Planning in Liverpool

The Cultural Quarter

1. Within the Cultural Quarter proposals which complement existing uses and deliver improvements to the knowledge and creative, education/university, cultural, leisure and evening offer will be supported. 2. All proposals should: a. Contribute to enhancing the public realm and green infrastructure within the area; b. Contribute to enhancing linkages to adjoining areas including pedestrian and cycle links; and c. Protect and enhance the distinct character of Hope Street. 3. Proposals for residential development within the Canning Georgian Residential Quarter should comply with the requirements of Policy CC17.

St George's Quarter

Proposals within the St George's Quarter should: a. complement the area's existing cultural, education/university and other uses; b. contribute to improving linkages between cultural hubs in the City Centre; c. contribute to enhancing the public realm, important open space assets and environmental quality; and d. conserve the historic fabric of the area.

Community Facilities

1. Planning permission will be granted for the provision of a new community facility where it is demonstrated that the proposal: a. Is located within the City Centre, or a District, Local or Neighbourhood Centre; or b. Is required to meet a clearly identified local need; and c. Is close and accessible to the community it serves by a range of sustainable transport modes including walking, cycling and public transport; d. Will not have an adverse impact on residential amenity. Hours of opening should be appropriate to the specific location and appropriate car parking should be provided/be available; and e. Is within a building which is flexible, adaptable and capable of multi-use. 2. Development that would lead to the loss of an existing community facility will only be permitted where: a. there is no demonstrable current or future need or demand for the space, either in its current use or any alternative community use and it is therefore surplus to requirements; and b. the premises are no longer suitable to continue in community use; or c. if replacement provision, that meets current and future needs, is provided in an appropriate location. 3. Proposals for Culture, Tourist and Sport facilities should also comply with Policy EC4.

Waterfront Design Requirements

Development on the Waterfront should be of a high-quality design that respects its sensitive historic surroundings, whilst making adequate provision for access, parking and servicing. Development proposals should: a. Protect the character, setting, distinctiveness and Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site, and its buffer zone, by ensuring the siting, scale, form, architectural approach, design quality and materials are appropriate and respect the proposal's location; b. Ensure the protection and enhancement of European and Nationally designated habitat sites and functionally linked land; c. Not undermine the local amenity and operations of businesses; d. Not adversely impact on the amenity of residents living in the waterfront area; e. Respect the form and mass of the dock estate and its industrial heritage and make provision for the repair, conservation, integration and interpretation of heritage assets; f. Ensure high-quality, sustainable design; g. Reinforce the historic grain of buildings, water spaces and other spaces; h. Contribute towards enhanced pedestrian connectivity across 'The Strand', and making the riverfront more accessible to the public; i. Contribute to the delivery of a linear, accessible recreational route along the waterfront and improved East- West links; j. Provide enhanced pedestrian / cycle movement routes including provision for secure, covered and well surveyed cycle storage; k. Ensure inclusive and usable public realm; l. Incorporate appropriate landscaping and green infrastructure; m. Include appropriate street furniture, public art and feature lighting which enhances the waterfront; n. Ensure greater access to, interaction with and recreational use of dock water spaces and their quaysides; and o. Ensure a safe, vibrant, inclusive, accessible and welcoming environment.

Pavement Cafés

Where planning permission is required proposals for Pavement Cafes will be assessed against the following considerations: a. Pedestrian Safety with particular consideration to people with disabilities; b. Impact on residential amenity; c. The need to protect the character and appearance of the area particularly in relationship to historic buildings; d. Operating times; and e. The design of furniture including means of enclosure.

House Extensions

1. Extensions and alterations to dwelling houses will be approved where: a. They are of a high quality of design that matches or complements the style of the dwelling and the surrounding area; b. The size, scale and materials of development are in keeping with the original dwelling and the surrounding area; c. The extensions and alterations are designed so that there shall be no significant reduction in the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties. In particular, extensions must not result in: i. A significant loss of light/overshadowing for neighbours; ii. An overbearing or over-dominant effect on the habitable rooms or outdoor amenity space of neighbouring properties; iii. A significant loss of privacy for neighbouring residents. 2. The Council will consider favourably any bespoke design requirements to meet the identified access needs of a registered disabled person or someone with a long-term or life threatening illness provided the extension accords with part 1 of this policy.

Design of new Development within the City Centre MRA, District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres

Overall Design Requirements 1. New development within the City Centre and District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres should contribute to enhancing the shopping environment of the centre and its role and function. Development should: a. Have a positive impact on the public realm; b. Have regard to heritage assets within the Centre in accordance with Policy HD1; c. Be fully integrated within the centre and be designed to reflect the specific characteristics of the centre within which it is located; d. Front the street and respect the building lines of the existing environment and wherever appropriate new development should be built at the back edge of the pavement; e. Contribute to enhancing the overall environmental quality of the centre including the pedestrian environment and connectivity; and f. Where feasible introduce greening measures such as landscaping and street trees in accordance with Policies GI 8 and GI 10. 2. Where a number of units are to be provided, the proposal should provide a mix of unit sizes, avoid an inward looking layout, maintain the street frontage and provide suitable and convenient linkages for shoppers to access other in centre uses. Shop Front Design 3. The City Council will expect a high standard of design in new and altered shopfronts, canopies, blinds, security measures and other features. Permission will be granted for new shopfronts and signs where: a. The design is related to the scale, proportion and appearance of the building; b. The design respects the character and appearance of the location; c. The design retains, and where practicable provides, a separate entrance to upper floor accommodation where this is separate from the ground floor use; d. It is designed to be fully accessible for all; and e. It does not have an adverse impact on pedestrian safety. 4. Principal entrances to upper floor accommodation should avoid the rear of buildings where practicable as this can give rise to personal safety and security issues. 5. Solid shutters which present blank frontages to shopping streets will not be permitted. 6. Where an original shopfront of architectural or historic value survives, in whole or in substantial part, there will be a presumption in favour of its retention. Where a new shopfront forms part of a group where original shop fronts survive, its design should complement their quality and character.

Local Character and Distinctiveness

Development proposals should demonstrate that the following aspects have been taken into account: a. Local grain and pattern of development, and where this has been fragmented, the opportunity to re-stitch damaged historic townscape; b. Means and pattern of enclosure, and any intrinsic rhythms and patterns established by streets, spaces and built form; c. Patterns of movement and street character; d. The form, scale, proportion, building line, frontages, plot sizes, storey and absolute heights, rooflines, skyline, roofscape and ratios of solid to void within buildings; e. Materials, colours, tones and textures, which should be appropriate to the characteristics of the local area; f. Relationship and response to topography, and natural and built landscapes, including the underlying morphology of the area; g. The need to preserve, improve and create views into and out of development and also across it; h. Focal buildings, landmarks, compositions and building ensembles, nodes and gateways; and i. Designated and non-designated historic assets.

Development Layout and Form

1. Development proposals should demonstrate that the layout and form of the proposal ensures that: a. The structure allows for ease of multi-modal movement, transition and connection to other areas and should be based on the established local grain. Where the local grain has been fractured, proposals should seek to repair the structure; b. The design has been considered from both a macro and a micro-scale, with adequate responses to issues of skyline impact, scale, relationship to existing structures, function, amenity, and its relationship to the public realm c. The scale and mass of the proposal takes account of the hierarchy and height-width ratio of streets and spaces, focal buildings, landmarks, nodes and gateways; d. The design and layout promotes physical activity; e. Enclosure, continuity and cohesion are key elements in street and space design, helping define public and private realms, and allow for specific uses and functionality; f. New public spaces are fit for purpose and seek to supplement existing spaces; g. A variety of blocks and plots are provided, and future expansions and adaptations or change of use, and existing uses and activity have been considered; h. Safe, secure and usable private and communal space is provided, where appropriate; i. Form, height, scale and massing are appropriate to the function of the building and its context; j. Car parking, cycle, waste and recycling storage are designed in a positive manner and are integrated into the development; k. The proposal reduces the opportunities for crime without compromising social cohesion; l. Retained and introduced vegetation is conceived as integral components of the layout design, respecting and enhancing the distinctive character of the site; m. There is a good outlook and adequate privacy for existing and proposed development; n. Active frontages are provided onto all public realm to ensure natural surveillance over these spaces; and o. There is sufficient sunlight and daylight to penetrate into and between buildings, and ensure that adjoining land or properties are protected from unacceptable overshadowing 2. The developer should demonstrate that adequate building and street/space management has been considered as part of the design, and appropriate regimes put in place to demonstrate how these will be secured and delivered. 3. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) should be included in the earliest stages of the design process to ensure that they are successfully designed, built and maintained, are appropriate for the site circumstances, and are well incorporated into the development layout.

Public Realm

When designing Public realm it should be demonstrated that it: a. Takes account of the role of the particular location within the overall movement hierarchy of the area; b. Reinforces and complements local distinctiveness; c. Is based on a clear rationale of function/s. Public realm should be designed for maximising opportunities for activity and enjoyment, and encourage interaction and community cohesion; d. Is based on the primacy of pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles where appropriate; e. Allows for adequate car-parking, cycling provision and servicing; f. Incorporates existing and historically important features that contribute to sense of place; g. Has strong inclusive design principles and minimise physical barriers and visual clutter; h. Is the product of sensitive analysis of existing landscape character and responds to it with manufactured or living materials that are integral and compatible with the location and usage envisaged; i. Will be of a scale, size and layout to achieve its primary function; j. Minimises risk of criminal activity and perception of insecurity by being naturally overlooked and well managed; k. Incorporates appropriate street lighting and signage; l. Contributes to encouraging physical activity; and m. Conforms with Policy UD8 'Public Art'

Inclusive Design

1. All development proposals, by virtue of their location and physical features, should meet the highest standards of accessibility and inclusion so that all potential users, regardless of mental or physical ability, age or gender can use the development safely and easily. 2. Development proposals (including extensions, alterations and changes of use) for any building that the public may use will be required to provide safe, easy and inclusive access for all people. This should include access to, into and within the building and its facilities, as well as appropriate car parking and access to public transport provision. Planning applications will be expected to indicate space standards, (for example, door, corridor, wheelchair turning circles, ramp gradients, parking bay widths), together with any facilities such as lifts, ramps etc. required for compliance with good practice, Inclusive Design guidance documents, Equality legislation and policies. 3. Development proposals to extend and/or enhance the public realm and the pedestrian environment should be designed to meet the highest standards of access and inclusion. 4. Alterations and extensions to historic buildings and their settings should take every possible opportunity to improve access for all into and around the premises whilst having regard to what makes the building and surrounding area special. Where, in the view of the City Council such provision may reasonably be achieved, the Council will require its provision. 5. All external works should be designed to be accessible and safe for people with mobility, visual or hearing impairments. Layouts should be arranged to facilitate access to and within the buildings. 6. The highest standards of accessibility and inclusion should be met in all developments that would result in the provision of jobs. 7. All 'Major' applications will need to be accompanied by an Inclusive Design Statement, where appropriate, that could form part of Design and Access Statement. This should show that the principles of inclusive design, including the specific needs of disabled people, have been integrated into the proposed development and how inclusion will be maintained and managed. 8. Residential development proposals should meet the requirements set out in Policy H12 Accessible Housing.

New Buildings

All new buildings must be designed to the highest design standards, based on a clear rationale, and aesthetic based on the characteristics of the area. Design proposals for new buildings must demonstrate that: a. The building has appropriate active frontages onto the public realm which offer natural surveillance over external spaces and present a clearly defined front entrance; b. Private amenity is provided where appropriate to the end-use; c. Orientation and micro-climate, overlooking and interface issues that may impact on existing structures or neighbouring plots have been considered; d. Buildings are robust and adaptable; e. Adequate sound attenuation and fume extraction is achieved, especially in mixed-use buildings; f. The building has a role in aiding legibility and ease of movement, and its function in the overall inter-connectivity of the City and its hierarchies; g. It has considered the impacts on views, vistas and setting of designated and non-designated heritage assets or other landmarks; h. The materiality, tone and texture of the area is reflected in the design; i. There is a clear rationale for continuity or contrast, and how the building 'fits' with the architectural structure of the area, including the ratio of built form to space; j. The building design is resource and energy efficient, and includes features such as renewable energy generation, green infrastructure and low carbon materials. Designs should meet the highest environmental quality standards in accordance with recognised building sustainability certification systems; k. It provides for appropriate levels of car-parking, cycling provision and servicing; and l. Fully meets the requirements of inclusive design principles.

Tall Buildings

1. Liverpool's extraordinary blend of old and new is part of what makes the City's unique spirit of place. Enhancing this spirit of place is central to maintaining Liverpool's distinctiveness. Tall buildings that are well designed, incorporate the highest standards of architecture/materials, in the right location and that continue to embody, protect and promote Liverpool's distinctiveness can have a positive impact on the City. Proposals will be supported where it can be fully demonstrated via a planning application that these positive benefits will be delivered in terms of the social, economic and environmental sustainability and regeneration of the City. 2. Tall building proposals will be required to fully consider their impact on the character, heritage and image of the City. In order to contribute positively to Liverpool's unique spirit of place, they must relate well to the form, proportion, composition, scale and character of surrounding buildings, urban grain and public realm. Individually or as a group, tall buildings must enhance the skyline and image of Liverpool City and not have an unacceptable harmful impact on their surroundings. 3. Careful consideration should be given to the articulation and use of tall buildings at the top, mid-section and base sections, ensuring active plinths and a human scale at street level, an appropriate pattern of fenestration and detail, and distinctive solutions for the top, whilst also helping to contribute to improving permeability of the site and wider area. 4. The height of tall buildings should be proportional and correspond to the significance of their location in the hierarchy of places, thereby improving the legibility of an area. District scale tall buildings and Metropolitan scale tall buildings will only be considered appropriate provided that they meet the requirements set out in this Plan as a whole and any relevant supplementary guidance. 5. All proposals for tall buildings should (where appropriate): a. Demonstrate that it will have a positive impact on, enhance the City Image, and not detract from the identified key views to, from and within the World Heritage Site and other heritage assets. Proposals must also meet the requirements of policy HD2: Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site and include the preparation of a Heritage Impact Assessment undertaken in accordance with ICOMOS's latest guidance; b. Detail how it has taken account of, and avoids harm to, the significance of Liverpool's heritage assets, in line with the requirements of policy HD1: Heritage Assets; c. Enhance the local character and distinctiveness of an area without having a negative impact on any identified key views, valued townscapes or landscapes, or detracting from existing landmarks; d. Be part of, or show that it will contribute to: i. a comprehensive development of a larger site facilitating delivery of wider regeneration and improvements beyond the proposal itself; ii. providing a mix of uses that significantly contribute to the economic activity, regeneration, place-making and vitality of an area; and iii. that it will not prejudice, by virtue of its exceptional scale the future development potential of adjacent/neighbouring buildings or plots. e. Ensure the development does not have an adverse impact on the microclimate and amenity of the application site and the surrounding area, considering wind impact, day and sun lighting, privacy and outlook of existing and future residents; and f. Make adequate provision of communal and public space and social infrastructure for new occupants of the building. g. Ensure the cumulative impacts of existing, proposed and consented tall buildings in local, district and metropolitan areas are considered when assessing tall building proposals as set out above.

Alterations and Extensions to Existing Buildings

Alterations and extensions to existing buildings should ensure that: a. The scale, proportion, form, materials and character of the existing building are considered in the proposals; b. The impact is minimised on neighbouring properties in terms of overshadowing, overlooking, noise and fumes; c. Adequate amenity space is retained for the occupiers of the building; d. Distinctive historic features on the existing building are retained; e. Sufficient space is retained within the curtilage of the property for adequate containment of waste; f. The overall character of the area is retained; and g. Every effort is made to improve access for disabled people; existing access must not be reduced.

Public Art

1. The City Council will work with developers to bring about the incorporation of public art into major development schemes as part of the public realm, where this is important to establish or reinforce a sense of place and identity. 2. Where Public Art is provided it should: a. Where possible, be provided on-site as an integral part of the development; b. Have regard to the guidance contained within the Council's Public Art Strategy and Public Realm Strategy; c. Contribute to place-making and the social, economic and environmental regeneration of the City; d. Reflect the area's character, cultural heritage and contribute to local distinctiveness and legibility of neighbourhoods; and e. Conform to Policy UD3 'Public Realm'. 3. Development proposals which include provision for public art should incorporate suitable arrangements for its long-term management and maintenance.

Advertisements

Proposals for advertisements will only be permitted where: a. They are of the highest standard and contribute, rather than detract from an area; b. They do not constitute a traffic hazard; c. They do not detract from the character or appearance of important historic buildings; d. They do not become part of a critical mass of similar advertisements that lead to clutter; e. Hoardings and housings are well designed and are based on local considerations; f. They do not lead to loss of amenity to local residents or businesses due to light or noise pollution; and g. The size, scale and design is appropriate for the size, scale and architectural detailing of the building.

The Main Office Area

1. Within the Main Office Area and on Sites for Office Development identified within Schedule 7 and on the City Centre Policies Map planning permission will be granted for offices. On land at Pall Mall identified on the City Centre Policies Map, proposals for new development will be considered against Policy CC1a. 2. Where a proposal includes new office development, the City Council will use planning conditions, where appropriate, to restrict its use to office development. 3. Vacant land within the Main Office Area and Sites for Office Development will primarily be protected for office development. Proposals for other purposes should clearly demonstrate that: a. The proposed use is complementary to the main office use of the area, providing an ancillary service to meet day-to-day needs of local employees and residents living in the area, subject to compliance with other plan policies; or b. There is no reasonable prospect of the site being used for office development. This will require evidence to demonstrate that the site has been appropriately marketed for office use, across a range of media for at least 24 months; and i. use of the site for non-office purposes will not adversely affect the City's overall capacity to meet future demand for office development; or ii. use of the site for other purposes will bring wider economic, social or environmental regeneration benefits which outweigh the economic impact of the loss of land for office space. This will require evidence to demonstrate: a net increase in employment; a need/demand for the proposed use; a lack of a suitable alternative site/premises for the non-office uses; the satisfactory relocation of displaced businesses (where applicable); improvements to the physical/operational environment of the Main Office Area; and that the proposal forms part of a comprehensive regeneration scheme. c. In relation to both a. and b. above, the proposal will not be incompatible with existing retained employment or residential uses within the vicinity. In the case of other town centre uses, including retail and leisure, the proposal complies with Policies CC19 and SP6. 4. In the case of vacant buildings which fall within the Main Office Area, where permitted development rights do not apply, or the proposal involves changes which fall outside those allowed within the Use Class Order, proposals for other uses should clearly demonstrate that they meet criteria 3a. above or there is no reasonable prospect of the building being used for offices. This will require evidence to demonstrate that the building is not suitable for offices and it has been appropriately marketed for office use, across a range of media for at least 24 months. 5. All developments within the Main Office Area should contribute to enhancing the public realm, including walking and cycling routes and green infrastructure measures, and ensure that buildings are energy efficient and of high architectural quality. 6. Development proposals within that part of the Main Office Area lying in the World Heritage Site or its Buffer Zone should:- a. Ensure that they do not compromise any of the key views of the landmark buildings having regard to those identified in the World Heritage Site SPD. b. In those cases where it is considered appropriate to allow a development which would close a view along a street in the World Heritage Site, any building should include a high-quality facade.

Ten Streets

1. Within the Ten Streets area as defined on the City Centre Policies Map the City Council will support uses which maximise the economic potential of the area with a focus on creative businesses and light employment uses together with ancillary uses focused on key frontages and streets. Specifically: a. Ten Streets – should be a focus for a mix of employment generating uses, primarily creative businesses including artists, makers, digital and technology sectors; with new public spaces, open space, public realm and green infrastructure. Ancillary uses including small-scale shops and services, and offices will be supported where it is clearly demonstrated that they will provide a service to meet day to day needs and subject to other plan policies. Residential and hotel development will only be supported in exceptional circumstances; b. Stanley Dock Complex - A mix of uses will be supported which reflect its emerging status as a high-quality leisure and residential area. Important heritage assets should be preserved and their sensitive restoration will be supported; c. City Fringe- A mix of uses which complement existing uses in the area; including employment and commercial uses, residential, ancillary uses including small scale retail, and food and drink uses, and new public realm and public spaces; d. Northern Gateway - A mix of uses will be supported including employment/commercial uses, leisure and potential tourism related uses, ancillary retail subject to compliance with retail policy, and significant new public realm and public spaces; e. North Eastern Corridor - Employment uses that support Atlantic Village as a focus for creative industries and start-up office space will be supported; f. South Eastern Corridor - Employment uses will be supported. Small-scale ancillary uses will be supported where it is clearly demonstrated that they will provide a service to meet day to day needs of employees and employers. 2. All development proposals within the Ten Streets area should: a. Ensure the building scale, form, massing, and design responds to the existing character of the place, whilst taking account of environmental factors such as natural light and micro-climate, building use, proposed public spaces, gateways and local landmarks; b. Complement and reinforce the growth of creative businesses in other areas of the City Centre including the Baltic Triangle; c. Maintain, reinstate and/or reinforce existing grain and development patterns; d. Include innovative contemporary approaches to building and streetscape designs to create a distinct sense of place; e. Include active ground floor uses and frontages to avoid 'dead frontages' and provide natural surveillance; f. Demonstrate no adverse impact on the operation of existing businesses in the area; g. Include high levels of sound insulation within residential proposals; h. Provide a high-quality building and landscape design to respond to the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the World Heritage Site and Buffer Zone setting; i. Ensure that it does not compromise any of the key views of the landmark buildings and the strategic and local vistas having regard to those identified in the World Heritage Site SPD; j. Retain and convert, where possible, historic warehouse and dockland structures; k. Consider opportunities for heritage interpretation facilities; l. Contribute to improving the public realm, green infrastructure, environmental quality and streetscapes of the area through high-quality public design and lighting, waymarkers and pedestrian crossing points across Great Howard Street (A565) to create safe, and attractive connections; m. Contribute to enhancing pedestrian and cycle links. 3. All development proposals within the Ten Streets area should have regard to Ten Streets SRF Principles, the Atlantic Corridor Development Framework and its associated spatial concepts.

The Baltic Triangle

1. Within Baltic Triangle, as defined on the City Centre Policies Map, a mix of uses will be supported, with the primary focus on creative and digital businesses. Proposals for the following other uses will be permitted subject to the subsequent parts of this policy: a. Entertainment uses, night-time activities, leisure and food and drink uses; b. Hotel and Offices; c. Residential; d. Ancillary uses, including small-scale shops and services. 2. All development proposals within the Baltic should: a. Not undermine the growth of business uses, specifically creative and digital businesses within the area; and demonstrate no adverse impact on the operation of existing businesses in the area; b. Contribute to improving the public realm and environmental quality of the area; c. Contribute to the delivery of Green Corridors through the area; d. Contribute to enhancing linkages to adjoining areas including pedestrian and cycle links; e. Contribute to parking and pedestrian movement surveys in the area; f. Respect the existing character of the area, including its historic character and street patterns; g. Ensure the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site and its buffer, including ensuring it does not compromise any of the key views of the landmark buildings and the strategic and local vistas having regard to those identified in the World Heritage Site SPD; h. Ensure that the scale and mass of the proposal takes account of street widths, buildings heights and lines; proposed block structure and movement strategy, existing buildings of character, environmental factors such as natural light and micro-climate, building use, proposed public spaces, gateways and local landmarks; and views from/into/ across the area; i. Ensure no adverse impact on residential amenity, specifically in terms of noise and disturbance; j. Include active ground floor uses and frontages; and k. Include high levels of sound insulation within residential proposals. 3. Night-time economy uses will be expected to close by midnight. 4. Residential development must provide a mix of housing types and tenures, including provision for families in accordance with Policy CC24.

Pall Mall

1. On land at Pall Mall, identified on the City Centre Policies Map, planning permission will be granted for office-led development which will support the expansion of the City's Commercial District and therefore the successful functioning of the Main Office Area as the primary location for professional, financial and other business services. The objective for new development at Pall Mall should be to ensure that existing office provision in the Main Office Area is enhanced by the provision of additional capacity and employment space which is suited to the requirements of modern occupiers. 2. Planning permission for others uses, which support the office-led development of Pall Mall, including small-scale ground floor retail and leisure uses, restaurants and bars that animate streets and spaces will be permitted where it is clearly demonstrated that they would enhance the area's offer as the primary location for professional, financial and other business services and would contribute to place-making and a vibrant environment, day and night. Provided that the identified site capacity of 1,200,000 sq ft of office floorspace is not undermined over the plan-period, residential and hotel development will also be acceptable including that which makes more efficient use of office land. 3. The site is divided into three zones: a. Zone A - Development will be predominantly office-led. There shall be no more than 25% of total floorspace in non-office use, unless a minimum of 400,000 sq ft of office floorspace has first been delivered. b. Zone B - Development will be predominantly office-led, but should include a multi-storey car-park to replace existing car-parking that would be lost as a result of development. There shall be no more than 25% of total floorspace in non-office uses(excluding car-parking), unless a minimum of 400,000 sq ft of office floorspace has first been delivered. c. Zone C - Development will be office-led, but may include a mix of other uses, including residential. There shall be no more than 50% of total floor-space in non-office use, unless a minimum of 400,000 sq ft of office floorspace has first been delivered. 4. All proposed development should also demonstrate that: a. It is of a high design quality which: i. contributes towards achieving a distinctive and contextual character; ii. respects the scale of surrounding buildings and local topography, including strengthening the emerging cluster of tall buildings in the Commercial District; iii. contributes towards public realm enhancement through provision of on-site public open space, green infrastructure, landscaping and public art in developments, and/or through developer contributions towards co-ordinated provision within the wider Pall Mall site; iv. maximises ground floor uses with active frontages, particularly around key public spaces and pedestrian desire lines, as well as surrounding streets; v. improves linkages with surrounding areas, particularly for walking and cycling, and provides for inclusive access; and vi. does not adversely impact upon residential and environmental amenity and business operation; b. It responds to the sensitive historic surroundings including Liverpool's World Heritage Site (Policy HD2), conservation areas and other heritage assets. Developments should: i. comprise of a design typology and quality that responds positively to the attributes of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of Liverpool's World Heritage Site (WHS); ii. ensure that they do not compromise any of the key views of the landmark buildings and the strategic and local vistas having regard to those identified in the World Heritage Site SPD; and iii. continue or reinstate historic building lines; c. It provides car parking to cater for the proposal in line with the City Council's current standards, as well as compensatory provision for loss of public car parking, where this meets an identified demand and sustainable travel objects, whilst accommodating servicing and maintenance needs, in accordance with Policy TP8; d. It contributes towards the long-term management of the wider Pall Mall site.

The Knowledge Quarter

1. Within the Knowledge Quarter, as identified on the City Centre Policies Map, a mix of uses will be supported to create a world-class place of innovation and discovery in science, technology, education, medicine and culture. Specifically: a. Offices, research and development and laboratory facilities; b. Education, cultural and community uses; c. Residential dwellings and student accommodation; d. Ancillary uses and supporting infrastructure which are important to the future development and operation of the science, technology, education, medicine and culture assets in the area, subject to other plan policies. 2. Proposed development within the area should demonstrate its contribution to: a. promoting the clustering of knowledge economy assets and the bringing together of complementary uses; b. attracting and retaining innovative businesses and/or the fostering of start-up knowledge-based businesses; c. place-making, including the enhancement of the public realm and green infrastructure assets; and d. improving connectivity both physically (particularly for pedestrians and cyclists) and digitally. 3. Proposals which enhance the area's existing science, technology, education, medicine and cultural assets will be supported including: a. An extension of the Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool) onto the former Archbishop Blanch site, to create a new "urban village"- Paddington Village; b. Upper central (Area bounded by Mount Pleasant, Brownlow Hill, Lime Street and Renshaw Street); c. Development of commercial laboratory space through the delivery of the BioCampus; d. Expansion of existing facilities for the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; e. Redevelopment of the Pembroke Place area of the Islington Quarter to support and enhance the hospital and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine plans; f. Redevelopment of the Copperas Hill Site by Liverpool John Moores University; g. The delivery of a globally connected University of Liverpool campus to facilitate a transformative approach to learning, teaching and research. 4. Development proposals within that part of the Knowledge Quarter lying in the World Heritage Site Buffer Zone should:- a. Ensure that they do not compromise any of the key views of the landmark buildings and the strategic and local vistas having regard to those identified in the World Heritage Site SPD; and b. Continue or reinstate historic building lines.

The Fabric District, Islington

1. Within The Fabric District, as defined on the City Centre Policies Map, a mix of uses will be supported, with the primary focus on makers, manufacturing and light employment uses. Specifically, proposals for the growth of existing businesses and provision of new space for incubator businesses, industrious makers and manufacturers, knowledge and tech based start-ups and up-starts will be supported. Proposals for the following complementary uses will be permitted provided the subsequent parts of this policy are met: a. Community, leisure and food and drink uses; b. Hotel and Offices; c. Residential, including student, key worker, and family accommodation; d. Ancillary uses including small scale shops and services. 2. All development proposals within the Fabric District should: a. Not undermine the growth of business uses within the area, and demonstrate no adverse impact on the operation of existing businesses in the area; b. Contribute to improving the public realm and environmental quality of the area; c. Contribute to the delivery of Green Corridors through the area and integrate greening measures within the proposal; d. Contribute to enhancing linkages to adjoining areas, particularly to the north and city centre including pedestrian and cycle links; e. Contribute to parking and pedestrian movement surveys in the area; f. Respect the existing character of the area, including its historic character and street patterns; g. Ensure the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site and its buffer including ensuring it does not compromise any of the key views of the landmark buildings and the strategic and local vistas having regard to those identified in the World Heritage Site SPD

Employment Land Supply

1. The City has an overall requirement for 145 hectares of land for industrial and business uses, over the period of the Local Plan, to meet the needs of the City and the sub-regional demand resulting from planned development associated with SuperPort. This requirement will be met through the following sources: a. Land developed for industrial and business uses between April 2013 and August 2016; b. Employment land provision committed through extant planning permission for industrial and business uses, at August 2016; and c. Sites allocated as Sites for Industrial/Business Development or Sites for Office Development, or designated as Primarily Industrial Areas or Main Office Area within this Local Plan and shown in Schedule 7 and on the Policies Map. 2. The take-up of existing employment land will be monitored, and its ongoing supply managed, via regular review of site allocations, to meet changing market conditions in land for employment and other uses. 3. Site specific factors to be taken into account for each site contained within Schedule 7 are set out in Appendix 2– Development Management Criteria for Industrial/Business, Office and Various Types of Development Sites.

Employment Areas

1. New employment development will be directed towards land designated as Primarily Industrial Areas and allocated as Sites for Industrial/Business purposes, as shown on the Policies Map and in Schedule 7, and which mainly fall within the City's key employment areas. 2. Land in these areas will primarily be protected for industrial and business uses. Planning permission will be granted for industrial/business uses (Use Classes E(g), B2 and B8) and where appropriate to the location, and in accordance with other plan policies, employment generating sui-generis uses associated with industrial/business areas. Where appropriate, planning permissions for certain uses may be subject to conditions and/or legal agreements. 3. Where permitted development rights do not apply or the proposal involves changes which fall outside those allowed within the Use Class Order proposals for the use of Primarily Industrial/Business Areas and Sites, for non-industrial purposes, should clearly demonstrate that: a. The proposed use is complementary to the primary industrial/business use of the area, providing a small-scale ancillary service to meet the day-to-day needs of local employees, subject to compliance with other plan policies; or b. There is no reasonable prospect of the site being used for industrial/business uses (Use Classes E(g), B2 and B8). This will require evidence to demonstrate that the site has been appropriately marketed for Class Uses E(g), B2 and B8), across a range of media for at least 24 months; and either i. use of the site for non-industrial/business purposes would not adversely affect the City's overall capacity to meet future demand for such purposes; or ii. use of the site for other purposes would bring wider economic, social or environmental regeneration benefits which outweigh the economic impact of the loss of land for employment purposes. This would require evidence to demonstrate: a net increase in employment; a need/demand for the proposed use; a lack of a suitable alternative site/premises; the satisfactory relocation of displaced businesses (where applicable); improvements to the physical/operational environment of the employment area; and that the proposal forms part of a comprehensive regeneration scheme. c. In the case of both a. and b. above, the proposal will not be incompatible with existing retained employment uses within the vicinity. In the case of other town centre uses, including retail and leisure, the proposal complies with Policy SP6. d. In all cases use for parking aimed at Airport customers will not be supported where it would undermine the sustainable access to the Airport having regard to the modal shift targets set out in the Airport Surface Access Strategy (ASAS).

Delivering Economic Growth

1. Development of new and existing business sectors with strong growth potential in Liverpool and the City Region will be supported and, where appropriate, protected and enhanced. These include: Knowledge-based industries Health and life sciences Advanced science, manufacturing and engineering Creative, cultural and media industries ICT and digital technology Financial, professional and business services Logistics, Port and maritime industry Airport, Aerospace and aviation-related activity Tourism/visitor economy -including the football clubs of Everton and Liverpool, and Low carbon economy business and low carbon generation. 2. Sites for appropriate sectors within the main employment areas are shown on the Policies Map and within Schedule 7.

Major Culture, Tourism and Sport Facilities and Events

1. Proposals which reinforce and promote Liverpool's role as a centre for tourism, culture and major events and as a key destination for business tourism will be supported. This includes: a. Proposals which enhance the City's existing tourist and cultural facilities; b. Proposals for new or expanded provision where it contributes to the City's continued success as a destination for visitors and venue for major events, including those for sports. This includes proposals for the sustainable development or redevelopment of Everton and Liverpool football clubs where they are of an appropriate scale, and subject to other relevant planning policies; and c. Proposals which protect and promote the City's heritage. 2. Proposals should be of a high quality design, be highly accessible, not adversely impact on residential amenity or the operation of existing businesses and where appropriate and feasible be designed to be flexible, adaptable, and capable of multi-use. 3. The provision of ancillary facilities such as hotels and other types of ancillary accommodation will be supported where it: a. Is located within a designated centre; b. Would not compromise the delivery of other objectives for the area; c. Would not undermine the growth of business uses; d. Is in a highly accessible location; and e. Is of high-quality design. 4. Development that would lead to the loss of an existing cultural/tourism facility in the City should comply with the criteria in Part 2 of Policy SP5.

Office Development

1. Within the Main Office Area in the City Centre, and on sites identified in Schedule 7 and on the City Centre Policies Map, proposals should be in compliance with Policy CC1 and, where applicable, Policy CC1a. 2. Outside the Main Office Area within the City Centre, and within district, local and neighbourhood centres, planning permission will be granted for offices. 3. Proposals for office development outside the City Centre, district, local and neighbourhood centres must comply with the sequential requirements set out in national planning policy. 4. All proposals for office development will be subject to consideration of residential amenity, traffic generation and other Plan policies.

Mixed-Use Areas and Sites for Various Types of Development

1. In Mixed-Use Areas, designated on the Policies Maps, planning permission will be granted for those uses specified in the Mixed Use Area profiles subject to the provisions of other relevant Plan policies. 2. On Sites for Various Types of Development, identified on the Policies Maps, planning permission will be granted for the uses specified in Schedule 7, subject to the provision of other relevant Plan policies.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport

1. As a key sub-regional economic asset, the operation and expansion of Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA), together with sustainable access solutions to the Airport, will be supported in principle, subject to appropriate assessment of the potential environmental impacts referenced in criteria a) to c) below and where such assessment has shown it to be necessary, the implementation of appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures to address potential environmental impacts associated with this growth. These are: a. impact on the natural, historic and built environment, including sites and buildings of international, national or local conservation, ecological or landscape importance. With respect to internationally important sites (the Mersey Estuary SPA, Dee Estuary SAC, Dee Estuary SPA and Dee Estuary Ramsar site, Liverpool Bay SPA and Ramsar site and Mersey Narrows & North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar site), development will be required to include appropriate mitigation measures agreed with the City Council and informed by an up-to-date environmental assessment; b. impact on adjacent residents and others (including those outside the City) in the vicinity of flightpaths, of any increases in traffic, noise and air pollution, including those generated by construction activity; and c. impact on the local and regional transport network, through the implementation of a sustainable surface access strategy. 2. Subject to compliance with criteria 1 a) to c) of this Policy permission will be granted for: a. the expansion of the operational airport to accommodate growth in passenger, cargo, business and general aviation; and maintenance repair and overhaul; and b. employment uses which support its role as a key driver of the City Region economy. These will include aviation related-uses, aerospace businesses, logistics, advanced manufacturing and offices that seek proximity to an Airport and the international connectivity that this supports.

The Ports of Liverpool and Garston

1. Proposals to continue the sustainable development/redevelopment of the Ports of Liverpool and Garston, will be supported. In particular, port-related development proposals and improvements to the sustainability of freight and passenger access to the ports, including road, rail and water transport, will be encouraged. 2. Proposals for the sustainable development of the Ports (including development and access improvements) should: a. Comply with other relevant policies in the Local Plan, b. Include measures to address the potential environmental issues raised by expansion of the Ports, including: i. impact on the natural, historic and built environment, including sites and buildings of international, national or local conservation, ecological or landscape importance, including functional land (supporting habitat). With respect to internationally important sites (the Mersey Estuary SPA, Dee Estuary SAC, Dee Estuary SPA and Dee Estuary Ramsar site, Liverpool Bay SPA and Ramsar site and Mersey Narrows & North Wirral Foreshore SPA and Ramsar site), development will be required to include appropriate mitigation and compensation measures agreed with the City Council and informed by an up-to-date environmental assessment; ii. impact on the amenity of neighbouring users, within and outside the City (including cross-river) of any increases in traffic, noise, smells or other forms of pollution, including those generated by construction activity; and iii. impact on the local and regional transport network.

Spatial Priorities for the Sustainable Growth of Liverpool

To create a robust and regionally significant competitive economy, and thriving and attractive residential neighbourhoods, development including the provision of new homes and land for employment uses will be located in sustainable locations. This will be achieved by: a. Focusing economic development in the City's key employment areas including – North Liverpool, City Centre (including the Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool)), Stonebridge/Gillmoss/ Aintree, Central Liverpool, South Liverpool (including Speke and Garston), and Enterprise Zones – Mersey Waters (Liverpool Waters) and Liverpool City; b. Prioritising District and Local centres as the location for investment in local retail and service facilities; c. Ensuring economic growth is the key priority within the City Centre, by supporting the growth of financial, business and professional services sector, knowledge-based and creative industries, and prioritising the City Centre as the location for regionally significant comparison goods retailing and culture, leisure and tourism activities; d. Supporting the provision of a range of new homes on previously developed sites in sustainable locations to meet the identified need for new housing across the various housing sub-market areas within the City; e. Ensuring sustainable and attractive residential neighbourhoods across the City; and f. Supporting the sustainable growth of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, The Port of Liverpool and Cruise Liner Terminal.

Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Sources

The adoption of non-fossil fuel technologies to generate locally sourced energy will be supported as part of the transition to a low carbon economy. Proposals for non-fossil fuel energy development must demonstrate that: a. The proposed development is appropriately sited; b. The scheme accords with Policies HD1 and HD2 in respect of heritage assets and the setting of the World Heritage Site; c. There will be no unacceptable impact on the landscape, including cumulative impact; d. The scheme accords with Policies GI6 and GI7 in respect of biodiversity; e. There is no significant harm to the character and appearance of the area or to living conditions; and f. The proposal has been subject to community engagement and takes account of the issues raised.

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

1. Proposals for renewable and low carbon energy-generating and distribution networks (including decentralised energy schemes, community led schemes and district heat and power schemes) will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposal: a. will not result in adverse impacts on the local environment which cannot be satisfactorily addressed, including cumulative landscape and visual impacts, and conservation of heritage assets; b. meets the requirements set out in other Local Plan policies with respect, but not limited to, design, scale, locations and impact upon the historic environment; and c. Will protect local amenity. 2. The location of a District Heat Network, including the provision of an appropriately sited Energy Centre, will be supported in the Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool). 3. Future development will be required to connect to a decentralised energy network where one has been or is programmed to be constructed, unless it can be demonstrated that this would not be viable. 4. All major development proposals should seek to integrate low carbon energy and decentralised energy networks into the proposal.

Wind Turbines

1. Sites within the following types of location may have the potential for wind turbine(s) development, subject to a detailed project level assessment including Habitats Regulations Assessment: River Mersey frontage; Open and exposed areas within and on the periphery of the City's built-up area; and Within the curtilage of established development. 2. Proposals for wind turbine(s) will be supported where it is demonstrated that impacts as a result of the size (height) and scale (number of turbines) on the character of the wider area, are or can be made acceptable, with specific reference to: a. siting and design considerations; b. impacts on the natural environment and biodiversity, including European Habitat sites and functionally linked habitats, and the disturbance and displacement of birds and bats; c. impacts on built and historic assets including the World Heritage Site. The asset and its setting should be conserved and enhanced; d. neighbouring land uses and development including adverse impacts on amenity by virtue of noise, visual intrusion and shadow flicker, including cumulative visual impact; e. cumulative, indirect and direct, and temporary and permanent impacts on the landscape; f. air traffic movement and safety; and g. the impact on playing fields and pitches. A Sports Impact Assessment should be undertaken for sites situated within a playing field or other sports related land. 3. Applicants proposing a specific site must be able to demonstrate community engagement, that planning impacts identified by the local community have been addressed and the proposal has local community backing.

Solar Panels

1. Proposals for solar panel development, including both building mounted and standalone ground mounted installations, will be supported where it is demonstrated that: a. heritage assets will be conserved, in a manner appropriate to their significance, including views important to their setting and the elements which contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site; b. impact on visual amenity and neighbouring uses, landscape and biodiversity is minimised, including cumulative impact; c. there will be no adverse impact on aircraft safety; d. the proposal has been subject to community engagement and takes account of the issues raised; and e. the design incorporates the ability to remove the structure and restore the site. Planning conditions may be used to ensure that installations are removed when no longer in use and to restore the land to its previous use.

Public Open Space in Residential Development

1. Residential development should incorporate on-site provision of high-quality public open space unless it can be demonstrated that on-site provision cannot be appropriately achieved or enhancement of off-site open space is more appropriate, in terms of: a. The type and density of housing development and site size; or b. Proximity to existing parks and open spaces, and their need for upgrading; and c. Having regard to the recommendations of the most up-to-date Open Space Study. In such cases the City Council will require a commuted sum based on the cost of providing, designing and establishing an equivalent area of open space. 2. New public open space created during the Plan period will be accorded the policy protection set out in policy GI 4. 3. Development proposals which include new public open space must incorporate suitable arrangements for long-term management and maintenance of, and public access to, the new open space.

Recreational Use of Dock Water Spaces, Quaysides and the Waterfront

1. The City Council will support proposals which facilitate greater access and recreational / leisure use of dock water spaces and their quaysides and which contribute towards the creation of an inclusive and usable movement route along Liverpool's Waterfront, specifically: a. floating structures for canal boat mooring, boat hire, water taxis and water buses; b. installation of stepped dockside structures to gain access at water level; c. feature lighting installations that assist in animating dock water spaces and adjacent quaysides; d. proposals which enhance the interpretation of the cultural heritage and archaeology of the historic dockland environment; e. high quality floating pontoons for dining, entertainment, performance and other leisure uses providing there is no adverse impact on residential amenity; f. water sports activities, including extreme water sports; g. expansion of Queens Dock water-sports centre; h. expansion/redevelopment of Brunswick Dock Marina with enhanced leisure and visitor facilities; i. proposals which contribute towards the provision of a continuous and unimpeded pedestrian and cyclist route stretching from Princes Half Tide Dock in the North to Brunswick Dock in the south. 2. New development proposals should comply with the criteria in Policy GI 5 and should ensure the protection of European and Nationally designated habitat sites and functionally linked and supporting habitat for SPA birds. Developers should also account for appropriate biosecurity measures with regards to Invasive Non-Native Species.

Protection and Enhancement of Green Infrastructure

1. Development Proposals within the City Centre should protect areas of open space in accordance with Policy GI 4. 2. All new development proposals within the City Centre will, wherever possible, be expected to include an element of green infrastructure within the overall design of the scheme. Proposals should incorporate as many of the following design measures as possible: a. Green roofs and walls b. Street trees and other trees c. Water features linked to SUDs d. Landscaping using native species wherever possible.

Green Infrastructure Resources

The recreational function, visual amenity, historic and structural quality and value of the City's green infrastructure resource, set out below, will be protected and enhanced in accordance with the policies and criteria in this section of the Plan: a. The Green Belt; b. Mersey Estuary SSSI/SPA/Ramsar Site and Liverpool Bay SPA; c. Sites of International Nature Importance outside the City boundary – Sefton Coast SAC, and Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar Site; d. The Green Wedge; e. The City's network of Parks and Gardens; f. Biodiversity assets, including Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) and Local Nature Reserves (LNR) g. Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites (RIGS); h. Locally important open spaces including amenity spaces and allotments; i. Water spaces, including the Leeds Liverpool canal, Mersey Estuary, park lakes and water courses; j. Playing fields and pitches; and k. Green Corridors, Recreational routes and the Public Rights of Way network.

Green Infrastructure Enhancement

1. To mitigate the impact of climate change in the City, all major development proposals should be designed to incorporate green infrastructure measures including the following, where appropriate: a. Integrating or enhancing existing biodiversity features; b. Providing or enhancing green infrastructure at key gateways to, and along, key corridors in the City, where appropriate opportunities arise within the development site; c. Enhancing existing open spaces within the site and maintaining access to public open space; d. The inclusion of small scale green infrastructure projects. This could include food growing, small community gardens; e. Inclusion of effective water management through the use of permeable surfaces and/or Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, and where possible and appropriate to do, the opening of culverted watercourses; f. Improving or creating access to the Public Rights of Way network, green corridors such as the Liverpool Loop Line or the Leeds Liverpool Canal, or Liverpool City Region (LCR) Active Travel Routes to encourage active and sustainable travel and recreation. 2. Development proposals which are located in close proximity to green corridor routes or the LCR Active Travel Routes should contribute to their delivery. 3. All development proposals, should contribute to ensuring a net gain in biodiversity in the City including, where relevant, contributing to the recovery of priority species and habitats. 4. Where fairly and reasonably related to the development proposal, financial contributions through an appropriate legal agreement will be sought towards the creation of new off-site green infrastructure provision, or to enhance and improve existing provision off-site, where it is clearly demonstrated that on-site provision is not possible, beneficial or appropriate.

Green Belt

1. The extent of the Liverpool Green Belt is shown on the Policies Map. 2. The construction of new buildings is regarded as inappropriate development in the Liverpool Green Belt, subject to the exceptions set out in the national planning policy framework and will not be approved except in very special circumstances. 3. Certain other forms of development, as listed in the National Planning Policy Framework, are not inappropriate in the Liverpool Green Belt provided they preserve its openness and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. 4. When considering planning applications for inappropriate development in the Green Belt, the City council will give substantial weight to any harm to the Liverpool Green Belt. 'Very special circumstances' will not exist unless the potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm resulting from the proposal, is clearly outweighed by other considerations. 5. When located in the Liverpool Green Belt, elements of many renewable energy projects will comprise inappropriate development. In such cases developers will need to demonstrate very special circumstances if projects are to proceed. Such very special circumstances may include the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources.

Green Wedges

1. Development within the Calderstones/ Woolton and Otterspool Green Wedge should demonstrate that it will not have a significant adverse effect on the predominantly open character of the Green Wedge, by significantly reducing the physical separation between existing built up areas. 2. Proposed development should also demonstrate that it: a. Complies with the requirements of Policy GI 4, in respect of the site's open space function and value; b. Uses materials and built form sympathetic to the character of the area; b. Provides and maintains a high level of landscaping; c. Retains existing special features and vegetation where appropriate; and d. Results in a net gain in biodiversity.

Open Space, Sport and Recreation Provision

1. Proposals for development on open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, parks and gardens, allotments, amenity spaces, green corridors, recreational routes and public rights of way will not be acceptable unless: a. An assessment has been undertaken which clearly shows the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements. This should include an assessment of all its specific open space functions/ value, taking account of current and future demands where appropriate, including: i. recreational function both formal and informal; ii. visual amenity and structural value in terms of: - Key vistas into and across the site; - Key frontages which are visible from a Public Highway; - Links to adjoining open spaces and contribution to the green corridor network and "green web"; and - Important trees and landscaping features; iii. food growing function. or b. the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or c. the development is for: i. alternative sports and recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use; or ii. The proposal is ancillary to the use of the site for outdoor sport and recreation which would lead to improved access to, or use of such facilities. 2. Proposals for sport and recreational uses should have regard to the relevant sport specific design guidance produced by Sport England. 3. A development proposal on an open space used for educational purposes should demonstrate that it is required for educational use, or if an alternative use is proposed that the open space is demonstrated to be surplus requirements in accordance with part 1(a); and suitable and convenient alternative recreation provision is available or will be provided in accordance with Part 1 (b) of this policy. 4. Development proposals which would sever a public right of way or recreational route, which the Council considers should be retained, will only be permitted if the developer can demonstrate that an acceptable and equivalent alternative is provided. The Council will support and encourage the appropriate creation or improvement of links from new development to existing rights of way, to encourage active and sustainable travel and recreation. 5. The provision of high-quality open space will be encouraged as part of any development proposal.

Water Spaces

1. The City Council will support proposals which increase access along the coast and which increase opportunities to allow for greater access to, interaction with, and recreational use of water spaces in the City, whilst ensuring the spaces and their settings are protected and enhanced. 2. Proposals for new development adjacent to a water space should demonstrate that account has been taken of its setting and should ensure that: a. The design, detailing, materials, scale and massing of the development complements its location; b. The site layout takes account of the relationship between the siting of buildings, parking and landscaping areas and the water space, to maximise the benefits of a waterside setting; c. Public access to waterway corridors is maintained or enhanced where possible; d. Opportunities are taken to create or enhance green and blue infrastructure provision which contributes to enhancing visual amenity, biodiversity, and increased use of water spaces and their environs; e. Any historical or industrial archaeological features relating to the water space are retained and restored; f. Opportunities are taken to provide active frontages and provide uses linked to the use of the waterspace where possible; g. The structural integrity of the waterway corridor and its related infrastructure is protected and conserved; and h. There are no negative consequences for, and where possible the development should enhance, the nature conservation value and water quality of the water space and surrounding environment. 3. For proposals involving dock spaces, in addition to the criteria set out above, development: a. will not be permitted to infill dock water spaces or reduce the depth of dock water spaces to an extent that would limit the range of water vessels that could utilise these dock water spaces; b. should avoid dominating the water spaces and maintain their importance as open water spaces that provide spacing between dockland buildings; c. should demonstrate that there will be no adverse impact on residential amenity or existing businesses; d. should make appropriate provision for the future management and maintenance of public realm, movement routes, dock water spaces and adjacent quaysides; e. should ensure protection of navigational routes; f. Should ensure the protection of internationally and nationally designated habitat sites, protected species and habitats and functionally linked and supporting habitat for SPA birds; and g. Should ensure the structural integrity of the docks and its related infrastructure are protected and conserved. 4. Proposals in the City Centre should also meet the requirements of Policy CC 11.

Protection of Biodiversity and Geodiversity

1. Development which may result in a likely significant effect on an internationally important site must be accompanied by sufficient evidence to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment. Adverse effects should be avoided and/or mitigated to ensure that the integrity of internationally important sites is protected. 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 and suitable compensatory provision is secured. This also applies to sites and habitats outside the designated boundaries that support species listed as being important in the designations of the internationally important sites. 2. Development which may cause direct or indirect significant harm to other designated sites of nature or geological conservation importance, Priority Habitats, legally protected species and / or Priority Species will only be permitted on: a. National sites (Mersey Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)): where there are no alternatives and where the benefits of development clearly outweigh the impact on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest, and its broader contribution to the national network; b. Local Sites (Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), Local Wildlife Site (LWS) and Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites (RIGS): 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 Liverpool City Region (LCR )Ecological Network; c. Sites including Priority Habitats/ Irreplaceable habitats (including ancient woodlands and aged or veteran trees) where there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists. 3. Where it has been demonstrated that significant harm cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation, replacement or other compensatory provision may be required. 4. Where significant harm resulting from development cannot be avoided, adequately mitigated or, as a last resort, compensated, then planning permission will be refused. 5. Development proposals which affect sites of nature conservation importance, Priority Habitats, legally protected species or Priority Species must be supported by an Ecological Appraisal and include details of avoidance, mitigation and /or compensation where appropriate. 6. The policy applies where development proposals in Liverpool may directly or indirectly affect sites with known conservation value in a neighbouring authority area. 7. This policy will apply to other sites recognised during the Plan period as being of nature conservation importance, including land provided as compensation.

Liverpool City Region Nature Improvement Areas

Development within the Nature Improvement Area (NIA) as shown on the Policies Map, should: a. Enable the functioning of the Nature Improvement Area; b. Contribute to the opportunities for habitat creation/or habitat management as set out in the NIA Focus Profiles; and c. Deliver biodiversity enhancement measures where the proposed development may have a potential impact on the NIA

New Planting and Design

1. Where appropriate, depending on the character of the site and locality, new development should make provision on site for the planting and successful growth of new trees and landscaping, including any replacement planting provided as compensation for loss due to development. It should be demonstrated that: a. New planting is sustainable for the long-term, fit for purpose, and species selection has had regard to international, national, sub-regional and local biodiversity initiatives. Plant selection must provide a high quality landscape and make a positive contribution to the landscape character of the site and surrounding area; b. Consideration has been given to locational challenges, including within the City Centre or more heavily urbanised parts of the City. On sites with limited space for planting, alternative planting surfaces and innovative green infrastructure solutions such as green roofs and walls should be considered. Planting should where possible consist of more than just Sedum species; c. Opportunities for the creation of new habitats has been taken; d. The use of stock size in planting schemes is appropriate to the site; and e. Plant selection and design of the planted area has wherever possible contributed to rainwater management of the site by minimising surface run off and maximising surface infiltration. 2. If it can be demonstrated that on-site provision cannot be appropriately achieved or off-site tree provision is more appropriate the Council will require a commuted sum based on the cost of providing and establishing new trees in the locality. 3. Developers will be required to ensure the establishment of the planting proposals by replacing all dead, dying or diseased stock for a period of five years from the date of completion of development.

Management of Existing Site Vegetation

1. Where there are trees present on site, or where the development is sited within 3m of the outer extent of the canopy spread of any tree, a tree survey, Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) and Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS) must be submitted alongside the planning application. The AIA must include a draft tree protection plan. 2. Any tree works to implement the development which have been agreed within an approved AMS should be carried out by a competent/qualified arborist. 3. In order to protect and integrate existing trees and landscape features within new development, developers must demonstrate that: a. The tree constraints highlighted by the survey have informed the site layout design to ensure that development is suitably integrated with trees and that potential conflicts are avoided. Applications which cause an unacceptable loss of trees will be refused and the removal of any protected tree will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances such as where the tree is dangerous and on condition that replacement planting takes place; b. Site layouts of the proposed development show adequate spacing between the development and the existing retained trees, taking into account the current and future spatial requirement of the tree both above and underground; c. With the exception of trees to be removed for reasons of good arboricultural management, any tree that is removed as part of an agreed development scheme will be replaced taking account of the size of the tree, space requirements for tree growth and nature and design of the site. If replacement tree planting cannot reasonably be located on site, then the City Council may seek funding from the developer for off-site planting in the locality; d. With regard to residential proposals, site layouts show the location of existing trees within the garden area, specifically indicating the proportion of the garden area under the canopy of an existing tree. It will not normally be acceptable for the canopy of an existing tree to cover more than 50% of the garden area; e. For residential proposals, trees identified as being veterans will not be situated within single garden areas but are to be situated in communal areas. In the event where this is not possible, full justification must be provided as to why this cannot be achieved and mitigating measures to ensure the successful retention of the veteran must be proposed for consideration; f. Consideration has been given to protecting areas of post development planting on development sites from compaction or contamination which will inhibit the success and rapid establishment of future planting. Where space constraints do not allow this to occur then a restoration method must be proposed.

Pollution

1. Development proposals which are likely to have a pollution impact should demonstrate that: a. Appropriate measures are incorporated to avoid pollution to air, water and soil; b. The impact of noise, vibration and lighting will not be significant; c. The proposal will not undermine the achievement of Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) objectives; and d. It will not lead to a significant decline in air quality. 2. Where existing uses adversely affect the environment through noise, vibration, dust, smoke, fumes, smell, vehicle obstruction or other environmental problems the City Council will: a. Refuse planning permission for proposals which would result in a consolidation or expansion of uses giving rise to environmental problems. b. Impose appropriate conditions on any permission which may be granted and/or obtain legal agreements in relation to such a permission in order to regulate uses. 3. New development proposals close to existing uses which are authorised or licenced under pollution control legislation, and which are a potential nuisance to the proposed development, will not be permitted unless the City Council is satisfied that sufficient measures will be taken by the developer to protect amenity and environmental health. 4. Where appropriate Major developments should incorporate measures to reduce and minimise air pollution.

Hazardous Substances

1. Planning permission and Hazardous Substances Consent will not be granted for either new developments involving hazardous substances or for the use of hazardous substances in existing development, unless: a. The City Council is satisfied that there is no unacceptable risk to public health and safety; b. They are located where there is no unacceptable risk to residential and other sensitive areas; and c. It can be demonstrated that such proposals would not prejudice the surrounding area for other non-hazardous related uses. 2. Proposed development within the defined consultation zones surrounding existing locations or pipelines with Hazardous Substances Consent will not be permitted if it would result in a significant increase in the number of people living in, working in or visiting the area, or would otherwise cause unacceptable risk.

Flood Risk and Water Management

Development proposals should protect and enhance water quality, reduce flood risk and include water efficiency measures. Specifically: 1. All proposals for development must follow the sequential approach to determining the suitability of land for development, directing new development to areas at the lowest risk of flooding and where necessary apply the exception test, as outlined in national planning policy. 2. Developers will be required to demonstrate, where necessary, through an appropriate Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) at the planning application stage, that development proposals will not increase flood risk on site or elsewhere, and should seek to reduce the risk of flooding. New development will be required to include or contribute to flood mitigation, compensation and/or protection measures, where necessary, to manage flood risk associated with or caused by the development. Unless appropriate alleviation or mitigation measures are carried out, planning permission will not be granted for development which would: a. be at direct unacceptable risk from flooding from all sources, including flooding due to, or exacerbated by, rising groundwater; b. be likely to increase the risk of flooding; c. cause loss of access to watercourses for future maintenance; d. result in an adverse impact on the water environment and ground stability due to additional surface water run-off; or e. have adverse effects upon the integrity of tidal and fluvial defences. 3. Development proposals should comply with the Water Framework Directive by contributing to the North West River Basin Management Plan and Mersey Estuary Management Plan objectives, by not adversely affecting water quality and should, where possible, seek to improve water quality unless it can be demonstrated that this would not be technically feasible. 4. Where reasonably practicable development proposals should incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDs) to manage surface water run-off. SUDs should be designed to provide effective drainage; to take account of the likely impacts of climate change and the likely changes in impermeable area; to ensure pollution is controlled; and to enhance water quality and existing habitats and create new habitats where practicable. Proposals for major developments should assess the incorporation of a sustainable drainage scheme into the development at the earliest site-planning stage. 5. Proposals should demonstrate that there is adequate wastewater infrastructure and water supply capacity to serve the development. Where it is likely to create a specific shortfall or exacerbate existing deficiencies, developers will be required to adequately mitigate or compensate for those deficiencies, in line with Policies STP4 and STP5.

Coastal Protection

1. To mitigate the impacts of climate change all development proposals must ensure that they do not: a. increase the risk of tidal flooding or coastal erosion through their impact on coastal processes; b. impair the capacity of the coast to form a natural sea defence or adjust to changes in conditions as a result of climate change or other factors, without risk to life or property. 2. Proposals should not adversely affect the integrity of designated sites of European and/or International nature conservation importance, taking into account appropriate mitigation, or as a last resort, compensation in accordance with Policy GI 6. 3. Proposals which protect or enhance informal recreation, provide for new coastal flood defences, flood risk management measures, and essential landfall facilities for offshore installations will be supported, subject to other Plan policies.

Rivers, Canals, Watercourses, and Culverts

1. Planning permission will not be granted for development which would adversely affect the quality or supply of surface water or groundwater as a result of: a. the nature of the surface or waste water discharge; b. unsatisfactory arrangements for the disposal of foul sewage, trade effluent or surface water; c. the disturbance of contaminated land; or d. the spillage or leakage of stored oil or chemicals. 2. Culverting and diversion should be avoided except to enable reasonable access over a watercourse. 3. Development will not be permitted where it would result in an unacceptable adverse impact on drainage infrastructure and the water environment due to additional surface water run-off or have an adverse impact on ground stability. 4. Development adjacent to waterways will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that it would not adversely impact upon the structural integrity of the waterway or its related infrastructure.

Sustainable Growth Principles

1. To ensure the sustainable growth of Liverpool, the City Council will support development proposals which address, as appropriate, the following strategic economic, social and environmental principles: Economic Principles a. Contribute to delivering economic growth and ensuring a strong, responsive and competitive economy; b. Make effective use of land, including where appropriate, under-utilised existing land and buildings, to meet the need for homes, employment and other uses; c. Ensure no adverse impact on the operation of existing businesses in the area within which the proposed development is located; and d. Make use of suitable brownfield land for new homes and other identified needs in this Plan. The City Council will also support appropriate opportunities to remediate land especially that which is derelict, contaminated or unstable to meet development needs; Social Principles e. Create or contribute to the creation, improvement or maintenance of healthy, safe, sociable and inclusive mixed and balanced communities and places; f. Make the public realm attractive as a place to be enjoyed by the whole community, which creates a sense of safety and security and helps to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour inside and outside buildings and in public spaces; g. Make the best use of locations that are already easily accessible by sustainable transport or that could be made accessible by sustainable transport including walking, cycling, public transport and by supporting the use of electric vehicles including electric vehicle charging points; h. Facilitate and promote walking and cycling to increase people's activity rates; and i. Avoid 'bad neighbour' use related problems including for example vacant premises and inactive frontages, and the cumulative impact of hot food takeaways; Environmental Principles j. Achieve net environmental gains, for example net gains in biodiversity, contributing to the recovery of priority species and habitats and new habitat creation; k. Improve public access to open space and sports facilities, including good quality, secure and stimulating play space, informal recreation provision and accessible natural open space which encourages greater participation in physical activity; l. Minimise environmental impact, with sustainability features incorporated into buildings, spaces and neighbourhoods at an early stage of the design process in line with and which results in the efficient use of resources including materials, water and energy; reduces carbon emissions and thus contributes to achieving zero carbon buildings; m. Deliver high quality contextual design informed by an analysis of local character and the specific attributes of the site, seek to reinforce or create positive local distinctiveness and identity, whilst securing integration and coherence with the local context and which promotes opportunities for physical activity; n. Conserve and enhance the City's heritage assets for example through development proposals which reflect, protect, and enhance the area's historic character and environment; o. Is well adapted to the effects of climate change by for example incorporating appropriate climate change adaption measures and meeting the highest feasible environmental standards during construction and occupation; p. Protect and enhance the City's green infrastructure network, including areas, sites or species of ecological importance and where possible make a positive contribution to the establishment of networks and corridors of open space; q. Improve and protect water and groundwater quality, including the River Mersey, Leeds & Liverpool Canal, and other inland rivers and watercourses, and where appropriate and feasible opening up watercourses to assist in flood risk management; and r. Minimise adverse impacts on, and include measures to improve, air quality within the City.

Protecting Environmentally Sensitive Areas

1. All development proposals should avoid and/or mitigate negative impacts on European habitat sites within and beyond the Liverpool boundary to such an extent that a conclusion of No Adverse Effects on Integrity can be drawn. 2. Sensitive areas where development may have an impact, and which would therefore require avoidance or careful assessment and mitigation measures, include: a. Areas at risk from coastal, river and surface water flooding, including small areas along the River Mersey and on the north east and south east fringes of the City, and North Docks and Garston Docks which provide access to processing and trans-shipment facilities for mineral resources from the Mersey Estuary, Liverpool Bay and other sources. b. Areas at risk from ground water flooding. c. Natura 2000 sites and Ramsar sites both within and beyond the Liverpool City Council boundary. Development proposals which may have an adverse impact will be subject to a Habitat Regulations Assessment at the project level to ensure that any likely significant effects have been assessed, and measures to avoid or mitigate these effects have been identified and are deliverable. In particular proposals for 10 or more dwellings across the City will need to ensure that any likely significant adverse effects from recreational pressure on the Mersey Estuary SPA and Ramsar site and Liverpool Bay SPA can be adequately mitigated by implementing approved measures relevant to the site location, including those set out in the Liverpool Interim Approach at Annex 2 of this Plan or any subsequent mechanism prepared on a LCR basis. d. Neighbouring authorities European sites, including the Sefton Coast SAC, the Sefton section of the Ribble and Alt Estuaries SPA and Ramsar site, the Liverpool Bay SPA, Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore SPA/ Ramsar. These sites will also be managed through the City Council working in partnership with neighbouring authorities on appropriate management plans. 3. The City Council is committed to work with its neighbouring local planning authorities' towards the development of the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Recreational Management Strategy (RMS) within the first two years of this Local Plans adoption. It is intended that the future Strategy will be implemented via a Supplementary Planning Document in cooperation with all LCR a

Heritage Assets: Listed Buildings; Conservation Areas; Registered Parks and Gardens; Scheduled Ancient Monuments

1. The City Council will support proposals which conserve or, where appropriate, enhance the historic environment of Liverpool. 2. Particular consideration will be given to ensure that the significance of those elements of its historic environment which contribute most to the City's distinctive identity and sense of place are not harmed. These include: a. The docks, warehouses, ropewalks, shipping offices, transport systems and other maritime structures associated with the City's role as one of the World's major ports and trading centres in the 18th, 19th and early 20th Centuries; b. The architectural innovation and exuberance of the nineteenth and early twentieth Century banks, exchanges and offices in the commercial centre; c. The nineteenth Century Institutional buildings including its libraries, institutes, schools, university buildings, public baths and hospitals (particularly those which sprang from the City's role as an international port such as the seaman missions, sailors' homes and orphanages); d. The City's mid and late nineteenth Century civic buildings; e. The Georgian Terraces of the Canning Street area; f. The extensive network of historic open spaces, parks, gardens, cemeteries and squares; g. The dominance and views of its two Cathedrals; h. The range, wealth and quality of its places of worship; i. The distinctive designs and detailing of its surviving late 19th and early 20th Century public houses; j. The eclectic mix of buildings associated with the oldest Chinese Quarter in Europe. 3. Proposals affecting a designated heritage asset (or an archaeological site of national importance) and its setting should seek to conserve the significance of the heritage asset: a. Substantial harm to or total loss of the significance of a designated heritage asset and its setting will be refused, unless it can be demonstrated that the substantial harm or total loss is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that outweigh the harm or loss, or all of the following apply: i. the nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; ii. no viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; iii. conservation by grant-funding or some form of not for profit, charitable or public ownership is demonstrably not possible; and iv. the harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use. b. Where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm will be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use. 4. Proposals that directly or indirectly affect non-designated heritage assets will only be permitted where the benefits outweigh the harm or loss, having regard to the significance of the heritage asset. 5. Proposals affecting archaeological sites of less than national importance should conserve those elements which contribute to their significance in line with the importance of the remains. In those cases where development affecting such sites is acceptable in principle, mitigation of damage will be ensured through preservation of the remains in situ as a preferred solution. When in situ preservation is not justified, the developer will be required to make adequate provision for excavation and recording before or during development. Subsequent analysis, publication and dissemination of the findings will be required to be submitted to the local planning authority and deposited with the Historic Environment Record. 6. Proposals affecting a Conservation Area should preserve or enhance those elements which contribute to its character and appearance especially any elements identified in any adopted Conservation Area Appraisal as making a positive contribution to the significance of that area. 7. Proposals which will help to safeguard the significance of and secure a sustainable future for the City's heritage assets, especially those identified as being at greatest risk of loss or decay, will be supported. 8. Permission will not be granted for applications which are not fully justified and accompanied by full information necessary to assess the impact of the proposals on the heritage asset. Proposals that affect heritage assets should be accompanied by a Statement of Significance which may form part of a Design and Access Statement, and/or a Heritage Impact Assessment to demonstrate that the architectural and historic interest of the structure has been understood and accounted for in any proposals. 9. Where permission is granted for a development which would result in the total or partial loss of a designated heritage asset, approval will be conditional upon the asset being fully recorded and the record and commentary deposited with the Local Planning Authority and the Historic Environment Record.

Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site

1. The City Council will support proposals which conserve or, where appropriate, enhance the Outstanding Universal Value of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site. In addition to the requirements of Policy HD1: a. Permission will not be granted for proposals which would have an adverse impact upon the views of the Waterfront from the River Mersey, or of the key Landmark Buildings and vistas having regard to those identified in the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site SPD. b. Proposals for the redevelopment or remodelling of buildings or sites which have a negative or neutral impact on the character of the World Heritage Site will be supported where it can be demonstrated that this will enhance or better reveal the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site. c. Proposals which would help to facilitate the reuse of vacant or under-used floorspace in buildings which make a positive contribution to the character of the area and the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site will be supported. d. Proposals for tall buildings in the World Heritage Site or its Buffer Zone will be assessed against Policy UD6. 2. Applications within the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site (or within its buffer Zone) which are likely to impact upon an element which contributes to its Outstanding Universal Value (including its archaeology) will not be granted unless they are accompanied by an appropriate Heritage Impact Assessment or archaeological assessment, as appropriate, which evaluates the likely effect of the proposals upon the attributes that contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value. 3. Proposals should accord with the design requirements set out in Policy CC10. 4. Proposals for development within the World Heritage Site or its Buffer Zone should have regard to the advice set out in the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site Management Plan and the guidance in the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City World Heritage Site SPD.

Conversion of Dwellings and Buildings and the provision of Bed & Breakfast and Hostel Accommodation

Conversion of non-residential buildings to living accommodation 1. Development involving the conversion of buildings to Houses in Multiple Occupation or flats will be acceptable provided it does not cause significant harm to the character of the area, and the living conditions for either the occupiers of the property or for neighbouring properties. Conversion - sub-division of dwellings 2. Planning permission will be granted for the conversion of existing dwellings / buildings into self-contained flats, studio apartments/bedsits, and houses-in-multiple occupation providing: a. The premises are suitable for a full or part conversion in terms of location, the provision of amenities, and size for the number of households to be accommodated; b. There would be no adverse impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties and the character of the surrounding area in particular through increased activity, noise or disturbance; c. The configuration of internal space satisfactorily takes into account minimum room size, acoustic insulation, light and ventilation; d. The design of external space is safe and secure, and includes provision for refuse storage and adequate off-street parking, and ensures access to yards and/or gardens; e. Sufficient provision for waste management is made and it promotes good design to secure the integration of waste management facilities with the rest of the development including waste storage facilities. All proposals will be expected to have regard to the City Council's latest Recycling and Waste Management guidance; f. Bin storage is provided externally within the curtilage of the site, within a suitably designed structure located within the rear amenity space and not visible from the public realm; g. Landscaping reflects the character of the building and neighbourhood, allows for future maintenance, and avoids excessive use of hard materials; h. Where the property is within a row of existing commercial properties it is demonstrated that there is no longer demand for the commercial property; i. Living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms are not solely lit by rooflights; j. Where the proposal creates an HMO the proposal provides adequate safeguards for management; k. With regard to the conversion of shops, the materials used for the front elevation, including windows and doors, reflect the design and character of upper elevations; l. The proposal complies with Policy CC17 "Protecting the Canning Georgian Residential Quarter" and Policy H11 Houses-in-Multiple Occupation (HMO): Neighbourhood Approach; m. In the case of a conversion of a historic building, it does not harm elements which contribute to its significance; and n. The development would not cause the loss of a dwelling that is suitable in size, design, layout and location for continued use as a family dwelling. 3. With regard to the necessary alterations and conversion works to effect a change of use to a house-in-multiple occupation or flat, including extensions and alterations, planning permission will be granted where: a. They are of a high quality of design that matches or complements the style of the dwelling and the surrounding area; b. The size, scale and materials of development are in keeping with the original dwelling and the surrounding area; c. It complies with Policy H8; and d. The extensions and alterations are designed so that there shall be no significant reduction in the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties. In particular, extensions must not result in: i. Loss of outlook, from the main windows of neighbouring habitable rooms; ii. A significant loss of light/overshadowing for neighbours; iii. An overbearing or over-dominant effect on the habitable rooms of neighbouring properties; and iv. A significant loss of privacy for neighbouring residents. Bed & Breakfast and Hostel Accommodation 4. In addition to the criteria set out above, proposals for Bed & Breakfast and Hostel establishments, should: a. Specify a maximum number of residents to be accommodated, taking into account the floor area of rooms; b. Ensure the layout and vertical arrangement of the accommodation provides privacy and adequate acoustic insulation to minimise the transmission of noise through floors and walls.

Extensions and Alterations to Dwellings

1. Planning permission will be granted for extensions and alterations to dwellings provided that: a. The extensions and alterations are designed so that they match or complements the style of the dwelling and the surrounding area; b. The size, scale and materials of development are in keeping with the original dwelling and the surrounding area; c. The extensions and alterations are designed so that there shall be no significant reduction in the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties. In particular, extensions must not result in: i. A significant loss of light/overshadowing for neighbours; ii. An overbearing or over-dominant effect on the habitable rooms or outdoor amenity space of neighbouring properties; iii. A significant loss of privacy for neighbouring residents. 2. The Council will consider favourably any bespoke design requirements to meet the identified access needs of a registered disabled person or someone with a long-term or life threatening illness provided the extension accords with part 1 of this policy.

Vacant Housing, Refurbishment and Housing Renewal

Vacant Housing 1. Planning permission will be granted for proposals which achieve a reduction in the level of vacant housing through the refurbishment and alteration of the internal dwelling layout subject to other policies in this Local Plan. Housing Renewal 2. Planning Permission will be granted for large-scale refurbishment / redevelopment proposals in order to secure major regenerative benefits for existing neighbourhoods provided that such proposals are supported by a masterplan or framework document which demonstrates: a. That the scheme will achieve comprehensive and positively beneficial regeneration; b. That all accommodation will be of high quality; c. That assessments of the physical characteristics of the neighbourhood and surrounding area, including townscape, have been undertaken and that it is clearly demonstrated that the proposal will make a positive contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of its location in accordance with Policy UD1; d. That community engagement has been undertaken as part of the preparation of the proposals; and e. That schemes which involve land assembly and necessitate CPO action have demonstrated deliverability.

Protecting the Canning Georgian Residential Quarter

1. Within the Canning Georgian Quarter as shown on the City Centre Policies Map, where permitted development rights do not apply, planning permission will not be granted for the conversion of dwelling houses for use as Houses in Multiple Occupation. 2. Planning permission for the conversion of traditional residential dwellings into flats within the Canning Georgian Quarter as shown on City Centre Policies Map will be granted provided: a. it is demonstrated that it contributes to the provision of suitable family accommodation; b. the integrity of historic buildings is maintained; c. there would be no unacceptable effects on neighbours living conditions through increased activity, or noise and disturbance; d. bin storage is provided externally within the curtilage of the site, within a suitably designed structure located within the rear amenity space and not visible from the public realm; or in the case of landlocked constrained sites internal provision is required; e. there is sufficient availability for on-street parking in the surrounding road network for the likely increase in demand for car parking generated by the number of units proposed; and f. it complies with the requirements of Policy H10.

Pumpfields

1. Within Pumpfields, as identified on the City Centre Policies Map, a mix of uses will be supported to create a vibrant mixed-use extension to the City Centre. Specifically: a. Residential-led mixed-use development; b. Employment uses providing for the delivery of modern employment premises; c. Ancillary neighbourhood uses on Vauxhall Road, subject to the policies within the Shopping and Community facilities chapter of this Local Plan; and d. The continued operation of the City of Liverpool College. 2. All development proposals must: a. Ensure developments comprise entire blocks, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not feasible and undertake site assembly where this would deliver social and environmental benefits; b. Minimise the potential for conflict between residential and employment uses through the provision of adequate landscaping, parking, servicing and separation between uses; c. Contribute to enhancing the connections for pedestrians and cyclists within the area and to other parts of the City Centre and ensure the provision of appropriate infrastructure to support walking and cycling; d. Ensure car parking is provided, having regard to the City Council's standards, to ensure no adverse impact on the streetscape. For residential development the standard is 0.7 spaces per unit; e. Contribute to enhancing the public realm and environmental quality through the provision of green infrastructure measures; f. Ensure the provision of suitable carriageway and footpath widths; g. For developments along Scotland Road and Leeds Street ensure the creation of attractive, high profile frontages; and h. On main routes provide active frontages.

City Centre Living

Proposals for residential development within the City Centre will be supported where: a. A greater proportion of 2 bed + dwellings than 1 bed dwellings is provided; b. The proposal does not have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the City Centre; c. The proposal does not lead to the displacement of existing uses and activities to the detriment of the local area; d. The proposal does not have a significant adverse impact on the amenities of existing residents; e. The proposal does not adversely affect the character of the area, including historic character; f. Any residential proposal is accompanied by a Statement of Community Benefits; g. The design is of high quality and complies with the requirements of Policy HE2 and the Building Safety guidance (where applicable) and provides: i. Appropriate levels of natural daylight and sunlight in habitable rooms; ii. For new buildings, suitable internal noise levels within residential dwellings as set out in BS 8233: 2014 with specific internal noise standards for: living rooms and bedrooms: LAeq, T 35 dB(A) (where T is the time period of 16 hours during the day); bedrooms at night: LAeq, 8h 30 dB(A) (20:00-08:00) or LAmax 45 dB(A) (where this single event noise level should not be exceeded more than 15 times during the 8-hour night period); and other noise sensitive uses: where the specific use is not covered by BS 8233: 2014, the equivalent noise levels for that use should be calculated and agreed with the Local Planning Authority; iii. For existing buildings undergoing significant refurbishment and change of use to residential, suitable internal noise levels which, as a minimum reflect the standards set out in BS 8233:2014 and having regard to cost-benefit and technical feasibility; iv. For all developments, suitable internal noise levels with regard to combined operational and occupational uses in the City Centre and having regard to: the City Centre location; existing and potential future noise sources; and the aim of ensuring that residents can sleep, rest and live in comfort; v. Appropriate provision of space in accordance with nationally described space standards; vi. Suitable separation distances between occupiers of residential properties; vii. Suitable external amenity space adequate to the scale and nature of the development; viii. Appropriate ventilation of commercial extract systems and odour control measures; ix. Suitable access to bins and waste storage arrangements; x. Suitable cycle parking facilities consistent with the standards set out in Chapter 4; and xi. Appropriate levels of natural ventilation; h. Incorporates noise control measures which are designed and implemented to ensure that noise level requirements are met. Specifically: i. The facade facing a noise source should be constructed with suitable acoustic mitigation measures built in; ii. non habitable rooms, such as kitchens, bathrooms and stairwells should be located on the noisier aspects of the building; iii. Windows and external doors of a building should be to a specification that ensures they provide sufficient insulation against external noise; and iv. Occupants should be provided with a supply of fresh air in habitable rooms without having to open the windows i. Makes adequate provision for access, parking, cycle parking, safe cycle storage facilities, servicing, external amenity space and in relation to multi-occupied developments management; j. Makes sufficient provision for waste management and promotes good design to secure the integration of waste management facilities with the rest of the development including waste storage facilities. All proposals will be expected to have regard to the City Council's latest Recycling and Waste Management guidance; k. Can be demonstrated that facilities and services are readily available, particularly with respect to the provision of family housing; and l. In the case of the conversion of a historic building, it does not harm elements which contribute to the significance of that building.

City Centre Student Accommodation

1. Proposals for purpose-built student accommodation will be supported within the Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool) area. 2. Planning permission will not be granted for student accommodation within the Marybone neighbourhood as shown on the City Centre Policies Map. 3. Elsewhere in the City Centre, proposals should clearly demonstrate that the proposal: a. Accords with the objectives of the City Centre Strategic Investment Framework; b. Is located in close proximity to the University Campus locations; c. Does not have an adverse impact, including cumulative impact on long-established residential communities; d. Does not conflict with neighbouring uses / activities and does not lead to the displacement of existing uses / activities to the detriment of the local area; and e. Does not adversely impact on the commercial role of the City Centre. 4. Particular encouragement will be given to schemes that incorporate cluster accommodation, support regeneration initiatives and are designed to be capable of future adaptation to other uses. 5. All proposals should also comply with the requirements in Parts 2 and 3 of Policy H5.

Paddington Village

1. A mix of uses will be supported within Paddington Village as defined on the City Centre Policies Map, including: a. Offices, research and development and laboratory facilities; b. Hotel/conference facilities; c. Educational, cultural and community uses; d. Residential dwellings and student accommodation; e. Small-scale convenience retail to support the business and residential needs of Paddington Village; f. Cafés, restaurants, leisure and entertainment uses; and g. Supporting infrastructure including a multi-storey car park and green infrastructure 2. All development proposals within Paddington Village should accord with the Paddington Village SRF Principles, the Development Framework and its associated spatial concepts. Specifically, development proposals should: a. Be of a high design quality and contribute towards achieving a distinctive character; and be designed to maximise active frontages, particularly around key public spaces and pedestrian desire lines and improve linkages with surrounding neighbourhoods and other assets within the Knowledge Quarter and KQ Gateway; b. Ensure the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site and its buffer including ensuring it does not compromise key views of the landmark buildings and strategic and local vistas having regard to those identified in the World Heritage Site SPD; c. Contribute towards pedestrian and cycling enhancements to the Brownlow Hill / Grove Street junction and the Mount Vernon Road / Grove Street Junction, as well as including cycle parking and changing facilities within individual developments; d. Take advantage of site topography to accommodate under-croft parking, where possible; e. Ensure ease of access for servicing and maintenance, which does not interfere with the main movement of people; f. Protect, improve and create safe and accessible routes that promote pedestrian and cycling permeability; g. Be accompanied by a Sustainable Design and Construction Statement to demonstrate how the proposals address the requirements for sustainable building design and construction; h. Demonstrate that the buildings have been designed to the highest environmental quality in accordance with recognised building sustainability certification systems; i. Ensure that land is decontaminated and remediated; j. Protect natural resources, including air quality, ground and surface water and soils; k. Improve existing open green space and introduce new green infrastructure and enhance the ecological value of the site through landscaping, planting and green infrastructure; l. Provide sufficient facilities to dispose of waste sustainably; m. Avoid and reduce the risk of flooding to future occupants and not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere; n. Be designed in a manner which minimises resource and energy use through orientation, siting, use of landscaping and re-use of materials; o. Incorporate climate change adaptation measures in the buildings and public realm. 3. New housing development must increase the range of choice, type and tenure of dwellings available within the City Centre including the provision of family accommodation in accordance with Policy CC24.

Housing Requirement

For the period 2013-2033, Liverpool's housing requirement is for at least 34,780 net additional dwellings. Therefore, the average level of housing growth equates to 1,739 or more dwellings per year. The City Council will meet this requirement through the following sources of supply: a. Completed homes between April 2013 and the formal adoption of the Local Plan; b. The net number of new homes which will be provided by unimplemented planning consents at the date the Local Plan is adopted; c. The new allocations of sites for residential development made in this Local Plan; d. Indicative supply on 'allocated' mixed use sites; and e. 'Windfall' housing completions on sites not currently identified.

Houses-in-Multiple Occupation (HMO): Neighbourhood Approach

1. The Council will aim to ensure that there is balanced housing provision meeting the needs of families and households of varying sizes. Neighbourhoods where the concentration of HMO's has reached, or could reach, a level that could have an adverse impact on the character of the area are designated on the Policies Map. 2. In designated neighbourhoods with a HMO concentration equal to or exceeding a threshold of 10% of all dwellings in the designated neighbourhood, further planning applications for a change of use from C3 to small (C4) or large HMO dwellings will not be supported. 3. In designated neighbourhoods with an HMO concentration of less than 10%, a planning application for a change of use to an HMO (small or large) will be considered against the criteria in policy H10 paragraph 2.

Accessible Housing

1. All development proposals for new homes should provide quality living environments for residents both now and in the future and contribute to delivering sustainable communities. 2. To achieve this all new housing development must comply with Building Regulations Part M4 (2) 'accessible and adaptable dwellings', or any subsequent update, as a minimum standard. Specifically, reasonable provision must be made in all new build homes, for people to gain access to and use the dwelling and its facilities. The provision made must be sufficient to: a. Meet the needs of occupants with differing needs, including some older or disabled people; and b. To allow adaptation of the dwelling to meet the changing needs of occupants over time. 3. The City Council will also apply Part M4 (3) Part (2) (a) of Building Regulations to 10% of all new homes in a development. To meet this requirement the provision made must be sufficient to allow simple adaptation of the dwelling to meet the needs of occupants who use wheelchairs. 4. Where the dwelling is to provide accommodation for a known wheelchair user the dwelling should be designed to meet the needs of occupants who use wheelchairs in accordance with Part M4 (3)(2b) 'wheelchair accessible dwellings' of Building Regulations. 5. In applying Part M4 (2) and Part M4 (3) to development proposals the City Council will take account of site-specific factors including vulnerability to flooding and site topography. Where evidence is submitted to demonstrate that step-free access is not viable, there will be no requirement for adaptable and accessible housing (building regulations M4(2) or M4(3). 6. All new homes should meet the Government's Nationally Described Space Standard (NDSS).

New Housing - Physical and Design Requirements outside the City Centre

1. The City Council will require proposals for new residential development to optimise the dwellings capacity of the site, having regard to: a. The existing density and character of the surrounding area, particularly the space around buildings; b. The need to retain where appropriate natural and man-made features; and c. The development capacity of individual sites having regard to the need to protect privacy and amenity and provision of private garden space. 2. All proposals for new residential development should demonstrate that: a. The buildings, spaces and landscape features maintain or enhance the overall character and appearance of the local environment, with particular regard to siting, scale, density, massing, layout, building lines, roofscape, architectural features and materials. Specifically: i. New buildings should be carefully integrated with existing site features and landscaping; ii. The built and historic environment should be safeguarded and enhanced; iii. A sensitive response to existing landscape character and features should be provided, with outdoor spaces detailed in conjunction with the buildings to produce a rich and distinctive outdoor experience and a strong sense of place; iv. Infill sites should not prejudice the potential for comprehensive development; and v. Proposals for the development of backland sites (this excludes residential gardens where residential development will normally be resisted) should ensure that severed sites do not landlock or prejudice the development of adjacent land; and the cumulative impact of backland development is not to the detriment of the character and appearance of the locality. b. Appropriate separation between dwellings is provided, in respect of front, side and rear elevations, taking into positioning of windows; c. There will be no detrimental impact on daylight and sunlight including ensuring window to wall separation distances avoid excessive overshadowing of main windowed elevations and rear garden elevations; d. Levels of privacy and amenity for existing and future residents will be maintained including ensuring adequate window to window separation distances to ensure all houses within new developments have a reasonable degree of privacy; e. Opportunities have been taken to maximise safety and security from crime and vandalism; f. It is sympathetic to surrounding land uses and occupiers and ensures that the amenities of occupiers of the new development will not be adversely affected by neighbouring uses and vice versa; g. It links in with surrounding movement patterns and is not prejudicial to the development of neighbouring land, including the creation of landlocked sites; h. It maximises opportunities for physical activity; and i. It makes provision for all groups in the community including older and disabled people. 3. Varied elevational treatment and a range of bricks with careful detailing should be used. 4. In determining the appropriate amount of space around dwellings specific regard will be given to: a. The protection of outlook in specific developments and ensuring compatibility of plot widths within adjacent housing plots; and b. The provision of adequate space between all old and new buildings in backland developments and ensuring that the remaining garden area reflects the size of those in the surrounding area. 5. New residential development should provide adequate garden space, landscaping, and boundary treatment and comply with Policies GI 8 and GI 9 in respect of landscaping and tree planting. 6. Highway and parking provision should ensure a safe, attractive, convenient and nuisance-free highway environment for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, in accordance with the Transport and Design policies in the Local Plan. In addition: a. Design should enable collection vehicles to get within 25m of drive ends or communal storage locations; b. Any development serving more than 5 houses should be designed to adoptable standards; and c. Driveways should be a minimum length of 5.5 metres and have a minimum width of 3.3 metres to allow for today's larger cars and pedestrian access including wheelchair users. 7. Sufficient provision for waste management should be made and the proposal should promote good design to secure the integration of waste management facilities with the rest of the development including waste storage facilities. All proposals will be expected to have regard to the City Council's latest Recycling and Waste Management guidance.

New Residential Development Open Space Requirements

1. New residential development exceeding 10 dwellings should provide appropriate high quality new public open space of at least 50 square metres per new-build home, laid out in a single plot as an integral part of the housing development. 2. The new public open space must be provided within the site unless it can be demonstrated that on-site provision cannot be appropriately achieved or enhancement of off-site open space is more appropriate, in terms of: a. The type and density of housing development and site size; or b. Proximity to existing parks and open spaces, and their need for upgrading; and c. Having regard to the recommendations of the most up-to-date Open Space Study. In such cases the City Council will require a commuted sum based on the cost of providing, designing and establishing an equivalent area of open space. 3. New public open space created during the Plan period will be accorded the policy protection set out in policy GI 4. 4. Development proposals which include new public open space must incorporate suitable arrangements for long-term management and maintenance of, and public access to, the new open space.

Residential Development Site Allocations

Planning permission will be granted for the residential development of the sites set out in Table 9, in accordance with other relevant policies in this plan. The Development Management Criteria that are to be taken into account for each site are set out in Appendix 1 of this plan.

Proposals for Residential Development

1. With the exception of schemes comprising purpose built student accommodation, homes in multiple occupancy and additional care provision including older persons and supported living accommodation, proposals for residential development of ten or more dwellings should demonstrate that they will provide an appropriate mix of dwelling types and sizes which reflects and responds to the identified housing needs and demands of the district's households as identified in the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA). 2. On suitable sites within the Primarily Residential Areas and subject to paragraph 1 of this policy and the requirements of other policies in this Local Plan including but not limited to those in respect of design, highways impact and residential amenity, the City Council wishes to encourage proposals for: a. Family Homes b. Self-build and custom-build homes c. Starter Homes, and d. Homes for service personnel and their families. 3. Proposals for the development of 10 or more dwellings should ensure that 20% of the homes to be provided are affordable and comprise the following types: a. 80% social / affordable rent, and b. 20% intermediate (shared equity housing) provision. 4. In determining all proposals the City Council will take into account the character and location of the site. The final mix of dwelling types and sizes will be subject to negotiation with the applicant. Applicants will be required to provide sufficient evidence to support their proposals.

Older Persons Housing

1. Where planning permission is required for measures that will assist people to live independently in their own homes and to lead active lives within the community, these will be supported subject to other Plan policies. 2. Adaptations and property annexes for relatives will be supported subject to other Plan policies, specifically Policy H8. 3. Planning permission will be granted for retirement housing that specifically accommodates older persons (55 years and older) provided it is demonstrated by the applicant that: a. The site is in a suitable location with particular importance given to being in close proximity to community facilities and public transport; b. The design solutions, internal configuration, and construction methods will ensure good residential amenity and address issues arising from the location of the site, including accessibility, noise and traffic fumes; c. The form, scale and design of the development is appropriate to older residents; d. Highway, parking and servicing arrangements are satisfactorily addressed; e. Gardens and amenity space are provided and are of an appropriate size and quality; f. A legal agreement is effected that restricts the occupation of units (excluding warden's accommodation) to households containing at least one person aged 55 years or over; and g. The proposal complies with other plan policies including those for design. 4. Proposals for 'Retirement Village' type development will be supported provided the applicant can demonstrate that: a. Local healthcare or social service provision can meet the needs of the proposal without detriment to the local community; b. It will contribute positively to developing relationships with the wider community, involves interaction and connection, and supports the ability of residents to be independent for longer; and c. The proposal is of an appropriate scale for the neighbourhood within which it is located. 5. Subject to other plan policies, the City Council will support development proposals which contribute to increasing the capacity of Residential Care Nursing Home provision by 1,000 places between 2013-2033.

Student Housing Provision

1. Proposals for purpose built student accommodation outside the City Centre will only be permitted where: a. The site is in close proximity to University campus areas; and b. There would be no detrimental impact on residential amenity. It should not result in an over concentration of student accommodation to the detriment of the local community. 2. All proposals for purpose-built student accommodation should demonstrate that: a. The design, security ,space, specification and facilities, and access arrangements provides high quality accommodation; b. It does not displace existing uses and activities to the detriment of the local area; c. Sufficient provision for waste management is made and it promotes good design to secure the integration of waste management facilities with the rest of the development including waste storage facilities. All proposals will be expected to have regard to the City Council's latest Recycling and Waste Management guidance; and d. A management strategy will be put in place which takes into account the use and operation for the occupation of the building, the behaviour of occupants, particularly regarding the amenity of adjacent residents. Measure should include: On-site supervision; Student welfare Procedures for addressing antisocial behaviour; Refuse collection; Access arrangements, particularly at key times (start / end of term) Travel plan Management Plan Coordinator. 3. 5% of bedrooms in student accommodation schemes should meet the needs of disabled students who are wheelchair users. 4. Particular encouragement will be given to schemes that incorporate cluster accommodation, support regeneration initiatives and are designed to be capable of future adaptation to other uses. 5. Schemes within the City Centre should also comply with Policy CC25.

Permanent Gypsy and Traveller Sites

Planning applications for Gypsy and Traveller sites will be permitted provided the site: a. Can be supplied with essential services (i.e. electricity, water, drainage); b. Is accessible by public transport; c. Is well designed and landscaped to give privacy between pitches and neighbouring uses, can be safely accessed from the public highway, and has adequate parking and turning space; d. Can accommodate work-related uses without undue detriment to the immediate locality due to noise or nuisance; and e. Is not located on land subject to protective natural environment or historic environment policy designations or in the Green Belt.

Primarily Residential Areas

Within the Primary Residential Areas designated on the Policies Map, planning permission will be granted for: a. New housing development, provided the residential character of the area and living conditions of existing residents is protected; b. Industrial and business development where there will be no detrimental effect on the amenities and character of the residential area and no adverse impact on traffic generation and car parking; c. New and improved community facilities, providing there is no adverse impact on residential amenity, traffic generation and car parking and subject to compliance with Policy SP5 "Community Facilities"; and d. Other forms of development, redevelopment or changes of use, provided there is no adverse impact on residential amenity or the character of the area.

Infrastructure Provision

1. New developments should make use of existing infrastructure capacity where possible. 2. Where new development is likely to create an identified shortfall in infrastructure capacity or exacerbate existing deficiencies, developers will be required to adequately mitigate or compensate for those deficiencies, in line with Policy STP5 – Developer Contributions, either through: a. Providing new on or off-site infrastructure provision; and/or b. Making payments through a Community Infrastructure Levy or other developer contribution procedure. 3. Measures to address capacity issues will be required to be in place in a timely and phased manner. 4. Applications for the provision of new infrastructure will be supported where they are required to help deliver national priorities and locally identified requirements and where their contribution to agreed objectives outweigh the potential for adverse impacts.

Developer Contributions

1. Developer contributions will be sought to ensure that new development meets the reasonable costs of providing the on and off-site infrastructure requirements, to meet the needs for additional or improvements to existing local and strategic infrastructure, services and facilities that would mitigate and/or compensate for the impacts generated by the new development. 2. All developments will also be expected to provide for the future maintenance of facilities provided as a result of the development. 3. Developer contributions may be secured as a planning obligation through a Section 106 agreement, where development would otherwise be unacceptable and/or through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to enable the cumulative impacts of developments to be managed. 4. Where viability is identified as an issue, a site specific independent financial evaluation will be required to demonstrate to the Council that a development will be unviable as a consequence of the developer contributions.

Liverpool Waters

Liverpool City Council will support planning applications to deliver the vision for Liverpool Waters, which is to regenerate a 60 hectare historic dockland site to create a world-class, high quality, mixed-use waterfront quarter in central Liverpool that will allow for substantial growth of the City's economy.

Vacant Sites and Temporary Uses

Proposals for the temporary use of vacant buildings or sites or underused floorspace within the City Centre will be supported provided: a. It does not prejudice any future development proposals; b. It does not cause undue detriment to the character and amenity of the surrounding area; c. It does not give rise to unacceptable traffic conditions; d. It complies with the car parking strategy for the City Centre; e. There is no adverse impact on residential amenity; and f. There is no adverse impact on established uses within the City Centre or nearby areas.

Minerals

1. Development proposals should ensure that the following minerals infrastructure is safeguarded: a. rail heads and rail links, wharfage and associated storage, handling and processing facilities for the bulk transport by rail, sea or inland waterways of minerals including recycled, secondary and marine-dredged materials; and b. existing, planned and potential sites for concrete batching, the manufacture of coated materials, other concrete products and the handling, processing and distribution of substitute, recycled and secondary aggregate material. 2. Any proposals for mineral extraction should ensure that there would be no unacceptable harm to residential amenity and to the environment. Planning permission will only be granted for mineral extraction where: a. The environmental implications of the extraction and restoration are acceptable; b. The proposal will not be detrimental to local residents and businesses or to the enjoyment of the surrounding area as a result of noise, smell, dust, vermin, vibration or other nuisance or loss of visual amenity; c. The proposal contains a satisfactory scheme of working which incorporates provision for site security and the containment and management of materials within the boundaries of the site; d. The access arrangements are satisfactory and traffic generated will not have an unacceptable effect on road safety, or on properties adjoining routes used by site traffic, anywhere between the site and the primary and strategic road network; e. There is a satisfactory scheme of restoration and after use; and f. The nature conservation interests of a site will not be harmed. 3. Where the proposed method of extraction involves a Hydraulic Fracturing process the boreholes must be constructed so as to prevent uncontrolled discharge of artesian groundwater to surface, and to prevent uncontrolled discharge of water or contamination into or between individual aquifers or different geological formations.

Ropewalks

1. Within Ropewalks a mix of uses will be supported as follows: a. Entertainment and night-time uses, which should be focussed around Concert and Wolstenholme Square, Slater Street and Nelson Street (Chinatown); b. Residential and complementary uses such as small-scale shops and services, offices and hotels– focussed around Henry Street, Berry Street and East Village (Cornwallis/Kent Street); c. Mix of Uses including residential, leisure, hotels, cultural facilities, restaurants, offices and small-scale shops focussed around Duke Street and St Peter's (Seel Street/Colquitt Street); and d. Creative and Digital businesses across the area. 2. All development proposals within the area must: a. Include active uses at ground floor level; b. Take a comprehensive approach to the redevelopment and reuse of existing buildings; c. Control noise levels from commercial uses to reduce their impact on residential uses; d. Incorporate high levels of sound insulation within residential proposals and provide continuous mechanical ventilation in all residential units; e. Consider noise implications in the design process; f. Maximise potential links to surrounding areas by taking opportunities to include pedestrian and cycle links; g. Contribute to improving the public realm and environmental quality of the area, including green infrastructure; h. Respect the historic street pattern; i. Conserve and enhance the significance of the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting, including elements which contribute to the character of the area; and j. Ensure the proposal reflects the building heights and plot sizes of the immediate locality. 3. All new residential development will be required to incorporate high levels of sound insulation in windows, external doors, walls and roofs.

Convenience Retail Provision and Community Facilities

1. Within the City Centre, but outside the Main Retail Area, planning permission will be granted for small-scale convenience shops and services which meet the day-to-day needs of city centre residents, workers and visitors where: a. They form part of mixed-use schemes and it is clearly demonstrated that it will only serve the day-to-day needs of the immediate locality or in the case of standalone schemes it is clearly demonstrated that there are no sequentially preferable sites; b. It is clearly demonstrated that there will be no significant adverse impact on District and Local Centres, where proposals are for retail over 350sqm; c. There would be no significant impact on residential amenity; d. The proposal accords with Policy CC1 "Main Office Area"; and e. There is no significant impact on the highway network. 2. Proposals for community facilities within the City Centre will be permitted in accordance with the criteria of Policy SP5 of the Shopping Centres and Community Facilities Chapter.

The Night-time Economy

1. Planning permission for night-time economy uses within the City Centre will be granted if it is clearly demonstrated that: a. there would be no adverse impact on the residential amenity of nearby residents in terms of noise, customer activity, vibrations, odours, traffic disturbance and litter; b. there would be no adverse impact on the operation of nearby businesses; c. there would be no adverse impact on the overall character and function of the area; d. the following noise targets are met: i. Noise from amplified music and other entertainment sources should not exceed a Noise Rating of NR30 [0700 to 2300 hours] or NR25 [2300 to 0700 hours] within any nearby residential unit; ii. The rating noise from fixed plant should not exceed the existing background noise levels outside any habitable room window; and e. All noise control/ sound insulation measures have been designed and implemented to ensure that the noise level requirements are met. 2. The hours of operation of late night uses will be managed through the use of planning conditions to ensure that residential amenity is appropriately protected. 3. Noise sensitive uses which are likely to adversely impact on the continued operation of existing night-time economy uses will not be permitted unless appropriate mitigation measures can be provided that will ensure it will not harm the continued operation of existing uses.

Food and Drink Uses and Hot Food Take-Aways within the City Centre and MRA

1. Outside the Main Retail Area (MRA) proposals for food and drink uses and hot food takeaways should demonstrate that there will be no adverse impact on residential amenity or character of the local area. 2. When determining the appropriate hours of opening for hot food take-aways within the City Centre, including the MRA, regard will be had to: a. The likely impacts on residential amenity; b. The existence of an established late night economy in the area; and c. The character and function of the immediate area 3. Proposals for food and drink uses and hot food take-aways within the MRA and the City Centre should also comply with Policy CC8 and the criteria in Part 4 and Part 5 of Policy SP4.

London Road District Centre

1. The role and function of London Road District Centre, as shown on the City Centre Policies Map, will be protected and enhanced. Proposals for retail development and other town centre uses within the centre will be permitted. Proposals should: a. Comply with the criteria in Policy SP2 "Town Centre Uses" and Policy SP3 "Design of new Development within the City Centre MRA, District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres"; and b. Support the growth of the Knowledge Quarter (KQ Liverpool).

Protecting and Enhancing the Main Retail Area

Liverpool City Centre's Main Retail Area (MRA) as shown on the City Centre Policies Map, will be protected and enhanced by: a. Granting planning permission for new non-food retail development; b. Granting planning permission for other town centre uses as defined by national planning policy subject to the criteria in Policy CC8; c. Ensuring that it is the priority location for major non-food shopping facilities by requiring out of centre retail proposals to demonstrate compliance with the sequential approach and no significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of the MRA; and d. Ensuring that non-food retailing is the primary use within the MRA, particularly within the Primary Frontages (as defined on the City Centre Policies Map).

Non-Retail Uses within the City Centre MRA

1. Where Permitted Development Rights do not apply, proposals for non-retail uses at ground floor level within the City Centre MRA will be granted planning permission provided: a. Within Primary Retail Frontages the proposal will not result in: i. The proportion of units for convenience and/or comparison retail falling below 70% of the total frontage length; ii. More than 30% of the total frontage length in non-retail use; iii. More than 2 non convenience and/or comparison retail units adjacent to each other; iv. The provision of a hot food take-away or public house/ bar; and v. The loss of a retail frontage of 10 metres or above. b. Within Secondary Retail Frontages the proportion of units within convenience and/or comparison retail use does not fall below 50% of the street frontage length; and in the case of Hot Food Takeaway it is demonstrated it would not result in: i. More than 2 adjoining hot food take-aways in a frontage length; ii. Less than 2 non-Hot Food Take-Away units between individual or groups of hot food take-aways; and iii. The total hot food takeaway frontage being more than 5 metres in length. c. The proposal complies with the criteria in Policy CC22 in respect of food and drink uses and hot food takeaways. d. The proposal: i. Maintains a ground floor window display and/or shop frontage appropriate to the use of the premises at all times; ii. Enhances the general appearance of the existing shopping frontages in the design and materials used in any external alterations to the building facade; and iii. Establishes access to upper floors, where practicable. 2. Proposals for non-retail uses outside primary and secondary frontages in the MRA will be permitted subject to other Local Plan policies.

The Cavern Quarter

1. Within the Cavern Quarter, the City Council will support proposals which contribute to creating a vibrant and diverse area with a mix of tourist, retail and food and drink uses. Planning permission will be granted for proposals which deliver: a. Retail development; b. New visitor and tourist attractions which reflect the heritage of the area, including the Beatles legacy, that complements and links with the City's wider musical, cultural heritage tourism; c. A diversification of food and drink uses; d. The use of upper floors for residential, visitor accommodation, offices and creative and digital businesses; e. The re-use and long-term preservation of historic premises, and the redevelopment of derelict, under-used sites; and f. Improvements to the public realm, including environmental improvements and enhanced linkages. 2. Proposals for new bars and nightclubs in the area should: a. Not result in an over concentration of such facilities; b. Demonstrate no detrimental impact, including cumulative impact, on the area specifically with regard to anti-social behaviour, noise pollution and health and well-being; and c. Ensure no significant adverse impact on residential amenity.

Town Centre Uses within District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres

1. Town centre uses (as defined by National Planning Policy) within District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres will be permitted provided: a. The design complies with the requirements of Policy SP3 "Design of new Development within the City Centre MRA, District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres"; b. The scale is appropriate to the role and function of the particular centre; c. Highway, traffic and servicing issues are satisfactorily addressed; d. Residential amenity is not adversely affected; and e. It complies with the requirements of Policy SP4 "Food and Drink Uses and Hot Food Takeaways" 2. Development which secures the use of upper floors within centres, including for residential development will be supported. 3. The following development opportunities have been identified within a number of centres and are shown on the Policies Map. Development for town centre uses will be permitted on these sites: Allerton Road - Land adjacent to Penny Lane Centre (Site R1) Garston - Former Garston Baths (Site R3); Former Co-op Site (R2); Woolton Carpets/Alexandria Public House Site (Site R4) Hunts Cross - Former Hunts Cross Hotel, Hillfoot Avenue (Site R5) Wavertree - Former Gulf Petrol Filling Station, opposite Picton Road/Wells Road junction (Site R8) Tuebrook - former cinema and club (Site R6); former garage at Somerset Place/Radnor Place (Site R7)

Food and Drink Uses and Hot Food Take-aways

1. Planning permission for a Hot Food Take-away will be granted within district or local centres, provided it is demonstrated it would not result in: a. More than 10% of units within the centre being hot food take-aways; b. More than 2 adjoining hot food take-aways in a frontage length; and c. Less than 2 non-hot food take-away units between individual or groups of hot food take-aways. 2. Outside designated centres, planning permission for hot food take-aways within 400m of the boundary of a secondary school or sixth form college either within or outside Local Education Authority control will only be granted subject to a condition that the premises are not open to the public before 5pm (Monday to Friday, except bank holidays) and there are no over the counter sales before that time. 3. Proposals within the City Centre will be assessed against Policy CC8 "Non-Retail Uses within the City Centre MRA" and Policy CC22 "Food and Drink Uses and Hot Food Takeaways within the City Centre and the MRA". 4. In assessing proposals for other food and drink uses within centres account will be taken of the number, distribution and proximity of other food and drink uses including those with unimplemented planning permission, that do not fall within Use Class E, and impact on the vitality and viability of the centre. 5. Proposals for all food and drink uses including hot food take-aways both within and outside designated centres should demonstrate that: a. There would be no adverse impact on residential amenity in terms of noise, customer activity, vibrations, odours, traffic disturbance and litter; b. The hours of operation are appropriate for the location. Hot food take-aways will not normally be allowed to operate outside 11.30pm in District and Local Centres, and 11pm elsewhere in the City. Hours of Operation in the City Centre is dealt with by Policy CC22; c. Traffic and parking implications are satisfactorily addressed, the proposal is accessible by all forms of transport and that there would be no adverse implications for highway safety; d. Appropriate fume extraction systems and/or noise insulation are provided; e. An appropriate location for commercial trade waste, including recycling facilities has been identified. Bins must be contained within the curtilage of the premises and should be stored so as to not cause odour nuisance, be convenient for refuse collection and be screened to protect visual amenity. Any bin provision should be retained in perpetuity; f. It would not increase the potential for crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. Applications for hot-food take-aways should be supported by a Crime Prevention Statement or a Site Management Statement. 6. Liverpool City Council will assess the need for a bin for street litter. If a need is identified the operator will be required to provide a bin in a location determined by the City Council.

Out-of-Centre and Edge-of-Centre Retail and Leisure Uses

1. Retail and Leisure proposals including extensions, and proposals to vary or remove conditions in respect of the range of goods sold in retail units, outside the defined network of centres, including existing out of centre Shopping Parks, must demonstrate: a. Compliance with the sequential approach. Sites should be considered in the following order: i. In Centre Sites which should be thoroughly assessed for their suitability, availability and viability; ii. Edge of Centre Sites with preference to accessible sites that are well connected to a centre; iii. Out of Centre Sites with preference to accessible sites that are well connected to a centre. b. That, for proposals which have a floorspace of 350sqm gross or over, there would be no significant adverse impact on any defined centre within the City or an adjacent authority; For such proposals, impact on the following should be assessed: i. Existing, committed and planned public and private investment in a centre or centres within the catchment area of the proposal; and ii. Vitality and viability of centres, including local consumer choice, trade in the centre and wider area up to 5 years from the time the application is made. c. In respect of edge-of-centre development, benefits for the centre, including how the proposal is/will be connected to the centre; and that the proposal is of an appropriate scale in relation to the size of the centre and its role in the hierarchy of centres; and d. That the proposal is accessible by sustainable forms of transport 2. Where out-of-centre retail and leisure development is permitted, but where evidence demonstrates that a significant change in its format or sales offer would be likely to harm an existing centre, the Council may use planning conditions or seek a planning obligation to control relevant aspects of the scheme to prevent that harm from occurring. Such aspects could include the type and mix of retail floorspace, range of goods sold, size of units, unit subdivision and the amount of gross and net floorspace. 3. Where an application for an out of centre non-retail proposal is considered acceptable, the City Council will use planning conditions, where appropriate, to restrict its use to that proposed.

The Hierarchy of Centres for Liverpool

The vitality and viability of the centres within the City's network and hierarchy identified below will be protected and enhanced in order to provide a sustainable distribution of shops and services within Liverpool to support local communities. These centres will be the preferred locations for retail, office, leisure and cultural/ tourism developments. The City's centre hierarchy is as follows: a. Liverpool City Centre – As a Regional Centre it will be the focus for investment in major comparison retailing, leisure, cultural and tourist and other main town centre uses including offices and complementary evening and night time uses. The Main Retail Area (MRA) is the primary location for comparison retailing. Proposals within the MRA should comply with Policies CC7 and CC8. b. District Centres – Aigburth Road, Allerton Road, Belle Vale, Breck Road, Broadway, County Road, Edge Hill, Garston, Great Homer Street, London Road, Old Swan, Smithdown Road South, Speke, Walton Vale and Woolton. District Centres will be the primary focus for development and investment in shops, services, leisure and community uses outside the City Centre. A mix of uses will be supported to ensure vibrant and vital centres which meet the needs of the local communities that they serve. A key consideration when assessing propoals for town centre uses in other locations will be the impact on the vitality and viability of Liverpool's District Centres as well as centres in adjoining local authority areas. c. Local Centres – Aigburth Vale, Hunts Cross, Kensington, Knotty Ash, Lodge Lane, Muirhead Avenue East, Park Road, Prescot Road, Rice Lane, Rose Lane, Tuebrook, Wavertree High Street, West Derby Village. These centres will be the focus for small scale shops and services appropriate to their role and function which is to serve the everyday needs of local communities. d. Neighbourhood Centres are the lowest tier in the hierarchy providing localised facilities. Their role in providing neighbourhood shops and services will be supported.

Town Centre Uses

1. Proposals for town centre uses ( as defined by National Planning Policy) within District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres will be permitted provided: a. The design complies with the requirements of Policy SP3 "Design of new Development within the City Centre MRA, District, Local and Neighbourhood Centres"; b. The scale is appropriate to the role and function of the particular centre; c. Highway, traffic and servicing issues are satisfactorily addressed; d. Residential amenity is not adversely affected; and e. It complies with the requirements of Policy SP4 " Food and Drink Uses and Hot Food Takeaways" 2. Development which secures the use of upper floors within centres, including for residential development will be supported. 3. The following development opportunities have been identified within a number of centres and are shown on the Policies Map. Development for town centre uses will be permitted on these sites: Allerton Road - Land adjacent to Penny Lane Centre ( Site R1) Garston - Former Garston Baths (Site R3); Former Co-op Site (R2); Woolton Carpets/ Alexandria Public House Site (Site R4) Hunts Cross - Former Hunts Cross Hotel, Hillfoot Avenue (Site R5) Wavertree - Former Gulf Petrol Filling Station, opposite Picton Road/ Wells Road junction (Site R8) Tuebrook - former cinema and club (Site R6); former garage at Somerset Place/ Radnor Place (Site R7)

Improving Accessibility and Managing Demand for Travel

1. Development proposals should make the best use of existing transport infrastructure. Where this cannot be achieved, development should be phased to coincide with new transport infrastructure provision. 2. Developments which singly or in combination have a significant impact on the movement of people or goods, should, through the provision of Travel Plans, positively manage travel demand and contribute to the improvement of accessibility in general, particularly by more sustainable modes of transport including walking, cycling and public transport. 3. Development proposals should not compromise existing transport infrastructure or schemes programmed in "A Transport Plan for Growth", "The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan", "The Liverpool City Region Local Journeys Strategy" and actions that are planned. These include: a. Improving access to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, including support for measures to maintain and increase the proportion of passengers arriving and departing the airport by public transport; b. Improving access to the Ports of Liverpool and Garston, for coastal shipping; and inland waterways including the Ship Canal, including through rail freight access and encouraging the retention and/or expansion of rail freight from the Port of Garston/Freightliner location and Ford's Speke Freight Terminal and through Highways England proposals to improve access to the Port of Liverpool; c. Increasing the network of, and protecting and enhancing, safe cycling and walking routes, based on programmes in the LTP's Active Travel Strategy and the longer term plan to complete the comprehensive Liverpool City Region Cycle Network; d. Alignments of Waterloo Tunnel and Wapping Tunnel between Edge Hill and their junction with the Northern Line; e. Improvements in the City Centre (e.g. rail capacity improvements); f. Strategic road schemes identified in statutory transport policy documents; g. Facilities for park and ride; h. Protecting routes where necessary and support improvement of facilities that support the use of public transport; i. Proposals which will maintain, improve or develop cross river services; j. Proposals which will maintain, improve or develop the Isle of Man ferry services; k. Proposals which will maintain, improve or develop the Liverpool Cruise Terminal; l. Initiatives designed to provide car and cycling facilities at rail stations by protecting land where necessary; m. The safeguarding of space around the Mersey Tunnels for future capacity enhancements, where there is evidence that a new transport use will be brought forward. 4. All developments should address the accessibility of pedestrians and cyclists, as well as public transport users and other users of the transport and movement networks within the City and make a positive contribution to the connection between different transport modes, the reduction and mitigation of climate change and road safety issues. 5. The City Council will support and facilitate proposals involving the construction or upgrading of passenger bus, ferry and rail facilities and those which will improve the efficiency of the movement of freight transport to, through and across the City. 6. The City Council will support the provision of a designated Coach Parking facility in the City Centre.

Transport Assessments

1. Development proposals that generate significant amounts of movement should be supported by a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment. 2. In order to ensure that free and safe movement is not compromised consideration will be given to the effect on safety, congestion and the environment when dealing with development proposals that involve: a. new or altered access to the transport network; or b. improvement work to the transport network; or c. the creation of new transport infrastructure; or, d. the generation of additional trips on the transport network. 3. Development proposals will only be permitted where: a. Accesses, junctions and new road layouts would be safe and operate efficiently; b. The development would not, individually or cumulatively with other projects, have a severe impact on the functioning of the network; c. The proposal would not be detrimental to the safety of all users of the transport network, and in particular pedestrians and cyclists; d. The proposal makes provision for walking, cycling and the use of public transport; e. The proposal would not generate regular movement of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) on unsuitable roads, or on roads without easy access to Liverpool City Region's Freight Route Network; and f. Vehicle and cycle parking, turning and servicing appropriate to the scale and nature of the development is provided.

Safeguarding Land for Transport functions

Development of sites that would compromise land used or safeguarded for transport functions, including schemes set out in Part 3 of Policy TP1, will only be permitted where: a. there is no current or future strategic or operational need; or b. alternative provision is made; and c. consultation has been undertaken with operators, owners and/or other interested parties.

Strategic Road Schemes

The construction of new roads will be supported only where it can be clearly demonstrated that it will achieve the following aims: a. assist regeneration by attracting new investment through the opening up of employment and development opportunities; b. to serve development needs identified in the Local Plan; or c. secure environmental improvements by removing extraneous traffic from congested areas, particularly residential areas and other sensitive locations.

Cycling

Proposals for new development should: a. Demonstrate that they will have a positive impact on the cycling network and its users; b. Be designed to encourage cycling; c. Provide appropriate cycle access and sufficient, secure cycle parking facilities in accordance with the City Council's current standards; d. Demonstrate best practice in design for cyclists and ensure that the layout is fully accessible for cyclists, and encourages and facilitates cycle usage; and e. Be in accordance with Policy GI 10 in respect of green corridors and Liverpool City Region Active Travel Routes.

Walking and Pedestrians

All new development proposals should: a. Be designed to actively encourage walking through a well-designed pedestrian environment within the development site; b. Provide appropriate pedestrian access in accordance with the City Council's current standards; c. Demonstrate best practice in design for pedestrians and ensure that the layout is fully accessible for pedestrians, and encourages and facilitates walking for example by ensuring that routes are safe and overlooked, and lit and signed where appropriate; and d. Be in accordance with Policy GI 10 in respect of green corridors and LCR Active Travel Routes

Taxis

Developments which are likely to be used by the public and where it would be practicable to do so, will be required to make provision for taxi and Hackney Carriage facilities where there are no existing facilities in close proximity to the site, or where the scale and nature of development will generate a demand for taxi and Hackney Carriage facilities.

Car Parking and Servicing

1. All new developments, including changes of use, which generate a demand for car parking or servicing will be required to make provision to meet such demand on site, appropriate to the scale and nature of the development, having regard to road safety considerations and the City Council's standards. 2. Proposals for residential and non-residential development will be expected to have regard to road safety considerations and the Council's parking standards and should incorporate a reasonable percentage of spaces with charging points available at the time the site is first occupied together with provision for additional points over time. 3. Car parking for the disabled, including in the City Centre, should be provided having regard to road safety considerations and the Council's standards. 4. Car Parking should be considered as an integral part of the overall design of the scheme. Development proposals should consider the following key principles in the design to address car parking issues: a. Ensure car parking is usable, safe and secure; b. Avoid car parking dominating the street-scene; c. Use discreet and innovative solutions for car parking; d. Ensure parked cars are unobtrusive; e. Set car parking behind the front of the dwellings where possible; f. not impede cycling infrastructure. 5. For Residential developments: a. designated parking locations must be convenient for residents; b. communal parking areas must be safe and attractive, use appropriate materials, lighting and landscaping features and include sufficient levels of overlooking, be small enough to retain a courtyard feel, and incorporate convenient pedestrian linkages to properties; c. streets should be wide enough to accommodate the likely levels and positions of on-street parking; and d. Dwellings with on-plot parking, should provide an external charging point, sufficient to enable over-night charging. For developments with communal parking areas, such as apartments, a proportion of the un-allocated parking spaces should have the capacity to easily retrofit a recharge point for communal use. 6. All development proposals should ensure that emergency and refuse vehicles are not impeded by car parking. 7. Within commercial, industrial and non-residential developments adequate provision should be made for parking, servicing and loading without having an impact on the operational effectiveness of development and safe movement of people, vehicles and goods. Proposals should also provide a minimum of 5% of all parking spaces in the development with an electric charging point. Other spaces should also have the capacity to easily retrofit a recharge point for communal use.

Public Transport

a. Public transport should be considered within transport assessments as an integral part of the design process and it should be clear how the issue of ensuring public transport usage as a realistic alternative to private car trips has been addressed wherever appropriate. b. Where a development proposal is of sufficient scale to include an internal highway circulation system for vehicles the design should ensure that it can accommodate bus access. c. Where a development proposal would require the introduction of new public transport infrastructure, including the creation of a new bus service, or the extension of an existing service, then the development should provide suitable financial support for the construction or implementation of appropriate facilities including bringing all properties within 400m of the bus network wherever possible. d. Transport assessments should consider how opportunities could be taken to provide good access to the bus network, including where appropriate, provide and improve the infrastructure necessary to support such greater accessibility. Where this is not upon a new highway layout created by the development, then the development should introduce new infrastructure, or enhance existing infrastructure including where possible the quality of the services available, at appropriate locations on the current public transport network, if this is required to create good access arrangements. e. Transport assessments should consider how opportunities could be taken to provide good access to the rail network, including where appropriate, the infrastructure necessary to support such access. Design and Access Statements should address how the proposed development relates to and improves access to rail services and networks in terms of: a. Walking distance and walking routes to stations; b. Cycling distance and cycling routes to stations; c. Convenience of bus access to stations; d. Principal destinations served from the rail stations (covering those destinations with frequent trains and then other appropriate destinations where a change of train may be required); e. Details of the service frequencies, hours of operation and principal destinations compared with the opening hours and demands of the development during the day; and f. Whether the station offers attractive waiting facilities, adequate shelter, perceived social safety and facilities for ease of access for all.