Planning in Halton

Health and Well-Being

1. Healthy environments will be supported and healthy lifestyles encouraged across the Borough by ensuring: a. proposals for new and relocated health and community services and facilities are located in accessible locations with adequate access by walking, cycling and public transport; b. applications for large scale major developments are supported by a Health Impact Assessment to enhance potential positive impacts of development and mitigate against any negative impacts c. the proliferation of Hot Food Take-Away outlets is managed; and, d. opportunities to widen the Borough's cultural, sport, recreation and leisure offer are supported.

Education

1. The following Educational Allocations, as identified on the Policies Map, will be allocated for education purposes to meet the needs of the residents of Halton, should that need be identified over the plan period. a. EDU1 – Land at Sandymoor (for a primary school) b. EDU2 – Land off Castle Street/Naylor Road (for an SEN School) c. EDU3 – Land at Halebank (for a primary school)

Community Facilities and Services

1. The Council in partnership with service providers will plan for the following community facilities up to 2037: a. Education b. Health and Social Care Facilities c. Sport and Leisure Facilities d. Youth Facilities e. Community Facilities f. Cultural Facilities 2. The Council will support the retention and enhancement of existing Community Facilities. 3. The Council will support the development of new Community facilities, within or adjacent to the town centres, district and local centres identified in policy CS(R)5 and on sites allocated in policy HC2, or the enhancement, extension or refurbishment of an existing Community Facility, provided that: a. The facility is accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. b. The proposal would not give rise to significant traffic congestion or road safety problems. c. Any new buildings, extensions and structures are well designed, of an appropriate scale, in keeping with the character of the area and appropriately landscaped. 4. Outside of the town and district and local centres the Council will support the development of new Community Facilities, provided that: a. The proposal is accompanied by a supporting statement which demonstrates the sustainability of the proposed location. b. A sequential approach has been applied in selecting the location of the site in accordance with policy HC1. c. The facility is accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. d. The proposal would not give rise to significant traffic congestion or road safety problems. e. Any new buildings or structures are well designed and appropriately landscaped. f. The proposal is of a design, character, type, size, scale and appearance appropriate to the location. 5. Proposals involving the loss of community facilities land or buildings will only be permitted where it is demonstrated that: a. The loss of the existing community use would not create, or add to, a shortfall in the provision or quality of such uses within the locality; or b. The building or site is no longer suitable or viable to accommodate the current community use, or the use has already ceased, and the building or site cannot viably be retained or sensitively adapted to accommodate other community facilities; or c. In the case of commercial community facilities, whether the use is no longer viable (applicants will need to submit evidence to demonstrate that the site is no longer viable for that use). d. Marketing of the land/property will be required to indicate that there is no demand for the land/property in its existing use. e. Details of the current occupation of the buildings, and where this function would be relocated, will also be required. f. Where an application relies upon a marketing exercise to demonstrate that there is no demand for the land/premises in its current use, the applicant will be expected to submit evidence to demonstrate that the marketing was adequate and that no reasonable offers were refused. This will include evidence demonstrating that: i. The marketing has been undertaken by an appropriate agent or surveyor at a price which reflects the current market or rental value of the land/premises for its current use and that no reasonable offer has been refused. ii. The land/premises has been marketed for an appropriate period of time which will usually be for 12 months. iii. The land/premises has been regularly advertised and targeted at the appropriate audience. Consideration will be given to the nature and frequency of advertisements in the press or specialist trade networks etc. and contact with local property agents. iv. The community facility can be fully retained, enhanced or reinstated as part of any redevelopment of the building or site; or v. Alternative replacement community facilities are provided in a suitable alternative location. 6. Proposals involving enhancement or redevelopment within the Halton Hospital campus for health and wellbeing uses will be supported. The following uses may also be acceptable on surplus land within the site where they do not compromise the principal use of the site for health care provision: a. Residential Institutions b. Residential c. Non-residential institutions (Clinics, health centres, crèches, day nurseries, day centres, schools, art galleries (other than for sale or hire), museums, libraries, halls, places of worship, church halls, law court. Non-residential education and training centres) d. Leisure uses e. Hotel; and f. Offices

Outdoor and Indoor Sports Provision

1. To help meet identified needs for sport and recreation, as set out in the most up to date evidence base, development affecting indoor and outdoor sports facilities will be supported where it meets Local Plan policy CS(R)21 and RD4. Protection and Enhancement 2. The Council will not permit development likely to result in an unacceptable loss of existing sport or recreation facilities for non-recreation purposes unless it can be demonstrated: a. that the development is ancillary to the sport and recreation use and does not reduce the overall recreation function of the site; b. that replacement sport and recreation provision of at least the same or better quantity and quality and in a suitable location to meet the needs of the existing sport and recreation facilities; or c. that the site/facility is surplus to recreational requirements and is not capable of helping to meet any of Halton's identified needs. 3. This policy applies to all existing sites and facilities that have a recreation use or value, irrespective of whether they are owned or managed by the public, private or voluntary sectors. All facilities shall be designed to serve other green infrastructure functions (in accordance with Policy CS(R)21 and HE4) wherever possible, linking into the wider green infrastructure network. 4. Developer contributions will be required to enhance existing provision of playing pitches, based on additional demand generated by the new residential development and the sufficiency of existing provision to meet current and projected need and new development in accordance with policy RD4. Where it is agreed by the Council that on-site pitch provision is appropriate to meet identified demand, the applicant is required to provide the new pitch(es) and make provision for its management and maintenance in perpetuity, and clarify these arrangements within a management plan to be agreed by the Council. 5. Provision of new indoor and outdoor sport facilities will be supported

High Quality Design

1. Achieving and raising the quality of design is a priority for all development in Halton. 2. Development proposals, where applicable, will be expected to: a. provide beautiful and well-designed residential, commercial and industrial developments appropriate to their setting; b. enhance and reinforce positive elements of an area's character contributing to a 'sense of place', including the incorporation of public art where appropriate; c. respect and respond positively to their setting, including important views and vistas, landmark buildings, features and focal points that have been identified in a proper context appraisal; d. be flexible and adaptable to respond to future social, technological, economic, environmental and the health needs of the Borough; e. promote safe and secure environments through the inclusion of measures to address crime, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour; f. create public spaces which are attractive, promote active lifestyles and work effectively for all members of society; g. incorporate appropriate landscape schemes into development designs, integrating local habitats and biodiversity; h. provide safe, secure and accessible routes for all members of society, with particular emphasis on walking, cycling and public transport; and i. be well integrated and connected with existing development.

Amenity

1. All new development must be sited, designed and laid out to: a. Avoid detriment to the living environment of existing or planned residential properties and to ensure a high standard of amenity for existing and future users; b. Ensure that existing or planned residential development achieve and maintain the expected levels of privacy and outlook; c. Retain the character of existing buildings and spaces creating places that are safe, inclusive and accessible, promoting health and wellbeing; d. Ensure that appropriate storage space is provided, in particular for waste and recycling; and e. Provide and maintain safe highway conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles, including ensuring there is appropriate parking, access and servicing. 2. In addition all new residential development must: a. Consider the orientation and design of buildings to maximise daylight and sunlight; and b. Ensure that adequate amenity space is provided. 3. Development must not prejudice the planned development of a larger site or area for which comprehensive proposals have been approved or are in preparation. A development proposal will be supported if, through its design and layout, it does not: a. preclude the development of adjoining land with longer term potential; b. lead to unacceptable piecemeal forms of development; c. seek to avoid planning contributions by limiting the size of the development to avoid relevant thresholds. 4. The redevelopment of residential areas will be supported where it would improve amenity, quality and the local environment.

Boundary Fences and Walls

1. Boundary fences and walls that require planning permission will be required to be: a. visually attractive; b. constructed of high quality and durable materials; and c. appropriate to the character and appearance of the area in which they are located. 2. No fence or wall structures above 1 metre in height that require planning permission adjacent to a highway will be permitted, unless overriding security, highways safety or other such circumstances are satisfactorily demonstrated.

Temporary Buildings

1. Planning permission will only be granted for temporary buildings to meet demonstrated essential short-term need provided that its location or appearance would not create an unacceptable impact on the visual amenities of the site or surrounding area. 2. In assessing the need for temporary buildings the Council will grant planning permission where it would not prejudice the long term after-use of the site. 3. Consent for a temporary building will be for a specified period commensurate with the quality and life-span of the building. 4. Where it is considered that temporary buildings would create an unacceptable impact on the visual amenities of the site or surrounding area, planning permission may be granted where all of the following criteria are satisfied: a. The applicant proves a case of overriding short-term need for the building; b. The permission is for a maximum temporary period of 3 years, and the building is thereafter removed; c. The building is of superior quality; and d. The site and buildings are adequately landscaped to mitigate the effects on visual amenity.

Design of Development

1. The design of all development must be of a high quality, and must demonstrate that it is based upon the following principles: a. A clear understanding of the characteristics of the site, its wider context and the surrounding area; b. Efficient and effective use of the site; and c. The creation of visually attractive places that are well integrated with the surrounding buildings, streets and landscapes. 2. The Council will consider each of the following elements in determining whether the design is appropriate: a. Local architecture and character; b. Siting, layout, scale, height, proportion, form, grouping and massing; c. Topography and site levels; d. Orientation and appearance ; e. Materials, landscaping and green infrastructure; f. The relationship to neighbouring properties and street scene; and g. Reducing the fear of crime by promoting safe and connected environments 3. Development proposals should make a positive contribution to their surroundings and ensure they contribute to the creation of a high quality public realm that enhances conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Development must where appropriate: a. Provide welcoming routes that are easy to use, well-lit and overlooked; b. Create well-defined streets and spaces; c. Where buildings are located on corners, ensure that they present a strong and active frontage to both aspects of the corner, and that the corners of the buildings themselves clearly define the corner in the streetscape; d. Integrate car parking and servicing so as not to dominate the street scene; e. Avoid detrimental impacts on existing infrastructure and natural features; and f. Provide linkages to the wider neighbourhood. 4. All major development proposals involving the construction of new buildings must demonstrate how sustainable design and construction methods will be incorporated to achieve resource efficiency and resilience to climate change in accordance with CS(R)19 taking into account the site specific viability of the development, where appropriate.

Employment Development

1. Within Primarily Employment Areas development, for office, research and development, light industrial, factory or storage and distribution uses will normally be acceptable. 2. Redevelopment and regeneration within existing employment areas and Employment Renewal Areas will be supported where they make an improvement in the use of the site for employment purposes, having regard to: a. The quality and type of employment floorspace provided; b. The quality, type, number and density of jobs to be accommodated; and c. The environmental quality of the site. 3. Employment uses outside of Primarily Employment Areas, Employment Allocations or Strategic Employment Sites will only be supported where they meet all of the requirements of Policy GR2: Amenity and they are considered to be of an appropriate scale and character for the area. 4. All proposals for new employment development, including extensions to existing properties, must where appropriate: a. Be compatible with existing and proposed surrounding uses; b. Not have a significant adverse effect on the character and appearance of the locality in terms of its size, scale, materials, design and siting; c. Be designed to allow for future flexibility for a range of uses, including future subdivision and/or amalgamation for a range of business accommodation; d. Have an adequate access that would not create a traffic hazard or have an undue environmental impact; e. Be served by public transport and provide pedestrian and cycle links to adjacent residential areas; f. Design storage areas to minimise visual intrusion; g. Make adequate provision of space for on-site servicing and, where appropriate, waiting goods vehicles; h. Provide adequate screening, if the layout and design cannot be amended in other ways, to obscure or conceal any unsightly feature of the development; i. Locate security fencing, where required, to the internal edge of any perimeter landscaping; and j. Provide substantial peripheral landscaping where sites adjoin residential areas, open countryside or Green Belt areas. 5. Where development proposals come forward for large scale employment generating uses, obligations will be encouraged for training and recruitment of local people for both the end use and the supply chain. 6. The Council will seek to retain existing commercial/industrial (Office, Research and development, and light industry, factory or storage and distribution uses), unless it can be demonstrated that, the continued use of the site/premise for its existing use is no longer viable in terms of its operation of the existing use, building age and format and that it is not commercially viable to redevelop the land or refurbish the premises for its existing use. Marketing of the land/property will be required to indicate that there is no demand for the land/property in its existing use. Details of the current occupation of the buildings, and where this function would be relocated, will also be required. Where an application relies upon a marketing exercise to demonstrate that there is no demand for the land/premises in its current use, the applicant will be expected to submit evidence to demonstrate that the marketing was adequate and that no reasonable offers were refused. This will include evidence demonstrating that: i. The marketing has been undertaken by an appropriate agent or surveyor at a price which reflects the current market or rental value of the land/premises for its current use and that no reasonable offer has been refused. ii. The land/premises has been marketed for an appropriate period of time which will usually be for 12 months. iii. The land/premises has been regularly advertised and targeted at the appropriate audience. Consideration will be given to the nature and frequency of advertisements in the press or specialist trade networks etc. and contact with local property agents. In certain cases, for example where a significant departure from policy is proposed, the Council may seek to independently verify the submitted evidence, and the applicant will be required to bear the costs of independent verification.

Complementary Services and Facilities within Employment Areas

1. Within Primarily Employment Areas, Strategic Employment Locations, Employment Renewal Areas and Employment Allocations, appropriate small scale ancillary complementary services and facilities, which can be demonstrated to meet the needs of employees and complement existing businesses, will be supported provided that they do not impact on local employment or the local economy.

Employment Land Supply

1. To provide approximately 180 ha of land for employment purposes over the period 2014 to 2037. a. With an appropriate mix of sites provided to support: i. the local economy, with a particular emphasis on logistics and distribution; science; advanced manufacturing and high tech industries; and ii. the Liverpool City Region Economy. b. New employment development will be provided on the following types of land: i. employment sites completed since 2014; ii. employment sites with planning permission, or currently under construction, for employment uses; iii. Strategic Employment Locations; • SEL1: Sci Tech Daresbury, Runcorn • SEL2: 3MG, Widnes • SEL3: Widnes Waterfront, Widnes • SEL4: West Runcorn, Runcorn iv. employment allocations (identified in Policy ED1); v. land within Primarily Employment Areas and Employment Renewal Areas (identified on Policies Map); vi. identified employment opportunities within Mixed Use Allocations; vii. regeneration and remodelling opportunities within existing employment areas; and viii. other suitable sites. 2. In order to secure Halton's economic future sites in existing employment use, sites in Primarily Employment Areas and Employment Renewal Areas, and sites identified in this Local Plan as Strategic Employment Locations or Employment Allocations will be retained for employment uses unless an alternative use can be proven to be of greater benefit to the Borough than retaining the land for employment purposes. a. Any proposals for non-employment uses should be accompanied by an assessment of the wider employment land situation in the Borough, or in the case of strategic employment sites the City Region. Including: i. consideration of the overall supply of employment land in the Borough (amount type, quality, availability, size), and how the proposal would not limit the range available; ii. the relative suitability and sustainability of the site for employment uses and evidence of the attempts made to let or sell the premises for a reasonable rate with no tenant or purchaser being found; iii. the relative suitability and sustainability of the site for the proposed alternate use; iv. the benefits and /or improvements that the alternative use would bring to the area; v. the location of the site and its relationship to and compatibility with other uses; and vi. the need for the proposed use.

Employment Allocations

1. The following Employment Allocations, as identified on the Policies Map, will be allocated for employment purposes to deliver the employment land requirements set out in Policy CS(R)4. Table E2.1: Runcorn and Sci-Tech Daresbury Enterprise Zone Ref Site Brown/Green Size (Ha) Proposed Use Class Sci-Tech Daresbury E4 H1250, H2039 Daresbury Sci Tech Green 3.97 Office, Research and development, and light industry E5 H1628 Land between rail line, Bridgewater Canal and Keckwick Lane Brown 1.97 E6 H1629 Land between rail line, Bridgewater Canal and Delph Lane Green 8.60 E10 H1921 Land between rail line, Bridgewater Canal and Keckwick Lane Green 1.34 E11 H1919 Land between Delph Lane and Sci Tech Daresbury Green 2.27 Runcorn E3 H1332 Between rail line and Expressway off Runcorn Dock Rd Brown 2.01 Office, Research and development, and light industry, General Industrial and Storage and Distribution E8 H1917 Land adjacent to the Office Village Green 2.12 Office, Research and development, and light industry E9 H1918 Between Daresbury Park & Bridgewater Canal Green 4.75 E12 H1934 Land to north of Manor Farm Road Green 1.11 Office, Research and development, and light industry, General Industrial and Storage and Distribution E13 H1943 Land between Astmoor Road and the busway (West) Green 1.20 E14 H2350 Land west of Edison Rd between Astmoor Rd Green 0.47 E15 H2351 Land east of Edison Rd between Astmoor Road Green 0.37 E16 H1974 Land to the south of Rivington Road Brown 1.62 E17 H1910, H1153 Land between Chester Road and the Rail Line Green 2.55 E18 H1313 Land to the north of Teva Pharmaceuticals Brown 2.31 E19 H2251 Land between Warrington Rd and Oxmoor Wood Green 2.57 General Industrial and Storage and Distribution E20 H1932 Land off Blackheath Lane Green 4.47 E24 H1212, H1979, H1978, H1982 Land north of Six Acre Lane Green 10.83 Office, Research and development, and light industry, General Industrial and Storage and Distribution E25 H1223, H1980 Moss Lane Nursery Green 9.26 E28 H2249 Land off Six Acre Lane Green 5.72 E29 H2250 Land west of Moore Meadows Green 0.97 E30 H1760 Land at junction 12 M56 Green 1.34 Table E2.3: Widnes Ref Site Brown/Green Size (Ha) Uses E1 H1908, H2036 Shell Green, land to the east of Gorsey Lane Brown 3.24 General Industrial and Storage and Distribution E2 H1867 Land to the south of Dans Road Green 3.80 E21 H1333, H1866, H1246 St Michaels Brown 20.20 E22 H1972 3MG (West) Land north of Ditton Junction Green 9.99 Office, Research and development, and light industry, General Industrial and Storage and Distribution E23 H1252 3MG (West) HBC Green 12.07 E26 H2046 Easternmost section of 3MG (East) Foundry Lane Brown 35.23 E27 H1349 3MG (East) Tesco Distribution Centre Brown 1.94 E31 H1198 Gorsey Point Brown 15.98 Office, Research and development, and light industry, General Industrial and Storage and Distribution E32 Former Thermphos site Brown 5.07 E33 Former Muspratt site Brown 4.44

Sustainable Development and Climate Change

1. All new development should be sustainable and be designed to have regard to the predicted effects of climate change including reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and adapting to climatic conditions. The following principles will be used to guide future development: a. Consider the guidance as laid out within the National Design Guide, the National Model Design Code and any subsequent document, in order to ensure development is sustainable and appropriate to the location. b. The BREEAM 'Very Good' standard will be encouraged as a minimum standard for new non-residential development, and while there are no nationally described standards for residential development, the Council will be supportive of schemes that seek to utilise standards such as the BRE's Home Quality Mark. The development of bespoke standards for new housing and non-residential development would also be supported. c. Reductions in CO2 emissions will be sought through the incorporation of well-designed places and buildings by reducing the need for energy in line with the energy hierarchy set out in the National Design Guide. d. Development proposals should maximise, where appropriate, the use of available local opportunities for district heating, particularly in association with the key urban regeneration areas and Energy Priority Zones. e. Proposals for decentralised renewable and low carbon energy schemes will be supported provided that they do not result in unacceptable harm to the local environment which cannot be successfully mitigated. f. Proposals in appropriate locations for large scale grid-connected renewable energy infrastructure and equipment, including, but not limited to wind, solar photovoltaics, and Combined Heating and Power schemes will be supported.

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

1. Development proposals for renewable energy developments will need to take into account, and minimise where appropriate, the potential environmental effects of the development on: a. Residential / workplace amenity b. The visual amenity of the local area, including landscape character c. Local nature resources, including air and water quality d. The natural and built environments e. Any heritage assets and their settings f. Biodiversity g. The openness and visual amenity of the Green Belt h. The amenities of sensitive neighbouring uses (including by virtue of noise, dust, odour or traffic) i. Other site constraints 2. Applications for all major renewable and low carbon energy proposals will need to be accompanied by an Energy Statement (as part of the Design and Access Statement) which includes: a. The environmental effects of the development; b. A landscape and visual assessment; c. An ecological assessment; d. The proposals benefits in terms of the amount of energy it is expected to generate; and e. Any unavoidable damage that would be caused during installation, operation or decommissioning, and how this will be minimised and mitigated, or compensated for. 3. The Council will take into account the individual and cumulative impacts including any identified harm of proposals for renewable and low carbon energy developments on the above. Where adverse impacts and/or harm are identified, particularly through a landscape, visual, ecological assessment, or heritage assessment, the Council will balance the impact against the wider benefits of delivering renewable and low carbon energy. 4. The incorporation of renewable and low carbon energy into developments will be encouraged, particularly as part of major schemes. 5. The retrofit of renewable energy and use of micro-renewables will be supported in appropriate buildings and locations. 6. Proposals for decentralised energy networks will be supported, particularly those located in Energy Priority Zones. Within these areas, development proposals will be expected to connect to, or make provisions for future connections, to existing or proposed decentralised energy networks where feasible. 7. Other opportunities for renewable and low carbon energy within Energy Priority Zones will be supported. 8. The Council will support community based renewable energy schemes which can help to deliver cheap energy sources to local communities through a local supply network. 9. Developments for wind turbines must be located in areas with potential for wind generation as shown in Figure 12 Development will only be granted where it can be demonstrated that, following consultation, the planning impacts identified by the local community have been fully addressed and that the proposal has their backing. 10. When a wind turbine is decommissioned or no longer in use it is expected that the turbine will be removed and the area restored to an appropriate use at the earliest opportunity.

Natural and Historic Environment

Halton's natural and heritage assets, and landscape character will contribute to the Borough's sense of place and local distinctiveness in accordance with the following: 1. A hierarchical approach will be given to the protection, nature conservation and enhancement of biodiversity and geodiversity including: a. Sites of international importance including the Mersey Estuary Special Protection Area (SPA) and 'Ramsar' site; b. Sites of national importance including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) namely; The Mersey Estuary, Flood Brook Clough and Red Brow Cutting; and, c. Sites of local importance including Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Local Geological Sites, Local Wildlife Sites, Ancient Woodland, and habitats and species identified in Halton's Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). d. All major development proposals should avoid and/or mitigate negative impacts on European protected sites within and beyond Halton's boundary such that a conclusion of "No Adverse Effects" on integrity can be drawn. e. Development requiring derogation stages of the Habitat Regulations Assessment process on European protected sites will only be allowed as a last resort. The Derogation stages proves that there are no alternatives and that the development is of overriding public interest and appropriate compensatory measures are provided 2. Opportunities to enhance the value of Halton's natural assets should be taken including restoring or adding to natural habitats and other landscape features, and the creation of habitats where appropriate. 3. The Borough's historic environment, heritage assets and their setting will be conserved and enhanced and opportunities to enhance them or increase understanding through interpretation and investigation will be encouraged, especially those assets at risk. 4. The landscape character and condition as informed through the Halton Landscape Character Assessment will be promoted and sustained. 5. The management of natural and heritage assets, and landscape character through the development and implementation of Management Plans, Action Plans and area appraisals will be encouraged. 6. Replacement or compensatory measures will be required where appropriate, to ensure that there is no net loss of functionally linked supporting habitat to the Mersey Estuary SPA.

Green Infrastructure

1. Halton's green infrastructure network will be protected, enhanced and expanded, where appropriate. Halton Borough Council working alongside other partners and agencies responsible for the delivery and maintenance of green infrastructure will achieve this through: a. Ensuring that new development maximises opportunities to make provision for high quality and multifunctional green infrastructure taking account of deficiencies and the standards for green space provision. b. Resisting the loss of green infrastructure where there are identified deficiencies in provision. c. Protecting, enhancing and where possible creating linkages and connections between natural habitats and other landscape features which contribute towards a network of greenspaces and corridors of value for biodiversity, recreation and the amenity needs of the community. d. Improving accessibility, where appropriate, to the green infrastructure network particularly where this encourages walking and cycling. e. Maximising the contribution of Halton's green infrastructure to broader sustainability objectives including health, climate change adaptation, and maintaining and improving biodiversity. f. Sustaining the protection afforded to internationally important sites for biodiversity by managing recreational impacts and encouraging the use of the wider green infrastructure network which is less sensitive to recreational pressure. g. Using developer contributions to facilitate improvements to the quality, connectivity and multi-functionality of the Borough's green infrastructure network. h. Supporting the delivery of programmes and strategies to protect, enhance and expand green infrastructure across the Borough including local and sub-regional strategies and Regional Park initiatives.

Green Belt

1. A Green Belt is designated around the urban areas and new allocations of both Runcorn and Widnes/Hale. 2. The Green Belt boundary is defined on the Policies Map. Within the Green Belt, planning permission will not be granted for inappropriate development, except in very special circumstances, in accordance with national policy. 3. Development proposals for the sites removed from the Green Belt and allocated or safeguarded in this plan should include compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of remaining Green Belt land to offset the impact of the removal of the land from the Green Belt.

Managing Pollution and Risk

a) Pollution To control development which may give rise to pollution: • Development proposals should not exacerbate and where possible, should minimise, all forms of emissions and odour, water, noise and light pollution. • Proposals for development within or close to identified Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in the Borough should have specific regard to how the exceedance in air pollutants can be addressed and how the impact on receptors can be reduced. • Prior to development on potentially contaminated land or unstable land, sites should be investigated to ascertain the extent of any contamination and possible risks to future uses. Development will only be permitted where the land has, or will be made suitable for the proposed use. Where it is not possible to achieve the full remediation of a site, the Council may seek soft-end or green uses. b) Reducing Risk from Hazards To prevent and minimise the risk from potential accidents at hazardous installations and facilities, the following principles will apply: • Minimisation of risk to public safety and property wherever practicable. • Controlling inappropriate development within identified areas of risk surrounding existing hazardous installations or facilities, to ensure that the maximum level of acceptable individual risk does not exceed 10 chances per million and that the population exposed to risk is not increased. • Ensuring that any proposals for new or expanded hazardous installations are carefully considered in terms of environmental, social and economic factors. c) Managing Flood Risk Development should not exacerbate existing levels of flood risk nor place residents or property at risk from inundation from flood waters. This will be achieved by: • Directing development to areas where the use is compatible with the predicted level of flood risk, both at present and taking into consideration the likely effects of climate change. • Using Halton's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to inform the application of the sequential approach/test and exception test in accordance with national planning policy. • Requiring site-specific Flood Risk Assessments for proposals in areas at risk from flooding as identified in the Halton SFRA. • Supporting proposals for sustainable flood risk management (e.g. defence / alleviation work) so long as they do not have a detrimental impact on the landscape of the Borough.

Natural Environment and Nature Conservation

Designated Sites, Priority Habitats and Priority Species 1. Any development which may affect a designated natural asset will be considered in line with the mitigation hierarchy: a. Avoidance b. Minimisation c. Mitigation d. Compensation 2. Development which may adversely affect the integrity of internationally important sites will only be permitted where there are no alternative solutions and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest. This also applies to sites and habitats outside the designated boundaries that provide supporting habitat for qualifying features or species listed as being important in the designations of the internationally important sites. 3. Development which may cause significant harm will only be permitted for: a. Sites of National Importance (including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs)): where the reasons for and the benefits of development clearly outweigh the impact on the nature conservation value of the site and its broader contribution to the national network; b. Sites of Local Importance (including Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and Local Geological Sites (LGS)): where the reasons for and the benefits of develop

Green Infrastructure and Greenspace

1. All development where appropriate will be expected to incorporate high quality green infrastructure that: a. Creates and/or enhances green infrastructure networks and provides links to green infrastructure assets; b. Addresses climate change and reduces the risk of flooding through the provision of sustainable urban drainage systems in accordance with policy HE9 where appropriate and measures to address surface water run off; c. Protects and enhances biodiversity and heritage assets in accordance with policy HE1 where appropriate; d. Encourages physical activity, enjoyment, education and social interaction; e. Improves access for pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders; f. Encourages local food production; and g. Increases investors and visitors by enhancing the quality of the landscape and townscape. 2. Proposals for the provision, enhancement and / or expansion of a green infrastructure and green space (including amenity greenspace, provision for Children and Young People, Parks and Gardens, Allotments & Community Gardens and natural and semi natural open space) where there is an identified need in the local area will generally be supported. 3. Development within designated or Proposed Green Infrastructure and Green Space identified on the Policies Map where the Council's adopted provision standards under Policy RD4 and CS(R)21 apply will be permitted where: a. it is ancillary to the enjoyment of the green infrastructure and greenspace and does not compromise the integrity or value of the area; b. any ancillary facilities such as pavilions, car parking, fencing or lighting must be of a suitable layout, high standard of design, of an appropriate material; and c. the location of such ancillary facilities must be well related and sensitive to the topography, character, uses of the surrounding area and, where appropriate the openness of the Green Belt. 4. Development that would result in the loss of an existing green infrastructure and green space identified on the Policies Map will only be permitted where the following criteria can be met: a. It can be demonstrated that the green infrastructure and green space is surplus to requirements against the Council's standards in accordance with policy RD4 and CS(R)21, and the proposed loss will not result in a likely shortfall during the plan period; or b. Replacement green infrastructure and green space is provided of equivalent or better provision in terms of quality and quantity, and in a suitable location to meet the needs of users of the existing green infrastructure and green space. c. It must be demonstrated that the loss of the green infrastructure and green space under criteria i. or ii. does not detract from the Borough's ability to divert recreational pressure away from sensitive European designated sites and does not result in an effective increase in recreational pressure within the European designated sites. 5. The Council will normally support opportunities to add to the green infrastructure network, particularly through partnership and cross boundary working. 6. The requirements for formal indoor and outdoor sports provision are contained within policy HE6.

Trees and Landscaping

Woodlands, Trees and Hedgerows 1. Tree Survey information must be submitted with all planning applications where trees are present on site and in some cases where trees are present on adjacent sites. The Survey should include information in relation to protection, mitigation and management measures. 2. Planning permission will not normally be permitted where the proposal adversely effects trees, woodlands and hedgerows which are: a. Protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO); b. Ancient woodlands or veteran trees; c. In a Conservation Area; or d. Within a recognised Nature Conservation Asset. 3. There will be a presumption in favour of the retention and enhancement of existing tree, woodland and hedgerow cover of arboricultural, landscape and/or visual amenity value on site. 4. Where development is likely to result in the unavoidable loss of, or threat to, the continued health and life expectancy of, woodlands, trees or hedgerows the Council will require the impacts to be satisfactorily addressed through appropriate mitigation, or where this can be demonstrated to be not feasible, compensation or offsetting in accordance with policy HE1. Landscaping 5. All development will be required to conserve and where appropriate enhance the character and quality of the local landscape. 6. Development proposals will be required, where appropriate to include hard and soft landscaping that: a. reflects the character of the area through appropriate design and management; b. is well laid out and maintainable to ensure that suitable living conditions are achieved for future occupiers and neighbours in terms of access, car parking and road safety; c. achieves a suitable visual setting for the development; d. provides sufficient space for new, or existing, trees and planting to grow; e. supports biodiversity; f. where appropriate, provides suitable and appropriate mitigation for the restoration of damaged landscape areas; and g. includes hard and soft landscaping such as permeable surfaces. 7. Trees proposed to be planted in or adjacent to the highway or service strips should not include deep rooted or high water demand species liable to cause damage to infrastructure through root invasion. In addition species should be chosen to as not to shed fruit onto the highway.

Pollution and Nuisance

1. Where applications for development identify risks that would negatively impacting on the quality of the environment through: a. air pollution; b. noise nuisance; c. odour nuisance; d. light pollution and nuisance; e. land and soil contamination; f. water pollution; and g. other forms of pollution and nuisance, must be accompanied by an appropriate impact assessment and, where necessary, demonstrate that mitigation measures have been incorporated through a mitigation scheme. 2. Where risks for pollution and nuisance are identified, planning permission will be granted for development providing: a. The level of air borne pollutants caused by the proposed development does not exceed statutory guidelines, unless appropriate mitigation measures are agreed. b. Noise nuisance is not likely to cause a significant increase in ambient noise levels for either day or night time conditions. c. Odour which can be detected beyond the boundary of the site and that is detrimental to neighbouring and / or local amenity is kept to a practical minimum. d. External lighting proposals avoid unnecessary light pollution beyond the specific area intended to be lit. e. Appropriate pollution control measures are incorporated where necessary to protect both ground and surface waters. 3. In addition to the above, development should ensure that the direct, indirect and cumulative effects of pollution and nuisance will not have an unacceptable negative impact on: a. health; b. public safety; c. quality standards; d. visual obtrusion; e. the natural environment; f. national and international designated nature conservation sites g. general amenity; and h. proposed land allocations shown on the Policies Map 4. Development near to existing sources of pollution or nuisance will not be permitted if it is likely that those existing sources of pollution will have an unacceptable impact on the proposed development and it is considered to be in the public interests that the existing sources of pollution should prevail over the proposed development. Exceptions may be permitted where the applicant submits satisfactory proposals to substantially mitigate the effects of existing sources of pollution on the development proposals. Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) 5. Development should contribute to the reduction in air pollutants as specified by an AQMA. 6. Development will not be permitted where: a. It could result in the designation of a new AQMA; or b. It would conflict with the proposals in the Plan or Strategy for the AQMA.

Land Contamination

1. An applicant proposing development on, or near a site, where contamination may potentially exist, should carry out sufficient investigation, so as to establish the nature, extent and significance of the contamination and should have regard to: a. Findings of a preliminary land contamination risk assessment (including a desk study, site reconnaissance, conceptual model and initial assessment of risk); b. Compatibility of the intended use with condition of land; c. The environment sensitivity of the site; and d. After-care measures where appropriate should include details of a programme of implementation. Results of this investigation should be submitted to the Council as part of the planning application. 2. Development will not be permitted unless practicable and effective remediation measures are taken to treat, contain or control any contamination so as not to: a. Cause contamination of the soil or sub-soil; b. Expose the occupiers of the development and neighbouring land uses, including in the case of housing, the users of gardens, to unacceptable risk; c. Threaten the structural integrity of any building built, or to be built on or adjoining the site; d. Lead to contamination of any watercourse, water body or aquifer; e. Cause the contamination of adjoining land, or allow such contamination to continue; f. Have an adverse effect upon natural habitats and ecosystems; g. Have an adverse effect upon National and international designated nature conservation sites; h. Have an adverse effect upon protection of heritage assets, above or below ground. 4. Where possible, contamination should be treated on site utilising sustainable remediation technologies. 5. Any permission for development will require that the remedial measures explain how and when they will be implemented and any arrangements for monitoring the effectiveness of the required actions. The minimum standards for remediation is that the land should not be capable of being determined as Contaminated Land as defined by Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Water Management and Flood Risk

Flood Risk and Management 1. Development will only be permitted where it would not be subject to unacceptable risk of flooding from all sources; and would not unacceptably exacerbate risk of flooding elsewhere. Where it is practicable existing flood risks should be reduced. a. Within Flood Zone 3b i. New development will not be permitted, unless in exceptional circumstances such as for essential infrastructure or where development is water compatible. ii. Redevelopment of existing built development will only be permitted if the proposals are of a compatible use class and would not result in loss of flood plain or increase flood risk elsewhere. b. Within Flood Zone 2, and 3a i. Sites within these categories will be subject to the sequential test and if there are no alternative locations for the development the exception test must be applied ii. If development is permitted within these zones, floor levels of development should be situated above the 1% (1 in 100 yrs) event levels (adjusted for climate change) iii. A Flood Risk Assessment will be required. c. Within Flood Zone 1 A Flood Risk Assessment will be required for development proposals; i. of 1ha or more ii. Less than 1 ha in flood zone 1, including a change of use in development type to a more vulnerable class (for example from commercial to residential), where they could be affected by sources of flooding other than rivers and the sea (for example surface water drains, reservoirs). iii. In an area within flood zone 1 which has critical drainage problems as notified by the Environment Agency 2. Development in an area susceptible to flooding should include flood resistant and / or resilient measures to mitigate potential flood risks, including safe access and escape routes where required; and it should be demonstrated that residual risks can be safely managed. 3. Within sites at risk of flooding the most vulnerable parts of proposed development should be located in areas of lowest risk from all sources of flood risk unless there are overriding reasons to prefer different locations. 4. In locations where strategic flood defence or adaptation measures are necessary within the site itself, proposals will be required to demonstrate how measures have been incorporated as an intrinsic part of the scheme in a manner which meets the requirements flood risk. 5. All development, including that on open land that is not part of a defined floodplain, must ensure that it is not vulnerable to surface water, sewer and groundwater flooding. 6. All development proposals must take account of relevant Surface Water Management Plans, Catchment Flood Management Plans, related flood defence plans and strategies including the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, the Strategic Flood Risk Assessments (SFRA) and the Halton Sustainable Urban Drainage Guidance. Flood Water Storage 7. The Council will work with appropriate stakeholders, landowners and developers to identify land to be safeguarded from development to provide for appropriate flood management measures. 8. Development within or adjacent to a flood water storage area or balancing pond which would have a negative impact on its function will not be permitted. Sustainable Drainage 9. All development proposals must demonstrate how they will manage surface water run-off as close to its source as possible. 10. Consideration will be given to the following drainage hierarchy: a. store rainwater for later use; b. maintain the sites natural discharge process; c. use infiltration techniques, such as porous surfaces in non-clay areas; d. attenuate rainwater in ponds or open water features for gradual release to a watercourse; e. attenuate rainwater by storing in tanks or sealed water features for gradual release to a watercourse; 11. Where detailed evidence demonstrates that the above measures are not feasible or would directly prejudice viability then surface water should be discharged in the following order of priority: a. An adequate soakaway or some other form of infiltration system. b. An attenuated discharge to watercourse. c. An attenuated discharge to public surface water sewer. d. An attenuated discharge to public combined sewer. Applicants wishing to discharge to public sewer will need to submit clear evidence demonstrating why alternative options are not available. 12. Surface water drainage systems should be designed to ensure no flooding to property in the appropriate 1 in 100 year event, including appropriate allowance for climate change. Downstream capacity and flood risk, including condition of watercourses should be given appropriate consideration. 13. There is a general presumption against the use of treatments that do not take a sustainable approach to drainage in domestic gardens and Greenspace. 14. The sustainable drainage system should treat any discharge at source to avoid pollutants being discharged into watercourses, surface drains or combined sewers. Protecting Water Resources 15. Water resources and supplies will be protected by resisting development proposals that would pose an unacceptable threat, identified by United Utilities for surface and ground water quality and quantity especially within Source Protection Zones identified by the environment agency and used for public water supply. Water Management 16. New development will need to ensure that there is adequate water supply, surface water, foul drainage and sewerage or waste water treatment capacity to serve the development. 17. The development or expansion of water supply or waste water facilities will normally be permitted, either where needed to serve existing or proposed development, or in the interests of long term water supply and waste water management, provided that the need for such facilities outweighs any adverse land-use or environmental impact.

Safeguarded Land

1. Safeguarded Land is not allocated for development at the present time. Development will only be permitted where: a. it is essential for agriculture, forestry, outdoor recreation or for other purposes appropriate to a rural area; or b. necessary for the operation of an existing use(s); c. where the proposal is for an extension to an existing development and is consistent with other policies in the Plan; or d. it is a temporary use that would retain the open nature of the land. e. it would not prejudice the future comprehensive development of safeguarded land 2. The following areas are identified as Safeguarded Land and are identified on the Policies Map Ref Site Site Size SG1 Land to the west of Barkers Hollow Road, Dutton 5.0 SG3 Land between Keckwick and the Tunnel Top, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury 9.0 SG5 Land between Canal and Barkers Hollow Road 27.9 SG7 land at Preston on the Hill 21.2 SG8 Field House, Summer Lane 9.6 SG10 (W6) Pex Hill 17.24 SG11 (W13) Land at Hale Gate Road 25.1 SG12 (W41) Land adjacent to Notcutts Garden Centre 10.73 SG13 (W48) Land to the south of Hale Bank Road 22.67

Natural Environment and Nature Conservation

Designated Sites, Priority Habitats and Priority Species 1. Any development which may affect a designated natural asset will be considered in line with the mitigation hierarchy: a. Avoidance b. Minimisation c. Mitigation d. Compensation 2. Development which may adversely affect the integrity of internationally important sites will only be permitted where there are no alternative solutions and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest. This also applies to sites and habitats outside the designated boundaries that provide supporting habitat for qualifying features or species listed as being important in the designations of the internationally important sites. 3. Development which may cause significant harm will only be permitted for: a. Sites of National Importance (including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs)): where the reasons for and the benefits of development clearly outweigh the impact on the nature conservation value of the site and its broader contribution to the national network; b. Sites of Local Importance (including Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and Local Geological Sites (LGS)): where the reasons for and the benefits of development clearly outweigh the impact on the nature conservation value of the site and its broader contribution to the LCR Ecological Network; and c. Priority Habitats: where the reasons for and the benefits of development clearly outweigh the impact on the nature conservation value of the habitat and its broader contribution to the LCR Ecological Network. d. Priority Species: where it is demonstrated that no significant harm will result. e. Protected Species: where development that may affect legally protected species will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there is no significant harm 4. Where it has been demonstrated that significant harm cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation, replacement or other compensatory measures will be required. For priority habitats, appropriate measures, informed by habitat type affected, will be required. The location of appropriate mitigation, replacement or other compensatory measures will be targeted as follows: a. On site; b. Immediate locality and / or within the Core Biodiversity Area; c. LCR Nature Improvement Area within the Borough; and lastly d. LCR Nature Improvement Area outside the Borough 5. Where significant harm resulting from development cannot be avoided, adequately mitigated or, as a last resort, compensated, then planning permission will be refused. 6. Developments that are likely to have an adverse impact (either individually or in combination with other developments) on European Designated Sites must satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations, determining site specific impacts and avoiding or mitigating against impacts where identified. 7. Where appropriate, contributions from developments will be secured towards mitigation measures identified in the LCR Recreational Mitigation Strategy (RMS) which will be completed during the early part of the plan period and any subsequent RMS updates. 8. Prior to RMS completion, the authority will seek contributions as set out in the RMS Interim Arrangement document, where appropriate, from proposed major residential development to deliver all measures identified (including strategic measures) through project level HRAs, or otherwise, to mitigate any recreational disturbance impacts in compliance with the Habitats Regulations and Habitats Directive. 9. Development proposals which affect sites of nature conservation importance and / or priority habitats must be supported by an Ecological Appraisal including an Ecological Constraints and Opportunities plan showing details of avoidance, mitigation and /or compensation. Non-Designated Sites and Habitats 10. To ensure the protection, conservation and enhancement of Halton's natural environment in accordance with Core Strategy policy CS(R)20, development will be permitted provided that: a. It does not have a detrimental impact on the non-designated sites and habitats of ecological value. b. Arrangements for the long term management and maintenance of any existing and proposed landscaping have been made include mitigation and compensatory measures/landscaping. c. It does not result in the loss of important features such as trees, woodlands, walls, hedgerows, ponds or watercourses Ecological Network 11. When considering development proposals, appropriate consideration should be given to improving the quality, linkages and habitat within the Liverpool City Region Ecological Network, including the Liverpool City Region Nature Improvement Area. 12. Development proposals within the Nature Improvement Area will be permitted where they complement the identified opportunities for habitat creation and / or habitat management, and are consistent with other policies in the Plan. High Quality Agricultural land 13. Additionally, the irreversible significant development of open agricultural land will not be permitted where it would result in the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land, except where absolutely necessary to deliver development allocated within the Local Plan, strategic infrastructure or development associated with the agricultural use of land. Where it can be demonstrated to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be preferred to those of a higher quality.

Minerals Safeguarding Areas

1. Mineral Safeguarding Areas and Minerals Areas of Search have been identified and are defined in the accompanying policies map in the following locations Mineral Safeguarding Area Locations a. Warrington Road and Haddocks Wood, Runcorn b. Cholmondeley Road, Clifton, Runcorn Mineral Area of Search Location i. Land adjacent to Little Manor Farm and north of the M56, Sumner Lane, Preston on the Hill, Runcorn. ii. Bold Heath 2. Mineral Safeguarding Areas, as shown on the Policies Map, will be protected from sterilisation by other forms of development, unless the applicant makes provision for the prior extraction of the mineral. Planning permission for other development that would result in the direct or indirect sterilisation of the identified mineral resources in a defined MSA will not be permitted unless: a. it is demonstrated by way of a minerals assessment (MA) that the resource is not of economic value; or b. the mineral can be extracted without unacceptable community or environmental impacts prior to the development taking place; or c. the development is of a temporary nature and can be completed and the site left in a condition that does not inhibit later mineral extraction or mineral extraction elsewhere within the MSA; or d. there is an overriding need for the development that outweighs the need for the mineral. 3. Sites for aggregates will be safeguarded from development that could adversely affect their operation. Planning permission will be resisted unless it can be clearly demonstrated that there will be no incompatibility between the two uses or that adequate controls can be implemented to ensure this to be the case.

Subterranean Resource Extraction

1. In line with Policy CS(R)25, to minimise the need for the extraction of minerals and other earth bound resources, the use of recycled and secondary aggregates across the Borough will be encouraged. 2. In assessing proposals for the exploration, appraisal, and production of minerals and all other subterranean resources, particular consideration will be given to impacts on sensitive uses, water resources, seismicity, local air quality, landscape, noise and lighting impacts. Such development will not be supported within protected groundwater source protection zones or where it might adversely affect or be affected by flood risk or within Air Quality Management Areas or protected areas for the purposes of the Infrastructure Act 2015, section 50. 3. Proposals will be assessed with regard to the extent to which they meet all of the following criteria: a. Sites and associated facilities being located to minimise impacts on the environment and communities. b. Developments to be located outside Protected Groundwater Source Areas. c. There being no unacceptable adverse impacts (in terms of quantity and quality) upon sensitive water receptors including groundwater, water bodies and wetland habitats. d. All other environmental and amenity impacts being mitigated to ensure that there is no unacceptable adverse impact on the local environment or communities. e. Exploration and appraisal operations being for an agreed, temporary length of time. f. The immediate site and any associated land being restored to a high quality standard in accordance with an agreed restoration plan and appropriate after-use that reflects the local landscape character at the earliest practicable opportunity g. It being demonstrated that greenhouse gases associated with fugitive emissions from the exploration, testing and production activities will not lead to unacceptable adverse environmental impacts. 4. Development proposals for resource extraction will be required to provide details of community liaison measures to be put in place during the operation of the site, including, restoration and final land use. 5. Development for the extraction of aggregate minerals, regard will be given to all of the following; a. The contribution the proposal may make toward maintaining the sub regional apportionment of the regional production of aggregates, as expressed in Government guidance; and b. The need to maintain a land bank of reserves with permissions within

Waterways and Waterfronts

1. The natural habitat and setting of the waterways and associated banks will be protected and enhanced. Public access, continuous green infrastructure links, towpaths and heritage value along the waterfront shall be maintained, improved and extended for the purposes of nature conservation, leisure, recreation, tourism, education and economic activity. 2. To protect the benefits the water environment provides, it is essential to prevent it deteriorating. This will help to protect both wildlife and people's health and well-being. Therefore the Council will expect all development to take into consideration the objectives of the Water Framework Directive and the relevant River Basin Management Plan. Waterside Development 3. Development alongside Halton's waterfronts should ensure that: a. Public access to the waterway is improved, including for those with impaired mobility; b. Natural habitats are protected and enhanced; c. Habitat creation is considered throughout the design stage; d. Opportunities to connect identified habitats, species or features are taken; e. New development presents a public face to the waterway and is in keeping with local character in terms of scale, design and materials; f. Proposals contribute to environmental enhancements including lighting, signage and landscaping; and g. Proposals in the vicinity of Halton's waterfront take into account the potential for localised flooding. 3. Proposals which reuse brownfield land and make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the waterfront area will generally be supported. 4. Proposals (where appropriate) for recreation and tourism involving Halton's waterways and waterfronts will generally be supported, particularly where they enhance the character and accessibility of waterfront areas and do not prejudice operational requirements. 5. Proposals to develop the Manchester Ship Canal and its environs for recreation and tourism will be encouraged provided that they would not prejudice its operational requirements as a commercial waterway. 6. Waterside development will not be permitted should it have an unacceptable effect on water quality or cause significant run-off. 7. Developers (where appropriate) are encouraged consult the owners of any waterways for any works that might affect the integrity of the waterway or linkages (for instance to towpaths). Runcorn Locks 8. The Council supports the reinstatement of the Runcorn Locks (as shown in the indicative alignment on the Policies Map) and as such will protect the alignment from inappropriate development. Coastal Change Management Areas 9. Proposals within or adjacent to Coastal Change Management Areas (as shown on the Policies Map) will be supported where the proposal requires a coastal location and: a. The proposal relates to the recreational use of the area and is of a scale and nature which will not adversely affect the landscape quality, nature conservation, and archaeological value of the coast; or b. The proposal is necessary for reasons of human health or public safety or for beneficial consequences of primary importance for nature conservation.

Greenspace Provision for Residential Development

1. All residential development of 10 or more dwellings that create or exacerbate a projected quantitative shortfall of greenspace or are not served by existing accessible greenspace will be expected to make appropriate provision for the needs arising from the development, having regard to the standards detailed in table RD4.1 below. 2. Where greenspace is provided on-site the developer will be expected to provide an appropriate long term management scheme and to fund the maintenance of the open space at their own expense. 3. The greenspace provided should: a. Be easily accessible from all dwellings within the development; b. Form an integral part of the layout of the development; c. Be of a high standard, where the siting, orientation, size and layout make for a secure and usable space; and d. Incorporate any natural features of the site, where appropriate. 4. Off-site provision or financial contributions will only be agreed where it can be demonstrated that there is no practical alternative unless a viability appraisal demonstrates otherwise. The provision of greenspace off site can be made either in kind or through financial contributions unless a viability appraisal demonstrates that the proposed contributions would make the development unviable. If the developer provides enough greenspace to meet the full requirement on site or in kind then no financial contribution is required. 5. The requirements for formal indoor and outdoor sports provision are contained within policy HE6.

Heritage Assets and the Historic Environment

Designated Heritage Assets 1. Development of designated heritage assets and their settings must: a. Be based on an analysis of their significance and the impact of proposals upon that significance; b. Conserve, or where possible enhance, the asset or its setting; c. Ensure that significance of the asset is not compromised; d. Protect, or where appropriate, restore original or historic fabric; e. Enhance or better reveal the significance of assets; f. Take account of: i. Topography, landscape, setting and natural features; ii. Existing townscapes, local landmarks, views and vistas; iii. The architecture of surrounding buildings; iv. The quality and nature of materials; v. Established layout and spatial character; vi. The scale, height, bulk and massing of adjacent townscape; vii. Architectural, historical and archaeological features and their settings; and g. Be accompanied by a Heritage Statement 2. Where it has been demonstrated that potential harm to, or the loss of, a designated heritage asset, including its setting cannot be avoided, the Council will expect the development proposal to: a. Demonstrate that, firstly, all reasonable efforts have been made to sustain the heritage asset and secondly, to mitigate the extent of the harm to the significance of the asset; b. Provide a clear and convincing justification as to why that harm is considered acceptable. Where that case cannot be demonstrated, proposals will not be supported. c. Ensure that the significance of the asset is not compromised; d. Include appropriate legal agreements or planning obligations to secure the benefits arising from a development proposal where the loss, in whole or in part, of a heritage asset is accepted. e. Appropriately record the asset. Listed Buildings 3. Development proposals will be required to safeguard or enhance listed buildings. a. The demolition of any listed building will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, which outweigh the case for retention. b. The Council will not permit uses, alterations or extensions that would be detrimental to the significance of the Listed Building including fabric, appearance, historic interest or setting. c. The rehabilitation, maintenance repair and enhancement of listed buildings will be encouraged. Historic Environment 4. In accordance with policy CS(R)20 the Council will support proposals that conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the Borough's historic environment, heritage assets and their settings, especially those identified as being at risk. Designated Heritage Assets 5. Development proposals affecting designated heritage assets (or an archaeological site of national importance) should conserve, and where possible enhance, the significance of the asset and its setting. The more important the asset, the greater the weight that will be given to its conservation. 6. Harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset will only be permitted where the application meets the criteria set out in Para 194 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2021. Approval will be conditional upon the asset being fully recorded and the information submitted to the Local Planning Authority and the Historic Environment Record. Heritage Statements and Heritage Impact Assessments 7. All proposals affecting heritage assets should be accompanied by an analysis of the asset's significance, including the impact of proposals upon that significance, through a Heritage Statement or Heritage Impact Assessment. The level of detail should be proportionate to the asset's importance and sufficient to understand the potential impact of the proposal on their significance. Conservation Areas 8. Proposals that conserve or enhance the character or appearance of a Conservation Area, especially those elements which have been identified in a Conservation Area Appraisal as making a positive contribution to its significance, will be supported, subject to a balance of all other material considerations. Archaeology 9. Proposals affecting archaeological sites of less than national importance (or local significance) should conserve those elements which contribute to their significance in line with the importance of the remains. Where development affecting such sites is acceptable, any mitigation will be ensured through preservation of the remains in situ as the preferred solution. Where in situ is not justified, the developer will be required to make adequate provision for excavation and recording before and during development. The findings should be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and deposited with the Historic Environment Record. Non-designated heritage assets 10. Proposals that conserve and enhance the significance of non-designated heritage assets will be supported, subject to a balance of all other material planning considerations. 11. Alterations and extensions should be based on an accurate understanding of the significance of the asset including the structure. Proposals should respect the architectural character, and detailing of the original building including the use of appropriate materials and techniques. 12. Partial or total-loss of a non-designated heritage asset will only be permitted where the benefits are considered sufficient to outweigh the harm. Where harm would be acceptable the following will be required: a. An appropriate level of survey and recording which may also include an archaeological excavation; b. Provision or replacement of buildings of comparable quality and design; c. The salvage and reuse of special features within the replacement development; Historic Environment 13. In accordance with policy CS(R)20 the Council will support proposals that conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the Borough's historic environment, heritage assets and their settings, especially those identified as being at risk.

Housing Mix and Specialist Housing

1. On sites of 10 or more dwellings, the mix of new property types delivered are encouraged to contribute to addressing identified needs (size of homes and specialist housing) as quantified in the most up to date Strategic Housing Market Assessment, unless precluded by site specific constraints, economic viability or prevailing neighbourhood characteristics. 2. Proposals for new specialist housing for the elderly, including extra-care and supported accommodation, will be encouraged in suitable locations, particularly those providing easy access to local services and community facilities. Development proposals for specialist housing should provide adequate amenity space and parking. 3. Affordable housing provision in line with Policy CS(R)13 will still be required where the proposal for specialist accommodation provides self-contained dwellings. 4. There will be a presumption against further residential care accommodation resulting in or exacerbating an oversupply. 5. In order to reduce reliance on specialist housing in the future and to allow residents to live within their own homes for as long as they are able, the Council will encourage designs of dwellings that can be adapted should they be required. 6. Proposals for development that would result in the loss of special needs housing will only be granted permission where it can be demonstrated that there is no longer an established local need for this type of accommodation or adequate replacement accommodation will be provided.

Affordable Homes

1. All residential schemes including ten or more dwellings (net gain), or 0.5 ha or more in size, with the exception of brownfield sites are to provide affordable housing at the following rates: a. Strategic Housing Sites: Those identified on the Policies Map as Strategic Housing Locations, are required to deliver a 20% affordable housing requirement b. Greenfield Development: Will be required to deliver 25% affordable housing requirement 2. The overall number of affordable housing units should be provided as approximately 74% affordable or social rent and 26% intermediate where practicable and unless evidence* justifies a departure from this requirement. Homes for affordable home ownership (shared ownership or starter homes) can be provided within the intermediate proportion of affordable housing provision. 3. Affordable housing will be required to be delivered in perpetuity, where feasible. 4. In relation to the provision of affordable homes the Council will: a. Require the affordable housing to be fully integrated into the development site so as to avoid the over concentration of affordable homes in any particular location and in order to achieve a seamless design b. Only reduce the affordable housing contribution or vary the tenure mix where robust and credible evidence is provided to demonstrate that the affordable housing target would make the development unviable or in terms of tenure mix in accordance with part 3. This appraisal may then be reviewed by independent economic viability consultants. The applicant will be required to meet the full cost of this work. c. Only accept off site provision or financial contributions in lieu of on-site provision, where it can be proven to be that on site provision is unviable or localised need does not necessitate affordable housing provision and the agreed approach contributes to the objective of creating mixed and balanced communities 5. Planning permission will be refused on development sites which are sub-divided into separate development parcels below the affordable housing or Starter Homes thresholds, unless the affordable housing provision is proportionate to that which would have been required on the site as a whole. 6. Custom and Self-Build plots provided in accordance with Policy RD6 can be either delivered as market or affordable housing. However, developers wishing to provide affordable custom and self-build plots will still be obliged to meet their affordable housing requirement for the development of the site should the plots not be fulfilled.

Gypsy & Travellers

1. Provision will be made for 10 additional pitches in Halton over the GTAA period 2017-2032, this will meet the require need for 4 additional pitches and provision for up to 6 additional pitches for Gypsy and Traveller households that may not meet the planning definition. 2. There is no identified need for plots for Travelling Showpeople. 3. In allocating sites and for the purposes of considering planning applications, all of the following criteria will need to be satisfied: a. The site is not affected by pollution, contamination, flooding or other environmental factors that would result in unacceptable living conditions. b. The site is well designed and landscaped to give privacy between pitches/plots and, where appropriate, between the site and adjacent uses. c. The site is well located in relation to the highway network with adequate vehicular and pedestrian access, and provision for parking and circulation. d. The site is accessible to local services and facilities by walking and/or public transport. e. The site can be supplied with essential services such as water, sewerage, drainage, and waste disposal. f. With particular regard to sites for Travelling Showpeople, the development includes appropriate provision for the storage, maintenance and testing of equipment, where required, without creating unacceptable nuisance, or presenting a risk to the health and safety of those living on or near the site. g. The proposal is not unacceptably detrimental to the amenity or character of the surrounding area h. Proposals would conserve and enhance affected heritage assets and maintain the enjoyment of the historic environment. i. The site would not lead to adverse effects on the integrity of the Mersey Estuary SPA and/or Ramsar site. j. The site is preferably on brownfield land. k. The occupants are recognised as gypsies, travellers or travelling showpeople. l. The proposal helps meet the identified need within the GTAA. 4. The Council will continue to work with its partners to ensure appropriate provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople's accommodation needs.

Housing Supply and Locational Priorities

1. During the period 2014 to 2037 provision will be made for the development of at least 8,050 (net) additional dwellings a. At an average of 350 dwellings (net) each year. b. After 2037 housing should be provided in accordance with the most up to date Housing Needs Assessment methodology assessment. 2. On sites of 10 or more dwellings, the mix of new property types delivered should contribute to addressing identified needs as quantified in the most up to date Strategic Housing Market Assessment, unless precluded by site specific constraints, economic viability or prevailing neighbourhood characteristics. 3. The total of 8,050 new homes will be delivered from a variety of sources: a. Housing completed since 2014; b. Housing sites with planning permission, or currently under construction, for housing development; c. Strategic Residential Locations, as identified on the Policies Map: SRL1: Delph Lane West, Daresbury, Runcorn SRL2: Central Housing Area, Daresbury, Runcorn SRL3: Wharford Farm, Runcorn SRL4: Sandymoor, Runcorn SRL5: Halton Lea, Runcorn SLR7: North East Widnes SLR8: North West Widnes SLR9: Halebank d. Housing Allocations (identified in Policy RD1); e. Mixed Use Allocations; f. Small sites; and g. Windfall development. 4. The Council will seek to maintain a 5 year supply of deliverable housing land across the Borough in accordance with Government guidance. 5. An average of at least 30% of new residential development should be delivered on previously developed (brownfield) land over the plan period. 6. To ensure the efficient use of land, a minimum density on individual sites of 30 dwellings per hectare (dph) will be sought. In more accessible locations such as those close to town, district or local centres or transport interchanges the presumption will be for developments achieving densities of 40 dph or greater. 7. Where it can be demonstrated that development at such densities would be detrimental to local character or amenity, or site constraints would prevent these densities from being achieved, then development may be permitted at a lower density.

Gypsy and Traveller Sites Allocations

1. The following sites (Table RD2.1) will be allocated for Gypsies and Travellers Pitches to deliver the GTAA requirements of 10 pitches between 2017 and 2032. 2. There will be a presumption against the loss of existing established, lawful residential sites for Gypsy and Traveller or Travelling Showpeople sites unless suitable replacement provision of equal or enhanced value are provided. Therefore the following sites (Table RD2.2) will be retained for use as Gypsies and Travellers Pitches. 3. Should any further applications for Gypsy and Traveller or Travelling Showpeople accommodation come forward in the plan period they will be determined in accordance with Policy CS(R)14. 4. Any application for the development of Gypsy and Traveller or Travelling Showpeople sites must be accompanied by evidence that the intended occupiers meet the relevant definition set out in national policy, demonstrating that their livelihood is solely or primarily reliant on nomadic travelling to sustain it (for example, comprehensive business records, bank statements, tax returns etc.).

Dwelling Alterations, Extensions, Conversions and Replacement Dwellings

1. Proposals for dwelling alterations, extensions, conversion and replacement dwellings outside the Green Belt will be supported where they: a. Retain the character of the existing property, its setting and the surrounding residential area; i. This will include consideration of the siting, scale, design, and materials to be used; b. Will not have a significant adverse impact on the amenity and living conditions of occupants of neighbouring properties; this will include consideration of i. The potential for overlooking and the preservation of appropriate privacy distances; and ii. The loss of sunlight or daylight to neighbouring properties; and iii. The dominance or overbearing nature of the extension. c. Enhance, provide or maintain safe highway conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles; d. Will not result in isolated residential development; e. Provide, or retain, sufficient parking within the curtilage of the property, where applicable; f. Provide, or retain, adequate storage for recycling, refuse and cycles; g. Retain outside access to the rear of the property; and they h. Provide, or retain, a reasonable amenity space. Conversion 2. Residential conversions of existing buildings will be permitted where they meet all of the above criteria (1. a-h) and where it is demonstrated that the building to be converted is of a permanent and substantial construction; capable of being converted; and in the case of sub-division or intensification of the existing residential use: i. they would not create or contribute to a harmful concentration of such uses with regards to amenity and highways; and ii. it would not result in a loss of character. Replacement Dwellings 3. Replacement dwellings will be supported where they meet all of the above criteria (1. a-h) and they will not result in over-development of the site, or the curtilage. Change of Use 4. The conversion of buildings from non-residential to residential use will be supported where they meet all of the above criteria (1. a-h) and where it is demonstrated that: a. The building is of a permanent and substantial construction capable of being converted; and that b. It will provide a satisfactory residential environment.

Residential Development Allocations

1. For the avoidance of doubt, the housing sites allocated in this plan are not granted Permission in Principle. 2. The following Strategic Housing Locations and the Residential Allocations, as identified on the Policies Map, will assist in the delivery of the requirements set out in Policy CS(R)3: 3. Residential development on Green Belt sites, or former Green Belt sites allocated in this Plan, (GBM notation) will need to provide appropriate mitigation for the loss of green belt land in line with NPPF requirements.

Gypsy and Traveller Sites Allocations

1. The following sites (Table RD2.1) will be allocated for Gypsies and Travellers Pitches to deliver the GTAA requirements of 10 pitches between 2017 and 2032. 2. There will be a presumption against the loss of existing established, lawful residential sites for Gypsy and Traveller or Travelling Showpeople sites unless suitable replacement provision of equal or enhanced value are provided. Therefore the following sites (Table RD2.2) will be retained for use as Gypsies and Travellers Pitches.

Primarily Residential Areas

1. Within the Primarily Residential Areas and completed housing allocations, as shown on the Policies Map, residential development of an appropriate design, scale, type, location and nature; that recognises, reinforces and / or improves the distinctiveness and character of the area; and that is in line with other relevant local plan policies and SPDs; will be supported. 2. Housing renewal and redevelopment will generally be supported in areas identified as requiring regeneration; to replace unpopular housing stock and to address any imbalances in the housing offer. 3. Within the Primarily Residential Areas, proposals for non-residential uses will be considered with regard to their effect on amenity and the concentration of non-residential development.

Custom and Self Build Housing

1. The Council will actively support proposals for self-build homes in locations consistent with the spatial strategy (Policy CS(R)1). The Council's self-build register will be used as a source of evidence of the demand for self-build and custom build locally, and the level of demand will be considered in determining proposals. In areas where the Council has evidence of strong local demand for self-build and custom build housing it will encourage developers to consider whether an element of self-build plots can be incorporated into development schemes as part of the housing mix.

Delivery of Telecommunications Infrastructure

1. The Council encourages and supports proposals for the provision, upgrading and enhancement of wireless and fixed data transfer and telecommunications networks and their associated infrastructure. 2. Proposals for the delivery of communications infrastructure will normally be granted permission where they: a. Have no significant adverse effect on the external appearance of the building on which, or space in which, they are located; b. Preserve or enhance the natural and historic environment; c. Have fully explored and utilised, as appropriate, technologies to miniaturise and camouflage any telecommunications apparatus; d. Are appropriately designed, coloured and landscaped to take account of their setting; e. Have no significant adverse impact on the visual amenities of neighbouring occupiers; and f. Have no detrimental impact on the safe and satisfactory functioning of the highways. 3. Development proposals for communication infrastructure should demonstrate that there will be no significant and irremediable interference with electrical equipment, air traffic service or instrumentation operating in the national interest. 4. Development proposals for communication infrastructure will only be accepted where they are certified to be in conformity with the latest national guidelines on radiation protection. This will include consideration of both individual and cumulative effects of the apparatus having regard to any other significant electromagnetic field generation in the locality. 5. Developers will be required to work with appropriate providers to deliver the necessary physical infrastructure to accommodate information and digital communications networks as an integral part of all appropriate new development.

Operation of Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Public Safety Zone 1. Development, including change of use, which is likely to lead to an increase in the number of people living, working or congregating on land within the LJLA Public Safety Zone, as defined by the Civil Aviation Authority will not be permitted. 2. Any amendments to the Public Safety Zone associated with the expansion of the airport and the runway extension will supersede the adopted Policies Map. Applicants should consult the Council to ensure they are aware of any amendments. Runway End Safety Area (RESA) 3. The Council will support proposals, where appropriate, that seek to address airport safety issues, including those relating to the Runway End Safety Area (RESA). Height Restriction Zone (HRZ) 4. Development within the LJLA Height Restriction Zone (HRZ) will only be permitted if it is below the height notified to the Council by the relevant authority and would not cause a hazard to aviation. 5. Development within the HRZ will not be permitted if it would otherwise cause a hazard to air travellers. Airport Development 6. All airport development should seek the maximum possible reductions in noise through compliance with the latest Airport Noise Action Plan. New Development in the Vicinity of LJLA 7. New developments in the vicinity of LJLA will be required to be designed to comply with airport safety requirements and should not impede the operational requirements of the Airport. Developments which increase risk to airport safety or impede operational requirements will be resisted. Airport Parking 8. The provision of offsite airport parking within Halton Borough will generally not be supported.

Infrastructure Provision

1. Development should be located to maximise the benefit of existing infrastructure and to minimise the need for new provision. 2. Where new development creates or exacerbates deficiencies in infrastructure it will be required to ensure those deficiencies or losses are compensated for, adequately mitigated or substituted for in a timely manner. On larger developments that will be completed in phases or over a number of years, an agreed delivery schedule of infrastructure works may be appropriate. Where infrastructure provision is not made directly by the developer, contributions may be secured by an agreement under Section106 of the Act including where appropriate via a phased payment schedule. 3. Development proposals will be supported where there is sufficient wastewater treatment capacity. If localised deficiencies arise, development will have to be phased to so as not to exceed available capacity. Furthermore, all developments will be required to deliver green infrastructure approaches, such as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), to maximise in-situ pollutant attenuation in accordance with policy CS(R)21 and HE9. 4. Applications for the provision of new infrastructure will be supported where they are required to help deliver national priorities or locally identified requirements and where their contribution to agreed objectives outweigh the potential for adverse impacts.

Halton's Spatial Strategy

1. To achieve the Vision for Halton to 2037, new development should deliver: • at least 8,050 (net) additional dwellings (2014-2037) • approximately 180 ha (gross) of land for employment purposes • up to 9,293 sqm of town centre convenience/comparison goods retailing • up to 5,112 sqm of retail warehousing Specific principles to guide the location, timing and delivery of the above development are set out in policies CS(R)3, CS(R)4 and CS(R)5. Key Urban Regeneration The Spatial Strategy for Halton is focused around a balanced mix of prioritised urban regeneration, supported by appropriate levels of greenfield expansion. The strategy will largely be realised by the delivery of five Key Urban Regeneration Areas across the Borough where the majority of new development will be located. The five areas are: a. Halebank and Ditton Corridor, Widnes - To continue to build on the success of this area. By supporting and expanding the employment opportunities around the multi-modal freight facility and balancing this with growth to the local community. b. South Widnes - Incorporating the town centre, West Bank and the waterfront area, supporting the revitalisation and regeneration of the area. c. West Runcorn - Involving the regeneration of previously developed (brownfield) land within the existing urban area. d. East Runcorn - Delivering greenfield expansion including the completion of the proposals for Runcorn New Town and further extension to the east of Runcorn. e. North Widnes - Delivering greenfield expansion and further extension to the urban area to the north of Widnes. 2. Brownfield Focus (beneficial and efficient use of existing sites) Outside of the Key Urban Regeneration Areas, the re-use of previously developed land will be supported, notably where regenerating or bringing sites back into use will bring wider benefits to the Borough. Important green infrastructure within the urban area will be protected from detrimental development to ensure its value, both individually and as part of a network, is retained. 3. The Liverpool City Region (LCR) Recreation Mitigation Strategy has been developed to meet the requirements of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended). Residential development within 5 km of protected accessible coasts, resulting in a net increase of 10 or more dwellings and major tourism developments, will be able to discharge their HRA requirements in relation to recreational disturbance by making a financial contribution towards avoidance and mitigation schemes in the LCR area in accordance with policy CS(R)20 and HE1.

Minerals

1. To minimise the need for minerals extraction, the use of recycled and secondary aggregates across the Borough will be encouraged. 2. Although there are limited mineral resources in the Borough, Minerals Safeguarding Areas and Minerals Areas of Search for sand and gravel resources will be identified and protected to prevent their sterilisation. The policies map identifies areas of minerals resources and policies HE10 identifies Mineral Safeguarding areas (MSA) and Mineral Areas of Search (MAS) policy HE11 sets out the criteria for their exploration and potential extraction. Oil and Gas 3. Whilst the policies map does not identify and areas for onshore Oil and Gas, proposals for such developments will only be supported where: Exploration stage a. The proposal is sited in the least sensitive location from which the target formation can be accessed; b. The proposal is either directly accessible from, or located in close proximity to, the primary route network; c. The proposal is sited, designed and operated to minimise environmental amenity impacts; d. The cumulative impacts of the proposal, considered in combination with any other plan, project or programme are acceptable; e. It can be demonstrated that the proposal will not lead to unacceptable adverse impacts on the integrity or geological structure; f. It can be demonstrated that greenhouse gases associated with fugitive emissions from the proposal will not lead to unacceptable adverse environmental impacts; g. Operations are for an agreed, temporary length of time; h. The well site and associated infrastructure are restored at the earliest practical opportunity. Appraisal Stage 4. An indicative framework of the resource is submitted to the Council (the Minerals Authority) setting out the extent of the reservoir and the extent of the area of search with the reservoir, informed by the earlier exploration work. 5. Where any gas is collected it is utilised rather than flared. Production stage 6. A framework for the full development of the resource is submitted to the Council (Minerals Authority) detailing the number and location of well sites and associated infrastructure, justifying them in number, extent and location. 7. The Council (Minerals Authority) will also require a community benefit package.

Waste

The Council will promote sustainable waste management in accordance with the waste hierarchy, to: • identify and safeguard (where appropriate) waste management sites in appropriate locations suitable for new and enhanced waste management facilities for the identified waste management needs of the Liverpool City Region (Merseyside and Halton). The allocation of sites and detailed development management policies will be provided in the Joint Merseyside and Halton Waste Local Plan; • ensure that the Borough can meet the identified waste management needs as determined through the Joint Merseyside and Halton Waste Local Plan or equivalent; • encourage good design in new development in order to minimise waste, promote the use of recycled materials and, to facilitate the collection and recycling of waste; • encourage the sustainable transport of waste and promote use of site specific waste management plans; and, • ensure that waste management facilities are developed whilst minimising the impacts on the environment and communities of the Borough.

Unallocated Land in Urban Areas

1. On land not coloured on the policies map which is currently in urban use, it is assumed that present uses will continue as this land is not subject to any site specific policies which propose a change of use. Any proposals for changes of use will be judged in accordance with the relevant policies of the Plan.

Control of Development in the Green Belt

1. The construction of new buildings is inappropriate in Green Belt. Exceptions to this are: a. buildings for agriculture and forestry; b. provision of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation and for cemeteries and burial grounds and allotments, as long as it preserves the openness of the Green Belt and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it; c. the replacement, extension or alteration of a building provided that it does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building and that it is of an appropriate scale, character and appearance; d. limited infilling in the villages, e. limited affordable housing for local community needs under policies set out in the Local Plan; or f. limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites (brownfield land), whether redundant or in continuing use (excluding temporary buildings), which would: i.) not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and the purpose of including land within it than the existing development. ii.) not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt, where the development would re-use previously developed land and contribute to meeting an identified affordable housing need within the area of the local planning authority. Development proposals that do not qualify as exceptions are by definition inappropriate development. 2. Certain other forms of development are also not inappropriate in Green Belt provided they preserve the openness of the Green Belt and do not conflict with the purposes of including land in Green Belt. These are: a. mineral extraction; b. engineering operations; c. local transport infrastructure that can demonstrate a requirement for a Green Belt location; d. material changes in the use of land (such as changes of use for outdoor sport or recreation, or for cemeteries and burial grounds); e. the re-use of buildings provided that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction; and f. development brought forward under a Community Right to Build Order or a Neighbourhood Development Order.

Halton's Centres

1. The following hierarchy of centres will be maintained for retail and other main town centre uses (as defined in the NPPF and on the Policies Map) in order to provide access to a wide range of shops, employment and associated services for all sections of the community. The Council will also support the improvement and enhancement of town and local centres within the defined boundaries. 2. The development of new centres will be expected to consolidate and enhance the network and hierarchy of centres and not undermine the vitality and viability of existing centres. New retail development of an appropriate scale to meet local need will be required in the following locations to serve the new residential and business populations at: a. Daresbury (Keckwick Hill) b. South Widnes (West Bank)

Vitality and Viability of Centres

Town and District Centres 1. Retail and other main town centre uses should be located within the centres identified in strategic Policy CS(R)5 and identified on the Policies Map. 2. Within Halton's centres, development proposals for retail and other main town centres uses will be supported where they: a. Are of a size and scale appropriate to the position of the centre in the identified hierarchy in CS(R)5; b. Retain or enhance the centre's character, appearance, vitality and viability; c. Sustain or enhance diverse town centre uses and customer choice; d. Do not detrimentally effect local amenity; e. Capitalise on the Borough's natural assets and greenspaces; and f. Are readily accessible by public transport, walking and cycling. 3. Within Halton's centres, the use of upper floors for non-retail uses will be supported, subject to the use being suitable to the function of the centre and other policies in this plan. 4. Within town / district centres outside of the Primary Shopping Area, change of use to residential may be appropriate (subject to the provisions of other policies in this Plan, particularly polices GR1 and GR2). 5. Proposals for retail uses at edge of centre locations will be permitted where: a. It is demonstrated through the sequential approach that there are no appropriate town centre sites available in the Primary Shopping Area and that the proposed location is the most preferable in light of the alternatives considered; b. The site is located within a well-connected area, within 300m of the primary shopping area; and c. The proposal complied with the criteria set out in section 2 above. 6. Proposals for retail uses in out-of-centre locations will only be permitted where: a. It is demonstrated through a sequential test that there are no appropriate sites in the Primary Shopping Area or edge of centre sites available, or likely to be available within a reasonable timeframe; b. The proposal has been subject to impact assessment as set out in accordance with Table HC1.1 below, and will not demonstrably harm centres within its catchment. 7. Proposals for non-retail town centre uses in edge of centre locations will only be permitted where: a. It is demonstrated through the sequential approach that there are no appropriate town centre sites available and that the proposed location is the most preferable in light of the alternatives considered; b. The proposal for non-retail use is location within 300 metres of a town centre boundary. For office development, this includes locations outside the town centre but within 500 metres of a public transport interchange. 8. Retail and leisure proposals outside of the Primary Shopping Area, above the following thresholds will be subject to an impact assessment; Table HC1.1 Threshold for Impact Assessment Centre Floorspace Threshold (sq.m gross) Convenience Goods Comparison Goods Widnes Town Centre 1,500 sq.m 1,500 sq.m Halton Lea Town Centre 1,000 sq.m 1,000 sq.m Runcorn Old Town 500 sq.m 500 sq.m 9. The retention and enhancement of the Borough's market will be encouraged. Local Centres 10. Within the Local Centres identified in policy CS(R)5 the primary retail role of the centre will be safeguarded. Other uses will be supported where they complement the existing role of these centres, provided that the proposal: a. meets the retail needs of residents within the local neighbourhood; and b. would not reduce the number of retail units in any local centre to below 50% of the units used for commercial purposes. 11. Additional or replacement convenience retail units (up to 280 sqm net) within or immediately adjacent to a defined Local Centre will be supported. Individual Shops 12. Individual shops, not specifically defined on the Policies Map, will be safeguarded for retail purposes, unless it is demonstrated that the existing use and/or any other retail use is no longer viable within that specific location.

Retail and Town Centre Allocations

1. The following sites, as identified on the Policies Map, will be allocated for appropriate Town Centre Uses to deliver the Core Strategy requirements. Runcorn Ref Site Brownfield/Greenfield Size (Ha.) Proposed Use TC1 Land to the north of the Brindley (former Brindley Mound), Runcorn Old Town Brownfield 0.42 Retail & Leisure TC2 Bus Interchange, Car Park and Former HDL, Runcorn Old Town Brownfield 0.54 Retail TC5 East Lane House Brownfield 1.14 Mixed (Retail, Leisure & Residential) TC6 Sandymoor Local Centre Greenfield 1.35 Retail TC7 TA Centre Brownfield 1.44 Mixed (Retail & Residential) TC8 Library, Grosvenor House, Former Magistrates Court, Police Station et al, Halton Lea Brownfield 2.32 Mixed (Office, Retail, Leisure and Residential) TC10 Daresbury Local Centre Greenfield 0.39 Retail Widnes and Hale Ref Site Brownfield/Greenfield Size (Ha.) Proposed Use TC3 Widnes Retail Park (Phase 2) Brownfield Retail TC9 Albert Square car park Brownfield Retail TC11 South Widnes (West Bank) Brownfield Retail

Primary Shopping Areas

Primary Shopping Areas 1. Within the defined Primary Shopping Areas, the use of ground floor units retail, Professional Services or food & drink uses will generally be supported where they provide an active daytime frontage. 2. Within the defined Primary Shopping Areas, the use of ground floor units for non Shops, Financial / Professional Services, Restaurants, or Cafe uses will be permitted where: a. The overall proportion of uses will not fall below 60% of units, unless the unit has been shown to not be viable for Shops, Financial / Professional Services, Restaurants, Cafe use after sufficient effective marketing, and is currently vacant; b. The continuity of the retail frontage is maintained, normally with no more than two adjacent non Shops, Financial / Professional Services, Restaurants, Cafe frontages; c. It can be demonstrated that the proposal would not reduce the pedestrian footfall; and d. An active frontage is provided.

Shop Fronts, Signage and Advertising

1. Proposals for shop fronts will be permitted provided that they: a. Respect the context of the street or space in which they are set; and b. Accommodate the shop signage in a way that contributes to the overall design. 2. Proposals for shop front security measures will be permitted provided that they are accommodated in an unobtrusive manner and do not include any of the following: a. The blanking out of windows. b. Projecting shutter boxes. c. Unperforated roller shutters. d. Galvanised finishes. 3. In considering applications for advertisement consents or enforcing the discontinuance of a display after the specific period, if considered reasonable, all of the following criteria will be considered: a. Advertisements should be compatible with the character of their surroundings, including the scale and detailing of any building against which they are seen, by reason of their size, siting, height above ground level, materials, colour and design. b. Free-standing displays should be integrated with their surroundings by appropriate design and landscaping. c. Advertisements on buildings should appear as an integral and not a dominant feature of the building. d. Advertisements should conserve and enhance those features which contribute to the significance of heritage assets and their setting, including where relevant character, appearance, architecture and setting. e. The advertisement should not lead to intrusive visual clutter. f. The advertisement should not prejudice the amenity of the occupiers of nearby dwellings or other buildings, either by reason of inappropriate design or means of illumination. g. In the right locations, (and in particular in relation to free-standing poster displays) whether advertisements can offer the opportunity to secure vitality and environmental benefits, by screening eyesores and redevelopment sites or providing a solution of the use of marginal land left by road works, albeit on a temporary basis where appropriate. h. The effect of the advertisement upon the highway safety, the safe use and operation of any form of traffic or transport safety of pedestrians. i. An advertisement should not impede the visibility of road users in the vicinity of junctions, access, bus stops and crossing points.

Visitor Attractions

1. The Council will protect and enhance the assets and attractions of Halton that attract visitors and investors to Halton. This will be achieved through: a. The protection of visitor attractions and assets identified on the policies map and illustrated within Appendix F; b. Promoting the enhancement and expansion of existing visitor attractions and tourist accommodation; c. Encouraging sustainable transport to visitor attractions, tourist and cultural sites; and d. Resist development that would affect an existing visitor attraction if it would be likely to detract from the function, appearance, significance or setting of the attraction. 2. All visitor attractions located within or adjacent to Widnes Town Centre, Runcorn Town Centre, Runcorn Old Town District Centre or on the Borough's waterfronts will be considered acceptable where they: a. Are accessible by a variety of modes of sustainable transport, including public transport, cycling and walking; and b. Would not lead to unsatisfactory traffic conditions or other nuisance; and c. Assist in delivering improvements to the green infrastructure within the local area; and d. Are appropriate in size and do not result in an adverse impact on the visual amenity of the area. 3. Where a visitor attraction is not to be located within or adjacent to Widnes Town Centre, Runcorn Town Centre, Runcorn Old Town District Centre or on the Borough's waterfronts it must: a. Be for the expansion of an existing visitor attraction or located within an existing building; and b. Be of an appropriate scale and character for its location; and c. Be accessible by a variety of modes of sustainable transport, including public transport, cycling and walking; and d. Not lead to unsatisfactory traffic conditions or other nuisance; and e. Assist in delivering improvements to the green infrastructure within the local area; and f. Be visually unobtrusive and not result in an adverse impact on the visual amenity of the area. 4. The co-location of visitor attractions will be encouraged and where appropriate they should be used to create hubs. 5. Where appropriate the Council will generally support the development of small scale ancillary complementary services at existing or emerging visitor attractions within the Borough. 6. Developments which are likely to increase harm through visitor pressure within internationally designated sites will not be supported, unless it can be demonstrated that there are both no alternatives and imperative reasons of over-riding public interest.

Food and Drink

1. Development of food and drink uses including restaurants, late night bars or pubs and Hot Food Takeaways (subject to the additional criteria below), will be acceptable provided that they would not harm the character of the area, residential amenity and / or public safety, either individually or cumulatively. The following impacts will be taken into consideration: a. noise, fumes, smells, litter and late night activity; b. the availability of public transport and parking; c. highway safety; d. access for servicing; e. storage for refuse and recycling; f. the appearance of the building, frontage, flues and other installations; g. the number, distribution and proximity of other existing, or proposed, restaurants, hot food takeaways and late night bars or pubs; h. potential for crime and anti-social behaviour; i. impact on the promotion of healthy lifestyles. 2. Hot Food Takeaways will only be supported where: a. it is located within a designated town or district centre and will not result in; i. 5% or more of the total ground floor commercial units within a primary shopping area being hot food takeaways. ii. 10% or more of the total ground floor commercial units within the remaining (non-primary shopping area) town centre areas) being hot food takeaways, and iii. less than two non hot-food takeaway commercial units on the same frontage, or a road, between hot food takeaways, b. it is located within a designated local centre and will not result in hot-food takeaways becoming the dominant use, or more than two units or 10% of the total ground floor commercial units (whichever is the greater) being a hot food takeaway, c. it is located more than 400m from primary or secondary schools, sixth form colleges, playing fields and children's play spaces.

Mixed Use Areas

1. Within a Mixed Use Area any proposed development will be expected to: a. Promote the vitality and viability of the area. b. Be of a quality of design that enhances the character and appearance of the local environment. c. Contribute to the: i. Creation of jobs for local people; or ii. Provision of housing to meet local needs; or iii. Provision of local facilities for the community; or iv. Quality of the visitor attraction of the Borough. 2. The Council may require a masterplan or development brief to be prepared demonstrating that the proposals will positively support and complement the comprehensive wider development of the area. 3. MUA1 Widnes Civic Quarter Within Mixed Use Area 1 the following uses are considered appropriate: a. Leisure; b. Residential; c. Office, Research / Development, Light Industry d. Restaurants; e. Hotel; f. Education; and g. Health. 4. MUA2 Victoria Square and Victoria Road Within Mixed Use Area 2 the following uses are considered appropriate: a. Small Scale Retail (up to 280 sqm net); b. Restaurants and cafés; c. Residential; and d. Drinking Establishments. 5. MUA3 Earle Road Mixed Use Area Within Mixed Use Area 3 the following uses are considered appropriate: a. Retail; b. Restaurants and cafés ; c. Leisure uses; d. Clinics, health centres, crèches, day nurseries, day centres, schools, art galleries (other than for sale or hire), museums, libraries, halls, places of worship, church halls, law court. Non-residential education and training centres; e. Hotel; f. Office, Research / Development, Light Industry; and g. Residential. 6. MUA4 Lugsdale Road Within Mixed Use Area 4 the following uses are considered appropriate: a. Residential; and b. Office, Research / Development, Light Industry. 7. MUA5 Runcorn Station Within Mixed Use Area 5 the following uses are considered appropriate: a. Small Scale Retail (up to 280 sqm net); b. Restaurants and cafés; c. Leisure uses; d. Residential; e. Clinics, health centres, crèches, day nurseries, day centres, schools, art galleries (other than for sale or hire), museums, libraries, halls, places of worship, church halls, law court. Non-residential education and training centres; f. Hotel; and g. Office, Research / Development, Light Industry 8. MUA6 Halton Road Within Mixed Use Area 6 the following uses are considered appropriate: a. Small Scale Retail (up to 280 sqm net); b. Restaurants and cafés; c. Leisure uses and d. Residential. 9. MUA7 Bridge Retail Within Mixed Use Area 7 the following uses are considered appropriate: a. Retail Warehousing (non-food); b. Restaurants and cafés; c. Drinking establishments and d. Leisure uses. 10. MUA9 Moor Lane Within Mixed Use Area 9 the following uses are considered appropriate: a. Retail; b. Clinics, health centres, crèches, day nurseries, day centres, schools, art galleries (other than for sale or hire), museums, libraries, halls, places of worship, church halls, law court. Non-residential education and training centres; c. Assembly and Leisure; d. Hotel; e. Office, Research / Development, Light Industry and General Industrial; and f. Residential. 11. MUA11 'Daresbury Park' Within Mixed Use Area 11 the following uses are considered appropriate; a. Office, Research / Development, Light Industry b. Residential c. Small Scale Retail (up to 280 sqm net ); d. Small scale leisure uses, particularly associated with the canal side location (subject to access agreement from the Bridgewater Canal Trust) e. Small scale ancillary complementary services and facilities (compliant with policy ED3) 12. Within each of these Mixed Use Areas development proposals for uses not listed will be decided on their individual merits.

Parking Standards

1. All development must provide an appropriate level of safe, secure, accessible and viable parking, taking into account: a. The accessibility of the site, including the availability of public transport; b. The type, mix and use of development; c. The availability of on-street parking or shared parking facilities; and d. An overall need to encourage the use of ultra-low emissions vehicles. 2. The design and layout of the proposed parking must enable and encourage the maximum use of sustainable modes of transport, including provision for cyclists and ultra-low emission vehicles. 3. The Council will require parking provision according to the standards set out in Appendix D. Any significant variation (+/- 10%) from these standards must be justified on a case-by-case basis, and would need to demonstrate there are no harmful impacts on the street scene or the availability of on-street parking. 4. Where opportunities arise Halton would welcome car club facilities within commercial and high density areas.

Sustainable Transport

1. In order to encourage journeys to be made by sustainable modes of travel including walking, cycling and public transport, the Council will: a. support a reduction in the need to travel by car; b. encourage a choice of sustainable transport modes; and c. ensure new developments are accessible by sustainable modes. 2. To support sustainable transport across the Borough: a. Halton's existing Sustainable Transport Network will be protected; b. Improvements to the existing Sustainable Transport Network will be supported c. The introduction of new sustainable routes and facilities will be encouraged and; d. Promote the use of green technology to reduce transport emissions 3. High trip generating developments will be expected to minimise the need to travel, particularly by private car and maximise the opportunities for the use of walking, cycling and public transport. The Council will expect them to be located where there is public transport accessibility and good walking and cycling links. 4. Development proposals must be consistent with and contribute to the implementation of the transport strategies and priorities.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport Operational Land and Airport Expansion

Airport Operational Land within Halton Borough 1. Development within the airport boundary falling within Halton Borough Council, as defined on the Policies Map, will only be permitted where it is directly related to: a. a runway extension, including relocation of physical infrastructure including the perimeter access road, b. aircraft and operational site safety requirements c. extension or enhancement of the Speke Garston Coastal Reserve 2. The proposed extension to the runway at LJLA must incorporate localised screening and structural landscaping to the northern and eastern boundary to minimise any visual impacts on Speke and Hale Village, which must not adversely affect the operational integrity or safety of the airport. Airport Expansion 3. Development proposals to significantly increase the passenger or freight handling capacity of the airport or numbers of aircraft movements will be assessed with regard to their impact on Halton, particularly any environmental and social impacts on: a. residents and other users, of any increases in noise, road traffic, air pollution or public safety risk; b. the historic environment of the surrounding area including setting and local character; c. the natural and built environment, including areas of international, national or local conservation, ecological and landscape value; d. the risks associated with climate change; and, e. the local and regional transport network 4. Further assessment of air quality impacts will be made at the project-level, to ensure that there will be no adverse effects of atmospheric pollution on the integrity of European sites, especially the Sefton Coast SAC. 5. With respect to internationally important sites (particularly the Mersey Estuary Special Protection Area and Ramsar site) proposals will need to incorporate measures that are acceptable to the appropriate statutory body and sufficiently extensive to enable a conclusion of no adverse effect on their integrity unless it can be demonstrated that there are both no alternatives and Imperative Reasons of Over-riding Public Interest. Eastern Access Transport Corridor (Road) 6. The Council supports the principal of improving accessibility to the airport through the provision of a new road (the Eastern Access Corridor) through the Halton Green Belt to the east of Speke, along the indicative alignment shown on the Policies Map (see policy C1).

Transport Network and Accessibility

Walking and Cycling 1. Development will only be permitted where: a. It does not prejudice the access on to or through the walking and cycling network or it provides a suitable alternative link of equal quality and convenience; and b. It does not affect the enjoyment of the walking and cycling network. The walking and cycling network is taken to include but not limited to: the Greenway Network; The Bridgewater Way; Mersey Way; Mersey Timberland Trail, The Trans-Pennine Trail, the Cycle Network and Public Rights of Way. The Council will support development provided that: a. The internal layout, access and highway network is safe, attractive, in character, functional and accessible for all users and does not discourage existing and proposed users; b. It does not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or the residual cumulative impacts on the road network would be severe; c. Appropriate provision for car and cycle parking is made; d. Road designs are well laid out and where appropriate incorporate highway safety measures, such as traffic management and traffic calming schemes, where appropriate; Sustainable Transport and Accessibility 2. The Council will support development provided that: a. It gives priority to walking, cycling and public transport within its design where appropriate; b. there is inclusive walking and cycling provision to local facilities and sustainable networks; c. Promotes the use of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV); d. Appropriate provision for car and cycle parking is made; e. Road designs are well laid out and where appropriate incorporate highway safety measures, such as traffic management and traffic calming schemes, where appropriate; f. It is located within 400 metres walking distance of a bus stop or railway station with a suitable level of service wherever possible; and g. It is accessible to all. Where development does not meet all of these criteria or may be expected to have negative impacts, appropriate mitigation measures will be required at the developer's expense. 3. Development associated with the relinking of the Silver Jubilee Bridge to the pedestrian and cycle network will be supported, including the realignment of pedestrian and cycle links from Widnes Town Centre and Runcorn Old Town and the reconfiguration of the existing Bridge deck. 4. The Council will normally support work to improve canal towpaths and Public Rights of Way where they can provide key linkages from developments to local facilities. Public Transport 5. Development will only be permitted where it does not prejudice: a. the integrity and function of the Runcorn Busway. b. the use of Ditton Station as part of the public transport network, c. the provision of additional rail tracks immediately to the north of the existing rail line between Hough Green Station and Widnes Station and, d. the safeguarding of the Ditton – Fiddlers Ferry – Warrington rail line The re-opening, or provision, of these transport facilities will generally be supported. 6. Development will only be permitted where it retains the opportunity for new railway stations at: a. Beechwood b. South Widnes New stations and other associated public transport facilities at these locations will be supported. 7. Development to support the creation of a multi modal public transport interchange at Runcorn Train Station will be supported, as part of a wider regeneration scheme for the area. 8. The Council will support provision of a rail based commuter Park and Ride scheme at: a. Ditton; and b. Other locations where schemes would demonstrably reduce congestion, alleviate parking issues, or increase accessibility to employment for those in the most deprived areas. Transport Hubs 9. The Council will seek to protect and enhance transport hubs where possible. Transport hubs have been identified at: Existing Transport Hubs a. Runcorn Station Quarter b. Beechwood Bus Depot c. Hough Green Train Station d. Widnes Train Station e. Runcorn East Train Station Proposed Transport Hubs f. Shaw Street/Station Road, Runcorn Station g. Ditton Station h. Victoria Road, Widnes i. Daresbury Train Station allocation Waterways 10. The Council will expect development to: a. Maintain waterside transport infrastructure where appropriate b. Encourage physical waterborne leisure activities, boosting the tourism economy and promoting health improvements in appropriate locations c. Enhance watercourses and related infrastructure where appropriate. Road schemes 11. The Council will continue to work with partners to support appropriate road schemes including: a. Liverpool John Lennon Airport Eastern Access Transport Corridor 12. Improvements to the following parts of the road network are proposed during the Plan period. a. A558 Daresbury Expressway; b. Watkinson Way / Ashley Way Gyratory; c. A562 Speke Road; d. A557 Access improvements; and e. Reconfiguration / improvement of infrastructure to the south of the SJB. Where necessary the routes of these improvements will be protected. Freight and Logistics 13. Any development which generates significant movement of freight will be expected to locate where they are, or can be, served by water, air or rail infrastructure in addition to having good road access. 14. The following sites have been identified as Freight and Logistics hubs: a. Port Runcorn b. Port Weston c. 3MG Development that could have a detrimental impact on the access to these hubs will be resisted. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) 15. Halton as part of the LCR welcomes the use of new technologies including those that: a. Manage the flow of traffic around the Borough. b. Reduce transport emissions through the use of SMART vehicle technology. c. Provide smart transport solutions, enabling transport and journeys in general to become quicker and more efficient for residents and visitors to the borough. Transport Assessments and Travel Plans 16. The Council will require the submission of a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement for Development proposals that are likely to generate significant numbers of trips, HGV movements and/or have location specific issues or traffic sensitivities. The level and content of supporting Transport Assessments/ Statements should be scoped with the Highway Authority prior to application. 17. A travel plan will be required as part of a new development in all of the following circumstances: a. Major development proposals comprising jobs, shopping, leisure and services b. Smaller development proposals comprising jobs, shopping, leisure and services which would generate significant amounts of travel in or near to air quality management areas. c. Where the green travel plan will help to address a particular traffic problem associated with the proposal, which might otherwise have to be refused on local traffic grounds d. Proposals for new and expanded school facilities (school travel plan). Where a green travel plan is not required, developers will be encouraged to prepare one where appropriate in the interests of sustainability.