Planning in Salford

University of Salford

The continued enhancement of the facilities and campuses of the University of Salford will be supported. Development proposals for the university shall: 1) Form part of a comprehensive development strategy that will ensure that the continued evolution of the university estate is properly coordinated and managed; 2) Support an increase in the proportion of staff, students and visitors who access the university, and move between its campuses, by public transport, cycling and walking; 3) Take advantage of opportunities for greening the campus environment; and 4) Seek to promote links between business sectors and the university's skills and research strengths in support of the university's Industrial Collaboration Zone aspirations. Opportunities for further enhancement include the MediaCityUK campus and its role within the Salford Innovation Triangle (Policy AP4) as well as Peel Park and Frederick Road campuses and their connections to Salford Innovation Park. Development proposals for the Peel Park and Frederick Road campus shall: 5) Significantly enhance the overall attractiveness of the campus to students, residents and visitors in terms of the quality of new built development, public realm and the overall vibrancy of the area; 6) Improve the physical and functional integration of the campus with its surroundings, through working with partners to improve connectivity with the wider City Centre and enhancing key shared access points into the campus and other facilities such as Peel Park; 7) Enhance pedestrian and cycling routes through the campus and onwards to surrounding areas. The line of the Manchester Bolton and Bury canal provides an opportunity to open up new green infrastructure through the campus; 8) Minimise the negative impacts of traffic and parking within the campus and on the surrounding area, and significantly reduce the amount of land used for car parking; and 9) Contribute towards the development of a Cultural Gateway, focused around Salford Museum and Art Gallery and Fire Station Square, with the latter being animated by new cultural and food and drink uses.

Tourism development

Development shall protect and enhance the tourism function of the key tourism locations in Salford in a manner consistent with the following criteria: 1) Salford Quays a) Consolidating its position as an important established tourism destination containing major visitor attractions; and b) Focusing on its roles as a centre for culture, arts, media, retail, business and watersports; 2) City Centre Salford a) Taking advantage of its close proximity to attractions and facilities in Manchester and the role of the wider City Centre as the primary leisure and business tourism destination in Greater Manchester; b) Making the most of the area's rich heritage and culture, vibrant neighbourhoods, green spaces (including The Meadow and Peel Park), assets such as Irwell River Park and Salford Museum and Art Gallery; and c) Providing a new Greengate Park as part of a continuous area of high quality public realm in the east of the area, drawing visitors into the area and providing an events space 3) Worsley Village, RHS Garden Bridgewater and the Bridgewater Canal a) Enhancing, and enabling the appreciation of, the area's unique heritage and environmental quality; b) Improving and diversifying the recreation and leisure facilities, with activity clustered in a small number of key locations along the canal corridor to promote linked trips; and c) Promoting improved access by public transport, cycling and walking 4) The stadium area and Barton Aerodrome a) Supporting the success of the stadium; b) Protecting and improving Barton Aerodrome as a general aviation facility and heritage asset; and c) Promoting improved access by public transport, cycling and walking Hotel development shall be focused within and on the edge of these locations and the city's town centres in accordance with policy TC2. Development that would compromise the tourism role of the above locations will not be permitted. The city's network of green infrastructure will continue to be protected and enhanced as an important part of Salford's recreation and tourism offer, with Chat Moss, the Irwell Valley and West Salford Greenway being identified as strategically important areas of green infrastructure.

Art and culture

Development shall: 1) Maintain and, where appropriate, enhance the provision of cultural activities and facilities across the city, including workspaces and studios; and 2) In the case of major developments, where practicable and appropriate to the location, incorporate cultural activities (which may include the provision of public realm capable of hosting events and performances, as well as cultural space within buildings). The temporary use of sites and premises for cultural activities, particularly in locations where they can help to animate the public realm, and the provision of public art will be supported. If a development would potentially result in conflict between a cultural activity and another use, especially in terms of noise, then the development responsible for the change must secure the implementation of appropriate mitigation before it is completed (known as the 'agent of change' principle).

An inclusive development process

Developers are strongly encouraged to involve local residents, businesses and other stakeholders throughout the development process, including: 1) Understanding the varied needs of residents, businesses and other stakeholders and how the development could help to meet them; 2) Collaboratively drawing up development proposals with residents, businesses and other stakeholders particularly where they would involve the provision of public spaces or facilities, or would have a significant impact on the local area; 3) Communicating with local residents and businesses throughout the construction phase, keeping them informed and minimising any adverse impacts on their usual activities; and 4) Seeking feedback on how the operation and management of completed developments could be improved in order to maximise their positive contribution to the local area and address any adverse impacts.

Social value and inclusion

All development shall be located, designed, constructed and operated so as to maximise its social value and contribution to making Salford a more socially inclusive city reflecting the city council's vision and "Great Eight" priorities. All major developments shall submit a Social Value Strategy at the planning application stage for the approval of the city council. A condition will be included on all relevant planning permissions to ensure the implementation of any approved Social Value Strategy, including requiring compliance with the relevant parts of the strategy to be confirmed prior to the commencement and the occupation of the development. The Social Value Strategy shall identify how the development will support social inclusion and deliver social value throughout its lifecycle. This shall include demonstrating how the development will maximise its positive contribution, as relevant, to: 1) Reducing inequalities in Salford and their adverse impacts on residents; 2) The ability of local residents and vulnerable groups to fully participate in society; 3) Inclusive places, in accordance with Policy F3; 4) Economic inclusion, with positive consideration given to: a) Ensuring that access arrangements cater for all needs, including maximising opportunities for walking and cycling; b) Promoting on-site employment opportunities to Salford residents; c) Providing training opportunities for Salford residents; d) Utilising local supply chains; and e) Signing up to the City Mayor's Employment Charter; and 5) Good mental and physical health, in accordance with Policy HH1. A framework of measures will be established to assist developers in identifying how development can maximise its social value. Appropriate measures from the framework can be selected having regard to the scale and location of the proposed development and identified local needs. Further guidance on delivering social value may be developed through a supplementary planning document (SPD).

Inclusive places

All places and developments shall be as inclusive as possible, capable of adapting to a broad range of changing needs and delivering a high quality of life, where no one is potentially excluded because of disability, age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or social class. Achieving this will involve, where appropriate to the function of the area and relevant to the type of development: 1) Developing and sustaining a distinctive local character, whilst enabling individuals to be confident in their own identity; 2) Providing an attractive, safe and inviting environment and public spaces, free from excessive air and noise pollution; 3) Integrating a high level of green infrastructure that raises the human spirit as well as contributes a variety of important environmental functions; 4) Making it easy and attractive to walk, cycle and use public transport, with motor vehicles not being allowed to dominate; 5) Offering excellent external connections, both through sustainable transport links and digital connectivity, that enable people to take full advantage of wider opportunities; 6) Delivering a diverse mix of decent and adaptable homes, including affordable housing that enables everyone to meet their housing needs; 7) Providing a varied choice of business accommodation, including for start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and spaces for innovation; and 8) Incorporating a range of amenities and facilities to meet different local needs.

Development and health

All development shall support an improvement in public health and a reduction in health inequalities, including by: 1) Minimising adverse impacts on health; 2) Providing a healthy living and working environment; 3) Supporting healthy lifestyles; 4) Promoting social and economic inclusion; and 5) Ensuring good access to a full range of health facilities. Health impact assessments will be required for development proposals that the city council considers would have the potential to have a significant adverse impact on health and wellbeing. Health impact assessments shall: i) Appraise the potential positive and negative impacts on health and wellbeing, both on end users and the local population; ii) Consider the impacts on different groups, taking into account that some groups will be more vulnerable to negative impacts; and iii) Set out actions to maximise positive impacts, and minimise and mitigate adverse impacts, on health and wellbeing, having regard to the most affected groups. Development that would have an unacceptable impact on health or wellbeing will not be permitted. In particular, the location and concentration of the following types of development will be carefully controlled to avoid possible adverse impacts on health and wellbeing: A) Hot food takeaways B) Off-licences C) Facilities that encourage smoking, for example smoking shelters and shisha lounges D) Payday lenders, betting shops and amusement arcades Where uses identified in points A-D above can be justified, these shall be located away from places that are regularly frequented by younger people such as schools and youth facilities. The proximity to other community uses where the residents can be vulnerable will also be considered, for example refuges and temporary accommodation for the homeless.

Provision of health and social care facilities

Improvements in the quality and accessibility of health and social care facilities will be supported. Where it would help to improve health outcomes whilst maintaining an appropriate level of accessibility for local residents, the merging of primary health care facilities such as GP practices, and their amalgamation with other health and social care facilities, will be supported. Primary health care facilities shall be co-located with other public facilities where possible, in order to provide a stronger focus of public services for local communities and to promote linked trips. Areas that are subject to a masterplan/framework under Policy EF2 shall ensure that appropriate provision is made for primary health care facilities. Where satisfactory provision cannot otherwise be made in the local area, other individual developments that would generate additional demand for primary health care will be required to incorporate appropriate primary health care facilities. Developers should engage with the Clinical Commissioning Group at the earliest opportunity in order to determine the health care requirements associated with new development. Contact details for the NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group can be obtained from the local planning authority.

Salford Royal Hospital

The further enhancement of the role of Salford Royal Hospital as both a local facility for the city's residents and a regional centre of excellence will be supported. Development proposals for the hospital shall: 1) Form part of a comprehensive development strategy that will ensure that the continued evolution of the hospital estate is properly coordinated and managed; 2) Support an increase in the proportion of staff, patients and visitors who access the hospital by public transport, cycling and walking; and 3) Minimise the negative impacts of traffic and car parking on the surrounding community.

Recreation standards

New residential development shall contribute to the achievement of all of the following recreation standards, and the management and maintenance of any facilities provided or improved for at least a 20 year period, proportionate to the additional demand that they would be expected to generate: Size-based standards 1) A minimum of 0.45 hectares of publicly accessible amenity space per 1,000 residents 2) A minimum of 0.4 hectares of informal outdoor sports facilities (both adult and youth) per 1,000 residents 3) A minimum of 1 hectare of Local Nature Reserve per 1,000 residents 4) A minimum of 5,000m² (or 0.50 hectares) of allotments per 1,000 households, with each new plot being 125m² in size to enable as many residents as possible to take on an allotment Distance-based standards 5) All households to be within 500 metres walking distance of a Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) 6) All households to be within 1,000 metres walking distance of a Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play (NEAP) 7) All households to be within 1,200 metres walking distance of a Neighbourhood Park 8) All households to be within 3,200 metres walking distance of a District Park 9) All households to be within 500 metres walking distance of a publicly accessible Local Natural Greenspace of at least 1 hectare in size 10) All households to be within 2,000 metres walking distance of a publicly accessible Strategic Natural Greenspace of at least 20 hectares in size 11) All households to be within 4,000 metres walking distance of a publicly accessible woodland of at least 20 hectares in size The requirements for formal indoor and outdoor sport provision are contained within policy R5. Facilities will only be counted as helping to meet these standards where they are of sufficient quality to properly fulfil their intended function and meet the level of demand placed on them. The contribution made by new residential developments to the achievement of these standards shall be in accordance with the following order of preference, and may include both new facilities and the improvement or refurbishment of existing facilities: A) On-site provision where this is practicable and would be the most effective way of meeting the needs generated by the development B) Off-site provision and/or a financial contribution to off-site provision Where on-site provision is being made to meet standard 5 and 6 above, this shall achieve a minimum of 0.25 hectares of equipped children's playspace per 1,000 bed spaces. All facilities shall be designed to serve other green infrastructure functions (see Policy GI1) wherever possible, linking into the wider green infrastructure network. Scale of contribution It is recognised that there may be situations where it is unrealistic or disproportionate for a development to contribute to the full achievement of all of the standards in this policy, particularly where most of the standards are not currently met and there is limited scope for on-site recreation provision. In these circumstances, it will be considered that this policy has been met where the combined financial value of recreation improvements that will be funded by the development (including financial contributions and the capital cost of on-site provision and off-site provision in the local area, but excluding compensation for any loss of recreation function resulting from the development) meet or exceed the following levels: a) For all recreation standards (at 2019/20 financial year prices): i) For houses, £1,408 per bed space; ii) For apartments and other forms of residential accommodation not falling within the definition of a house, £965 per bed space; and b) The playing pitch contribution as detailed in policy R5.

Recreation facilities and residential amenity

A distance of at least 30 metres shall be maintained between the curtilage of residential properties and recreation facilities that are likely to generate a significant level of noise and activity such as Local Equipped Areas for Play, Neighbourhood Equipped Areas for Play, and Multi-Use Games Areas.

Protection of recreation land and facilities

The development of existing recreation land or facilities for non-recreation purposes will only be permitted where: 1) It is ancillary to the recreation use and does not reduce the overall recreation function of the site; 2) Replacement recreation provision of at least the same quantity, quality, community benefit and management level is made in a suitable location having regard to accessibility to its catchment population; 3) It has been clearly demonstrated that the site is surplus to recreational requirements and is not capable of helping to meet any of Salford's recreation standards; or 4) The site has been allocated for alternative purposes in the development plan, and development will deliver a net improvement in the city's recreation resources. Wherever practicable, replacement provision shall be made directly by the developer and shall be available for use before the existing recreation facility is lost. The payment of a financial contribution to the city council for replacement provision may be acceptable in other circumstances. This policy applies to all existing sites and facilities that have a recreation use or value, irrespective of whether they are owned or managed by the public, private or voluntary sectors. Where the loss of a disused or lapsed playing field site is proposed the following priority order of options will be used in addition to the recommendations set out in Salford's latest playing pitch strategy: A) Explore the feasibility of bringing the site back into use which may show either: i) The site can be brought back into sustainable use where funding is available and use is secured by the council and the relevant sport national governing body and/or community groups; or ii) The site is not in a sustainable location and in which case no amount of money will make it desirable. In this case option B) or C) will be applicable. B) The site could become another type of recreation facility or greenspace to meet a need identified in Salford's latest open space evidence base; or C) Redevelop the site for an alternative use with an appropriate proportion of the capital receipt to be invested in existing recreation facilities in the locality.

Strategic recreation routes

A network of high quality strategic recreation routes extending through the city and into surrounding districts will be protected and enhanced. Opportunities will be sought to join up existing routes by filling in gaps in the network and to expand routes into other parts of the city. The routes will play an important role in connecting neighbourhoods with places of work, shops and between strategic open spaces, contributing towards public health and quality of life. Where practicable, new developments shall connect to the network of strategic recreation routes, particularly in terms of enhancing pedestrian and cycling accessibility from the development. Existing strategic recreation routes are shown on the Policies Map: 1. Bridgewater Way 2. Cadishead Way, Irlam to Liverpool Road, Cadishead 3. Clifton Country Park 4. Ellenbrook Loopline 5. Glazebrook 6. Irwell River Park (The Meadow to Salford Quays) 7. Linnyshaw Loopline 8. Port Salford Greenway 9. River Irwell (Clifton Country Park to The Meadow) 10. Roe Green Loopline 11. Salford Quays and MediaCityUK 12. Slack Brook Open Space 13. Swinton Greenway 14. The Meadow 15. Tyldesley Loopline 16. RHS Bridgewater Link Planning permission will not be granted for development that would result in the permanent obstruction or closure of an strategic recreation route, unless an alternative route is provided that is equally attractive and convenient. The provision of further strategic recreation routes will be sought, particularly where they would improve links to and through Chat Moss (see Policy GI2), Port Salford, RHS Bridgewater, the West Salford Greenway and the Irwell Valley, and alongside the city's waterways. New development that is proposed on a site which could help to fill a gap in the network will be required to incorporate a strategic recreation route as part of the development. Where the use of a site has previously prevented the provision of a continuous or direct strategic recreation route, such as along the Manchester Ship Canal, then any redevelopment proposals shall deliver a new route connecting to the wider network.

Outdoor and indoor sports facilities

A comprehensive range of outdoor and indoor sports facilities will be protected and enhanced across Salford, in accordance with policy R3, including but not limited to: A) Grass sports pitches for example for football, rugby league, rugby union, and cricket as defined by current legislation; B) Artificial surfaces for all pitch sports; C) Athletics facilities; D) Tennis Courts; E) Bowling Greens; F) Golf Courses G) Sports halls; H) Swimming pools; I) Fitness centres and gyms; and J) Other specialist indoor facilities including those for bowls, combat sports, gymnastics, squash and tennis. To secure the level of playing pitch provision and associated changing rooms required to meet the scale of additional demand generated from development, contributions will be based on Salford's up to date Playing Pitch Strategy and calculated using the Sport England Playing Pitch Calculator. For houses and apartments this is £348 per bed space (at 2019/20 financial year prices) with the cost to be reviewed regularly in line with updates to the Playing Pitch Strategy and Facilities Costs contained within the Playing Pitch Calculator. The most up-to-date published cost at the point of an application's determination will be used. The following sites are designated as strategic hubs of city-wide importance for outdoor sports, as shown on the Policies Map, and their enhancement will be supported: 1) Salford Sports Village in Lower Kersal 2) Old Racecourse Playing Fields 3) Brookhouse Playing Fields 4) Bolton Road Playing Fields 5) Duncan Matheson Playing Fields In the case of Duncan Matheson Playing Fields, a small amount of enabling development will be considered on areas that are not functional playing field to cross-fund the improvement of the site for recreation purposes. This shall be consistent with its designation as a strategic hub for outdoor sports if adequate alternative funding cannot be secured and in line with the requirements of policy R3.

Community facilities

Planning permission will be granted for new community facilities where: 1) It is a main town centre use and compliance with the sequential approach in policy TC2 has been demonstrated, or outside of centres, there is a clear identified local need; or 2) For other community facilities it is accessible to the community it serves by a range of sustainable transport modes including walking, cycling and public transport; and 3) For any proposal, it will not have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity and is consistent with other policies in the plan. Development resulting in the loss of a premises or land currently or last in use as a community facility, will only be permitted where: A. Adequate alternative provision exists, or prior to commencement of development, a satisfactory replacement facility will be provided in a suitably accessible location for the community it serves; or B. The existing use is not financially or operationally viable and evidence has been provided to confirm that there has been a genuine effort to market the property/land for a reasonable period of time, and there has been no realistic interest shown for the retention of the current use.

Design principles

All development shall achieve a high design quality, consistent with the ten characteristics set out in the National Design Guide (or any subsequent amendments): 1) Context: enhances the surroundings 2) Identity: attractive and distinctive 3) Built form: a coherent pattern of development 4) Movement: accessible and easy to move around 5) Nature: enhanced and optimised 6) Public spaces: safe, social and inclusive 7) Uses: mixed and integrated 8) Homes and Buildings: functional, health and sustainable 9) Resources: efficient and resilient 10) Lifespan: made to last Consistency must also be achieved with the following two additional principles in the interests of achieving the objectives of this plan as set out in Chapter 3: 11) Active design: buildings and spaces that promote physical activity as part of everyday life 12) Socially inclusive: a place for everyone, that promotes social interaction. All Design and Access statements shall clearly explain how development delivers all of the above principles, and the other design-related policies of this plan. Developments that raise significant design issues will be expected, where appropriate, to undergo a local design review before any planning application is determined.

Local character and distinctiveness

Development shall protect, enhance and respond to any positive character and distinctiveness of the local area, and contribute towards local identity. It shall be a positive addition to the surrounding area, being integrated within the townscape and landscape. In particular, development shall have regard to the following characteristics of the local area: 1) Topography and landscape features; 2) Historic assets and features, including views of and from them; 3) Pattern, size and arrangement of street blocks, plots and buildings, including building lines; 4) Scale and shape of buildings, including height, massing, silhouettes and roofscapes; 5) Vertical and horizontal rhythms, for example created by window arrangements and architectural composition; 6) Materials, boundary treatments and landscaping; 7) Vistas, panoramas and views of natural and built landmarks; and 8) Memories and associations including an area's main (or former) uses, local traditions, social history and cultural expression. New buildings shall use a consistent architectural style, individual elements adding up to a coherent whole, designed to relate to the positive context of its surroundings. Buildings shall have a sufficient texture, depth and detailing to provide visual interest, particularly at street level where buildings will need to relate to a human scale. Where it is deemed that a deliberate contrast to certain characteristics would benefit the design, or to create a development that is highly sustainable, the development shall still relate to the points above and justify any non-compliant areas. Where there is no discernible or well-developed local character, developments shall contribute to the creation of a distinctive, integrated and coherent place.

Layout and access

The layout of spaces and buildings shall be designed to ensure that developments: 1) Are easy and safe to physically access, move through and around, including for those with constrained mobility and also for the emergency services; 2) Maximising opportunities for the use of more sustainable modes of travel in accordance with the transport hierarchy in Policy A2; 3) Are easy to navigate, using features to provide landmarks, vistas and wayfinding tools, and making use of the layout to protect and enhance views that are important for navigation; 4) Are arranged to provide appropriate drop off, loading and parking, whilst still promoting walking and cycling as the preferred modes of transport in accordance with Policies A3 and A7; 5) Where appropriate, use buildings to clearly define the spaces around them, including through the continuity of street frontages and consistent use of building lines; 6) Are of a scale, height and massing sufficient to provide enclosure to surrounding spaces, whilst not being intimidating or unduly dominating the skyline or townscape; 7) Locate principal frontages to face the most important public space or highway, whilst also providing a similar level of visual interest on other prominent frontages; and 8) Locate main entrances on principal frontages, ensuring it is easy to identify and access.

Spaces

All spaces shall be accessible, where appropriate, to everyone who wants to use them and be designed to have a clear purpose and role, which is apparent to all potential users. Developments and other proposals shall: 1) Take opportunities to incorporate new spaces and respond positively to existing spaces; 2) Provide appropriate levels of activity, particularly at ground floor level, that encourage a variety of uses in spaces and offer the natural surveillance required to make those spaces useable and safe; 3) Carefully place street furniture, signage and other objects within public spaces, to avoid clutter and unnecessary physical or visual obstacles, responding to the nature and use of the space in question and in particular the needs of visually impaired persons; 4) Make appropriate use of public and private spaces at all times, including the creation of sensitive lighting schemes that enable evening use without an unacceptable impact on residential amenity and the visually impaired; 5) Provide shelter where people are likely to gather, for example through the location and design of buildings and landscaping; 6) Minimise surface car parking and ensure that it does not dominate, or detract from, the streetscene or waterside locations; 7) Include provision for the long term maintenance and management of any public spaces that form part of, or are needed by, the overall development, in accordance with Policies GI1 and BG2; and 8) Incorporate public and private spaces that are integral to the proposed development. The design of public spaces shall be consistent with efforts to maximise green infrastructure, in accordance with Policy GI1. Public spaces shall connect to walking and cycling networks, and be designed to respond to desire lines. Boundary treatments may be required where private spaces adjoin public spaces, and shall be carefully designed to respond to local character, utilising green infrastructure and providing visual permeability where compatible with the functions of the adjoining public and private spaces.

Amenity

Development shall ensure that it: 1) Provides all potential users with an acceptable level of amenity; and 2) Does not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the users of other buildings and spaces. Amenity includes, but is not limited to, issues of: A) Space, both internal and external, and public and private B) Layout C) Aspect D) Privacy E) Sunlight F) Daylight G) Temperature and microclimate H) Pollution (see also 'Pollution and hazards' chapter) Separation distances Development shall maintain suitable separation distances between the windows of habitable rooms in dwellings and the windows and walls of other properties, to ensure that an appropriate level of amenity is provided for all residential occupiers. The following minimum distances shall be maintained from the principal windows of habitable rooms in dwellings: a) 21 metres to facing principal windows of habitable residential rooms, and windows of other uses that could result in significant overlooking; b) 13 metres to other walls that are one storey higher; and c) 9 metres to other walls of a similar height. Shorter distances will be permitted where they are consistent with the character of the area, such as the high-density nature of City Centre Salford and Salford Quays, or are necessary to secure the positive reuse of an historic building, provided that it can be demonstrated that an appropriate level of amenity for occupiers would be achieved. Longer distances may be required where one of the buildings is more than one storey higher than the other or where land levels vary between buildings. For the purposes of this policy habitable rooms include living rooms, principal dining areas and bedrooms in houses and flats. It does not include kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, studies or box rooms. Kitchen areas may be considered habitable depending on their function within the household. Microclimate All development shall be designed to ensure that it does not have any unacceptable impact on the local microclimate, for example in terms of the speed, direction or tunnelling of wind, or lead to the trapping of air pollution. A wind assessment shall be submitted with planning applications for tall buildings and other proposals likely to have significant wind implications.

Design and crime

Development shall be designed to: 1) Minimise the fear of crime; 2) Minimise opportunities for crime and anti-social behaviour; 3) Minimise the threat of terrorism; and 4) Provide surveillance to support personal and property security. In particular, development shall be designed to: A) Allow for natural surveillance of public spaces, means of access and parking areas; B) Encourage activity within public areas; C) Avoid new, and where possible remove existing, places of concealment; and D) Avoid having a hostile appearance. Opportunities should be considered for taking advantage of existing public CCTV coverage to maximise safety and security in new development. For those areas where large numbers of people are expected to congregate, consideration should be given to the nature of potential security threats taking into account the most up to date information from the police and other agencies.

Alterations and extensions

Alterations and extensions to existing buildings shall: 1) Respect the general scale, character, rhythm, proportions, details and materials of the original building; 2) Retain and avoid masking any key architectural features of the original building; 3) Ensure that the resultant building appears as an attractive and coherent whole; and 4) Where a heritage asset would be affected, either directly or in terms of its setting, sustain and where appropriate, enhance the significance and setting of that asset. This does not preclude the use of innovative designs or contrasting materials, which in some circumstances may be more appropriate than copying the approach in the original building.

Waterside development

Development near to Salford's waterways (including the River Irwell, the Manchester Ship Canal, Salford Quays, the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal) shall make a positive contribution to their character, environmental quality, public amenity value, and role as key walking and cycling routes. Development shall: 1) Provide a high quality frontage to the waterside, offering a positive setting to it; 2) Minimise the extent of hard bankside engineering and assess opportunities to remove existing redundant structures as part of any riparian development; 3) Provide natural surveillance and activity along the waterside, including through the incorporation of entrances to the site and buildings from any waterside pedestrian and cycleway or highway; 4) Enhance walking and cycling access to, along and across the waterway, including through the delivery of a waterside pedestrian and cycling route connecting to the wider walking and cycling networks, which shall be safe, accessible to all and at least 4 metres wide where practicable; 5) Ensure that sufficient daytime light provision is maintained along the river corridor in terms of the height and massing of the development; 6) Improve visual connections to and from the waterway; and 7) Enhance the role of the waterway corridor within the green infrastructure network, including by supporting improvements to biodiversity, water quality and flood risk management. 8) Development shall be compatible with the operational requirements of the waterways including the shipping function of the Manchester Ship Canal. Where required to improve walking and cycling movements and/or enable public enjoyment of the waterside at key locations, development shall also accommodate: 9) A larger waterside space to act as a focal point for public activity 10) A crossing over the waterway

Salford Quays

Development shall maintain the wide mix of uses in Salford Quays, with its business, housing, shopping, tourism/leisure, food and drink, and cultural roles all being managed in a mutually supportive way, reinforcing the area's interest, vibrancy and identity, in accordance with the following: 1) A highly diverse economy will be maintained, and the success of the internationally important cluster of creative, media, digital and technology industries supported. Business floorspace will be primarily located on and around MediaCityUK, MediaCityUK East and Anchorage Quay, with a smaller but still significant cluster around Exchange Quay. 2) The further development of the tourism role of Salford Quays will be supported, with visitor facilities and attractions being appropriate uses across the area. 3) Residential development will complement rather than be at the expense of the important business and tourism functions of Salford Quays. New housing will be primarily in the form of apartments but may also include houses built at high densities. 4) Salford Quays is designated as a town centre. Relevant uses will be managed in accordance with policies TC1 to TC4. Transport and movement In order to support the successful functioning of Salford Quays, including facilitating people to travel to and around it by sustainable modes of transport, and enhancing connections to the City Centre, the following initiatives will be promoted, and development shall where appropriate, enable and be coordinated with them: 5) A new Metrolink line connecting Salford Quays and Salford Crescent Station, improving sustainable transport access to Salford Quays and its integration with the City Centre and the rail network, potentially with a quality bus transit scheme being developed initially 6) Enhance opportunities to interchange at Eccles as a gateway to the area 7) Improved bus access from across the city 8) A reduction in traffic levels within the area bounded by Trafford Road, Broadway and the Manchester Ship Canal, helping to improve the environmental quality of the area, and including carefully controlling the location of, and access to, parking for cars and coaches 9) Significant enhancements in walking and cycling routes, providing high quality connections throughout Salford Quays and to surrounding areas, including to the City Centre as part of Irwell River Park 10) A new footbridge across the Manchester Ship Canal from Clippers Quay, enabling better connections to the new Trafford Park Metrolink line Environmental quality Development shall maintain and enhance the high environmental quality of Salford Quays, which is central to the area's success, including by: 11) Ensuring that it supports the distinctive identity of Salford Quays, based around the waterways, tree-lined walkways, high quality architecture and major public spaces 12) Providing a variety of public spaces that allow different user experiences and connect into the wider Irwell River Park 13) Considerably increasing the level of greenery across the area 14) Balancing the recreational use of the basins alongside their role in supporting wildlife, ensuring the protection of the existing site of biological importance and the successful management of their water quality 15) Managing flood risk in accordance with WA4

Salford Innovation Triangle

Development within the Salford Innovation Triangle shall: 1) Support its role as the key focus for innovation-led economic growth within the city 2) Maximise the benefits of its three primary anchors: a) MediaCityUK (see Policy AP2) b) University of Salford (see Policy ED3) c) Salford Royal Hospital (see Policy HH3) 3) Enable enhancements in the area's infrastructure, including: i) Delivering the latest digital infrastructure throughout the area ii) Providing a new Metrolink line between Salford Quays and Salford Crescent Station, potentially with a bus transit scheme being developed initially, better connecting the two anchors of MediaCityUK and the University of Salford iii) Expanding the use of low-carbon energy systems 4) Contribute to the provision of vibrant places with distinctive identities across the Triangle

Employment areas close to the City Centre and Salford Quays

Masterplans/frameworks will be produced for the Eccles New Road, Liverpool Street and Cambridge employment areas, and any development within them will be expected to accord with the relevant masterplan/framework in accordance with Policy EF2. Each of these three areas will continue to be protected as an existing employment area in accordance with Policy EC1, unless such masterplans indicate otherwise.

Existing employment areas

There will be a strong emphasis on protecting and enhancing the economic function of Salford's existing employment areas, helping to provide a wide choice of premises and ensure that a broad range of businesses, including start-ups, can locate in Salford. The following will be encouraged within existing employment areas: 1) The improvement and development of sites and premises for: A) Industry and warehousing, and other employment-generating uses of a similar nature B) Offices of a scale that does not detract from the role of the City Centre, Salford Quays and other designated centres as the primary focus for office activity 2) The provision of training facilities and similar uses directly connected to employment 3) Environmental improvements that enhance the appearance and overall quality of the employment area, including addressing issues such as flood risk The following will be supported within existing employment areas where they would not have any significant adverse impact on the overall economic potential or successful functioning of those areas: 4) Waste management development that promotes recycling and delivers high environmental standards, where it is consistent with the policies of the Greater Manchester Joint Waste Development Plan Document 5) The provision of sites for travellers where they involve a significant employment function as well as residential accommodation 6) The provision of community facilities where they cannot be adequately located elsewhere within the local area that they would serve Uses other than those identified above will only be permitted within existing employment areas where: 7) They would not have any significant impact on the activities of the employment uses remaining within the employment area or the potential to reuse vacant sites and buildings for employment uses; and 8) One or both of the following two criteria are met: A) The site or wider employment area is specifically identified as being appropriate for other uses in a plan or strategy that has been subject to public consultation and formally endorsed by the city council; B) The site and premises have been subject to a detailed market appraisal that clearly demonstrates that there is no current or likely future demand for them. The appraisal should take a long-term view of the economic prospects of the site/premises and include: i) An explanation as to why it is not possible to retain or replace any existing occupiers; ii) Consideration of the potential to reuse, refurbi

Port Salford

Port Salford, as shown on the Policies Map (EC2/1), will be protected as a tri-modal freight terminal and employment area. The line of the rail link between Port Salford and the Manchester-Liverpool rail line, as shown on the Policies Map (EC2/2), will be protected.

Climate change

Development shall support Salford becoming carbon neutral by 2038, through where relevant: A) Minimising carbon emissions, including by: 1) Being located so as to minimise the need to travel and maximise the ability to make trips by sustainable modes of transport (in accordance with policies A2 and A3) 2) Delivering a density of development that makes the most of accessible sites (in accordance with policies EF1 and H3) 3) Contributing to more walkable and cyclable neighbourhoods that reduce demand for car use (in accordance with policies A2 and A3) 4) Incorporating electric vehicle charging points (in accordance with policy A10) 5) Protecting and taking opportunities for the more sustainable movement of freight (in accordance with policies EC2 and A5) 6) Adopting the principles of the energy hierarchy, with new build residential development exceeding the fabric energy efficiency required under Part L of the Building Regulations 2013 by 19%, and new build non-residential development of 1,000m2 or more achieving at least BREEAM very good or an accepted equivalent, or meet the standard required by any subsequent revision to building regulations, working towards a target that all new development shall be zero net carbon from 2028 (in accordance with policy EG1) 7) Taking opportunities to incorporate and connect to renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure wherever possible (in accordance with policies EG1 and EG2)

Sustainable energy

All developments except for standalone low carbon or renewable energy schemes shall accord with the following energy hierarchy (in order of preference): 1) Minimise energy demand 2) Maximise energy efficiency 3) Utilise renewable energy 4) Utilise low carbon energy 5) Utilise other energy sources The retrofitting of existing buildings with measures to reduce energy consumption will be encouraged. Working towards the target that all new development shall be zero net carbon from 2028, the principles of the energy hierarchy shall be adopted to achieve the following standards: A) All new build residential development: Exceed the fabric energy efficiency required under Part L of the Building Regulations 2013 by 19% or meet the standard required by any subsequent revision to Part L B) New build non-residential development of 1,000 square metres or more: At least BREEAM very good or an accepted equivalent, or meet the standard required by any subsequent revision to Part L of the Building Regulations. District heating network development areas Within district heat network development areas shown on the Policies Map and in Figure 14, where there is an existing or proposed district heat network, development (including new build, conversions and changes of use) involving ten or more dwellings and/or over 1,000m2 of non-residential floorspace shall connect into the heat network, or be designed to do so, unless it can be demonstrated that there are more effective alternatives for minimising carbon emissions or such connection is impracticable or financially unviable. Development and energy proposals that would generate significant surplus or waste heat shall take all practicable measures to utilise that heat to meet local energy needs, including as part of an existing or proposed district heating network. District heat networks and developments within the district heat network development areas which will connect into a heat network, or be designed to do so, should use or be adaptable, to use renewable or low carbon heat sources Existing industrial and commercial processes that are located within district heat network areas, and generate waste heat, shall be encouraged to use that waste heat to contribute towards meeting local energy needs.

Renewable and low carbon energy schemes

A positive approach will be taken to renewable and low carbon energy schemes, subject to the other policies in this plan. Developers are strongly encouraged to incorporate renewable and low carbon energy infrastructure into their schemes wherever possible. Standalone low carbon or renewable energy schemes do not, by definition, need to accord with the energy hierarchy in Policy EG1. Figure 14 shows the locations in Salford that are likely to have the greatest potential for renewable and low carbon energy based on technical considerations, but there will be other opportunities across the city particularly as technology improves. Solar All developments are encouraged to maximise opportunities for on-site electricity and heat production from solar technologies. Extensive roof surfaces and walls provide particular opportunities, such as on large-scale commercial or industrial developments, but there is also significant potential for smaller-scale installations including on individual dwellings. Wind Wind energy development involving one or more turbines is potentially suitable in all parts of Salford except for Chat Moss (with Chat Moss defined under Policy GI2/1 and shown on the Policies Map). Wind energy development will be permitted in a potentially suitable location where it can be clearly demonstrated that: 1) Following consultation, the planning impacts identified by any local community that would be affected have been fully addressed; 2) The proposal would not cause significant harm, both individually and cumulatively with other developments, to the quality and enjoyment of the landscape and related views; and 3) There would be no unacceptable impact on amenity or safety in terms of noise, shadow flicker, vibration, topple distance, air traffic safety, radar and telecommunications or visual dominance. 4) There would be no unacceptable impact on high voltage overhead pylons. Hydropower The development of hydropower schemes shall protect and take opportunities to enhance the ecological interest, biodiversity and geodiversity of the waterway. Such schemes shall: A. Protect and enhance water quality in accordance with Policy WA1 B. Allow for the movement of multiple species and sizes of fish; C. Avoid any adverse reduction in water flows and levels; and D. Avoid any physical modifications to the river channel that could adversely affect plant life or invertebrates. Developers should engage with the Environment Agency at the earliest opportunity in order to obtain advice on permits and licences required and the process of applying to build a hydropower scheme. District heating network development areas District heat network development areas are shown on the Policies Map and in Figure 14. The need for developments to connect to them is set out in Policy EG1. A high priority is given to protecting air quality within the district heat network development areas, and this shall be reflected in the technology and fuels that are used for such networks in accordance with Policy EG1. Geothermal Development of geothermal schemes shall protect the hydrology of the Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation. Energy storage systems Energy storage systems will be supported where consistent with other policies in the plan. Decommissioning Temporary energy generation facilities must provide full details of the arrangements for decommissioning and the reinstatement/restoration of the site. This includes all solar farms, freestanding wind turbines and hydropower schemes.

Nature Improvement Areas

The area of Salford within the Great Manchester Wetlands Nature Improvement Area as shown on the Policies Map will be managed so as to: 1) Mitigate the impact of environmental pressures by improving species mobility between Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester; 2) Make a lasting improvement to some of Britain's rarest habitats by restoring designated sites and priority habitats; 3) Improve regional and local connectivity for critical species by creating stepping stones and corridors between habitats and populations; and 4) Optimise the ecosystem services provided by all habitats, particularly the carbon storage function of lowland raised bog. Development will be carefully controlled to support the achievement of these objectives across the Great Manchester Wetlands Nature Improvement Area, and nature conservation projects will be encouraged.

Development and biodiversity

All development shall deliver a net gain in biodiversity value. All major development shall deliver at least a 10% net gain in biodiversity value. Development shall avoid having any adverse impact on the nature conservation value of the following hierarchy of sites, with the weight afforded to their protection reflecting their position in the hierarchy (greatest weight first) along with legislative and national policy requirements: A) Internationally designated sites, including the Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation in Wigan and Warrington, and the Rixton Clay Pits Special Area of Conservation in Warrington B) Irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees C) Nationally designated sites, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves D) Locally designated sites, such as Sites of Biological Importance and Local Nature Reserves E) Other parts of the Biodiversity Heartland in Chat Moss Harm to other priority habitats shall be avoided wherever practicable. Where an adverse impact on biodiversity is unavoidable then this shall be minimised as far as possible and appropriate compensation provided for any remaining adverse impacts. Where compensation is needed, an offsetting mechanism based on the Natural England biodiversity offsetting metric will be used to calculate requirements. Where site clearance or other activities have lowered the biodiversity value of the on-site habitat after 30 January 2020 other than in accordance with planning permission, an estimate of the biodiversity units on site prior to those activities will be used as a baseline. This estimate will be based on habitat surveys, aerial photos and/or other appropriate evidence of the condition of the site, applying the precautionary principle. As explained in the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance, the metric determines the amount of compensation required having regard to: 1) The area of biodiversity resources affected; 2) The importance of the biodiversity resources that will be adversely affected, particularly in terms of: a) The distinctiveness of the habitats; b) The condition of the habitats; c) The strategic significance of the habitat location; and d) An allowance for the habitats' role within a wider ecological network. The biodiversity value of any mitigation or compensation proposals will be measured in line with the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Net Gain Guidance or any subsequent guidance which supersedes this. New habitats will be scored in relation to points 1) and 2) above. Measurement will also make an allowance for risk factors such as the difficulty of creating new habitats, the time to reach target habitat condition and the distance of the new habitat from the site affected by development. Where compensation is required for the reduction or loss of existing biodiversity resources then this shall be provided in line with the following principles, with the objective of contributing to the creation of a coherent, high quality ecological network: 3) A preference for on-site habitat provision/enhancement wherever practicable, followed by improvements to sites within the local area, and then other sites elsewhere within Salford, particularly the Biodiversity Heartland; 4) The maintenance and where possible enhancement of the ability of plants and animals including pollinating insects to move, migrate and genetically disperse across the city; and 5) The provision/enhancement of priority habitats identified at the national, Greater Manchester or local level, having regard to

Geodiversity

Development that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of any feature of geodiversity interest will not be permitted.

Fairness between generations

Development shall promote the interests of future generations, including by: 1) Minimising carbon emissions and maximising carbon sequestration; 2) Maximising the resilience of buildings and places, such as to the impacts of climate change; 3) Enhancing environmental capital, such as through a net gain in biodiversity; 4) Addressing pollution issues, such as by improving air and water quality, and tackling land contamination; 5) Enabling cultural and place-based identities to flourish; 6) Protecting and enhancing the city's heritage assets; and 7) 'Future-proofing' buildings and places, so as to minimise the need for future generations to pay for their retrofitting in response to changing technologies and environmental standards.

Green Belt

The Green Belt within Salford is defined on the Policies Map. This Green Belt will be afforded strong protection in accordance with national planning policy. The positive use of the Green Belt will be supported where this is consistent with its Green Belt status and the purposes of its designation. In particular, the enhancement of its green infrastructure functions will be encouraged, such as improved public access and habitat restoration, helping to deliver environmental and social benefits for the residents of Salford and providing the high quality green spaces that will support economic growth. A positive approach will be taken to the provision of essential infrastructure within the Green Belt, where it would be consistent with maintaining the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land within it.

Soils and agricultural land

Development shall safeguard and utilise on-site soil resources where practicable, maximising the retention of its environmental functions, in accordance with the Defra code of practice for the sustainable use of soils on construction sites. The loss of agricultural land shall be avoided wherever possible. Where development of agricultural land is proposed, it shall be demonstrated that: 1) Preference has been given to the use of lower grade land; and 2) The scale of loss has been minimised. Turf production is a concern within Salford due to the associated loss of soil with the turf. Where planning permission is required, new turf operations or extensions to existing turf production will not be permitted on Chat Moss for reasons set out in Policy GI2. Elsewhere within Salford proposals for turf production will be closely examined in line with this policy. The positive use of agricultural land for farming and agri-environmental schemes will be encouraged. The use of agricultural land shall seek to protect soil quality, minimise soil erosion, reduce carbon emissions, retain floodwater, retain and enhance landscape and habitat features such as ponds and hedgerows, and maximise wider environmental benefits.

Farm diversification

Farm diversification projects that support the rural economy will be permitted, particularly where they enhance public access to the Green Belt, provided that: 1) They support the long-term future of an established agricultural enterprise that has demonstrated profitability over a prolonged period; 2) The scale of development is consistent with the rural location; 3) There would be no unacceptable impact on the openness of the Green Belt; 4) There would be no unacceptable impact on the use of surrounding land, including soils in accordance with Policy GB2; and 5) The level of traffic generation would be consistent with the rural location and the quality of the local roads.

Development and green infrastructure

Development shall protect and enhance the green infrastructure network in Salford by helping to maximise its: 1) Extent, whilst having regard to the development needs of the city; 2) Interconnectedness, enabling individual pieces of green infrastructure to deliver greater benefits through links to the wider network; 3) Multi-functionality, whilst not detracting from the important primary functions of individual pieces of green infrastructure; and 4) Quality, ensuring that it can meet its various functions as effectively as possible. In complying with the above points, developments shall: 5) Respond to the specific location, characteristics and surroundings of the site to take opportunities to incorporate green infrastructure that can most effectively benefit the wider area, for example providing sustainable urban drainage systems that address identified problems such as flood risk and water quality, and deliver environmental and quality of life benefits; 6) Ensure that green infrastructure is central to the design, rather than being relegated to 'left-over' land; 7) Use land and building surfaces creatively to maximise on-site green infrastructure provision, particularly within areas where there are currently major green infrastructure deficits such as City Centre Salford and Salford Quays; 8) Seek to maximise the benefits, and where appropriate public use, of the green infrastructure, with an emphasis on promoting healthier communities; 9) Ensure that appropriate long-term management and maintenance measures are in place for any green infrastructure; and 10) Deliver a net gain in biodiversity value, consistent with Policy BG2 Green infrastructure functions Appropriate functions of green infrastructure may include: A) Providing habitats for plants and animals, particularly native species, and corridors and stepping stones for their movement B) Providing opportunities for food production, both commercial and non-commercial C) Mitigating the risks and impacts of flooding D) Mitigating air, water and noise pollution E) Providing carbon storage and sequestration F) Offering relief from high temperatures G) Providing sport and recreation opportunities H) Providing space for public events, meeting places and quiet contemplation I) Providing attractive walking, cycling and horse riding routes J) Contributing to the quality of townscapes and landscapes, and providing a high quality setting for development K) Supporting heritage and local identity L) Separating individual developments and settlements M) Providing an educational resource Within the following parts of the city, some of which overlap, the provision and improvement of green infrastructure shall support and enhance the identified priority functions as far as practicable: a) Within flood zones 2 and 3 as identified by the Environment Agency, the provision of capacity for water storage in the event of a flood b) Within City Centre Salford, Salford Quays and other areas of high density development, the provision of relief from high temperatures, and the efficient use of surfaces to maximise the provision of green infrastructure including through green roofs, green walls and street trees c) Within areas of poor average resident health, the provision of opportunities for physical activity d) Within Chat Moss, the storage of carbon e) Within the Biodiversity Heartland, the wider Great Manchester Wetlands Nature Improvement Area, and areas that do not meet the standards relating to access to strategic and local natural greenspace (see Policy R1), the provision of habitats, movement corridors and stepping stones for plants and animals f) Within and around the waterway network and other water bodies, measures to achieve 'good' status of the water body in accordance with Policy WA1 and encourage movement of species

Chat Moss

Chat Moss, as shown on the Policies Map (GI2/1), will be protected and enhanced as a key component of Greater Manchester's strategic green infrastructure network, forming part of a wider lowland wetland area extending into Wigan and Warrington. There will be a strong emphasis on: 1) Delivering nature conservation improvements, particularly within the Biodiversity Heartland, and providing ecological connections to surrounding areas; 2) Enhancing public access, with high quality walking and cycling routes through the area and connecting it to surrounding communities and other parts of the Great Manchester Wetlands Nature Improvement Area, in a manner compatible with nature conservation objectives and in particular avoiding additional pressure on nearby Special Areas of Conservation, so as to enable local residents to benefit from this vital and distinctive piece of green infrastructure; 3) Improving visitor facilities that support public use of Chat Moss and offer learning opportunities; 4) Providing high quality walking and cycling connections to the RHS Garden Bridgewater to the north, so that the two areas offer a distinctive visitor opportunity, with the garden providing a gateway to Chat Moss; 5) Reducing carbon emissions from the area and protecting and enhancing the area's role in storing and sequestering carbon, thereby supporting climate change objectives; 6) Retaining the flat, open and relatively tranquil character of the area, and its relative darkness; 7) Increasing the recreation use of land outside the Biodiversity Heartland, where this is consistent with maintaining the openness of the Green Belt; and 8) Seeking opportunities to restore a more natural hydrology to Shaw Brook and Glaze Brook. Within the Biodiversity Heartland as shown on the Policies Map (GI2/2), the priority will be to secure the restoration of lowland raised bog and the enhancement of the Botany Bay Wood site of biological importance. Elsewhere within the Biodiversity Heartland, complementary habitats shall be provided, particularly wetlands, and there will be a focus on improving habitats for species such as breeding birds, brown hare and water vole. Where habitat restoration is not practicable, proposals which seek to replace the most damaging land uses with less intensive uses such as "wet" agriculture would be looked upon favourably. Any development within or near to Chat Moss shall be consistent with these priorities and shall ensure that the capacity of the hydrology of the area to support bog restoration is not adversely affected. Turf production is not considered to be consistent with these priorities due to the associated loss of peat soil with the turf. Therefore, where planning permission is required, new turf operations or extensions to existing turf production will not be permitted.

Irwell Valley

The Irwell Valley, as shown on the Policies Map, will be enhanced as a key landscape and wildlife corridor connecting the urban area to the countryside, forming part of a large expanse of strategic green infrastructure extending into neighbouring districts, and providing multiple environmental, social and economic benefits. Within Salford, there will be a strong emphasis on: 1) Retaining the open character of the river valley and avoiding its severance; 2) Securing an integrated and varied network of new and improved recreation opportunities; 3) Improving walking, cycling and horse riding connections through and to the valley, including through the provision of continuous waterside routes, new bridges across the river, and widening routes where appropriate; 4) Taking a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mitigating flood risk; 5) Improving the water quality of the river, and contributing to other North West River Basin Management Plan objectives including naturalisation of the riverbed, river banks and associated environments where possible; 6) Protecting and enhancing the biodiversity, geodiversity and heritage of the area; and 7) Ensuring that development contributes to the character and environmental quality of the valley, including by providing a high quality backdrop to the river and taking advantage of the waterfront setting.

West Salford Greenway

The West Salford Greenway, as shown on the Policies Map, will be protected and enhanced as a series of interconnected greenspaces of varied use and character, and important heritage assets, providing a major contribution to the identity and well-being of the surrounding neighbourhoods and west Salford more generally. There will be a strong emphasis on: 1) Maintaining the openness and continuity of the Greenway, and avoiding any fragmentation of it; 2) Protecting the historic character of the Greenway, and its contribution to the character and setting of four conservation areas (Monton Green, Roe Green/Beesley Green, St Mark's, and Worsley Village), a scheduled ancient monument (The Delph), several listed buildings including the Grade 1 listed Church of St Mark, the Bridgewater Canal, and the historic settlements of Worsley, Roe Green, Beesley Green, Monton and Broadoak Park; 3) Improving the extent and quality of public access to and within the Greenway, with the strategic recreation routes along the Bridgewater Canal and the former railway line providing connections to other parts of the city, and maintaining a diverse range of recreational uses; 4) Enhancing the biodiversity functions of the Greenway, providing a mosaic of habitats that bring wildlife into the heart of west Salford, including through the careful management of the Worsley Woods Local Nature Reserve and Worsley Woods Site of Biological Importance; and 5) Managing land and water bodies to deliver a range of green infrastructure functions, including minimising flood risk and delivering North West River Basin Management Plan objectives relating to Salteye Brook and Worsley Brook.

Trees, woodland and hedgerows

The extent of tree cover across Salford will be increased, with an emphasis on native species that support wildlife and carbon sequestration, and the vital role that trees and hedgerows make to environmental quality will be protected and enhanced, through a range of measures including by: 1) Protecting the ancient woodland at Clifton Wood (BG2/42 on the Policies Map) and ancient or veteran trees elsewhere unless there are wholly exceptional reasons as identified by national planning policy and a suitable compensation strategy exists; 2) Affording strong protection to trees that are subject to a tree preservation order or are located within a conservation area; 3) Ensuring that developments are designed and constructed in such a way as to minimise any adverse impacts on trees; 4) Undertaking appropriate environmental assessment as part of significant new tree planting proposals including consideration of existing habitats; 5) Requiring developments that would involve the loss of trees to provide replacement trees of a suitable size and species in an appropriate location to deliver a net enhancement in the character and quality of the treescape and biodiversity value in the local area, with a preference for on-site provision; 6) Working towards the Woodland Trust standard of all households being within 4,000 metres walking distance of a publicly accessible woodland of at least 20 hectares in size (see Policy R1); 7) Supporting the increased provision of street trees, with a requirement for new streets to be tree-lined, ensuring that they meet minimum specification standards and maximise potential green infrastructure functions such as sustainable drainage and pollution control; 8) Protecting hedgerows, particularly those of historic or biodiversity importance, and securing appropriate replacement, enhancement and expansion of this priority habitat in accordance with the Defra biodiversity offsetting metric where their loss is unavoidable; and 9) Encouraging the positive management of trees, woodland and hedgerows so as to maximise their green infrastructure functions including ecological quality. Any new tree provision will be expected to be accompanied by an appropriate management and maintenance plan with identified financial resources to deliver it.

Pollution control

Development shall minimise and mitigate pollution during both the construction and operational phases of development. Development will not be permitted where it would result in unacceptable levels of pollution, either individually or cumulatively with other existing or proposed developments, or would itself be subject to unacceptable levels of pollution. The acceptability of likely pollution levels, during both the construction and operational phases of development, will be determined having regard to: A) The potential impacts on human health and amenity; B) The proximity and sensitivity of uses that could be affected by the pollution; C) The proximity and sensitivity of environmental and heritage assets, including potential impacts on wildlife and habitats; D) Existing pollution levels, including any air quality management area or other designation; and E) Any relevant strategies and targets for pollution control and reduction. Where appropriate, conditions or planning obligations will be used to ensure that during construction and through the operation of completed development: 1) Pollution levels and impacts can be adequately monitored; and 2) Measures to avoid, minimise or mitigate pollution impacts are being appropriately implemented and maintained. All major development shall be implemented in accordance with a: a) Construction environmental management plan that has been approved by the city council. The plan shall identify how development will avoid, minimise or mitigate effects on the environment and surrounding area. An exception to this requirement will be where development comprises a change of use and there will be no significant construction activity; and b) A construction logistics plan in accordance with policy A6 Air quality Development shall: i. Be consistent with achieving a substantial improvement in Salford's air quality and meeting statutory air quality targets; and ii. Be designed to minimise the potential for air pollution to become trapped close to the ground.

Control of hazardous uses

Applications for hazardous substances consent, and developments involving the use of hazardous substances, will only be permitted where: 1) There would be no unacceptable risk to the public, having regard to the number and vulnerability of people who would potentially use developments that would fall within any associated safety zones identified by the Health and Safety Executive; 2) They would not unacceptably hamper or reduce the development options for adjacent sites or the wider area; and 3) The hazardous substances would be stored in a way that minimises any potential harm to the environment.

Development near hazardous installations

Development will not be permitted near hazardous installations where it would result in an unacceptable increase in the risk or consequences of a major accident. In determining whether there would be an unacceptable risk, regard will be had to: 1) The proximity of the development to the hazardous installation, particularly whether it would be within the inner, middle, or outer safety zone of the installation as identified by the Health and Safety Executive; 2) The type of hazardous substance and the nature of the hazard resulting from it; and 3) The number of people likely to occupy, use or visit the development, their vulnerability, and the potential duration of their exposure to the risk.

Land instability

Development will not be permitted where it would, during either its construction or operational phases: 1) Be subject to an unacceptable risk of land instability; or 2) Result in an unacceptable risk to the stability of land, buildings or other structures.

Delivering the North West River Basin Management Plan

Development must not have an adverse impact on the current overall status, or prevent future attainment of 'good' status, of any water body. Where practicable, development shall take opportunities to support the improvement of water bodies to at least 'good' status, including through: i) The provision and design of green infrastructure; ii) Utilisation of sustainable drainage systems; iii) Control of pollution; iv) Remediation of contamination; v) Naturalisation of watercourses; and vi) Reducing obstacles to the movement of wildlife. Further culverting of watercourses shall be avoided unless there is an overriding need for it. Activities within the Groundwater Source Protection Zones will be regulated to ensure the protection of groundwater quality. An assessment identifying the impact of a proposed development on water body status shall be submitted with a planning application where: A) The proposed development would be likely to lead to deterioration in the overall status of a water body, or prevent future attainment of 'good' status; B) The development would involve the modification of a water body, for example through diversion, culverting, dredging or bridging; or C) The development is adjacent to a water body and requires an Environmental Impact Assessment. Schemes aimed at improving the status of water bodies will be supported, including investment in: 1) Salford's wastewater treatment works, particularly to reduce the frequency of intermittent discharges of storm sewage 2) Long-term improvements in oxygen levels and litter reduction at Salford Quays and along the rest of the Manchester Ship Canal, provided these are compatible with the shipping function of the Manchester Ship Canal

Water supply and water efficiency

The Thirlmere Aqueduct and the West East Link Main will be protected from development that could compromise their physical integrity or effective maintenance. Development is encouraged to minimise water use as far as practicable by incorporating appropriate water efficiency and water recycling measures.

Flood risk management and infrastructure

Structures and other features that help to reduce the risk of flooding or mitigate its impacts will be protected, including the flood basins at Littleton Road and Castle Irwell as shown on the Policies Map. The loss, alteration or replacement of such features will only be permitted where there would be no increase in flood risk. Further improvements in flood mitigation in Salford will be supported, potentially including the provision of new open space within the Cambridge area, the raising of river banks and natural flood management measures. New flood risk management infrastructure should incorporate multifunctional green infrastructure where practicable.

Development and flood risk

Development shall take opportunities to reduce flood risk wherever practicable. Development will not be permitted where it would: 1A) Be subject to an unacceptable risk of flooding, with the acceptability of any risk being determined having regard to: a) The likely frequency of a flood event; b) The likely depth and velocity of any flood waters; c) The vulnerability of the use; d) The potential impacts on any users of the development; and e) The potential impacts on any buildings and other structures; 1B) Materially increase the risk of flooding elsewhere; 1C) Result in an unacceptable maintenance liability in terms of dealing with flood-related issues; or 1D) Require unduly complicated or burdensome emergency planning procedures. Within areas that would be subject to a 1 in 100 year risk of flooding (1% annual exceedance probability (AEP)) (not taking into account flood defences), the following uses will not be permitted: 2A) Police stations, ambulance stations, fire stations, command centres and telecommunications required to be operational during flooding; 2B) Basement dwellings; 2C) Caravans, mobile homes and park homes intended for permanent use, including sites for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople; and 2D) Installations requiring hazardous substances consent, except where there is an essential need. Where such uses already exist within the high flood risk area, proposals to relocate them to an area of lower flood risk will be supported, where the new site would be in accordance with other policies in the Development Plan. Development that would be subject to a 1 in 1,000 year risk of flooding shall: 3A) Be designed to minimise the impact of any flooding, in a way that is proportionate to the level of flood risk; Development that would be subject to a 1 in 100 year risk of flooding (taking into account an appropriate allowance for climate change) shall: 3B) Broadly maintain, and wherever possible increase, the flood water storage capacity of the flood cell within which it is located; 3C) Enable the appropriate flow of flood waters; 3D) Have safe and clearly identified access and egress routes, or a safe refuge, to be used in the event of a flood; and 3E) Have clear evacuation procedures in the event of a flood, and be fully integrated into the city's emergency planning systems throughout its lifetime. A site-specific flood risk assessment shall be submitted with any planning application for development that would: 4A) Potentially increase the risk or impacts of flooding; and 4B) Be located on: a) Any site within Flood Zones 2 or 3; b) Any site elsewhere that is known to be at significant risk from surface water, sewer or groundwater flooding; c) Any site within a critical drainage area measuring 0.5 hectares or more; or d) Any other site in the city measuring 1 hectare or more. The flood risk assessment shall consider all types of flooding and the relationship between them, including that associated with rivers, canals, reservoirs, surface water, sewers and groundwater. The level of detail in the flood risk assessment should be proportionate to the potential risk and impact of flooding that the development would result in or to which it would be subject. For the purposes of this policy, all assessments of flood risk (excluding those relating to 1 in 1,000 year scenarios) shall take full account of the latest predicted impacts of climate change.

Surface water and sustainable drainage

Development shall ensure that surface water across the whole site is managed in a co-ordinated, sustainable way, helping to minimise flood risk and water pollution, promote biodiversity, and secure compliance with the North West River Basin Management Plan (see Policy WA1). Surface water shall be managed in line with the following hierarchy (highest priority first) recognising that a combination of measures from different levels in the hierarchy may be required to satisfactorily deal with all surface water: 1) Infiltration to vegetation 2) Infiltration (into the ground) 3) Discharge to a surface water body such as a pond 4) Discharge to a watercourse 5) Discharge to a surface water sewer or highway drain 6) Only in exceptional circumstances, where evidence is provided that levels 1-5 above are not possible, discharge into the combined sewer network, either directly or indirectly On-site measures to deal with surface water shall, wherever possible, be designed as multi-functional green infrastructure connecting to the wider green infrastructure network. Removal of existing impermeable hard surfaces will be encouraged. The storage of rainwater as a resource for later use on-site will be encouraged. Foul water shall be managed through a separate system to the management of surface water, and it shall drain to the public sewer. Development shall result in: A) On greenfield sites, no net increase in the rate of surface water discharge B) On previously-developed sites, a reduction of at least 50% in the rate of surface water discharge or a reduction to equivalent greenfield rates, whichever allows for the greater discharge Exceptions to points A and B may be made where it can be demonstrated that it is: a) Clearly impracticable to meet these requirements and the rate of surface water discharge has been minimised; or b) Necessary to move surface water away from a site more quickly in order to help mitigate serious flood risk problems within the local area. Where on-site attenuation measures are required to reduce the rate of surface water discharge, underground solutions such as detention tanks and oversized pipes shall only be utilised where it is not technically feasible to incorporate above ground sustainable drainage features that contribute to the green infrastructure network. Appropriate provision shall be made for the long-term management and maintenance of any sustainable drainage features.

Waste and development

Development shall: i) Minimise, and where practicable, re-use and recycle waste generated during the demolition and/or construction phase ii) Make provision for waste storage and collection, including separate storage of waste that can be recycled, and where appropriate waste that is compostable iii) Utilise high quality design solutions to minimise any adverse visual impact of waste facilities on site

Heritage protection

Salford's heritage assets will be conserved and where appropriate enhanced, ensuring that they continue to make a positive contribution to the character and identity of the city and its neighbourhoods. The level of protection afforded to any individual heritage asset will reflect: 1) Whether it is a designated or non-designated heritage asset; 2) The nature, extent and level of its significance, having regard to its architectural, historic, artistic and/or archaeological interest; 3) The degree to which it contributes to the setting and significance of other heritage assets and their relationship to each other; and 4) The contribution that it makes to the character and identity of the local area and Salford more generally including the following key elements: a) The earliest evidence of human activity, such as the Iron Age promontory fort in Cadishead, the Roman Roads that ran along the line of Bury New Road and through the centre of the city from Ordsall via Worsley to Ellenbrook and Little Hulton, and Bronze Age archaeology in the mosslands b) The city's Medieval beginnings, found particularly in City Centre Salford and in manorial sites such as Ordsall Hall and Wardley Hall c) The city's industrial origins, such as Islington Mill where textiles were manufactured d) Infrastructure of national and international significance, such as the Bridgewater Canal, the Manchester Ship Canal, the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal, the Manchester-Liverpool rail line, the former Salford Docks (now Salford Quays) and Barton Aerodrome e) The city's mid-19th Century development, such as the high status villa housing and parkland found in Broughton, along the Crescent, in Ellesmere Park and at Buile Hill Park f) The nineteenth century institutional and civic buildings, such as former town halls, educational buildings, public baths and theatres g) The city's social history, such as Bexley Square and Kersal Moor where major public gatherings of historic significance took place Harm to the significance of a heritage asset should be avoided. The acceptability of any harm will be determined in accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework. Where harm to heritage assets is justified, opportunities shall be sought to better reveal the significance of the heritage assets, securing repairs to them, improving public access to them, and providing publicly accessible information about them. Where a heritage asset will be, or has been, lost or covered up, then the development design should make an appropriate reference to it.

Managing change across historic areas

Development shall: 1) Protect, conserve and where appropriate enhance the historic environment; and 2) Positively respond to the history and stories of the local area, enabling people to understand how the site and area have changed over time. Within key historic locations, development and other change will be carefully managed in accordance with the following approach: A) Greengate, Salford Central and the Crescent – new development shall be carefully designed to ensure it does not detract from the large number of assets, including those in neighbouring Manchester and where appropriate, opportunities to secure enhancements to assets will be sought B) Worsley Village and the Bridgewater Canal Corridor – major investment in the area's heritage assets, including those within RHS Garden Bridgewater, will support its strategically important tourism and leisure roles, and the protection of the West Salford Greenway will assist in preserving the setting and special character of historic settlements in this part of the city C) Barton Aerodrome – development and infrastructure investment shall respect and sustain the unique historic aviation landscape of Britain's first municipal airport, which opened in 1930 and where the country's first designated runways, first civil aviation aircraft hangar, first airport terminal building and first flight control tower still survive D) Eccles Town Centre – development shall protect and enhance the centre's historic character having regard to the high concentration of assets and the best surviving medieval core in the city, as well as its historic associations with the Eccles cake. A coordinated approach will be taken to the renewal of the town centre in a way that maximises the benefits of the highly accessible location whilst protecting and enhancing its heritage interest E) Ordsall Hall – the continued redevelopment of Ordsall Waterfront and other parts of the Ordsall area must protect and enhance the setting and views of one of the city's most important heritage assets F) The wider Chat Moss area – activity must respond to the high potential for discoveries of further prehistoric archaeological remains and Iron Age evidence, and some areas of peat may retain important palaeo-environmental evidence and possibly bog bodies

A positive future for heritage assets

The positive use of heritage assets will be encouraged, helping to ensure that they are appropriately maintained. The use secured should be consistent with the protection and where appropriate enhancement of the asset's heritage significance and its sustainable long-term use. The original or a historically significant use will typically be the most appropriate long-term use for a heritage asset, and where a proposal departs from this then the applicant will need to demonstrate why it is not feasible to retain or restore that use original/historic use. When assessing a development proposal, the reduction or removal of risk to a heritage asset will be considered a public benefit that counts in favour of the proposal. Uses that provide opportunities for heritage learning and public access to and appreciation of heritage will be looked on more favourably.

Heritage at risk

Proposals which safeguard the long term future of heritage assets at risk through finding viable uses for them and ensuring that they are maintained and secured to prevent further decay will be supported. The owners are strongly encouraged to investigate grant funding opportunities. Where appropriate, a range of actions may be taken to secure the appropriate restoration or maintenance of heritage assets at risk, including enforcement action which includes, compulsory purchase orders, urgent works notices, repair notices and dangerous structure notices.

Heritage information and interpretation

All applications that affect the historic environment, heritage assets and their setting must be accompanied by a heritage assessment that provides appropriately detailed information to enable a full understanding of the significance of the relevant heritage assets and the potential impacts of the proposal. Where significant potential for below ground artefacts or remains has been identified, an archaeological investigation will be required prior to the development of the site. Proposals affecting heritage assets shall seek to maximise public access to information about those assets, proportionate to the significance of those assets and the impacts on them, including by: 1) Recording details of any heritage assets that would be harmed, lost or covered up 2) Making any information about the heritage assets available for public inspection, including as part of the historic environment record 3) Publishing the findings of archaeological and other heritage investigations in an easily accessible format 4) Drawing attention to heritage assets through signage and plaques 5) Providing interpretation panels/boards on or around the site, and/or for use in public spaces 6) Making materials available for use in schools and other community activities

Canals

The canals in Salford will be protected as important heritage assets, including: 1) The Bridgewater Canal 2) Worsley Navigable Levels 3) The Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal and its former line 4) Fletcher's Canal and its former line 5) The Manchester Ship Canal In the case of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal and Fletcher's Canal: A. Development alongside the line of the canal shall facilitate its restoration or, where this is not practicable, provide open space incorporating walking and cycling routes and heritage interpretation features along its line so that the potential for future restoration is retained and people can appreciate the history of the canal; and B. Development that would prevent or significantly hinder the future restoration of the canal or its towpath will not be permitted. In places where the original line of the canal has been severed by significant infrastructure or where the protection of the original line would prevent the delivery of vital infrastructure or where development would on balance result in significant benefit in terms of regeneration or sustainable development, some deviation from the original line will be acceptable. In such cases the development shall maintain provision for a continuous route that could be restored to be fully navigable in the future. Developer contributions to the restoration and/or improvement of the city's canals will be sought where appropriate in accordance with policy PC1.

Conversion and change of use of existing houses and new build residential developments of non-self-contained units

The conversion of existing houses into any of the following uses will be carefully controlled to ensure that a good supply of houses is maintained within Salford and the positive character of neighbourhoods is protected: A) Apartments B) Student housing C) Houses in multiple occupation D) Hotels and guest houses E) Residential institutions F) Hostels, children's homes and similar uses G) Non-residential uses such as offices Conversions to any of the above uses will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the proposal would not, either individually or cumulatively with other completed developments and schemes with planning permission or prior approval: 1) Have an unacceptable impact on the positive residential character of the surrounding neighbourhood, having particular regard to potential increases in: a) Noise and disturbance; b) On-street car parking; c) Waste management; and d) Population turnover levels that could reduce community stability; 2) Result in the infrastructure capacity of the site or local area being exceeded; and 3) Result in any house that is in use as a single dwelling being immediately adjacent to more than one property in uses B) to G) above (immediately adjacent properties include properties directly behind and opposite, as well as to either side). New build developments of non-self-contained units of accommodation in categories C-G will be judged by the same criteria. Except in the case of developments specifically designed as serviced apartments, the short-term letting of dwellings will not be permitted where this would result in them not being available for use as the primary residence of a household. This will be achieved, where appropriate, by: i) Taking enforcement action where short-term letting results in the material change of use of a dwelling ii) Refusing planning permission for a change of use from a dwelling to short-term letting

Housing for older people

A broad range of housing choices will be secured for older people in Salford, maximising their ability to live independent lives and retain control over their accommodation and services, including through: A) Requiring all new dwellings to meet the accessible and adaptable standards under requirement M4(2) of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010 for England (see Policy D7), except where it can be clearly demonstrated that this is impracticable due to site-specific constraints; B) Supporting the improvement of existing, and the development of new, specialist accommodation, including sheltered housing, extra-care housing, nursing homes and residential care homes. C) The provision of at least 20% of dwellings being affordable in developments for older people that provide 10 or more net additional dwellings, or are on a site of 0.5 hectares or more in size and provide any number of dwellings. The tenure of the affordable dwellings shall be 37.5% social rented, 37.5% affordable rented and 25% shared ownership. This requirement does not apply to assisted living (extra-care) dwellings for older people. New residential accommodation specifically targeted at older people will be supported where it: 1) Is well-integrated with the wider neighbourhood and would not lead to a demonstrable oversupply of a particular type of accommodation; 2) Offers easy access to community facilities, local services and public transport; 3) Provides sufficient car parking for both occupiers (dependent on the nature of the development) and visitors (see policy A7); 4) Is designed to reflect relevant best practice, including the Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI) ten key design elements: i) Space and flexibility; ii) Daylight in the home and in shared spaces; iii) Balconies and outdoor space; iv) Adaptability and 'care ready' design; v) Positive use of circulation space; vi) Shared facilities and 'hubs'; vii) Plants, trees, and the natural environment; viii) Energy efficiency and sustainable design; ix) Storage for belongings and bicycles; and x) External shared surfaces and 'home zones'; and 5) Where appropriate, provides a range tenures.

Student housing

New student housing in Salford shall be concentrated in the following locations: A) Within and immediately adjacent to the University of Salford campus at Peel Park/Frederick Road B) In close proximity to the University of Salford campus at Salford Quays, whilst ensuring that it does not detract from the important business, tourism, leisure and residential functions of the area The limited provision of student housing elsewhere will be permitted where: 1) It is of a modest scale, not exceeding 100 individual bedrooms/studios; 2) It is located within easy walking distance of either the Peel Park/Frederick Road or Salford Quays campuses of the University of Salford, or is very close to a public transport stop that has frequent and direct services with short journey times to either campus; 3) It would be well-served by local shops and other services; 4) It can be demonstrated that there is likely to be a demand for the accommodation from students, having regard to, amongst other things: a) Occupancy levels in existing student housing developments; b) Schemes for student housing with extant planning permission; and c) Any proposals for additional student accommodation within and immediately adjacent to the University of Salford campus at Peel Park/Frederick Road, or in close proximity to the University of Salford Campus at Salford Quays; 5) It can be demonstrated that the accommodation could easily be converted into mainstream housing through post-completion adaptation compliant with other planning policies, in the event that there is insufficient long-term demand for continued use as student housing; 6) It would not have an unacceptable impact, either individually or cumulatively, on the character of the area or the amenity of existing occupiers; and 7) In the case of mixed-use developments, it would be located within separate buildings from other residential uses. New purpose built student housing schemes on sites of 10 or more bedrooms/studios, or having an area of 0.5 hectares or more irrespective of the number of bedrooms/studios, shall provide a minimum of 20% of the bedrooms/studios in the form of affordable private rent in accordance with the approach set out in Policy H5 (Build to rent). The affordable bedrooms/studios shall be allocated through a nominations process agreed with Salford City Council and the University of Salford. A reduced proportion of affordable housing from the above requirement may be considered acceptable only where the requirements of criteria i-iv in Policy PC1 have been met.

Gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople

New sites to meet the needs of gypsies and travellers and travelling showpeople will be supported where they: 1) Have a lower than 1 in 100 year risk of flooding; 2) Have good access to local facilities and services; 3) Are designed and laid out in accordance with best practice, including making adequate provision for the parking, servicing and turning of vehicles; 4) Are properly serviced with the necessary utilities infrastructure; 5) In the case of sites for travelling showpeople and transit sites for gypsies and travellers, are easily accessible from the strategic highway network; and 6) In the case of sites for travelling showpeople, make adequate provision for storage and other business needs whilst ensuring that the amenity of residents both on the site and in the surrounding area is protected.

Custom, self-build and community-led housing

A supply of suitable opportunities for prospective custom, self-build and community led housebuilders will be secured by: 1) Favourably considering planning applications for custom, self-build and community-led housing where this is consistent with other policies, proposals and wider objectives of the Local Plan; and 2) Encouraging developers of larger sites to make plots available for custom, self-build and community-led housing as part of their development. The nationally described space standards as required by policy H2 shall apply to custom, self-build and community-led housing.

Ordsall Waterfront

Uses Development shall be consistent with the evolution of Ordsall Waterfront into a residential-led mixed-use corridor. Small scale active uses at ground floor level, including local needs retail and leisure uses, will be permitted in prominent locations along Ordsall Lane and the waterfront, where they will help to serve the needs of the growing population and generate activity. Additional social infrastructure such as health facilities will be encouraged. Other uses compatible with the residential environment will be permitted, particularly at the northern and southern ends which are more commercial in character and more accessible by public transport. Transport and movement In order to improve the integration of Ordsall Waterfront with surrounding areas and public transport facilities, development shall: 1) Accommodate existing, and provide new, high quality publicly accessible routes linking Ordsall Lane to the waterside walkway and cycleway, including the following new routes: a) Along Worrall Street, aligned with the junction with Ordsall Lane and Oldfield Road b) Aligned with St. Clement's Drive, leading to the grade II listed St Clement's Church 2) Contribute to the provision of an attractive waterside walkway and cycleway throughout the area, forming part of the wider Irwell River Park and connecting the City Centre and Salford Quays, which must be of sufficient width to: a) Meet the requirements of Policy D9; b) Prevent a canyoning effect against the buildings fronting on to it; c) Allow pedestrians and cyclists to pass safely; and d) Ensure good visibility along the route Improvements to cross river/canal connections will be sought. Environmental quality Development shall: 3) Be of a density that reflects the opportunities presented by the area's waterside location and strategic position between the City Centre and Salford Quays 4) Avoid overly dominating dwellings to the west of Ordsall Lane, particularly in terms of building heights 5) Protect and enhance the setting and views of the grade I listed Ordsall Hall 6) Manage flood risk in accordance with WA4

Housing design

All residential developments shall be designed to: 1) Meet the nationally described space standards in accordance with the requirements set out in Policy H2; 2) Be accessible and adaptable in accordance with requirement M4(2) of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010 for England (or any subsequent accessible and adaptable standards) except where it can be clearly demonstrated that this is impracticable due to site-specific factors; 3) Provide an appropriate level of outdoor amenity space that reflects the type and size of each new dwelling; 4) Ensure that their occupiers enjoy a high level of amenity, in accordance with Policy D5, including by providing all habitable rooms with a good level of natural light; 5) Exceed the fabric energy efficiency required under Part L of the Building Regulations 2013 by 19%, or meet the standard required by any subsequent revision to Part L, in accordance with Policy EG1; 6) Make appropriate provision for refuse storage and collection in accordance with Policy WM1; and 7) Incorporate provision for the secure delivery of shopping and parcels. The delivery of homes to meet the optional standard in Building Regulations Part M4(3) for wheelchair user housing (either wheelchair accessible or wheelchair adaptable) or any subsequent revisions to the standard is encouraged. The requirements of this policy apply to all residential developments including student accommodation. However, as set out in Policy H2, the nationally described space standards requirement does not apply to purpose-built student accommodation, hotels, residential institutions (including secure institutions), dwellings with furnished layouts and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). HMOs however shall, where practicable, meet the minimum room size and amenity standards set out in the city council's latest published guidance for such properties, having regard to the physical constraints of the existing building.

Residential development and education places

Where a residential development would contribute to a projected shortfall in education places, it shall enable an increase in education places proportionate to the number of people aged 0-19 that it is likely to accommodate. This will typically involve making a financial contribution to the expansion of an existing education facility or the provision of additional education facilities in other locations that can meet the needs of the development. For each relevant type of education provision, the scale of any financial contribution will be calculated using the following formula: Financial contribution = Pupil yield factor x Cost per pupil place Where it is not practicable for the city council to expand capacity within existing education facilities sufficient to accommodate the additional requirement for education places that will be generated by a major development, and there are no alternative solutions available in this regard, the city council will negotiate with developers to secure the setting aside of land to accommodate additional education provision. Land set aside for education provision should be in a location and of a size and shape that enables criteria 1-4 of policy ED1 to be met. In accordance with policy PC1, development will only be permitted where planning conditions and/or planning obligations are in place to address any projected shortfall in education places. In all cases, development shall be phased so that the education places are delivered before demand exceeds existing capacity.

Agricultural, forestry and other occupational dwellings within the Green Belt

New permanent dwellings to support agriculture, forestry or other activities acceptable in the Green Belt will only be permitted where: 1) There is a clearly established existing functional need for the dwelling; 2) The need relates to a full-time worker, or one who is primarily employed in the activity generating the need, and does not relate to a part-time requirement; 3) The unit and the activity concerned: i) Have been established for at least three years; ii) Have been profitable for at least one of the last three years; and iii) Have a clear prospect of remaining profitable in the future; 4) The functional need could not be fulfilled by another existing dwelling on the unit, or any other existing accommodation in the area which is suitable and available for occupation by the workers concerned; and 5) The dwelling is of a size commensurate with the established functional requirement, and is not unusually large in relation to the needs of the unit. Where there is some uncertainty over the financial basis of the enterprise, it may be possible to justify a temporary dwelling for a period of up to three years to allow it to establish its long-term profitability. Where a new dwelling has been justified on the basis of a functional need to house someone working in agriculture, forestry or other activities acceptable in the Green Belt, a planning condition will be used to control its occupancy for that purpose. Where appropriate, a planning obligation will be used to ensure that the dwelling is not severed from the land the use of which justifies its construction. A condition restricting the occupancy of a dwelling to certain types of worker, such as those involved in agriculture, forestry and/or other activities acceptable in the Green Belt, will only be removed where it can be clearly demonstrated that there is no demand for the dwelling from people who would comply with the occupancy condition. Evidence must be provided that the dwelling has been widely marketed over a period of at least 12 months for both sale and rent at a price that reflects the occupancy condition, including directly approaching local rural employers, and that any reasonable offers have not been rejected.

Type of housing

Individual new residential developments shall contribute to the provision of a broad mix of housing options across Salford and within the local area, ensuring that identified housing needs can be met. This includes: A) Within City Centre Salford, Ordsall Waterfront, Salford Quays and the other town centres, incorporating ground floor duplexes and other larger dwellings where practicable that enable a wider range of households to live in these locations; and B) Within the rest of the city, providing at least 80% of the net increase in dwellings in the form of houses, with a lower proportion of houses only being acceptable where: 1) The proportion of houses, and other dwelling types with at least three bedrooms and private amenity space, is still being maximised as far as possible; and 2) At least one of the following apply: a) It can be clearly demonstrated that the site has distinct characteristics that make a higher proportion of houses inappropriate or impracticable to provide, such as financial viability, flood risk or design context or the site is located within a designated local centre where higher density development would be appropriate due to surrounding context; b) The development provides specialist accommodation, such as for older people, or there is a demonstrable need for different types of dwellings; or c) The minimum density requirements in Policy H3 can only be met through a higher proportion of apartments.

Size of dwellings

Residential development shall deliver a balanced mix of dwelling sizes across Salford, enabling people to access housing with sufficient space to meet their needs and support good health. Number of bedrooms All developments providing net additional dwellings shall deliver a range of dwelling sizes in terms of the number of bedrooms. In new developments providing apartments, a minimum of 50% of the apartments shall contain at least two bedrooms. A lower proportion may be permitted where it can be clearly demonstrated by the applicant that smaller accommodation is required to meet an identified local need of acknowledged importance, such as the provision of affordable housing (in accordance with the definition of affordable housing in Annex 2 of the National Planning Policy Framework or any subsequent definition), housing for older people or other specialist accommodation. Space standards In the following cases, the gross internal floor area of new dwellings shall as a minimum meet the nationally described space standards (or any subsequent standards): 1) All dwellings in new build developments, including dwellings in build to rent schemes unless this can be clearly justified otherwise by local housing market issues such as demonstrable need for a particular size of housing or that the internal floorspace within a dwelling provides an appropriate living environment when regard is also had to the provision of any internal communal space. Where internal communal space is provided, a gross internal floorspace below the nationally described space standards for individual dwellings will be acceptable only where the communal space has a clear amenity function that is available to all occupiers of a development, such as dining rooms, gyms, home cinemas and homeworking / study spaces, and is well-managed. In determining whether the internal floorspace of individual dwellings is acceptable, regard will be had

Housing density

New residential development shall achieve the minimum densities in the table below: Location (use the highest density that applies when a site falls within more than one location) | Minimum net residential density (dwellings per hectare) - Within the location | Minimum net residential density (dwellings per hectare) - Within 400 metres | Minimum net residential density (dwellings per hectare) - Within 800 metres Designated centres: City Centre | 200 | 120 | 70 Town centres | 120 | 70 | 50 Local centres | 70 | 50 | 35 Public transport stops: Salford Central Station, Salford Crescent Station and all Metrolink stops | N/A | 200 | 120 Eccles Station | N/A | 120 | 70 Irlam Station, Swinton Station, Walkden Station and other rail stations with a frequent service | N/A | 70 | 50 Existing or potential bus stops on main bus corridors | N/A | 50 | 35 Areas within GMAL 6 and above | 50 | 35 | 35 Minimum net residential density of 35 dwellings per hectare in all other locations Lower densities will only be acceptable where they can be clearly justified by: 1) Local housing market issues, including site specific viability issues / a demonstrable need for a particular type of housing that cannot be delivered at a higher density and would otherwise not be met; or 2) Site-specific issues, such as the design context and any potential impact on the wider landscape or townscape including heritage assets and their setting.

Affordable Housing

A significant improvement in the availability of affordable housing in Salford will be delivered through a combination of public funding, investment by registered providers, and developer contributions, enabling people to find a home at a cost they can afford. Minimum affordable housing requirements All developments that provide 10 or more net additional dwellings, or are on a site of 0.5 hectares or more in size and provide any number of dwellings, shall deliver at least 20% of those dwellings as affordable housing. Within some of the value areas listed in the following table (and shown in Figure 10), developments shall deliver a higher minimum affordable housing requirement in accordance with that table (or any future update of the table published by the city council in a supplementary planning document in response to changing levels of viability). Dwelling type Residential value area Minimum proportion of affordable housing Houses Premium 50% Houses High 35% Houses All other value areas (Mid/high, mid, low/mid and low) 20% Mid-density apartments Premium 40% Mid-density apartments All other value areas (High, mid/high, mid, low/mid and low) 20% High density apartments All value areas 20% All minimum affordable housing requirements shall be rounded to the nearest full dwelling once the relevant proportion has been applied. Where there is evidence that a site or development has been artificially split in order to avoid policy requirements by being below the dwelling or site size threshold identified above, in accordance with Policy PC1 the city council will consider whether it would be appropriate to apply the policy requirements to each of the smaller sites individually irrespective of their number of dwellings or site area in order to secure the delivery of affordable housing in accordance with this policy. Green Belt land is not covered by the value areas, as new housing development within the Green Belt that is in excess of the thresholds in this policy will by definition be inappropriate. If very special circumstances exist to justify such development in the Green Belt, then the proportion of dwellings that are affordable must be maximised. A reduced proportion of affordable housing from the above requirements may be considered acceptable only where: 1) It has been clearly demonstrated that all practicable options have been exhausted for delivering the minimum affordable housing requirement, including by partnering with registered providers and accommodating affordable homes financed through various sources such as Homes England, investment funds and commuted sums from other sites; and 2) The requirements of criteria i-iv in Policy PC1 have been met. The provision of affordable housing at higher levels than the minimum requirements of this policy will be strongly supported. Tenure of new affordable housing New affordable housing provision shall deliver the following mix of tenures to ensure that there is a diverse range of new affordable homes that meets the nature of the need within Salford: Tenure Proportion of the affordable homes Social rented 37.5% Affordable rented 37.5% Shared ownership 25% A different affordable housing tenure mix from the table above may be acceptable where there is clear evidence this would help to better meet specifically identified local needs and address site-specific circumstances. The identification of any such need will be informed by discussions with the city council, and registered providers where they are to manage the affordable housing, having regard to the: A) Choice based lettings data from Salford Home Search B) Characteristics of the households likely to be allocated to the affordable dwellings; C) Existing supply of affordable housing in the local area, including the size and type; D) Characteristics of the site; E) Scale of the proposed development; F) Level of local house prices and incomes; and G) Financial viability of the proposed scheme. Type and size Given that there is a demonstrable need for all types (houses and apartments) and sizes (bedrooms and floorspace) of affordable housing, in the first instance the city council will expect that the affordable dwellings shall reflect the dwelling mix across the development as a whole. A different mix of types and sizes may be appropriate on an individual site where there is clear evidence that this would help to better meet specifically identified local needs and address site-specific circumstances. The identification of any such need will be informed by discussions with the city council, and registered providers where they are to manage the affordable housing, and having regard to criteria A-G of this policy. On-site and off-site provision The mechanism for providing the affordable housing shall be agreed with the city council, having regard to local factors and the desirability of delivering mixed communities. In some circumstances this will mean that on-site provision is most appropriate, whereas in other circumstances off-site provision or the payment of a commuted sum may enable the more effective delivery of affordable housing to meet local needs. The value of any commuted sum will be calculated on the basis of the above table, or any subsequent update in a supplementary planning document, and spent having regard to the latest evidence of need. Design Within mixed-tenure developments, the appearance of the affordable dwellings shall be indistinguishable from the open market dwellings and shall normally be "pepper-potted". Small clusters of up to ten affordable dwellings will typically be acceptable given the practicalities of managing and maintaining units, although larger clusters may be appropriate where: i) A high proportion of units are affordable; or ii) An identified Registered Provider considers that larger clusters are required to ensure the efficient and effective management of the affordable housing. Where a registered provider is involved, the developer shall, unless otherwise agreed, build the dwellings to the specification of the registered provider. Delivery The provision of affordable housing will be secured through a section 106 agreement. This will specify the timing of the delivery of any dwellings and/or payment of commuted sums. Engagement Early involvement of the city council and registered providers in site discussions and design is strongly encouraged, preferably at the pre-application stage, in order to ensure that affordable housing provision will meet relevant requirements and standards. Definitions Affordable housing is defined in Annex 2 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Homes for Affordable Rent shall be capped to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) Rates. Social Rent and Affordable Rent housing, and affordable home ownership routes where public grant funding is provided shall include provisions to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households or for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision. For discounted market sales housing, provisions will be put in place to ensure housing remains at a discount for future eligible households. The requirement for affordable housing in developments for older people shall be provided in accordance with Policy H6. In build to rent developments, including co-living developments, affordable housing shall be provided in accordance with Policy H5. In purpose-built student housing developments, affordable housing shall be provided in accordance with Policy H7. All other types of self-contained residential development, as defined in policy H1, shall provide affordable housing in line with this policy. Other housing that is not in the form of individual units of self-contained accommodation, as may be seen for example in care homes and nursing homes, will not be required to provide affordable housing.

Build to Rent

The development of build to rent schemes will be supported, particularly in City Centre Salford, Salford Quays, Ordsall Waterfront and town centres. Build to rent schemes shall: 1) As a whole be under common ownership and management control for the long term; 2) Usually offer tenancies of three or more years to all tenants (except where this would interfere with planned refurbishment works), with tenants having the option to terminate at one month's notice, after the first six months, without a break fee being payable; 3) Comply with the space standards in policy H2 in the case of non-furnished developments, apart from in schemes that are for co-living; and 4) Be consistent with the need to deliver a broad range of tenures across Salford and within individual areas, including owner-occupied dwellings. All build to rent schemes on sites of 10 or more dwellings, or having an area of 0.5 hectares or more irrespective of the number of dwellings, shall provide a minimum of 20% of the dwellings in the form of affordable private rent, with these dwellings being: a) At a rent that is at least 20% less than the local market rent (inclusive of service charges) for an equivalent dwelling; b) Maintained as affordable private rent in perpetuity; c) Distributed throughout the development and physically indistinguishable from the market rent homes in terms of quality and size; and d) Occupied by eligible households having regard to household income levels and local rent levels to address local affordable housing needs, as agreed between the city council and operator. A reduced proportion of affordable housing from the above requirement may be considered acceptable only where the requirements of criteria i-iv in Policy PC1 have been met. Changes of use of existing buildings to uses that are similar in nature to build to rent, such as from purpose-built student housing, will be expected to comply with the above affordable housing requirements.

Digital infrastructure

The rollout and continued improvement of affordable, high speed, high capacity digital infrastructure serving all parts of the city will be supported. It will be particularly important to ensure that the City Centre and Salford Quays have the highest quality digital infrastructure, both in terms of fibre and the latest generation wireless technology, to strengthen their existing role. New development shall: 1) Enable the enhancement of Salford's digital infrastructure; and 2) Incorporate full fibre connections, including ducting capable of accommodating more than one digital infrastructure provider. Telecommunications development shall: A) Be located in the following order of preference: i) The sharing of existing telecommunications sites and installations, including masts, structures and buildings; ii) The use of existing buildings and structures where there are no existing telecommunications installations; and iii) Other locations; B) Limit street clutter through minimising the number, size and prominence of equipment cabins; C) Minimise the impact of equipment on the visual amenity, character and appearance of the surrounding area; D) If on a building, be sited and designed in order to seek to minimise its impact on the appearance of the building; E) Have special regard to the Green Belt, the natural environment and historic environment where the quality of the landscape/townscape may be particularly sensitive to the intrusion of communications infrastructure, including conservation areas and listed buildings; F) Not have a detrimental impact on the movement of pedestrians and cyclists or on the safe and effective functioning of highways; G) Not result in the International Commission guidelines on non-ionising radiation protection being exceeded; H) Not cause interference with other electrical equipment, air traffic services or instrumentation operated in the national interest; I) Where it is required to be operational during flooding, not be located in an area that would be subject to a 1 in 100 year risk of flooding (1% annual exceedance probability (AEP)), not taking into account flood defences; and J) Undertake appropriate pre-application consultation in accordance with national policy.

Protecting digital infrastructure

Adverse impacts on the successful functioning of existing digital infrastructure shall be avoided. Where this is not practicable, appropriate mitigation shall be provided.

Early years, schools and post-16 education facilities

Improvements in the quality and accessibility of early years, schools and post-16 facilities will be supported. New early years, schools and post-16 facilities shall: 1) Be highly accessible to their intended catchments, particularly by walking, cycling and public transport; 2) Be located, designed and managed to minimise the impacts of associated traffic and car parking on the surrounding area; 3) Provide high quality indoor and outdoor facilities suitable for the intended number and age range of students; and 4) Wherever practicable and appropriate, provide for the community use of playing fields and other facilities. A flexible approach will be taken to the reuse and redevelopment of redundant education sites, particularly where this would support the provision or improvement of education facilities elsewhere in the city. Such sites may be protected for educational use where this is necessary to secure an appropriate scale and distribution of education facilities to meet future needs.

Efficient use of land

Developments shall use land efficiently. All parts of a site shall have a clear and positive purpose. Support will be given to the use of suitable previously developed land and appropriate opportunities to remediate despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated or unstable land. The density of a development shall: 1) Respond to the local context, character and distinctiveness; and 2) Reflect the accessibility of the site: a) By public transport, cycling and walking; and b) To public services, community facilities, amenity and recreation provision. The highest density development shall be in the most accessible locations. Proposed improvements to the accessibility of a site will be taken into account in implementing this policy, but only where there is a high probability of their delivery and long-term retention. Residential densities shall meet the requirements in Policy H3. Where low-rise non-residential development is proposed, in order to assist in maximising the efficient use of land, the applicant shall demonstrate that positive consideration has been given to incorporating residential uses above, where this is appropriate to the design context, the function of the surrounding area and the need to ensure that residents would have a good level of amenity.

Co-ordinated development

Development will not be permitted if it would unacceptably hamper or reduce the development options for adjacent sites or the wider area. Development must make provision for, and be phased with, supporting infrastructure, facilities, and appropriate environmental mitigation, appropriate to the scale of development proposed. Development on individual sites will only be required to be guided by a masterplan or framework for the wider area where there is a need to: 1) Demonstrate that development options on other sites would not be unacceptably reduced; 2) Secure consistency in layout and/or design across more than one site; or 3) Accommodate and/or fund infrastructure when this would not be possible by viewing individual sites in isolation. Where a masterplan/framework is produced by someone other than the city council: A) The boundaries and scope of the masterplan/framework area shall be agreed with the city council at an early stage in the production process; and B) The final version of the masterplan/framework shall be considered acceptable by the city council. The production process for the masterplan/framework shall: i) Ensure the proper consultation of the local community and other stakeholders within and adjoining the masterplan/framework area, meeting the principles set out in Policy F1; ii) Seek to maximise social value and inclusion in any resulting development in accordance with Policy F2; and iii) Identify early in the process whether the scale and nature of the development proposed within the masterplan/framework area is likely to need to be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and, if so and as far as practicable, use the EIA process to guide the development of the masterplan and identify opportunities to improve it. No development will be permitted on sites allocated for development through the Places for Everyone joint DPD until a masterplan/ framework or Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has been developed in consultation with the local community and other stakeholders, and is considered acceptable by the city council, or in the case of an SPD adopted, by the city council. In circumstances where a masterplan/framework is to be put forward as part of a planning application, in order to meet the requirements of criteria A), B), i), ii) and iii) early and effective engagement with the city council, and consultation with the local community and other stakeholders should take place in advance of the submission of that application and the submitted masterplan/framework must show how the whole site will be delivered.

Planning conditions and obligations

Development that would have an unacceptable adverse impact or would result in a material increase in the need or demand for infrastructure, services, facilities and/or maintenance for which other sources of funding have not been secured in full, will only be granted planning permission subject to planning conditions and/or planning obligations that would ensure adequate mitigation measures are put in place. Where a site is in multiple ownership, it shall be ensured that all developers make a proportionate contribution to any developer contributions required to enable the delivery of the whole site as well as those specific to their individual development. Artificial splitting of sites Where there is evidence that a site or a development has been artificially split in order to avoid policy requirements by being below any relevant size/dwelling threshold, the council will consider whether it would be appropriate to apply the policy requirements to each of the smaller sites individually irrespective of their size/number of dwellings in order to secure planning obligations in accordance with this plan. In determining whether separate sites should be aggregated to form a single site for the purposes of applying this policy, the city council will consider: 1) Existing and previous land ownership; 2) Whether the areas of land could be considered to be a single site for planning purposes; and 3) Whether the development should be treated as a single development. The city council will consider each application on the facts as a matter of planning judgement. Priorities for the use of planning obligations Priorities for planning obligations will include (in no order of prioritisation): A) Transport B) Public realm C) Open space, informal sports facilities, allotments and green infrastructure (including as set out in policies R1 and GI1) D) Outdoor and indoor sports facilities (as set out in policy R5) E) Education (as set out in policy ED2) F) Health G) Affordable housing (as set out in policy H4) H) Biodiversity off-setting (as set out in policy BG2) I) Other site-specific contributions Long term maintenance Where new or improved open space, green infrastructure or public realm is secured, appropriate provision for its long-term maintenance will also be required. Reduced planning obligations Development will be permitted with reduced planning obligations compared to policy requirements only where: i) The applicant has submitted a viability appraisal that is based upon and refers back to the viability assessment that has informed this plan, and provides evidence to justify the level of planning obligations proposed; ii) The value of the planning obligations has been maximised having regard to likely viability; iii) A clawback mechanism has been incorporated into a legal agreement, where appropriate, to ensure that additional mitigation is provided if final development viability is better than anticipated in the viability assessment; and iv) The benefits of the development outweigh the lack of full mitigation for its impacts, having regard to other material considerations. The price paid for land is not a relevant justification for failing to accord with relevant policies in this plan and any planning obligation requirements set out in a supplementary planning document. Landowners and site purchasers should consider this when agreeing land transactions. Where a viability appraisal is submitted by an applicant in order to justify a reduced contribution, it and any revisions to it will be published prior to the determination of the planning application unless there are exceptional circumstances. Where such exceptional circumstances exist, an executive summary that includes sufficient information to enable the public to fully understand the main inputs and conclusions of the appraisal must be provided and published.

City Centre Salford

Uses Development shall maintain the wide range of uses in City Centre Salford, reflecting its importance within the wider City Centre, supporting its roles as a business location, tourism, cultural and leisure destination, centre of learning and knowledge, and home to a series of residential neighbourhoods: 1) Business, tourism, cultural and leisure development will be appropriate across the area. Development in New Bailey, and between New Bailey Street and Dearmans Place, shall be predominantly for offices, tourism, cultural and leisure uses, reflecting its role as part of the commercial core of the City Centre. 2) The continued enhancement of the facilities at the University of Salford campus will be supported, with student housing focused within and immediately around the campus. The western end of the University of Salford area will remain predominantly in use for university-related activities and other knowledge-based uses. 3) Residential-led mixed-use development will be appropriate across the rest of City Centre Salford. This will be primarily in the form of apartments, reflecting the area's locational advantages, but may also include houses built at high densities. 4) Retail and leisure uses, community and social facilities (including health and education facilities) and other amenities to support the residential, business and visitor populations will be permitted. These facilities shall be focused on prominent frontages, busy intersections with high footfall, and where they can add vibrancy and best meet the needs of the neighbourhood. Transport and movement In order to support the successful functioning of the City Centre, particularly in terms of facilitating people to travel to and around it by sustainable modes of transport, the following initiatives will be promoted and development shall not compromise their delivery, and where appropriate facilitate them: 5) The development of further public transport links into the City Centre's existing rail stations, employment, cultural and leisure opportunities 6) The continued improvement of Salford Central Station as the main western rail gateway to the commercial core of the City Centre, including through works which enable more services and longer trains to stop at the station 7) The transformation of Salford Crescent Station into a major public transport interchange for rail, Metrolink and bus services, with the continued improvement of the station itself as a key rail facility serving the Crescent / Chapel Street and the University of Salford and the investigation into the potential to increase the number of platforms 8) A new Metrolink line connecting Salford Quays and Salford Crescent Station, supporting the integration of the City Centre with Salford Quays, potentially with a quality bus transit scheme being developed initially 9) A new footbridge from the Crescent across the River Irwell, enabling The Meadow and Peel Park to act as a key green space in the City Centre and forming part of the wider Irwell River Park 10) A new pedestrian bridge between New Bailey West and the St John's quarter in Manchester Environmental quality In order to achieve the high environmental quality that is essential to the long-term success of the City Centre, development, where appropriate, shall: 11) Protect and enhance important heritage assets and their setting, including conservation areas and key landmarks such as Salford Cathedral, St. Philip's Church, Sacred Trinity Church and Collier Street Baths 12) Support a significant increase in the quantity and quality of City Centre Salford's green infrastructure, taking an innovative approach to the incorporation of green infrastructure within a high-density context 13) Contribute to the provision of high quality public realm across City Centre Salford that promotes walking and cycling, provides green infrastructure, incorporates a variety of functions, and is fronted by activity 14) Respond positively to the viaducts and their associated opportunities, including delivering additional and improved pedestrian routes through them, providing active uses within the railway arches that add to the vibrancy of the area, greening the infrastructure, and enabling appreciation of their heritage interest 15) Provide a riverside walkway and cycleway and connected open spaces, which are integrated into the wider Irwell River Park and designed to enhance the ecological role of the river 16) Deliver a new Greengate Park, which: a) Is of sufficient scale to fulfil a wide variety of functions, meeting the needs of those living and working in the area, and drawing in visitors to support local businesses and cultural activity; b) Responds to the rich heritage of the area, including the historic routes of Greengate and Gravel Lane; c) Complements and is fully integrated with the other public spaces and streets in the area, including Greengate Square, Greengate Boulevard and Market Cross; and d) Fulfils a range of functions, including bringing nature into the City Centre, incorporating trees and biodiverse planting areas, and being capable of holding events 17) Development alongside the line of the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal shall facilitate its restoration, or where this is not practicable, provide open space incorporating walking and cycling routes and heritage interpretation features in accordance with policy HE6. In places where the original line of the canal has been severed by significant infrastructure or where the protection of the original line would prevent the delivery of vital infrastructure or where development would on balance result in significant benefit in terms of regeneration or sustainable development, some deviation from the original line will be acceptable. In such cases the development shall maintain provision for a continuous route that could be restored to be fully navigable in the future. 18) Manage flood risk in accordance with WA4

Development involving main town centre uses

Sequential approach Main town centre uses shall be located in accordance with the following sequential approach (highest priority first) and the table below: A) Within designated centres ('in centre') B) In locations on the edge of designated centres ('edge of centre') C) Accessible sites which are well connected to a designated centre D) Other locations that are accessible by walking, cycling and public transport Proposals in sequentially less preferable locations will only be supported where it can be demonstrated that there are no available suitable sites or premises in sequentially preferable locations, and that a flexible approach to scale and format has been applied. The sequential approach applies to new floorspace, extensions to existing floorspace, changes of use and applications seeking variations to conditions. The table below defines 'in centre' and 'edge of centre' for the designated centres in Salford that are identified in policy TC1. For some centres, the table sets out a more detailed sequential approach that commercial business and service uses in Class E must follow (highest priority first), subdividing 'in centre' and/or 'edge of centre' locations, in order to support the successful functioning of those centres. Proposals for Class E uses within City Centre Salford will only be required to consider 'in centre' Manchester City Centre primary shopping area locations in preference where the proposals would: i) Be likely to have a significant adverse impact on the primary shopping area of the City Centre or on any other designated centre; or ii) Not provide an appropriate mix of uses for the purposes of policy AP1. Within Salford Quays town centre, offices are acceptable outside of the primary shopping area. Small scale shops and food and drink uses will also be supported in areas outside of the Salford Quays primary shopping area where they would: 1) Be of a scale that reflects the level of demand in the immediate catchment. Where these uses are proposed as elements of large scale developments, the scale should be proportionate to the overall scale of the development to provide vibrancy and animation; and 2) Not be of a scale likely to have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the primary shopping area. Impact assessment An impact assessment will be required for development proposals outside the boundary of a designated centre identified in policy TC1 that would involve: a) An increase of more than 500m2 (gross) of shop floorspace (within Class E) or leisure floorspace; or b) An increase of between 250m2 and 500m2 (gross) of shop floorspace (within Class E) where any of the following raise concerns in relation to an existing centre: i) The scale of the proposal relative to the size of the units in the centre; ii) The health and vulnerability of the centre; iii) The nature of the proposal; iv) The potential cumulative effects of recent developments; or v) The likely effects of the proposed development on the implementation of a relevant council strategy or any planned investment in the centre. These thresholds apply to new floorspace, extensions to existing floorspace, changes of use that constitute development and applications seeking variations to conditions. For the purpose of applying the impact assessment, leisure development includes cinemas, restaurants, drive-through restaurants, bars and public houses, nightclubs, casinos, health and fitness centres, indoor bowling and bingo halls. Where permission is sought for an open Class E development, parts a) or b) of this policy will be applicable. This is unless a restrictive condition is applied, limiting the use to Class E but excluding shops, restaurants, indoor bowling and health and fitness centres which are subject to assessment under parts a) or b).

Changes of use and redevelopments within designated centres

The role of Salford's centres in meeting a wide range of local needs will be protected and enhanced. A strong shopping function will be retained for each centre, and the primary shopping areas of the town centres will have a particularly important role in this regard. Retail uses will be complemented by a broad range of other services, community uses and leisure opportunities. Redevelopment proposals and change of use that constitute development within designated centres will be carefully controlled to ensure that they support, rather than detract from, the successful functioning of the centres and their ability to meet local needs. All such proposals will be required to: 1) Make a positive contribution to the vitality, viability and diversity of the centre; 2) Not unacceptably impact on daytime footfall; 3) Maintain a strong role for the centre in providing a varied range of convenience goods and meeting other day-to-day needs; 4) Positively restore and/or enhance the character and appearance of the frontage; 5) Maintain the continuity of active frontages; and 6) Be of a scale and type of use appropriate to the size and function of the centre, or part of the centre concerned. The positive use of underused and vacant space on upper floors of properties within town or local centres, including for housing, will be encouraged. All ground floor residential uses which constitute development will only be acceptable: a) In designated centres where there is no realistic prospect of securing an active use in an existing unit; and b) In town centres where they are in frontages with low levels of footfall; or c) Where they form part of a masterplan consistent with policy EF2 For the purpose of permitted development rights, the local centres and the primary shopping areas of town centres are classified as key shopping areas.

Food and drink uses within designated centres

A successful daytime and evening leisure-based economy within Salford's designated centres will be encouraged. Development proposals for cafes, restaurants, public houses, drinking establishments and hot food takeaways within designated centres will be supported where they are in accordance with Policy TC3 and: 1) There would be no likely unacceptable impact, either individually or cumulatively, on the amenity and character of the surrounding area, particularly due to noise, litter, odour, traffic generation, parking or disorder/nuisance; and 2) In the case of Monton local centre, it can be clearly demonstrated through extensive marketing for a period of at least 12 months that there is a lack of demand for reoccupation by: a) Active main town centre uses other than cafes, restaurants, public houses, drinking establishments and hot food takeaways; or b) Community facilities. In Monton local centre, where permission is sought for an open Class E development or for a use that falls within Class E other than a restaurant or café, a restrictive condition will be applied, preventing a further change to a restaurant or café without first applying for planning permission.

Network of designated centres

The following network of centres within Salford, as shown on the Policies Map, will be protected and enhanced: City centre 1) City Centre (located in both Manchester and Salford) in accordance with policy AP1 The primary shopping area in Manchester will continue to provide the main focus for regional scale retail activity within the City Centre and larger shopping developments of a regional scale should be located in Manchester City Centre's primary shopping area. City Centre Salford, is an appropriate location for other town centre uses. Town centres (listed in no priority order) 2) Cheetham Hill (predominantly in Manchester) 3) Eccles 4) Pendleton 5) Salford Quays 6) Swinton 7) Walkden The network of the city's town centres will meet the majority of the everyday needs of Salford's residents for shops, other main town centre uses and facilities. A coordinated approach will be taken to the improvement of each town centre, with an emphasis on taking advantage of the unique character of the centre and delivering a diverse range of uses that supports its vitality and viability. High density housing will be encouraged above active ground floor uses within town centres. Housing at ground floor level will be required to complement and not displace main town centre uses, in accordance with policy TC3. Local centres (listed in no priority order) Within Central Salford 8) Broughton Village 9) Charlestown 10) Hope 11) Irlams o' th' Height 12) Langworthy Road 13) Leicester Road 14) Mocha Parade 15) Ordsall 16) Regent Road Within Salford West: 17) Bolton Road, Pendlebury 18) Boothstown 19) Cadishead 20) Clovelly Road, Worsley 21) Ellenbrook 22) Higher Irlam 23) Lower Irlam 24) Little Hulton 25) Monton 26) Patricroft 27) Peel Green The network of local centres will have an important role in providing local shops, leisure opportunities, food and drink uses (subject to policy TC4), services and community facilities for the surrounding neighbourhoods. There will be an emphasis on maintaining a strong convenience goods retail function in each centre, so they can continue to provide sustainable top-up shopping facilities and minimise the need for residents to travel further, complemented by a range of other town centre uses. This will be achieved through the careful management of changes of use within the centres. Residential uses above ground floor level will be encouraged within local centres. Housing at ground floor level will be required to complement and not displace main town centre uses, in accordance with policy TC3. Primary shopping areas Primary shopping areas are those parts of a defined centre where retail development is concentrated with commercial, business and service uses also focussed in these areas. It is important that the shopping, leisure, business and service function of these areas is maintained to support the overall vitality and viability of that centre. The primary shopping areas for each of the city's town centres together with the potential extension to the Salford Quays primary shopping area are shown on the Policies Map insets and in Annex B. For local centres the entirety of such centres are defined as the primary shopping area. Centres can evolve over time and changes to the role and function of primary shopping areas, should be guided by a masterplan or comprehensive redevelopment strategy.

Supporting sustainable transport

Development shall: 1) Help to reduce the overall need to travel through its location, density and mix of uses; 2) Enable a modal shift towards more sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport; 3) Minimise any adverse impacts on transport networks; and 4) Be phased with the provision of sufficient transport infrastructure and services.

Electric vehicle charging points

The continued development of a network of electric vehicle charging points across Salford will be supported, with publicly accessible charging infrastructure focused in safe, convenient and accessible locations. New development shall make provision for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, using dedicated charge points specifically designed for charging all types of electric vehicle, in accordance with the following standards (unless superseded by higher standards in the Building Regulations): 1) For dwellings with off-street parking, at least one dedicated charge point per dwelling 2) For non-residential developments, 10% of spaces shall accommodate a dedicated charge point. In addition to this, 20% of spaces shall accommodate appropriate ducting infrastructure to facilitate future provision. A reduced requirement will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the specific characteristics of development would result in lower levels of demand for electric vehicle charging These standards will be applied to the total scale of car parking provision that is proposed in the development, and additional car parking spaces should not be provided in order to meet them. Charging points shall be located so that they can be accessed by the maximum number of parking spaces at the development. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure within new development shall meet the minimum technical specification list published by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles. Exceptions In the very limited circumstances where, due to the exceptionally high cost of securing the necessary additional electrical capacity to a site, it is not feasible to make provision for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in accordance with the standards detailed in criteria 1 to 2 of this policy, the above requirements will not apply. In such cases, the developer will be expected to demonstrate that the costs associated with the installation of chargepoints would compromise development viability and shall instead incorporate appropriate ducting infrastructure to facilitate future provision. Whilst the historic environment itself should not be a barrier to the installation of charge points, in the limited circumstances that making provision for electric vehicle charging infrastructure would be considered to cause unacceptable harm to a heritage asset, the requirements detailed in criteria 1) to 2) of this policy will not apply. Within larger major developments, opportunities to incorporate public electric vehicle charging points should be considered, having regard to existing provision in the local area.

Barton Aerodrome

Barton Aerodrome, as shown on the Policies Map, will be protected and improved as a general aviation facility, in a way that maintains the amenity of the surrounding uses. Development that would have an unacceptable impact on the operational integrity, safety or heritage value of the aerodrome will not be permitted. Development shall protect and enhance the Foxhill Glen Site of Biological Importance (BG2/20).

Protection of aviation safety at Manchester Airport

Development that would have an unacceptable impact on the operational integrity or safety of Manchester Airport will not be permitted.

Safeguarding potential transport routes

Former railway lines shown on the Policies Map will be safeguarded from developments that would be likely to prevent their future re-use as transport routes. Their use for public transport will be encouraged, conditional upon pedestrian and cyclist access being retained wherever practicable.

Transport hierarchy and sustainable streets

Development and transport infrastructure schemes shall: 1) Be located and designed to promote the following hierarchy (highest priority listed first), helping to maximise the use of those modes towards the top of the hierarchy, whilst ensuring appropriate access for emergency vehicles at all times and taking account of the needs of all users (including those with impaired mobility and their carers) and the function of the street: a) Pedestrians b) Cyclists c) Public transport users d) Commercial deliveries and specialist service vehicles (e.g. waste collection, taxis/private hire vehicles) e) Other motor traffic 2) Support the delivery of more sustainable streets, taking into account the wider function of the street, including by: a) Making it easier and more attractive to walk, cycle and use public transport, which may involve the reallocation of existing road space and the introduction of additional wayfinding signage and crossing points b) Providing varied spaces for people to meet, linger and rest, and for children to play, enabling greater social interaction c) Incorporating high levels of green infrastructure (including street trees) designed to bring people closer to nature, enhance biodiversity, enable the movement of wildlife, soak up pollutants, reduce flood risk, and improve quality of life d) Supporting local distinctiveness and identity through features and uses that provide visual interest and activity

Walking and cycling

Development and transport infrastructure schemes shall contribute to the delivery of walkable and cyclable neighbourhoods, and support a significant increase in the proportion of journeys made by walking and cycling, including where appropriate by: 1) Being designed to give the highest priority to pedestrians and cyclists, in accordance with policy A2 2) Maintaining and enhancing an integrated network of safe, convenient and attractive walking and cycling routes which allow everyone to be active 3) Addressing gaps within the walking and cycling network, with the provision of segregated routes where possible 4) Developing the potential of the city's waterways as walking and cycling routes 5) Protecting and extending the city's network of strategic recreation routes, in accordance with policy R4 6) Reallocating road space to provide wider footpaths and protected cycle lanes 7) Introducing additional wayfinding signage and crossing points on the city's streets and town centres 8) Connecting new development to the network of walking and cycling routes where practicable, particularly to enable safe and convenient access to employment areas and local facilities such as public transport stops, shops and schools 9) Significantly improving secure cycle parking facilities at all destinations that people wish to travel to, including railway stations, public transport interchanges, workplaces, town and local centres and visitor destinations across the city Development shall: 10) Comply with the minimum cycle parking standards set out in Annex C; 11) Ensure that any cycle parking: a) Is secure; b) Is provided in a location that is visible, has good natural surveillance, and is convenient and attractive to potential users; c) Allows sufficient aisle widths, turning spaces and clearance distances from walls; and d) Provides multiple locking points; 12) Incorporate facilities for cycle hire schemes where there is an identified demand; and 13) In the case of large-scale employment developments, incorporate shower facilities wherever possible to encourage employees to cycle to work. The loss or diversion of an existing public right of way will only be permitted where there would be no significant reduction in pedestrian or cycling accessibility within the local area.

Public transport

In order to manage the travel demand from development, the following public transport schemes will be supported, and new development shall be consistent with and, where appropriate, facilitate them: 1) The expansion of the Metrolink system in Salford, including: a) The extension of the Trafford Park line to the AJ Bell Stadium and Port Salford b) A new Metrolink line connecting Salford Quays and Salford Crescent Station, improving sustainable transport access to Salford Quays and its integration with the City Centre and the rail network. Initially, it is expected that a quality bus transit scheme will be delivered in this location, to be transformed into a Metrolink line in the longer term 2) Investigating the potential to convert rail lines to tram-train use and considering how accessibility can be maximised having regard to heavy and light rail solutions 3) The significant enhancement of public transport facilities within City Centre Salford and improved connections with the wider City Centre, including: a) The development of further public transport links into the City Centre's existing rail stations, employment, cultural and leisure opportunities b) The continued improvement of Salford Central Station as the main western rail gateway to the central business district of the City Centre, including through works which enable more services and longer trains to stop at the station c) The transformation of Salford Crescent Station into a major public transport interchange for rail, Metrolink and bus services, with the continued improvement of the station itself as a key rail facility serving Chapel Street, The Crescent, the University of Salford and Pendleton, and the investigation into the potential to increase the number of platforms 4) The development of new and improved public transport interchanges, focusing particularly on the town centres and rail stations 5) The enhancement of the city's rail stations, particularly in terms of passenger facilities and disabled access 6) The electrification of the city's rail lines 7) The further expansion of rapid transit routes along the A580 East Lancashire Road and elsewhere within the city, particularly where this improves the accessibility of key employment and leisure locations 8) The development of an improved local bus network, including the investigation of opportunities for bus priority where appropriate.

Sustainable movement of freight

The sustainable movement of freight will be encouraged including by supporting: A) The development of urban distribution centres that reduce vehicle movements and utilise zero-carbon last mile delivery B) The increased use of the Manchester Ship Canal for freight movement, through: i) Controlling the loss of existing wharves along it; and ii) Supporting the development of sites adjacent to it for uses that would utilise it for freight movement. Port Salford is specifically protected under policy EC2/1 as a tri-modal freight interchange and employment area. The line of the rail link between Port Salford and the Manchester-Liverpool rail line (EC2/2), will also be protected. Irwell Park Wharf, as shown on the Policies Map, is specifically protected as an important facility that enables the sustainable movement of freight. The loss of any other existing wharf on the Manchester Ship Canal within Salford will only be permitted where: 1) It would be replaced elsewhere along the canal; or 2) It can be clearly demonstrated that there is no current or likely future demand for the wharf or any replacement facility.

Highway network

The efficient, effective and safe operation of the city's highway network will be supported through: 1) Requiring developments that would be likely to generate significant amounts of movement to be supported by a Transport Statement or Transport Assessment, including transport modelling where appropriate; 2) The refusal of development on transport grounds if there would be an unacceptable impact on highway safety or the residual cumulative impacts on the road network would be severe, having regard to issues such as likely traffic generation, access, parking and servicing arrangements and proposed mitigation measures; 3) Encouraging a modal shift towards more sustainable forms of transport by enhancing the city's public transport, walking and cycling network in accordance with policies A3 and A4; and 4) Investment in the city's existing highway network to address congestion and enhance capacity, where this is consistent with environmental and social objectives. New road links will only be permitted where: i) It has been clearly demonstrated that there would be no unacceptable impact on the capacity of the highway network in Salford, particularly in terms of congestion; ii) The amenity of residents would be protected, including in relation to air and noise pollution; and iii) In the case of a link across the Manchester Ship Canal, all junction and other highway improvements in Salford that are required to manage the resulting traffic flows are completed and operational before the opening of the cross-canal link. All major development shall be implemented in accordance with a construction logistics plan that has been approved by the city council. The plan shall identify how construction vehicle activity will be managed and any impacts on the road network and communities minimised.

Motor vehicle parking provision and drop-off facilities in new developments

The amount of parking provided within new developments shall: 1) Ensure that the development is inclusive and accessible to all users; 2) Support the efficient use of land; 3) Reflect the type, mix and use of the development; 4) Have regard to the accessibility of the development by modes of transport other than the private car; 5) Not discourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport; 6) Not lead to a level of off-site car parking that would have an unacceptable impact on: a) The safe and efficient operation of the highway network; or b) The environmental quality or residential amenity of the local area; and 7) Not exceed the maximum car parking standards set out in Annex C. Where development would be likely to lead to levels of off-site car parking that would have an adverse impact on the surrounding area, appropriate mitigation measures will be required. This could include, for example, developments funding resident parking schemes, public transport provision, on-street parking restrictions and their enforcement. All developments shall make provision for: 8) Car parking for disabled people in accordance with the minimum standards set out in Annex C; 9) Secure motorcycle parking with suitable anchor points in accordance with the minimum standards set out in Annex C; and 10) Where appropriate, proportionate to likely demand and in a suitable location: a) General user and delivery vehicle drop-off points; b) Hackney carriage taxi ranks; c) Private hire vehicle drop-off points; and d) Car clubs/car sharing bays (including the use of low emission vehicles where possible). The need for car parking, drop-off points, taxi ranks and car club/car sharing bays within developments shall be considered through a transport assessment or statement. This shall consider all relevant evidence of likely demand, including knowledge of taxi operators and private hire associations where available. The design and layout of all parking shall promote safety and security for all users and be attractive, well-landscaped (incorporating green infrastructure) and sensitively integrated into the built form so that it does not dominate the development of the street scene. In the case of basement parking, consideration shall be given to surface water management and flood risk.

City Centre car parking

The provision of surface and public car parking serving the City Centre will be carefully controlled, with the emphasis being on: 1) Meeting short-stay parking needs to support the attractiveness of the City Centre as a business, tourism, retail and leisure destination; 2) Maximising the accessibility of the car parks from the Inner Relief Road; and 3) Utilising land as efficiently as practicable, supporting a significant reduction in the amount of surface car parking within City Centre Salford. Where sites are identified in a regeneration framework adopted by the city council for alternative uses, the further expansion or intensification of existing car parking facilities will not be permitted.

Park and ride facilities

Park and ride schemes will be supported where it can be demonstrated that they: 1) Form part of a wider strategy for promoting public transport use and/or cycling, developed in conjunction with Transport for Greater Manchester and, where appropriate, other organisations such as Highways England and Network Rail; 2) Would contribute to a reduction in overall traffic levels; 3) Would not result in an unacceptable level of traffic congestion around the park and ride site; 4) Would provide a high standard of vehicle security and personal safety; 5) Would not represent an inefficient use of land in a highly accessible location, having regard to the need for built development; and 6) Would manage the parking provision so as to maximise the use of public transport, which will typically involve no charge for users. The redevelopment of existing park and ride facilities will only be permitted where: A) It can be clearly demonstrated that there is no current or likely future demand for the facility; or B) All of the following criteria apply: i) The facility represents an inefficient use of land in a highly accessible location; ii) Its redevelopment forms part of a wider strategy for promoting public transport use; and iii) It would be replaced by a facility of equivalent or greater capacity and with equivalent or improved connections to relevant transport infrastructure.