Planning in Knowsley

Principal Regeneration Area – Tower Hill

1) Comprehensive redevelopment and improvement of the Tower Hill Principal Regeneration Area, will be facilitated, including (in no order of priority): a) New housing development, to provide a wider choice of housing accommodation to meet local housing needs; b) Enhanced design quality and site layout providing improved integration with surrounding areas and Kirkby Town Centre; c) Small scale enhancements to retail, employment, leisure, education, health and community facilities, appropriate to the scale and function of a local centre to complement that of Kirkby Town Centre; d) Public realm enhancements as a key feature of Green Infrastructure focused upon significant improvements to quality, accessibility and integration with new development; e) Infrastructure improvements, including enhanced public transport provision and maximising opportunities for walking and cycling to create accessible linkages in Tower Hill and linking to surrounding areas; and f) Flexibility to integrate and safeguard the potential delivery of a new transport interchange, including a new rail station and Park and Ride to the south of Headbolt Lane. 2) The boundary of the Principal Regeneration Area will be identified in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies, with further guidance in a revision to the existing Supplementary Planning Document.

Design Quality and Accessibility in New Development

1) To enhance the local distinctiveness, identity and accessibility of places, new development within Knowsley will be expected to: a) Respond to and integrate positive characteristics of immediate surroundings, including local materials, scale, mass, form, layout, alignment and density of the existing built environment; b) Complement and enhance (where possible), existing landscape, topography, Green Infrastructure; and features of local importance and historic interest; c) Consider provision of landmark buildings and additional detailing at and adjacent to main gateways, movement corridors, town centres and strategic regeneration opportunities; d) Create spaces and places as a focal point, accommodating social interaction and active lifestyles, including provision and integration of high quality public realm and open spaces, public art (as appropriate); and landscaping which promotes biodiversity and integrates existing local habitats; e) Provide safe, secure and convenient routes for movement (including signage), with priority for walking, cycling and public transport, to meet the access needs of all users, particularly pedestrians, cyclists, less mobile people and the elderly; f) Integrate effectively with existing development and link to existing shopping and service provision; and g) Demonstrate community engagement during the design phase of major development proposals. 2) To maintain a good standard of amenity for all existing and future occupants of land and buildings, development proposals will be required to: a) Avoid unacceptable impacts on existing residents, business occupiers, and future occupiers; b) Minimise crime, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour, including good levels of natural surveillance and security; and c) Accommodate future maintenance and long term management requirements. 3) To address the challenges of climate change and future changes in social, economic and environmental priorities, new development should integrate: a) Sustainable design principles, with regard to Policy CS17: Housing Sizes and Design Standards and Policy CS22: Sustainable and Low Carbon Development as appropriate; b) Biodiversity (in accordance with Policy CS8); c) Flood risk mitigation (in accordance with Policy CS24); d) Waste recycling; and e) Energy and resource efficiency. 4) Further guidance on these issues will be provided in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies document and Supplementary Planning Documents as appropriate.

Development Principles

1) New development in Knowsley and the preparation of subsequent stages of the Local Plan will be expected to support the following development principles: Principle 1: Promote sustainable economic development, tackle the causes of deprivation and disadvantage and narrow the gap between the richest and poorest neighbourhoods by: a) Meeting needs for new housing, employment, retail and other service provision; b) Improving business productivity and employment levels in Knowsley; c) Reducing economic, environmental, education, health and other social inequalities between Knowsley and other parts of the UK; and d) Providing opportunities for positive lifestyle choices and health improvement for people of all ages. Principle 2: Reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change by: a) Contributing to reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from all sources, in line with national targets; b) Ensuring an ability to adapt to future changes to national targets for carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, including recognising the role of new technology; c) Identifying and applying measures offering effective mitigation and adaptation to likely environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change; and d) Meeting appropriate minimum standards for sustainability. Principle 3: Reduce the need to travel and increase accessibility by: a) Selecting locations that reduce the need to travel, especially by car, and enable people as far as possible to meet their needs locally; b) Assisting the Council in achieving a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport for people, goods and freight; c) Encouraging safe and sustainable access for all, particularly by promoting the use of public transport, walking and cycling between homes and employment; and d) Supporting the provision and retention of shared space, community facilities and other local services (such as local shops, health facilities, education provision, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship). Principle 4: Recognise environmental limits, protect and enhance environmental assets, enhance local character and promote quality of place by: a) Understanding and respecting the character and distinctiveness of places and landscapes; b) Protecting and enhancing the historic environment; c) Promoting good quality design and ensuring that development respects its setting taking into account relevant design requirements, and best practice; d) Maximising opportunities for the regeneration of previously developed land, including derelict or unsightly areas to improve the image of Knowsley and use land resources efficiently; e) Mitigating potential negative impacts of traffic growth and road traffic on highway safety, air quality, noise and health; f) Supporting policies relating to Green Infrastructure and the greening of towns and cities; g) Maintaining or enhancing the tranquillity of open countryside and rural areas; h) Maintaining or enhancing the quantity and quality of biodiversity and habitats, including potential impacts on nationally and internationally important sites for biodiversity; i) Addressing any issues of unstable land, resulting from Knowsley's legacy of minerals extraction; and j) Minimising negative impact upon flood risk, air quality, water quality, land quality, soil quality, and noise or vibration levels and ensuring any negative impacts are appropriately mitigated. Development that will have an unacceptable impact upon any of the above will only be permitted where the benefits of the proposal clearly outweigh the harm. Principle 5: Make the most efficient use of available resources and infrastructure by prioritising locations consistent with the spatial strategy, which: a) Do not require major investment in new infrastructure, including transport, water supply and sewerage, or where this is unavoidable, incorporate appropriate development phasing and delivery assistance; b) Ensure environmental protection is enhanced through the phasing of new development and delivery of supporting infrastructure, including working with neighbouring authorities and key partner agencies where appropriate; c) Support prudent and efficient management of natural and man-made resources; and d) Promote sustainable construction and efficiency in resource use (including reuse and recycling of materials). 2) The development principles are not in order of priority, will be applied equally alongside other Local Plan policies, and will be implemented using development assessment tools including: a) Environmental Impact Assessment and associated legislative requirements; b) Health Impact Assessment; c) Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment; d) Transport Assessment and Travel Planning; and e) Design and Access Statements.

Development Principles

1) New development in Knowsley and the preparation of subsequent stages of the Local Plan will be expected to support the following development principles: Principle 1: Promote sustainable economic development, tackle the causes of deprivation and disadvantage and narrow the gap between the richest and poorest neighbourhoods by: a) Meeting needs for new h

Principal Regeneration Area – Knowsley Industrial and Business Parks

1) Regeneration of Knowsley Industrial and Business Parks will be supported, which encourages a mix of new high quality employment development with a particular focus on the development of: a) Class B1 'business' uses within 'gateway' locations at: A580 West/Moorgate Road; A5208 County Road/South Boundary Road/Moorgate Road/Arbour Lane/Lees Road; and at A580 East/Coopers Lane; b) Class B2 'General Industrial' and B8 'Storage and Distribution' uses north of South Boundary Road; c) Class B1 and B8 uses south of South Boundary Road; and d) A local service centre (or 'Services Hub') at South Boundary Road to provide small scale shopping and services to serve the needs of the workforce within the Park. The references to Class B1 uses in clauses 1)a) and 1)c) above shall be subject to compliance with the sequential test in Policy CS4: Economy and Employment. 2) Knowsley Industrial Park is identified as a 'Priority Zone' to promote the production of renewable, low carbon and decentralised energy (in accordance with Policy CS22: Sustainable and Low Carbon Development and Policy CS23: Renewable and Low Carbon Infrastructure). 3) Improved facilities for sustainable transport will be supported, including: a) Road access improvements to open up and improve circulation within the Industrial Park; b) Improved public transport interchange facilities; c) Public realm and Green Infrastructure enhancements, including creation of new footpaths and cycle routes to improve circulation within Knowsley Industrial and Business Parks and to link with other areas of Kirkby, including the town centre; and d) Facilities which will enhance the role and/or enable the potential growth of the Knowsley Rail Freight Terminal to maximise access to the national network. 4) Land allocations will be defined in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies, and additional guidance may be provided in a Supplementary Planning Document covering this area.

Principal Regeneration Area – South Prescot

1) The comprehensive redevelopment of the South Prescot Principal Regeneration Area for mixed uses on previously developed land will be supported where it provides (in no order of priority): a) New economic development, including development of high quality Class B1 'Business' uses in gateway sites on Carr Lane and Manchester Road (subject to compliance with the sequential test in Policy CS4); b) New residential development, to provide a wider choice of housing types suitable for identified local needs; c) Public realm enhancements and wider Green Infrastructure improvements, including a sustainable extension of the Whiston to Cronton green link; and d) Infrastructure improvements, including enhanced public transport provision and opportunities for walking and cycling to create accessible linkages within South Prescot and to surrounding areas, including Prescot Town Centre. 2) The form of development, including the mix of uses, layout and phasing together with the scale of the housing element, shall be subject to a master planning exercise, the outcomes of which will inform the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies, and may be supported by a location specific Supplementary Planning Document.

Knowsley Rail Freight Terminal and Associated Development

1) Provision will be made for the development of the Knowsley Rail Freight Terminal and ancillary uses, including: a) Core terminal facilities and operational railway infrastructure; b) Access roads, parking provision and associated transport infrastructure; c) Appropriate facilities to serve the operational needs of the terminal; and d) Facilities which will enhance the role and/or enable the potential growth of the Knowsley Rail Freight Terminal to maximise access to the national network. 4) Land allocations will be defined in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies, and additional guidance may be provided in a Supplementary Planning Document covering this area.

Economy and Employment

Overall Employment Development Strategy 1) Planning, site assembly and other available interventions will be used to: a) Support sustainable economic growth and meet the development needs of established and emerging employment sectors, including the Liverpool City Region key economic sectors; b) Provide sufficient land to meet employment development needs to 2028; c) Enhance the quality and efficiency of land use within existing employment areas; d) Improve accessibility to an appropriate range of jobs, for example by encouraging mixed use employment/residential schemes where appropriate and improving transport linkages between housing and employment areas; e) Address skills and educational barriers to employment; f) Encourage recruitment targeted towards communities living in and around the development site; g) Support new start up businesses including social enterprise; h) Encourage homeworking through improvements to digital communications and telecommunications infrastructure; i) Support the diversification of the rural economy; and j) Support the appropriate development of tourism facilities. Scale and Distribution of Development for Employment Uses 2) Provision will be made for at least 164 hectares of land to be developed for employment uses between 2010 and 2028, to be located primarily within the following locations: Knowsley Industrial Park (including Knowsley Business Park); Huyton Business Park; Kings Business Park; South Prescot; and Jaguar Land Rover (Halewood). 3) Sites identified within Policy SUE1 have been removed from the Green Belt and allocated to meet needs for a high quality business park, large scale distribution/logistics and any other appropriate uses within the Liverpool City Region key economic sectors up to 2028. Land Supply for Employment Uses 4) Land for employment development will be made available to ensure that at all times there is a sufficient range of available and deliverable sites and premises by size, location, type and suitability to meet the needs for employment development over the following five year period. 'Town Centre' Employment Uses – Retail, Leisure and Offices 5) New retail and other main town centre uses, as defined in Appendix A: Glossary, will be primarily located within existing town centres in accordance with Policy CS6: Town Centres and Retail Strategy. A sequential approach to site selection shall be applied with locations in existing town, district and local centres of an appropriate scale being considered first, then edge of centre locations and then only if suitable sites are not available should out of centre sites be considered. For edge of centre and out of centre proposals, preference will be given to accessible sites that are well connected to the town centre. 6) Office uses may be located within accessible locations in the other employment areas listed in 2) provided that town centre and edge of centre sites have been considered first in accordance with the sequential approach. The sequential approach, however, will not be required to be undertaken where the office use is ancillary to other employment uses. Safeguarding of Existing Employment Land 7) Land which is currently in use or allocated for employment development will be safeguarded from changes to other types of development, except where: there is no current or likely future demand for employment uses on the land; or where other uses would bring wider regeneration, environmental and amenity benefits.

Renewable and Low Carbon Infrastructure

1) The Council will support proposals that will produce and distribute decentralised, low carbon and renewable energy, provided that they do not cause significant harm (in terms of their number, scale, siting or cumulative impacts) to: a) Natural resources, biodiversity, geodiversity, water and air quality and, landscape character; b) Aviation and transport safety; c) Historical and cultural assets; d) Public amenity and living conditions; or e) Openness and amenity of the Green Belt, except in very special circumstances. 2) Proposals must be accompanied by information that shows how the local environment will be protected, and how the site will be restored when energy production ends. Proposals resulting in an unacceptable impact must be mitigated by appropriate measures agreed by the Council.

Sustainable and Low Carbon Development

Sustainable Construction Principles 1) New development will be required to meet high standards of sustainable design and construction and minimise carbon emissions. This should be achieved by: a) Designing new buildings for flexible uses throughout their lifetime; b) Avoiding the creation of adverse local climate conditions by using natural systems to avoid internal overheating and excessive heat generation; c) Ensuring developments are comfortable and safe for users; d) Making the most effective and sustainable use of water, aggregates and other resources; e) Limiting energy use by incorporating high standards of insulation, heat retention, natural ventilation and passive solar techniques; f) Landscaping (including measures such as green walls or roofs) to create shelter and reduce any heat island effect; g) Using sustainable materials from local suppliers where possible; h) Supplying energy efficiently and incorporating decentralised energy systems, using renewable and low carbon energy where feasible; i) Managing flood risk, including through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and flood resilient design for infrastructure and property; and j) Promoting sustainable waste practices in new and existing developments. Low Carbon Development, Community Energy Fund and Allowable Solutions 2) Government targets for carbon reduction in new development are expected to be implemented through updates to the Building Regulations. Where it is not technically feasible or economically viable to meet the requirements on site, contributions to the Council's Community Energy Fund may be accepted as one of a range of options under the Government's proposed 'Allowable Solutions' mechanism. The Fund will be used to support carbon reduction initiatives in Knowsley and potentially the wider Liverpool City Region. Sustainable Construction Targets 3) Local targets for sustainability in relation to specific development areas or sites may be outlined in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies. Priority Zones and Decentralised Energy Networks 4) Knowsley Industrial Park and Knowsley Business Park are identified as a 'Priority Zone'. Within this area the Council and its partners will facilitate renewable and low carbon infrastructure by (subject to feasibility) requiring new development to: a) Make provision for connection to an existing or planned decentralised energy network; and b) Be designed to enable future connectivity in terms of proposed site layout, infrastructure and heating provision, including consideration of connections at a later date or phase. 5) Subject to opportunity and need, additional 'Priority Zones' may be identified in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies.

Renewable and Low Carbon Infrastructure

1) The Council will support proposals that will produce and distribute decentralised, low carbon and renewable energy, provided that they do not cause significant harm (in terms of their number, scale, siting or cumulative impacts) to: a) Natural resources, biodiversity, geodiversity, water and air quality and, landscape character; b) Aviation and transport safety; c) Historical and cultural assets; d) Public amenity and living conditions; or e) Openness and amenity of the Green Belt, except in very special circumstances. 2) Proposals must be accompanied by information that shows how the local environment will be protected, and how the site will be restored when energy production ends. Proposals resulting in an unacceptable impact must be mitigated by appropriate measures agreed by the Council.

Greenspace Protection

1) Development affecting greenspaces identified in the Council's Greenspaces Audit will only be permitted where: a) The greenspace is surplus to quantitative standards requirements set out in paragraphs 4) and 5) below, or b) The individual deficiencies of different types of greenspace relative to local standards; c) Appropriate mitigation is provided through replacement facilities of at least an equal quantity, quality and accessibility; d) The development is required to improve greenspace provision or for ancillary facilities to support sport or recreation; or e) Where the proposal relates to the loss of indoor or outdoor sports provision, and there is no evidence of future or continuing need for sports use, or alternatively only land incapable of forming a playing pitch or sporting facility is affected and its release accords with either clause 2)a) or 2)b). 3) Irrespective of whether criteria in 2) are met, unless the benefits of a proposal clearly outweigh the loss of urban greenspace, development will be resisted where it would significantly harm any existing or potential special qualities of greenspace in the area in terms of: a) Visual amenity; b) Residential amenity; c) Biodiversity and environmental benefits; d) Historical, cultural or community value; e) Recreational benefits; or f) Physical and/or visual linkages between adjoining urban greenspaces. 4) The quantitative and accessibility standards for the provision of public open spaces within Substantial Residential Areas are set out in Table 9.1: Substantial Residential Area (SRA) Standards for Greenspace Quantity and Accessibility for the following greenspace typologies: a) Park and Garden; b) Amenity Greenspace; c) Provision for Children and Young People; and d) Allotments. 5) The Council's quantitative standards for Outdoor Sports Provision are set out in Table 9.2: Community Area Standards for Outdoor Sports Provision Quantity and Accessibility and seek to maintain an appropriate range of sites and address quantitative needs for individual sports at a Community Area level. 6) The Council will keep the standards of provision referred to above under review and if necessary publish revised standards in a future Local Plan document or Supplementary Planning Document. 7) The Council will support improvements to existing and new areas of greenspace in accordance with best practice standards, to achieve the following requirements: a) Accessible, safe and secure locations for all members of the community to use; b) Clean and well maintained facilities, equipment and open spaces; and c) Conservation of natural features, wildlife, fauna, landscapes, buildings and other structural features, as appropriate. 8) When considering proposals for new residential development, the Council will seek enhancements to greenspaces via on-site provision, new off site provision or enhancement of existing off site provision through developer contributions secured by legal agreement in accordance with Policy CS27: Planning and Paying for New Infrastructure, the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document and/or a Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule, as appropriate. 9) Any Local Green Spaces Designations which are formally designated will be identified in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies or future Neighbourhood Plans (if applicable). This designation will only be used where the greenspace concerned is: a) Reasonably close to the community it serves; b) Demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and c) Local in character and not an extensive tract of land. 10) The Council will encourage proposals for new development to incorporate: a) Retention of existing trees, woodland, vegetation and other habitat features which offer a positive contribution to the local environment in terms of visual amenity, recreation value or biodiversity/wildlife interest; b) Appropriate planting of trees, other soft landscaping and installation of habitat features for the benefit of biodiversity; and c) Adequate replacement provision where tree loss is unavoidable, comprising two additional trees for every tree lost and taking account of species and size.

Managing Flood Risk

1) New development that may cause an unacceptable risk of flooding on the site or elsewhere will not be permitted. 2) New development should preferably be located in areas of low probability of flooding. New development in areas of medium or high flood risk will only be permitted if evidence has been submitted demonstrating that the development could not be practicably located in an area of lower flood risk and if applicable the 'exception test' has been complied with, in accordance with national guidance. 3) All development which is within or otherwise affects an area of flood risk or is larger than one hectare in size shall be accompanied by a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA). 4) New development shall include flood mitigation measures, where necessary, to manage flood risk associated with or caused by the development. These measures shall be derived from the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), relevant FRA(s) or a local strategy for flood risk management, and: a) Be designed to contribute to the biodiversity of the borough unless it can be demonstrated that this would not be technically feasible; b) Incorporate a Sustainable Drainage System; c) Be fully described in the planning application; and d) Be funded by the developer, including long term maintenance. 5) The drainage of new development shall be designed to reduce surface water run-off rates to those associated with a green-field site by treating it at its source. The chosen method of implementation should take account of site size, ground contamination or conditions, and potential damage to adjacent buildings or sites. 6) Further guidance on these issues will be provided in a proposed Supplementary Planning Document.

Waste Management

1) The Council will promote sustainable forms of waste management in accordance with the waste hierarchy. As set out in the Merseyside and Halton Joint Waste Local Plan, it will work to: a) Identify and safeguard (where appropriate) waste management sites in appropriate locations; b) Ensure that the borough contributes to meeting the identified sub-regional waste management needs; c) Encourage good design in new development in order to minimise waste, promote the use of reclaimed and recycled materials and to facilitate the collection and recycling of waste; d) Encourage the sustainable transport of waste and promote use of site waste management plans; and e) Ensure that waste management facilities are developed whilst minimising any negative impacts on the environment and communities of the borough.

Green Belt

New Development in the Green Belt 1) Inappropriate development will not be permitted in the Green Belt except in very special circumstances in which it has been demonstrated that the harm to the Green Belt (including any harm to its openness, purposes or to its visual and recreational amenities) would be clearly outweighed by other considerations. Major Previously Developed Sites in the Green Belt 2) Major Previously Developed Sites in the Green Belt will be identified in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies. 3) Limited infilling and redevelopment of Major Previously Developed Sites in the Green Belt is considered appropriate provided it would not have a greater impact upon the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land within it. Review of Green Belt Boundaries to meet future development needs 4) A number of locations (identified as Sustainable Urban Extensions and safeguarded land) have been removed from the Green Belt to accommodate development needs up to and beyond 2028. Guidance concerning the development of these locations is set out in Policies SUE1, SUE2, SUE2a, SUE2b and SUE2c.

Greenspaces and Trees

Greenspace protection 1) In supporting the wider Green Infrastructure functions of urban greenspace in accordance with Policy CS8, the Council will provide and maintain quantitative, qualitative and accessibility standards for different types of public open space. 2) New development which would result in the loss of urban greenspace, will not be permitted unless at least one of the following criteria are met: a) A surplus of provision for all types of greenspace would be maintained relative to local standards; b) The land is considered unsuitable in terms of size, location or character to prevent or address individual deficiencies of different types of greenspace relative to local standards; c) Appropriate mitigation is provided through replacement facilities of at least an equal quantity, quality and accessibility; d) The development is required to improve greenspace provision or for ancillary facilities to support sport or recreation; or e) Where the proposal relates to the loss of indoor or outdoor sports provision, and there is no evidence of future or continuing need for sports use, or alternatively only land incapable of forming a playing pitch or sporting facility is affected and its release accords with either clause 2)a) or 2)b). 3) Irrespective of whether criteria in 2) are met, unless the benefits of a proposal clearly outweigh the loss of urban greenspace, development will be resisted where it would significantly harm any existing or potential special qualities of greenspace in the area in terms of: a) Visual amenity; b) Residential amenity; c) Biodiversity and environmental benefits; d) Historical, cultural or community value; e) Recreational benefits; or f) Physical and/or visual linkages between adjoining urban greenspaces. 4) The quantitative and accessibility standards for the provision of public open spaces within Substantial Residential Areas are set out in Table 9.1:

Green Infrastructure

Maintenance and Enhancement of Knowsley's Existing Green Infrastructure 1) Knowsley's existing Green Infrastructure and its beneficial functions will be protected, managed and/or enhanced, primarily to: a) Ensure more attractive and cleaner residential neighbourhoods; b) Sustain and promote biodiversity (including designated sites, priority habitats and protected and endangered species) in accordance with importance and contribution to ecological networks; c) Preserve the character and function of historic environments and valued landscapes; d) Mitigate the effects of climate change and flood risk; e) Mitigate air, water and noise pollution; f) Provide local opportunities for sport, recreation and allotments; and g) Provide sustainable transport linkages between residential neighbourhoods and easy access to employment and services. 2) To achieve the above, planning powers and other interventions will be used to: a) Protect and enhance strategically important areas of greenspace; b) Ensure an appropriate quantity and improved quality of locally important open spaces, including outdoor sports provision (and ancillary facilities of appropriate scale); c) Promote effective movement of wildlife through a network of strategic green links, by protecting, maintaining and improving existing and new open spaces, water courses (including water quality) and biodiversity assets; d) Protect, enhance and/or introduce biodiversity into existing areas of Green Infrastructure, through integration into the design of new development and public realm projects; e) Improve accessibility for communities to greenspace offering leisure and recreation opportunities; f) Protect and where possible improve green paths and cycleways linking residential areas, existing strategic areas of greenspace, employment locations, local community services and leisure facilities; g) Work in partnership with other districts and relevant bodies at a landscape scale to minimise the impact of development upon Knowsley's existing biodiversity and geological assets, and sustain the protection afforded to internationally important sites, including supporting habitat, for biodiversity outside of the borough; and h) Deliver new integrated and functional Green Infrastructure that helps to mitigate and adapt to climate change, such as sustainable drainage systems, carbon capture and storage, soft landscaping and green roofs. 3) Site allocations for greenspace will be identified in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies document, with further guidance set out in the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document or future Supplementary Planning Document as appropriate. Strategic Green Links 4) Knowsley's strategically important green links are: a) Alt Corridor (Huyton) – stretching from Huyton Village through South Alt Park, Alt Park, Alt Meadows and into Stockbridge Village; b) Valley Corridor (Kirkby) – stretching through Valley Meadow, St. Chad's Park, Millbrook Park, Millennium Green and Mill Dam; c) Whiston to Cronton Corridor – stretching through Cronton, Stadt Moers Park and Whiston Greenway; d) Halewood Triangle – Halewood Park linkage with the Trans-Pennine Trail and to the national cycle network; e) M57 Green Belt Corridor; and f) Knowsley Hall Estate – including Knowsley Safari Park and Local Wildlife Sites. Green Infrastructure within the Liverpool City Region 5) Knowsley Council will work with partners to help deliver local and sub-regional programmes, initiatives and strategies to enhance Green Infrastructure. Approach to Green Infrastructure and New Development 6) New development must be served by Green Infrastructure to meet the needs of residents and the local environment, in a manner which will: a) Contribute to the creation of a high quality residential environment; b) Provide access to high quality open space for leisure and recreational purposes; c) Seek to protect, maintain and where possible enhance biodiversity within and around new developments according to their designation and significance to provide space for nature; and d) Provide adequate mitigation and/or, as a last resort, compensation for Green Infrastructure or biodiversity loss, in circumstances where harm resulting from the development is otherwise unavoidable.

Managing the Borough's Historic Environment

1) Development proposals in Knowsley should preserve or enhance the borough's historic and architectural assets, including Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, Historic Parks and Gardens and archaeological remains, together with other local areas, buildings and structures of historic importance. The Council will: a) Require preservation of the local distinctiveness and character of historic assets through sensitive design of new development, including appropriate integration with their setting and immediate landscape; b) Prevent demolition and/or development which would result in substantial harm or the loss of a designated historic asset or its setting, unless the proposal would result in substantial public benefits which clearly outweigh the harm or loss; c) Where a development proposal will result in less than substantial harm to a designated heritage asset or its setting, assess such harm against the benefits of the proposal; d) Facilitate long term conservation and enhancement of local assets and areas of historic importance, including through the preparation of Conservation Area Management Plans. 2) The re-use of vacant and underused historic assets will be encouraged, with favourable consideration given, where appropriate, to proposals which will: a) Enable a use for a purpose sympathetic to its conservation; b) Retain or introduce public access; and c) Enhance the importance of the asset for local tourism, leisure or the economy. 3) Development proposals on sites which include, or are considered to have the potential to include, heritage assets or comprising archaeological interest, should be accompanied by a heritage impact statement. 4) Locally important historic assets which are not subject to statutory designation will be identified in a local list and will be afforded consideration in the decision making process.

Accommodation for Gypsies, Travellers or Travelling Showpeople

1) Proposals for Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople accommodation will be assessed against the following criteria: a) The suitability of the site for the proposed use, including its accessibility to essential services; b) Infrastructure provision, including water, drainage, electricity, foul and surface water drainage, waste and recycling facilities, flood risk and air quality; c) Impact on safety and security, including highway safety and access for emergency services; d) Impact on the social and economic needs of travelling communities, in particular where there is a lack of supply of suitable accommodation; e) Measures to prevent conflict between travelling and settled communities; f) Impact on local amenity and character, including landscape character and (where applicable) consistency with the purposes of including land within the Green Belt; and g) Compatibility of site occupation with surrounding land uses. 2) The relative attractiveness of locations for travelling communities, including proximity to existing sites and extended family households, the availability of alternative accommodation, and the ability to co-exist with existing settled communities, will be considered. It will also need to be demonstrated that the site can be appropriately managed and maintained throughout the period of its occupation. 3) Sites for the accommodation for Travelling Showpeople should also account for their specific requirements for mixed commercial and residential use and the availability of facilities for on-site equipment and vehicle storage and maintenance, including larger plot sizes. 4) The Council's approach to planning for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Show People will capitalise on opportunities to work with other Council service areas and partners to provide integrated support for such communities. 5) The Council will establish the level of need for a site or sites in Knowsley for the accommodation of Gypsies and Travellers and/or Travelling Showpeople with reference to up-to-date evidence. Due consideration will be given to the size of the site(s) required and the number of pitches which will need to be accommodated, with reference to the available evidence of need and demand for new accommodation, and any appropriate viability issues. In line with national policy, the target for accommodation to be provided, including appropriate five year requirements, and the location of any site(s) required to meet the target will be identified in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies, using the criteria in this policy for guidance.

Housing Supply, Delivery and Distribution

1) Provision will be made for 8,100 new dwellings to be delivered in Knowsley between 2010 and 2028, at an annual average of 450 dwellings per annum. This is a minimum net figure, accounting for conversions, changes of use to and from residential use, and clearance of dwellings via demolition and is required to meet the need for new housing over the Plan period. 2) The broad indicative distribution of new housing development to be delivered over the plan period will be as follows: Huyton and Stockbridge Village (36%); Kirkby (16%); Prescot, Whiston, Cronton and Knowsley Village (32%); and Halewood (16%). 3) Land for housing development will be identified to ensure that a five year supply of deliverable sites is maintained at all times. This will support the efficient use of available land and protection of urban regeneration priorities, as outlined in Policy CS1: Spatial Strategy for Knowsley and Policy CS2: Development Principles. Land identified for housing development within the Sustainable Urban Extensions will be released subject to the requirements of Policies CS5 and SUE1 to SUE2c. 4) The tenure, type and size of new housing delivered in Knowsley will support the re-balancing of the housing market to better meet housing needs and demands arising in Knowsley. Applications for new residential development must demonstrate how they contribute to this re-balancing. 5) Densities of a minimum of 30 dwellings per hectare will be required for residential development in Knowsley. Lower densities will only be acceptable in circumstances where: a) The nature of the location in question allows for this; and b) It can be demonstrated that an identified local housing need will be met.

Delivering Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing provision 1) Within all proposed market sector housing developments which have a capacity of 15 dwellings or more, a minimum provision of affordable housing will be sought as follows: 10% on sites within the current urban area; and 25% on sites identified as Sustainable Urban Extensions within Policies SUE1 to SUE2c. The application of these requirements will be subject to the following: a) A lower proportion of affordable housing will only be permitted where it is clearly demonstrated that affordable housing provision is being maximised within the development and that achieving provision at the levels set out above would render the development not economically viable (in accordance with Policy CS27); b) Affordable housing should be provided on site and must be fully integrated with and not distinguishable from market housing provided. It must be demonstrated that affordable housing will be secured and delivered alongside the market housing; c) In exceptional circumstances where on-site provision is not suitable or feasible, the Council will accept off site provision or a financial contribution in lieu of provision; d) Demonstrable sub-division of adjoining sites, manipulation of site layouts and/or building at lower densities to avoid compliance with the requirement for affordable housing provision will be not be acceptable; e) The tenure of affordable housing provided will be informed by evidence regarding local housing needs; f) All new affordable housing delivered through this policy should include provisions to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households or for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision; and g) The size and design of new affordable housing provided should comply with Policy CS17: Housing Sizes and Design Standards. Securing Affordable Housing Contributions 2) The Council will seek in-kind or financial contributions from developers to secure affordable housing provision, through an appropriate legal agreement or other mechanism as appropriate. Further details are set out in Policy CS27: Planning and Paying for New Infrastructure, a proposed Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document and/or a Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule. Partnership Working with Registered Providers 3) The Council will work with Registered Providers and other agencies to provide new affordable housing developments, using available public sector funding streams. Support will be given to Registered Providers in making the most efficient use of housing stock and land holdings, by supporting renewal initiatives and addressing issues of housing vacancy, under- and over-occupation.

Specialist and Supported Accommodation

1) To meet the needs of households requiring specialist housing or supported accommodation, the Council will work with partners to: a) Make better use of the current housing stock through improvements to its quality, remodelling or replacing existing accommodation to meet changing needs; b) Support non-accommodation based interventions, intended to achieve sustainable independence for individuals; and c) Develop integrated social well-being, housing and planning strategies which seek to holistically address specialist housing needs and demands. 2) The Council will provide or support the provision of new specialist and supported residential accommodation, which will: a) Be located in an appropriate environment, near to highways and public transport links and local amenities; b) Feature ease of access for those with mobility, physical or sensory disabilities; c) Facilitate opportunities to align residential facilities with health and social care services d) Be well-designed and attractive, in compliance with Policy CS19: Design Quality and Accessibility in New Development and takes account of consultation with relevant community groups and/or potential occupiers; and e) Feature an appropriate mix of tenures, including affordable and market units.

Housing Sizes and Design Standards

Achieving a Mix of Housing Sizes 1) An appropriate mix of dwelling sizes will be sought across the borough, having regard to evidence of local housing needs and the monitoring of housing completions (see Table 8.1: Mix of dwelling sizes for new housing in Knowsley). 2) For individual residential developments of 15 dwellings or more, developers must demonstrate how their scheme contributes to the re-balancing of Knowsley's housing market in terms of the size of dwellings provided. 3) For smaller residential developments, a mix of housing sizes should be provided which complement the overall mix available in the area. Residential Design Standards 4) All new residential development in Knowsley will be encouraged to comply with the following design standards (or equivalent replacement standard): a) Building for Life standards; b) Lifetime Homes design criteria; and c) Specific design and sustainability guidance in Policy CS19: Design Quality and Accessibility in New Development, Policy CS22: Sustainable and Low Carbon Development and relevant Supplementary Planning Documents.

Accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

Development of Sites 1) Proposals for the development of sites for the accommodation of Gypsies, Travellers or Travelling Showpeople will need to demonstrate the following, which will apply equally to sites for permanent or transit use: a) An appropriate site design and layout, including sufficient space for marked pitches, parking, on-site facilities, amenity space and internal circulation, in accordance with national guidance; b) Suitability of the site in terms of accessibility, including vehicular and pedestrian access; c) Ease of access to local centres, health services, education facilities, public transport nodes and employment opportunities; d) Availability of a sufficient level of supporting physical infrastructure, including ensuring the site can be served by adequate electricity, water, sewerage and other utilities connections; e) Suitability of physical environmental conditions for site occupation, including ground conditions and minimised flood risk; f) Ability to maintain or improve local environmental quality and character, including landscape character and (where applicable) consistency with the purposes of including land within the Green Belt; and g) Compatibility of site occupation with surrounding land uses. 2) The relative attractiveness of locations for travelling communities, including proximity to existing sites and extended family households, the availability of alternative accommodation, and the ability to co-exist with existing settled communities, will be considered. It will also need to be demonstrated that the site can be appropriately managed and maintained throughout the period of its occupation. 3) Sites for the accommodation for Travelling Showpeople should also account for their specific requirements for mixed commercial and residential use and the availability of facilities for on-site equipment and vehicle storage and maintenance, including larger plot sizes. 4) The Council's approach to planning for Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Show People will capitalise on opportunities to work with

Sustainable Urban Extensions and Safeguarded Land

1) 9 sites (referred to as Sustainable Urban Extensions) have been removed from the Green Belt and are allocated to provide additional land to meet development requirements up to 2028 and beyond. These sites and their proposed primary uses are listed below: a) Bank Lane, Kirkby (residential) b) East of Knowsley Industrial and Business Parks, Kirkby (employment) c) Knowsley Lane, Huyton (residential and employment) d) Edenhurst Avenue, Huyton (residential) e) Land bounded by A58, Prescot (residential) f) Carr Lane, Prescot (residential) g) East of Halewood (residential) h) South of Whiston (residential) i) Land South of M62 (employment and country park) 2) Land at Knowsley Village has also been removed from the Green Belt but has been identified as 'safeguarded land'. This site is not allocated for development at the present time. 3) Revisions to Green Belt boundaries to accommodate the Sustainable Urban Extensions and safeguarded land referred to in sections 1 and 2 above (and which ensure that the revised boundaries in these locations follow clearly defined physical features) are defined by the Policies Map (see Sustainable Urban Extension Allocation Profiles at Appendix E). Any detailed Green Belt boundary changes elsewhere in the borough will be defined by the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies. 4) Guidance concerning the development of these locations is set out in Policies SUE2 and SUE2a to SUE2c. 5) Proposals for development in areas falling outside the Sustainable Urban Extensions defined above and that will remain in the Green Belt shall be subject to the requirements of Policy CS5.

Sustainable Urban Extensions – Development Principles

Application of the Development Principles 1) Development within the Sustainable Urban Extensions must (in no order of priority): a) deliver sustainable development; b) demonstrate a comprehensive approach to the development of the relevant Sustainable Urban Extension and to infrastructure provision (including, subject to the requirements of Policy CS27: Planning and Paying for Infrastructure, provision of an appropriate proportion of financial and/or 'in kind' contributions towards strategic and/or local infrastructure required to enable the comprehensive development of the sites); c) be of a high design quality which enhances local distinctiveness and identity (incorporating localised design features where appropriate) and provides high levels of physical and visual integration and connectivity with adjacent urban development (see Policy CS19: Design Quality and Accessibility in New Development); d) be carried out in accordance with the development principles and using any appropriate development assessment tools as required by Policy CS2: Development Principles; e) deliver development (including the principal uses defined in Policy SUE1: Sustainable Urban Extensions) which will help to meet borough-wide and local needs; f) include appropriate provision for public open space (POS), walking and cycling routes as part of the Green Infrastructure network integrating with existing POS, recreational assets and areas of ecological value (see Policy CS8: Green Infrastructure and Policy CS21: Greenspaces and Trees); g) provide good transport linkages within the relevant Sustainable Urban Extension and with surrounding areas (see Policy CS7: Transport Networks); h) Protect or enhance historic and architectural assets where appropriate (see Policy CS20: Managing the Borough's Historic Environment); i) Address flood risk by locating development in areas of low probability of flooding and including flood mitigation measures where necessary (see Policy CS24: Flood Risk); and j) Provide a clearly defined edge to the developed area. Site-specific Requirements 2) Indicative considerations applicable to the sustainable development of each SUE are listed at Appendix E: Sustainable Urban Extension Allocation Profiles. 3) For each of the locations referred to in Policies SUE2a to SUE2c) (Knowsley Lane, Huyton; East of Halewood; and South of Whiston and Land South of M62), the Council will prepare a Supplementary Planning Document, which will provide a proposed spatial development framework for the site together with further details of development and infrastructure requirements. 4) Proposals for development within each of these locations will only be granted planning permission where they are consistent with a single detailed master plan for the whole of the Sustainable Urban Extension which is approved by the Council. The master plan should accord with development plan policy and any associated Supplementary Planning Document and may be submitted prior to or with the application. Planning permissions must be linked to any necessary legal agreements for the improvement, provision, management and maintenance of infrastructure, services and facilities, open spaces and other matters necessary to make the development acceptable and which facilitate comprehensive delivery of all phases of development within the Sustainable Urban Extension in accordance with the single detailed master plan.

South Whiston and Land South of M62 Sustainable Urban Extension

1) Land to the South of Whiston (as identified on the Proposals Map) is allocated for a comprehensive and phased sustainable urban extension comprising: a) Residential development of approximately 1,500 dwellings (with a mix of housing types and sizes to meet identified needs, subject to detailed survey and master planning), supported by essential local services and facilities; b) Green Infrastructure (open space and recreational areas), integrating with existing POS, recreational assets, areas of ecological value and the Whiston to Cronton strategic green link (see Policy CS8: Green Infrastructure); and c) Key infrastructure and services, including consideration of requirements for new local retail provision and a primary school of appropriate scale to meet needs arising from the site, and/or appropriate financial contributions to meet these needs off-site. 2) Land to the South of the M62 (as identified on the Proposals Map) is allocated for a sustainable urban extension comprising: a) A minimum of 22.5 hectares of employment land to be developed in accordance with Policy CS6: Employment Provision and Regeneration; b) A Country Park within the broad extent of the former Cronton Colliery, which should integrate effectively with adjacent employment development and provide good quality public access and permeability; c) Green Infrastructure (open space and recreational areas), integrating with existing POS, recreational assets, areas of ecological value and the Whiston to Cronton strategic green link (see Policy CS8: Green Infrastructure); and d) Key infrastructure and services, including consideration of requirements for new local retail provision and a primary school of appropriate scale to meet needs arising from the site, and/or appropriate financial contributions to meet these needs off-site. 3) Further details of these requirements will be set out in the Supplementary Planning Document for this site referred to in Policy SUE2.

Sustainable Urban Extension – Knowsley Lane, Huyton

1) The comprehensive development of Land at Knowsley Lane, Huyton will be supported. The site is allocated for: a) New housing development (in the central part of the site) comprising approximately 100 dwellings, to provide a wider choice of housing in conjunction with the wider North Huyton and Stockbridge Village Principal Regeneration Area (see Policy CS9); b) New employment development (in the eastern part of the site) comprising at least 16 hectares of Business Uses (Use Class B1) or other appropriate employment uses within the Liverpool City Region key economic sectors, unless such provision is no longer required based upon evidence of up to date employment land requirements and supply; and c) Public open space comprising outdoor sporting provision and associated amenity space in the western part of the site (see Policy CS21). 2) The employment uses referred to in criterion 1b) must be of a nature which would not cause detriment to the amenity of nearby residents. Any employment uses which fall within the definition of town centre uses as defined in Policy CS4 must be subject to the application of the sequential and impact tests. 3) In addition to meeting the generic guidance in Policy SUE2, development within this site should deliver (in no order of priority): a) Appropriate highways access together with a well connected internal road system and traffic mitigation measures; b) Gateway enhancement and associated high quality design at the eastern side of the site adjacent to the M57; and c) Appropriate interface distances between the mix of uses within the site and to existing residential areas at Knowsley Lane and George Hale Avenue to maintain a good standard of amenity. 4) Further details of these requirements will be set out in the Supplementary Planning Document for this site referred to in Policy SUE2.

Sustainable Urban Extension – East of Halewood

1) The comprehensive development of the land East of Halewood will be supported. The site is allocated for: a) New residential development comprising approximately 1,100 dwellings, to provide a wider choice of housing; and b) Public open space including flood storage and mitigation measures adjacent to Ditton Brook north of the Liverpool–Manchester railway line. Flood mitigation should be delivered in accordance with Policy CS24: Flood Risk and any future site-specific Flood Risk Assessment. 2) In addition to meeting the generic guidance in Policy SUE2, proposals for residential development of the land East of Halewood should deliver (in no order of priority): a) Safe and convenient highways access for the site together with a well connected internal road system and traffic mitigation measures, including any measures needed to address the impact of the development on traffic generation in the wider area; b) Provision for public transport, walking and cycling, which enhance linkages within the area and surrounding areas including linkages to Halewood District Centre, Sports Centre and Railway Station; c) Key infrastructure and services to meet needs arising from the site and/or appropriate financial contributions for delivery of required infrastructure off-site; and d) Appropriate interface distances within the site and to existing residential areas at Baileys Lane, Greensbridge Lane, Aldersgate Drive, and Lower Road to maintain a good standard of amenity. 3) Further details of these requirements will be set out in the Supplementary Planning Document for this site referred to in Policy SUE2.

Sustainable Urban Extension – South of Whiston and Land South of M62

1) The comprehensive development of Land South of Whiston and Land South of the M62 will be supported. The sites are allocated for: a) New housing development (north of the M62) comprising approximately 1,500 dwellings, to provide a wider choice of housing; b) New employment development (south of the M62) comprising at least 22.5 hectares of logistics, storage and distribution uses (within Use Class B8) or other appropriate employment uses within the Liverpool City Region key economic sectors subject to application of the sequential and impact tests (where required under Policy CS4); and c) A country park within the broad extent of the former Cronton Colliery including public open space and the creation of associated footpaths, cycle ways and bridleways. 2) In addition to meeting the generic guidance in Policy SUE2, proposals for residential and/or employment development at South Whiston and Land South of the M62 should deliver (in no order of priority): a) Safe and convenient highways access for the sites together with a well connected internal road system and traffic mitigation measures, including any measures needed to address the impact of the development on traffic generation in the wider area; b) Provision for public transport, walking and cycling, which enhance linkages within the area and surrounding areas including linkages to the former mineral railway line linking Cronton Colliery and Stadt Moers Park and to Whiston railway station; c) Public Open Space (POS) within a wider Green Infrastructure network integrating with existing POS, recreational assets, areas of ecological value and the Whiston to Cronton strategic green link (see Policy CS8: Green Infrastructure); and d) Key infrastructure and services, including consideration of requirements for new local retail provision and a primary school of appropriate scale to meet needs arising from the site, and/or appropriate financial contributions to meet these needs off-site. 3) Further details of these requirements will be set out in the Supplementary Planning Document for this site referred to in Policy SUE2.

Planning and Paying for New Infrastructure

Infrastructure Provision Principles 1) Knowsley's communities will be supported by an appropriate range of infrastructure, including any additional infrastructure which is required as a result of new development. New development will be required to support, as appropriate: a) Safeguarding of existing infrastructure; b) Maintenance and improvement of existing infrastructure; c) Replacement of inadequate infrastructure; and d) Provision of new infrastructure. 2) Proposals for new development will be required to demonstrate that any negative impacts that the development may have on the improvement, replacement or provision of new infrastructure will be avoided and/or appropriately mitigated as part of the planning process. 3) Proposals for new development must have regard to the Knowsley Infrastructure Delivery Plan, insofar as this is appropriate to the scale and nature of the development. Developer Contributions 4) New development will be expected (where necessary given the scale and nature of the proposal) to: a) Demonstrate compliance with Local Plan policies which specifically require developer contributions; b) Provide additional on-site or directly ancillary infrastructure as required to make the development acceptable in planning terms. This may include in-kind provision of infrastructure and/or financial contributions; and c) Provide financial contributions towards the provision of strategic infrastructure to support local communities together with borough-wide and other strategic development requirements. Such contributions may be secured through set charges or infrastructure tariffs to be introduced by the Council in other Local Plan documents and/or a Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule, as appropriate. Economic Viability 5) Plan-level evidence regarding the economic viability of new development in Knowsley will be used to support the setting of any infrastructure charging or tariffs introduced by the Council. 6) Where legal agreements are to be used to secure developer contributions in accordance with clause 4) of this policy, these could be subject to site specific negotiations regarding the impacts of the contributions on the economic viability of new development, where the policy permits this as an option. Where a developer believes that meeting policy requirements in relation to developer contributions would place development at risk, the developer will be required to submit development-specific economic viability evidence to support this position. Such evidence must clearly account for site-specific circumstances and costs and must be undertaken objectively and transparently, in order that it can be scrutinised by the Council. 7) Where the Council is satisfied that viability evidence demonstrates that a developer is unable to fully fund all of the developer contributions sought, the Council will make a balanced assessment of whether planning permission should be granted notwithstanding that not all the contributions sought can be fully provided. In such cases contributions sought will be prioritised in the following order having regard to the advice in Table 11.2: a) Firstly, contributions which are essential for public safety or to achieve a minimum acceptable level of design quality; b) Secondly, developer contributions which are necessary to address a local infrastructure requirement or deficiency that would be caused or exacerbated by the development; c) Thirdly, any remaining developer contributions except those in clause d) below; d) Finally, those contributions which have the status of being 'encouraged' by the Council's planning policies. 8) Further guidance about the Council's approach will be provided in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies document and a Supplementary Planning Document.

Management of Mineral Resources

1) The Council will facilitate a steady and adequate supply of minerals to ensure that the borough contributes to meeting sub-regional needs. 2) Minerals Safeguarding Areas ('MSAs') for mineral resources of national and local importance will be identified in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies and shown on the Policies Map. The purpose of such MSAs will be to ensure that such resources are not needlessly sterilised by non-mineral development whilst not creating a presumption that resources defined will be worked. 3) In considering planning applications for new development, the Council will seek to ensure that: a) A proportion of construction aggregates are from recycled or secondary sources; b) Resource efficient design and construction methods are used; c) Construction and demolition wastes are managed sustainably in accordance with the waste hierarchy; and d) Minerals are transported in a sustainable way and treated on-site where possible. 4) Proposals for extraction of minerals and recycling of aggregates will be required to comply with criteria to be set out within the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies, which will ensure that the impacts of such developments are controlled and managed effectively. In considering such proposals the Council will give positive weight to any evidenced need for the mineral at a national or regional level.

Spatial Strategy for Knowsley

Knowsley's Spatial Development 1) The spatial development of Knowsley to 2028 will be achieved by: a) A focus on development within existing urban areas, with emphasis upon areas that are within or easily accessible from areas in need of regeneration; b) Maintenance of the existing settlement hierarchy, including the role of Huyton/Stockbridge Village, Kirkby, Prescot/Whiston and Halewood as larger suburban centres, and of Cronton, Tarbock and Knowsley Village as rural villages; c) Maximising Knowsley's contribution to the development of the Liverpool City Region and key sub-regional projects; d) An efficient and sustainable use of land and infrastructure, encouraging where possible the reclamation and reuse of previously developed land; and e) Removal of the Sustainable Urban Extensions identified in Policies SUE1, SUE2, SUE2a, SUE2b, and SUE2c from the Green Belt to help meet needs for housing and employment development, and maintaining the openness of remaining Green Belt areas. Knowsley's Spatial Development Priorities 2) Priorities for the development of Knowsley to 2028 will be to: a) Re-balance the housing stock by providing a wide choice of new market sector and affordable housing with supportive services and facilities appropriate to needs; b) Regenerate and enhance existing residential neighbourhoods, particularly in areas with higher levels of deprivation, through neighbourhood management initiatives, improvements to public realm, and appropriate investment in service provision and in the existing housing stock; c) Enhance existing employment areas and provide a suitable range of sites and premises for new employment development; d) Maintain and enhance the borough's town, district and local centres; e) Maintain and enhance networks for passenger and freight transportation, prioritising the use of sustainable modes of travel; and f) Maintain and enhance the Green Infrastructure network, areas of environmental importance and heritage assets. Principal Regeneration Areas 3) Opportunities for regeneration and development within the following Principal Regeneration Areas will be maximised (in no order of priority): a) North Huyton and Stockbridge Village; b) Kirkby Town Centre; c) Tower Hill, Kirkby; d) Knowsley Industrial and Business Parks; e) Prescot Town Centre; and f) South Prescot. 4) Regeneration will be promoted outside the Principal Regeneration Areas where this is of a scale and nature which meets the needs and opportunities in the local area.

Principal Regeneration Area – North Huyton and Stockbridge Village

1) The comprehensive regeneration of North Huyton and Stockbridge Village will be supported, to be carried out in an integrated manner across the two areas. Subject to appropriate master planning exercise(s), new development should provide (in no order of priority): a) New housing development in North Huyton and Stockbridge Village, of a range of types suitable for local needs, which will selectively replace existing unpopular stock and re-balance the housing offer; b) Enhanced design quality and site layout providing improved integration with surrounding areas; c) An improved Stockbridge Village centre, including new leisure, community, education and training facilities, small scale employment and local retail provision of a scale and function which meets the needs of the area; d) Transport provision, incorporating public transport, walking and cycling, thereby enhancing linkages within the area and with surrounding areas; and e) Public open space within a wider Green Infrastructure network, focused on improvements to quality, accessibility and integration with new development. 2) The boundary of the Principal Regeneration Area will be identified in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies, with further guidance in a revision to the existing Supplementary Planning Document.

Sustainable Development

1) When considering development proposals, a positive approach will be taken, which reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. Work will be undertaken pro-actively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. 2) Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and any relevant policies in Neighbourhood Plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. 3) Where there are no policies relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision then permission will be granted unless material considerations indicate otherwise – taking into account whether: a) Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or b) Specific policies in that Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Principal Regeneration Area – Kirkby Town Centre

1) Comprehensive regeneration will be supported to enhance the viability and vitality of Kirkby Town Centre by (in no order of priority): a) Encouraging a wider mix of town centre uses, services and facilities, including new comparison and convenience retail floorspace, key services, residential, employment uses, cultural and leisure facilities, and enhancements to the evening economy and existing market; b) Directing new retail development and other town centre uses toward the existing town centre, particularly in the primary shopping area comprising St. Chad's Parade and its immediate surroundings; and c) If necessary to create sufficient capacity for retail-led regeneration, designation of land to the south of Cherryfield Drive to permit expansion of the town centre and primary shopping area. 2) Improved facilities for sustainable transport serving the town centre will be supported, including: a) Improvements to Kirkby bus station and public transport interchange facilities; and b) Public realm enhancements, including creation of new footpaths and cycle routes to improve circulation within Kirkby Town Centre, and link with other areas of Kirkby including via strategic green links. 3) The boundaries of the expanded town centre and primary shopping area will be defined in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies, with further guidance to follow through a Development Brief or Supplementary Planning Document, if appropriate.

Principal Regeneration Area – Prescot Town Centre

1) The future viability and vitality of Prescot Town Centre will be supported by (in no order of priority): a) Encouraging a wider mix of town centre uses, services and facilities in areas surrounding Eccleston Street, including key services, residential, employment uses, cultural and leisure facilities to create a distinctive identity and a complementary evening economy; b) Directing new retail development and other town centre uses towards Prescot Town Centre to ensure a healthy and balanced offer, with priority given to intensifying the retail function in a consolidated primary shopping area in the area of Eccleston Street and surrounding streets; c) Improving linkages and integration between Cables Retail Park and the existing town centre, including appropriate new town centre development along Sewell Street, and extending the designated town centre boundary in this direction; and d) Using the historic assets of the town centre and surrounding areas, and the recreational potential of Knowsley Safari Park, to maximise tourism and cultural opportunities. 2) Restructuring of retail provision within Cables Retail Park will be supported where this would: a) Improve design quality and layout; and b) Improve linkages to Eccleston Street. 3) Improved facilities for sustainable transport will be supported, particularly between Eccleston Street, Cables Retail Park and South Prescot to enhance accessibility and connectivity to the full range of key local services. 4) The boundaries of the town centre and primary shopping area will be defined in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies.

Town Centres and Retail Strategy

Knowsley's Hierarchy of Centres 1) In order to enhance the vitality and viability of Knowsley's centres and maintain appropriate local service provision, the following hierarchy shall apply: a) Huyton, Kirkby and Prescot Town Centres will enhance their equal role in providing comparison and convenience shopping. This will be supplemented by a complementary mix of leisure, health, residential, education, cultural, employment, service uses and complementary evening and night time uses. b) Halewood (Ravenscourt), Liverpool Road/Page Moss and Stockbridge Village will retain a district centre role providing a local shopping function to complement the town centres, mainly focused on convenience shopping and services appropriate to local needs. c) Local Centres will provide local shopping and service provision of an appropriate scale relative to the size and function of each centre. 2) Proposals for retail and other 'main town centre uses' outside the above centres will only be permitted if they would complement regeneration opportunities, avoid significant impact upon the viability and vitality of the town, district and local centres, and comply with the sequential test in Policy CS4: Economy and Employment. 3) The boundaries of all the centres within the hierarchy (including primary shopping areas, and primary/secondary frontages, as appropriate), together with any potential development opportunities and associated development policies will be defined in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies document. Comparison Goods Shopping 4) New comparison goods shopping will be broadly distributed and phased as set out in Table 5.2: Indicative Distribution of Capacity for New Comparison Retail Floorspace 2012–2028 and Table 5.3: Indicative Phasing of Development of New Comparison Retail Floorspace 2012–2028 and will support the priorities in each centre as set out below: a) Kirkby Town Centre – the delivery of significant retail-led regeneration opportunities in and around the town centre in accordance with Policy CS10: Principal Regeneration Area – Kirkby Town Centre. b) Prescot Town Centre – to complement regeneration priorities within the existing centre and to improve linkage to Cables Retail Park in accordance with Policy CS14 Principal Regeneration Area – Prescot Town Centre. c) Huyton Town Centre – to complement regeneration opportunities within the existing centre, including opportunities for remodelling and refocusing the retail density and mix of uses. d) District and Local Centres – to deliver regeneration opportunities of an appropriate scale to the role and function of each centre. Convenience Goods Shopping 5) New convenience retail floorspace should be broadly distributed as set out in Table 5.4: Indicative Distribution of Capacity for Convenience Retail Floorspace 2012–2028, to address existing gaps in provision and deliver regeneration opportunities proportionate to the scale and catchment of each centre identified. Within Kirkby Town Centre this development shall be completed at the earliest opportunity. Proposals for convenience retail floorspace in Knowsley's other centres shall: a) Address the potential need for new or restructured local centres to support regeneration priorities within Knowsley Industrial Park, North Huyton and Tower Hill in Kirkby; and b) Support local needs, including sustainable provision where appropriate within areas of new development in locations removed from the Green Belt, in accordance with Policy CS5: Green Belt. Delivery and Monitoring 6) The preferred distribution and phasing of new retail floorspace in Table 5.2: Indicative Distribution of Capacity for New Comparison Retail Floorspace 2012–2028, Table 5.3: Indicative Phasing of Development of New Comparison Retail Floorspace 2012–2028 and Table 5.4: Indicative Distribution of Capacity for Convenience Retail Floorspace 2012–2028 are indicative and will be subject to review during the plan period informed by the Council's Monitoring Reports to reflect changes in retail need and capacity.

Prescot Town Centre

1) New retail development will be focused on Eccleston Street and its immediate surroundings, with comparison floorspace to be delivered in accordance with Policy CS6. 2) The primary shopping area will be defined in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies. 3) Diversification of uses will be encouraged in the town centre outside the primary shopping area to provide connectivity to the full range of key local services. 4) The boundaries of the town centre and primary shopping area will be defined in the Local Plan: Site Allocations and Development Policies.

Transport Networks

Overall Transport Strategy 1) Planning powers and other interventions will be used to support a sustainable and integrated transport system that will: a) Support the economy by facilitating efficient movement of people and goods within the borough and linking to Liverpool City Centre, the Port of Liverpool, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and other destinations in the surrounding area; b) Help meet the development needs of the borough through to 2028; c) Ensure people can get to where they need to by a choice of walking, cycling and public transport; d) Enhance road safety; e) Seek to reduce carbon emissions; and f) Improve the health and wellbeing of local people. Location, Design and Management of New Development 2) New development will be required to be: a) Located and designed to prioritise accessibility and sustainable modes of travel through a choice of walking, cycling, public transport, and incorporate access for private vehicles. Where deficiencies are identified, developer contributions will be required to improve the accessibility of the location; b) Located and designed to ensure that larger scale proposals (attracting a lot of visitors, customers and/or employees) are located in the most accessible locations; c) Where subject to a planning application, accompanied (except in the case of smaller scale proposals) by Transport Assessments and/or Travel Plans; d) In compliance with adopted cycle, car, disabled and service vehicle parking standards for different types and scales of new development; e) Inclusive of measures that will mitigate carbon emissions and improve air quality where appropriate; and f) Consistent with safeguarding arrangements that secure the operational integrity and safety of Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Strategic Transport Schemes and Programmes 3) The Council will work with national, regional and sub-regional partners to deliver schemes which support Local Transport Plan priorities including: a) Further transport infrastructure that is necessary to support the future expansion of Liverpool John Lennon Airport consistent with its Surface Access Strategy and national aviation policy; b) Improvements to the rail network including: electrification of existing lines; enhancements to stations and passenger interchange facilities; provision of Park and Ride facilities; and expansion and/or improvement of the Knowsley Rail Freight Terminal; c) Enhanced provision for buses, including improved bus stations, bus stops and laybys, and the enhancement of the principal bus routes through Quality Bus Partnerships and Quality Bus Contracts; d) Maintenance of transport hubs such as bus termini and train stations to give improved safety; e) Enhanced provision of walking and cycling routes as part of the Green Infrastructure network (see Policy CS8: Green Infrastructure); and f) The roll out of infrastructure for low carbon emission vehicles. 4) Developer contributions towards strategic transport schemes and programmes will be sought in accordance with Policy CS27: Planning and Paying for New Infrastructure, the Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document and/or a Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule. 5) Further guidance on transport issues and local parking standards are provided in the Ensuring a Choice of Travel Supplementary Planning Document or revisions to this.