to improvements to the Chase Line services and infrastructure to improve connectivity with Birmingham; Integrated bus/rail interchange facilities at Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley. Initiatives to develop rail freight within the District will be supported in accordance with national and sub-regional transport policy in particular protection of existing or potential freight interchange sites from prejudicial development. In particular, the promotion of the Mid-Cannock site as a road/rail interchange depot is supported. Route safeguarding will also be applied to inland waterways and wharfage that could be used for transporting minerals. Development contributions will be sought to support key road infrastructure improvements including the Churchbridge A5/M6T/A460/A34, and North St/A5 junction upgrades as promoted by the Highways Agency; the A460 dualling and Five Ways Island, Heath Hayes. Development proposals will need to take into account traffic generation and any implications for the Bridgtown Air quality Management Area (AqMA) and for the Churchbridge junction, including appropriate mitigation. Measures to improve or provide facilities for pedestrians that are safe, secure, direct, convenient and attractive will be supported, including Rights of Way. Walking will be promoted through the development of a network of pedestrian routes linked to the Green Space Network (Policy CP7 and CP14) and by the provision of pedestrian priority, pedestrianisation and traffic-calming schemes. In particular priority will be given to improve or provide pedestrian facilities that: link town centres, rail and bus stations, residential and employment areas, schools, community facilities, recreational areas and public open space; provide access for recreational purposes in the countryside, using paths, bridle-ways, canal towpaths and former railway lines; meet the needs of people with impaired mobility. The council, in conjunction with Sustrans, the Highway authority and developers, will seek to complete and add to the District's strategic cycle network as identified on the Policies Map and introduce measures to improve and provide facilities for cyclists including: the provision of segregated cycling routes within new commercial and residential development (in excess of 200 dwellings); the provision of demarcated cycle corridors and cycle crossings in existing highways, new road schemes, traffic management and traffic calming schemes; the provision of secure cycle parking facilities in town centres, railway stations and new retail development creating at least 2,500sqm gross trading floor space; the provision of secure cycle parking, showers and lockers at all new major employment sites, existing commercial premises, as part of a Travel Plan submitted under the requirements of a planning application. The provision of on-street parking places for Hackney Carriage vehicles will be supported in places of high demand, provided that these are at safe locations and do not disadvantage other public transport users, cyclists, pedestrians or the mobility-impaired. Local parking standards and servicing standards will be detailed in Local Plan Part 2.

Transport

new pedestrian/Cycling links New or improved links as shown on the Policies Map will be provided. The new pedestrian and cycle links identified will improve access and movement for all sections of the community including the mobility or sight impaired. They will link into the Chase Heritage Trail to maximise accessibility through the District. Where appropriate development on sites on or having an impact upon those identified for new links will be expected to help deliver them and proposals must not prejudice their delivery. New routes should be built to adoption standards. The following key footpath/cycle links will be improved: • Town centre to the Tesco superstore site (Policy RTC8)/Towers Business Park via Leathermill Lane canal bridge and the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath; • Town centre to Elmore Park including new thoroughfare related to redevelopment of Market Hall/Bus Station site (Policy RTC6) and to the proposed combined education campus north of Western Springs Road; • Town centre to Rugeley Town railway station via Horse Fair/A460; • Tesco superstore site to Rugeley Eastern Bypass. Measures to enhance existing cycle storage facilities in the town centre through provision of additional secure covered storage in a central location with good surveillance will be pursued. A new bus station will be provided as part of the redevelopment of the existing Market Hall/Bus Station site, Policy RTC6 and shown on the Policies Map. The revised bus station facility will provide parking bays and covered waiting area, providing shelters, bus service information and small scale food and drink provision. This will be complemented by up-graded information points. New, accessible taxi ranks should be developed to replace the existing facilities on this site. public transport Developer contributions from the Tesco development will fund the provision of a bus gate that will allow bus only access between the Pear Tree and Upper Brereton residential areas, reducing the operating costs of the existing local service. The provision of an improved pedestrian route to Rugeley Town railway station from Horsefair will be investigated. public parking The redevelopment of the Market Hall/Bus Station and Wellington Drive sites, Policies RTC6 and RTC7, will need to demonstrate that appropriate alternative public car parking will be provided on site. Future car parking provision will be provided to local standards in accordance with the Parking Standards, SPD.