Planning in Sefton

HEALTHY SEFTON

Development should help maximise opportunities to improve quality of life to make it easier for people in Sefton to lead healthy, active lifestyles, by: a. Improving access to a choice of homes and providing new homes that meet the needs of future occupiers b. Improving access to jobs c. Making adequate provision for safe waste storage or recycling opportunities d. Designing easy to maintain, safe and attractive public areas which minimise the opportunity for crime and reduce the fear of crime, and which promote social cohesion e. Encouraging people to take physical exercise by providing opportunities for walking, cycling, outdoor recreation and sport f. Appropriately locating food and drink shops, hot food takeaways, drinking establishments, restaurants, cafes and other non-food and drink uses which have health impacts, having regard to other land uses in the local area g. Having regard to accessibility of homes, education, jobs, public transport services, health and other services, recreational opportunities and community, cultural and leisure facilities h. Encouraging measures to achieve affordable warmth i. Managing air quality and pollution.

PROVISION OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, STRATEGIC PATHS AND TREES

Public open space 1. Appropriate high quality new public open space of at least 40 square metres per new-build home must be provided for the following developments: a. Proposals for 150 or more new-build homes, b. Proposals for 11 to 149 new-build homes on sites which are more than 2 kilometres from a main park or Countryside Recreation Area. 2. This new public open space must be provided within the site unless it can be demonstrated that enhancement of off-site open space is more appropriate, in terms of: a. The type and density of housing development and site size, or b. Proximity to existing main, neighbourhood and community parks, or c. Other site-specific factors. 3. New public open space (including outdoors sports facilities) created during the Plan period will be accorded the policy protection set out in policy NH5 'Protection of open space and Countryside Recreation Areas', even where it is not shown on the Policies Map. 4. Development proposals which include new public open space must incorporate suitable arrangements for long-term management and maintenance of, and public access to, the new open space. Sefton's green network of paths and cycleways 5. Development with the potential to adversely affect the establishment or retention of a public right of way, or Strategic Path as shown on the Policies Map, will not be permitted unless sufficient mitigation is provided to ensure that existing access is maintained, and where possible enhanced, or where an acceptable alternative path is provided. 6. Links to, or extensions of existing public rights of way, strategic paths or cycleways will be required where they improve the accessibility of an existing community or a development site. Trees and landscaping 7. Development proposals must: a. Not result in unacceptable loss of, or damage to, existing trees or woodlands or significant landscaping during or as a result of development, b. Replace any trees lost as a result of the development at a ratio of 1:1 within the site, c. Where appropriate, include an appropriate landscape scheme, showing all hard and soft landscaping and management arrangements.

ASSETS OF COMMUNITY VALUE

Where development will result in the loss, or partial loss of an Asset of Community Value, planning permission will be granted where the applicant has demonstrated that: a. Alternative provision will be made to meet community needs, or b. An existing accessible facility will provide the facility or service that is being lost with the development, or c. There is sufficient existing provision to meet the community's day-to-day needs.

EDUCATION AND CARE INSTITUTIONS

Sites in active use as schools, colleges or care institutions 1. Development which is for the following uses is acceptable in principle: a. Uses directly related to the existing use of the site or which sustain the viability of the existing use of the site, or b. Community-based recreation or sports facilities ancillary to the existing use of the site, or c. Environmental improvements which enhance the site's environmental quality or green infrastructure benefits. 2. Development of the site must retain key green infrastructure and minimise harm to the historic environment and its setting. Sites formerly in use as schools, colleges or care institutions 3. Development for an alternative use which is compatible with the surrounding area is acceptable in principle, where appropriate evidence is provided that the institution and its ancillary facilities are surplus to recreational requirements.

Former St Mary's Primary School playing fields, Waverley Street, Bootle

Development of this site must: ensure that the loss of the former playing pitch(es) is addressed consistent with Local Plan policy NH5. This will be achieved via a commuted sum payment (on a per dwelling basis) towards the provision of a new 3G pitch(es) at Litherland Sports Park.

ADVERTISEMENTS

1. Proposals for advertisements will be granted consent where they do not have an unacceptable impact upon amenity and are not harmful to public safety. 2. In relation to amenity the following will be considered: a. They should respect the scale of and be sympathetic to their immediate surroundings and not dominate buildings, street scenes or open areas, b. They should respect the design and appearance of buildings on which they are displayed, and c. The size, location, and means of any illumination and whether a proliferation of adverts will create clutter. 3. In relation to public safety the following will be considered: the location, siting, illumination, design or scale must not impede movement of pedestrians or make it unsafe for pedestrians and must not compromise the safety of vehicles using the public highway. 4. Advertisements displayed within or adjacent to Heritage Assets will need to be of particularly high quality, respecting the size, materials, proportions and detailing of the building. 5. Advertisements attached to the verandahs should be limited in extent and must not over-dominate or hide their features. The cumulative effects of signage on the verandahs will be taken into account.

DESIGN

Development will only be permitted where: 1. In relation to site context: a. The proposal responds positively to the character, local distinctiveness and form of its surroundings b. In areas of lesser quality the development enhances the character of the area rather than preserves or reproduces negative aspects of the existing environment c. Key views of townscape, including landmark and gateway buildings, and important landscape features are retained or enhanced. 2. In relation to site design, layout and access: The arrangement of buildings, structures and spaces within the site, including density and layout, and the alignment and orientation of buildings, relates positively to the character and form of the surroundings, achieves a high quality of design and meets all of the following criteria: a. Ensures safe and easy movement into, out of, and within the site for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists and those with limited mobility b. Integrates well with existing street patterns c. Protects the amenity of those within and adjacent to the site d. Ensures the safety and security of those within and outside the development through natural surveillance and the creation of active frontages e. Creates well-connected attractive outdoor areas which fulfil their purpose well. 3. In relation to the design of buildings and structures: a. Proposals make a positive contribution to their surroundings through the quality of their design in terms of scale, height, form, massing, style, detailing, landscaping, use of materials and meet criteria (b) to (d) listed in part (2) above (replacing 'site' with 'building' in c.) b. Proposals for non-residential buildings consider flexibility in design to facilitate conversion to other uses in the future c. Proposals for residential buildings consider the adaptability of new homes to meet the long term needs of residents d. Proposals are designed to take advantage of natural solar gain. 4. In relation to major and urban edge sites the following additional criteria apply: a. Key landmarks are retained, and new gateway features provided, to ensure locally distinctive developments b. Structural planting is provided to soften the urban edge and provide a suitable transition to open countryside c. A clear road hierarchy is set out, and different character areas within the development are provided, to assist navigation through and around the development.

THE PORT AND MARITIME ZONE

1. Development and re-structuring will be permitted in the Port and Maritime Zone (as shown on the Policies Map) including the expansion of the operational port area to the A565 (Derby Road, Rimrose Road and Crosby Road South), provided that the following criteria are met: a. The development is a port-related activity and does not prevent the comprehensive redevelopment of the area for such purposes b. Buildings are suitably designed so that they integrate into and respect the surrounding natural, built and historic environment c. Appropriate landscaping and/or screening and other forms of mitigation are provided to minimise the impact of the development on sites which abut the landward edge of the Port and Maritime Zone d. The development is designed to encourage walking and cycling, and has incorporated, where possible, water and rail as alternatives to road transport e. Appropriate mitigation is included that ensures that impacts resulting from noise, dust, smells or other forms of pollution on the amenity of other occupiers within the area and on adjacent communities are mitigated and minimised, and f. For development which is outside the Seaforth Nature Reserve, but within the remainder of the Port and Maritime Zone including any expansion of the operational port area to the A565, it can be demonstrated that there are no likely significant effects on the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore and Liverpool Bay Special Protection Areas and other internationally important nature sites. 2. The expansion of the operational port area onto all or part of the Seaforth Nature Reserve will not be permitted unless the proposals: a. Demonstrate both that there are: No alternative sites available, and 'Imperative reasons of overriding public interest' as to why the development should be permitted in this location, and subsequently b. Provide suitable compensatory habitat and necessary mitigation for an appropriate period to end once monitoring confirms that the compensatory habitat is performing a function identical to that of Seaforth Nature Reserve, and c. Demonstrate that there are no likely significant effects on the Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore and Liverpool Bay Special Protection Areas and other internationally important nature sites. 3. Improvements to access will be required to support the expansion of the Port. This may require a new road and /or substantial improvements to the surrounding highway network beyond the Port area, as well as other modes of transport, specifically rail. 4. Planning conditions and / or legal agreements will be used to ensure appropriate compensation, mitigation, infrastructure and appropriate local economic, environment and community benefits are secured and provided both within and beyond Sefton.

EXISTING EMPLOYMENT AREAS

1. The Existing Employment Areas as shown on the Policies Map are suitable for the following uses: a. Office and light industrial (class B1) b. General Industrial (class B2) c. Storage and distribution (class B8) 2. Other uses will only be permitted where: a. They are small scale or ancillary to the above uses, and would not prejudice the operation of Class B1, B2, or B8 uses within the Existing Employment Area, or b. The land/premises are currently vacant and have been continuously and actively marketed for B1, B2 or B8 uses for at least 12 months (starting from the date the site became vacant) at a reasonable market rate (i.e. rent or capital values) and it has been demonstrated in a formal marketing report that there is no reasonable prospect of the site being used for employment use, or c. There would be a significant community benefit that would outweigh the loss of the employment land/premises. 3. Development within the Existing Employment Areas must not: a. Significantly harm the amenity of any nearby residents, and b. Significantly harm the general environment.

MIXED USE AREAS

1. The Mixed Use Areas listed below and shown on the Policies Map are suitable for the following types of development: office and light industry, health and educational uses, civic and community facilities, and other uses that are compatible with the character of the area. a. Bootle Commercial Area b. Land at Copy Lane, Netherton c. Land to the West of Ormskirk Road, Aintree d. Switch Island, Aintree e. Land at Hawthorne Road / Church Road, Bootle 2. Residential development will be permitted where an acceptable residential environment can be achieved, consistent with other Plan policies. This should have regard to any adjacent non-residential uses.

Regeneration Areas

The following areas are identified as priorities for regeneration in Sefton and are shown on the Policies Map. 1. Regeneration in Bootle The Council is committed to the regeneration of Bootle, including both the redevelopment of derelict and vacant land and buildings throughout Bootle, and the regeneration of the Bootle Central Area. a. Bootle Central Area The regeneration objectives for Bootle Central Area include: i. The refurbishment, re-use or redevelopment of vacant office blocks and other vacant /under-used land for appropriate new uses, consistent with Policy ED4 'Mixed Use Areas'; ii. The refurbishment and re-use of Listed and historic buildings in and around Bootle Town Hall; iii. The focusing of new retail development within Bootle Town Centre; iv. The development of new restaurants, leisure facilities, hotels, and other appropriate uses within the Central Area, subject to policy ED2 'Retailing, Leisure and other Town Centre Uses'; v. The expansion of Hugh Baird College and its campus; and vi. The development of new buildings of an appropriate scale and mass on the Stanley Road frontage. b. Regeneration Opportunity Sites The following sites are allocated as Regeneration Opportunity Sites: i. 501 – 509 Hawthorne Road, Bootle – 5.2 ha This site is suitable for housing development. Partial development for other uses will be permitted where this does not prevent the development of the remainder of the site for housing, and where the proposed uses are compatible with a residential environment. ii. Former Gasworks Site, Marsh Lane, Bootle – 6.3 ha The redevelopment of this site for appropriate uses will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: the proposed use is compatible with the adjacent residential area the proposed use provides a significant regeneration benefit to the area, and any partial redevelopment would not prejudice the development of the remainder of the site. 2. Regeneration of Centres The regeneration of town centres is a priority for Sefton. Development within the following centres, as shown on the Policies Map, should make a positive contribution to the regeneration of the centre: a. Central Southport The regeneration of the Southport Central Area and Seafront as set out in Policies ED7 and ED8, including the redevelopment of the Marine Park site. b. Crosby Centre The regeneration of Crosby Centre as set out in Policy ED11. c. Maghull Centre The regeneration of Maghull Centre to provide modern, high quality, town centre floor space, consistent with Policy ED2 'Retailing, Leisure and other Town Uses'. d. Seaforth Centre Proposals within Seaforth Centre that support the following regeneration objectives will be acceptable in principle: i. the consolidation of the existing shopping area ii. the introduction of complementary uses supporting the retail function, and iii. the redevelopment and positive re-use of vacant and / or derelict land and buildings 3. Regeneration of the Dunnings Bridge Road Corridor, Netherton The Dunnings Bridge Road Corridor will be the focus for major new employment generation and investment in South Sefton. The regeneration objectives for this area are: a. The development of the 3 Strategic Employment Sites within the Corridor (Policy MN2) b. The redevelopment of the Heysham Road Industrial Estate to provide modern employment premises and environmental enhancements, and c. The development of land to support the expanded Port

LAND NORTH OF FORMBY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

1. Land north of Formby Industrial Estate is allocated as a 'Strategic Employment Location' (as shown on the Policies Map) subject to the following requirements: a. The site will be developed for the uses specified in Policy MN2. Subject to a full financial appraisal, the development of a limited number of other uses on part of the site may be acceptable where they are necessary to cross subsidise the delivery of office and light industrial (B1), general industrial (B2) and storage and distribution (B8) uses b. Replacement habitat, including for water voles, will be provided before development commences c. The site will be accessed by means of a dedicated signal controlled junction off the Formby Bypass d. Improved connections will be provided to the wider highway network, including enhanced provision for walking, cycling and public transport e. Flood risk will be managed effectively and appropriately within the site, including through the use of flood storage areas and sustainable drainage systems, and f. A landscaping framework will be provided including replacement water vole habitat, appropriate tree planting, and a buffer alongside Downholland Brook. 2. These requirements will be achieved through the use of planning conditions, Section 106 and other legal agreements.

ENERGY EFFICIENT AND LOW CARBON DESIGN

Major development should incorporate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions where practicable, through one or more of the following: a. Making the most of natural solar gain through site and building layout and design, b. Energy efficiency measures, including for existing buildings, c. Use of low carbon, decentralised and renewable energy, d. Provision of infrastructure for low emissions vehicles.

POLLUTION AND HAZARDS

1. Development proposals should demonstrate that environmental risks have been evaluated and appropriate measures have been taken to minimise the risks of adverse impacts which include amenity, damage to health and wellbeing, property and the natural environment (including internationally important nature sites) from: a. Pollution of the land, water (including surface water and groundwater) and the air, b. Hazardous substances, c. Noise/vibration, dust, odour or artificial light pollution. 2. Development will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a. Appropriate measures are incorporated into proposals to avoid pollution to air, water and soil, b. There would be no unacceptable risk to the users of the site, occupiers of neighbouring land or the environment from the presence of hazardous substances. Proposals for sensitive uses close to existing sources of pollution must demonstrate that there will be no detrimental impact on the amenity of existing or future occupiers, c. The impact of noise/vibration and lighting will not be significant or can be reduced to an acceptable level. 3. Development must lead to no deterioration of, and where practicable improve, water quality, and must protect and enhance Sefton's waterbodies and water environment. 4. The cumulative effects of pollution will be taken into account in terms of the impact of a number of developments in an area. The effects of a combination of various types of pollution will also be considered.

AIR QUALITY

1. Development proposals must demonstrate that they will not: a. Hinder the achievement of Air Quality Management Area objectives and the measures set out in an Air Quality Management Area Action Plan, or b. Hinder the revocation of an Air Quality Management Area by: i. introducing significant new sources of air pollutants, or ii. Introducing new development whose users will be especially susceptible to air pollution, or c. Lead to the declaration of an Air Quality Management Area, or d. Lead to a material decline in air quality. 2. Where appropriate Major developments must incorporate appropriate measures to reduce air pollution and minimise exposure to harmful levels of air pollution to both occupiers of the site and occupiers of neighbouring sites.

CONTAMINATED LAND

1. Development on contaminated land will be granted permission where it can be demonstrated that both future residents/occupiers of the development site, the residents of neighbouring sites and controlled water systems, ecological systems and property will not be exposed to harmful levels of contamination. 2. Where development is proposed on a site that may be contaminated, the developer must establish the nature, degree and extent of any contamination and other relevant ground conditions on the development site by carrying out preliminary investigations. 3. Where there is evidence that a site may be affected by contamination, or the proposed development is particularly sensitive to contamination, planning applications must be accompanied by a Preliminary Investigation report. 4. Where planning permission is granted for sites where contamination has been identified, the developer will be required to (where appropriate): a. Carry out a full site investigation and assessment of development, and b. Remediate the site before it is developed. 5. Where remediation is required, a verification report must be submitted to show that the agreed remediation objectives and criteria have been complied with. 6. After remediation, land should not be capable of being listed as contaminated land under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

FLOOD RISK AND SURFACE WATER

Flood risk generally 1. Development must be located in areas at lowest risk of flooding from all sources, unless the Sequential Test and where appropriate the Exceptions test set out in national policy have been passed. Within the site, uses with the greater vulnerability to flooding must be located in areas with lower risk of flooding, unless it is demonstrated that there are overriding reasons why this should not take place. 2. Development proposals must not increase flood risk from any sources within the site or elsewhere, and where possible should reduce the causes and impacts of flooding. 3. Development proposals must incorporate an integrated approach to the management of flood risk, surface water and foul drainage. 4. Ground floor and basement access levels of all development should be a minimum of 600mm above the 1 in 100 annual probability fluvial flood level or the 1 in 200 annual probability tidal flood level with an allowance for climate change, taking into account the presence of defences and the residual risks of failure of those defences. 5. Ground floor and basement access levels of all development should be a minimum of 300mm above the 1 in 100 annual probability surface water flood level with an allowance for climate change. Surface water management 6. In addition to the national requirements, site-specific Flood Risk Assessments will also be required for all development on sites of 0.5 hectares or more in Critical Drainage Areas as defined in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. 7. Where reasonably practicable, development must incorporate sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water run-off within the site, so that: a. Surface water run-off rates and volumes are reduced by 20% (compared to the pre-existing rates) for sites covered by buildings or impermeable hard surfaces, and for greenfield sites do not exceed greenfield rates b. Surface water discharge is targeted using a sequential approach, and proposals for the attenuated discharge of surface water into anything other than the ground must demonstrate why the other sequentially preferable alternatives cannot be implemented: i. Into the ground (infiltration), ii. Into a watercourse or surface water body, iii. Into a surface water sewer, or iv. Into a combined sewer c. Above ground, natural drainage features rather than engineered or underground systems are used. 8. Sustainable drainage systems must be designed to provide effective drainage for properties and their capacity must take account of the likely impacts of climate change and likely changes in impermeable area within the site over the lifetime of the development. Sustainable drainage systems and any water storage areas must control pollution and should enhance water quality and existing habitats and create new habitats where practicable. 9. Suitable arrangements for long-term access to and operation, maintenance and management of sustainable drainage systems must be incorporated within development proposals. This includes both surface and subsurface components of sustainable drainage systems, over the lifetime of the development. 10. Development on an area which is an adopted Sustainable Drainage System or has a formal flood risk management function is acceptable in principle where the development proposals do not reduce the ability of the area to manage the surface water or flood risk.

GREEN BELT

1. The extent of the Green Belt in Sefton is defined on the Policies Map. 2. The construction of new buildings, some changes of use, and other development is generally regarded as inappropriate development in the Green Belt, subject to the exceptions set out in national planning policy. Inappropriate development in the Green Belt will not be approved except in very special circumstances. 3. National Green Belt policy requirements relating to the extension or replacement of existing buildings will be interpreted as follows: a. In general, proposals to extend the original building by more than one third (by volume) either individually or cumulatively with other extensions are considered 'disproportionate' and therefore inappropriate in Green Belt; and b. Replacement buildings that are more than 15% larger (by volume) of the existing building(s) are considered inappropriate in Green Belt.

NATURAL ASSETS

1. Sefton's natural assets together with its landscape character should continue to contribute to the Borough's sense of place, local distinctiveness and quality of life. Development proposals and other initiatives should contribute positively towards achieving this. 2. A hierarchical approach will be taken to the protection and enhancement of Sefton's natural assets, according to their designation and significance. 3. Development should seek to protect and manage Sefton's natural assets (including natural habitats, sites, the Ecological Network and green infrastructure). Where possible, development should: a. Maintain, restore, enhance or extend these natural assets; and b. Create new habitats and green infrastructure; and c. Secure the long-term management of these natural assets. 4. Where it has been demonstrated that appropriate protection or retention of natural assets cannot be achieved, and there are no alternatives, mitigation and/or as a last resort compensatory provision will be required. 5. The main priorities are improving access, quality, linkages and habitat within the city region ecological network (including the Nature Improvement Area), improving access to and the quality of public open space and other outdoor facilities available to the public and urban trees.

NATURE

1. Development which may result in a likely significant effect on an internationally important site must be accompanied by sufficient evidence to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment. Adverse effects should be avoided, or where this is not possible they should be mitigated, to make sure that the integrity of internationally important sites is protected. Development which may adversely affect the integrity of internationally important sites will only be permitted where there are no alternative solutions and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest, and where suitable compensatory provision has been made. Such mitigation or compensation must be identified before development commences. Any mitigation or compensation must be functional before any likely adverse effect arises and should be accompanied by a dedicated project related Habitats Regulations Assessment. This also applies to sites and habitats outside the designated boundaries that support species listed as being important in the designations of the internationally important sites (i.e. supporting habitat). 2. Development which may affect other designated sites of nature and/or geological conservation importance, Priority Habitats, legally protected species and/or Priority Species will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there is no significant harm. 3. Development which may cause significant harm will only be permitted in: a. National sites (including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves): where there are no alternatives and where the reasons for and the benefits of development clearly outweigh the impact on the nature conservation value of the site and its broader contribution to the national network, b. Local Sites (including Local Nature Reserves, Local Wildlife Sites and Local Geological Sites): where the reasons for and the benefits of development clearly outweigh the impact on the nature conservation value of the site and its broader contribution to the ecological network, c. Priority Habitats: where the reasons for and the benefits of development on balance clearly outweigh the impact on the nature conservation value of the habitat and its broader contribution to the LCR Ecological Network, and d. Protected and Priority Species: where it is demonstrated that no significant harm will result. 4. Where it has been demonstrated that significant harm cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation, replacement or other compensatory provision may be required, to accord with the hierarchy of sites. The location of appropriate mitigation, replacement or other compensatory measures will be targeted, using a sequential approach as follows: a. On site b. Immediate locality and / or within the Core Biodiversity Area c. LCR Nature Improvement Area within the Borough, and lastly d. LCR Nature Improvement Area outside the Borough. 5. Where significant harm resulting from development cannot be avoided, adequately mitigated or, as a last resort, compensated, then planning permission will be refused. 6. Development proposals which affect sites of nature conservation importance, Priority Habitats, legally protected species or Priority Species must be supported by an Ecological Appraisal and include details of avoidance, mitigation and / or compensation, and management, where appropriate. 7. Designated nature sites are shown on the Policies Map. Plan policies apply to other sites recognised during the Plan period as being of nature conservation Importance, including land provided as compensation.

Development in the Nature Improvement Area

Development within the Nature Improvement Area will be permitted where it: a. Enables the functioning of the Nature Improvement Area b. Contributes to the opportunities for habitat creation and / or habitat management as set out in the NIA Focus Area profiles, and c. Is consistent with other policies in the Plan.

The Sefton Coast

1. Development must not: a. Increase the risk of tidal flooding or coastal erosion through their impact on coastal processes, b. Impair the capacity of the coast to form a natural sea defence or adjust to changes in conditions without risk to life or property, c. Adversely affect water quality including the quality of the dune aquifer and bathing water quality, d. Adversely affect the integrity of sites of international nature conservation importance, taking into account appropriate mitigation, or as a last resort, compensation. Development which may have an adverse effect on internationally important nature sites will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there are both no alternatives and imperative reasons of overriding public interest and where compensatory provision has been made. 2. Proposals which protect or enhance informal recreation, proposals for new coastal flood defences, flood risk management measures, and essential landfall facilities for offshore installations will be supported, subject to other Plan policies. 3. Within the Coastal Change Management Area as shown on the Policies Map, development must take into account the risk of coastal change and the vulnerability of the development and must: a. Be located in accordance with a sequential approach to risk and vulnerability, b. Be safe over its planned lifetime, and c. Provide wider sustainability benefits.

PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACE AND COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION AREAS

1. The following types of development are acceptable in principle on open space: a. Environmental improvements which enhance the site's environmental quality or green infrastructure benefits, including built facilities necessary for the use of the site, b. Other development proposals, where: i. An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the public open space or outdoor sports facilities to be surplus to requirements, or ii. The loss of public open space or outdoor sports facilities resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location, or iii. The development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss. 2. Development in Countryside Recreation Areas should protect and enhance their informal recreation use, subject to other Plan policies.

URBAN GOLF COURSES

Bootle Golf Course 1. Development which enhances the recreation or environmental quality or other green infrastructure benefits of Bootle Golf Course will be acceptable in principle, including built facilities necessary to the golfing use of the site. 2. Proposals for other development which sustains the viability and quality of a golfing facility at Bootle Golf Course will be considered on their merits, having particular regard to: a. The scale and type of development, b. Enhancements to the golf and recreation facilities, c. Highways and access issues, and d. Design, access and amenity. Southport Old Links Golf Course 3. Development which enhances the recreation or environmental quality or other green infrastructure benefits of Southport Old Links Golf course and protects or enhances the Local Wildlife Site will be supported. Hesketh Golf Course 4. Development which enhances the recreation or environmental quality or other green infrastructure benefits of the part of Hesketh Golf Course in the urban area and protects or enhances the Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Wildlife Site and Local Geological Site will be supported.

RURAL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Development in the rural area must protect, enhance or restore landscape character, as appropriate.

MINERALS

1. To minimise the need for minerals extraction, the use of recycled, secondary and substitute materials will be encouraged. Mineral Safeguarding Areas have been defined for deposits of sub-alluvial sand and windblown silica sand (The Shirdley Hill Formation). Within Mineral Safeguarding Areas, as shown on the Policies Map, proposals for development will not be permitted unless: a. It is compatible with safeguarding the mineral; or b. the applicant can demonstrate that the mineral concerned is no longer of any value or potential value; or c. the mineral can be extracted satisfactorily prior to the development taking place; or d. the development is of a temporary nature and can be completed and the site restored to a condition that does not inhibit extraction; or e. there is an overriding need for the development; or f. the development is included on the list of exempt developments in figure 11.3. 2. Existing, planned and potential infrastructure supporting the aggregates industry will be safeguarded from inappropriate development. This includes strategic rail freight links and sites for concrete batching, the manufacture of coated materials, other concrete products and the handling, processing and distribution of substitute, recycled and secondary aggregate material. Proposals for non-mineral related development that may threaten, lead to the loss of or damage to, the functioning of safeguarded infrastructure or locations will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that: a. An alternative site within an acceptable distance can be provided, which is at least as appropriate for the use as the safeguarded site; and b. It can be demonstrated that the infrastructure no longer meets the current or anticipated future needs of the minerals, building and construction industry or the waste management industry. 3. Proposals for the exploration, extraction, storage, processing and distribution of minerals will be permitted if all of the following criteria are met: a. Adverse impacts relating to any criteria set out in Section 4 of this policy can be avoided or appropriately mitigated; b. The developer must demonstrate the proposed location for the development is suitable, taking into account factors such as environmental, geological and technical issues; c. Restoration and aftercare of sites will be implemented at the earliest opportunity and to an agreed timescale, to a standard and manner consistent with the agreed end use and the context of its surrounding area including its character, setting and landscape. 4. Planning and environmental criteria to be taken into account when considering planning applications for minerals development are as follows: a. Amenity (e.g. dust, noise and vibration); b. Air and water quality; c. Lighting; d. Visual intrusion into local setting and landscape; e. Landscape character; f. Traffic, including air and rail, and access; g. Risk of contamination to land; h. Soil resources and the impact on best and most versatile agricultural land; i. Flood risk and drainage; j. Land stability; k. Ecology, including habitats, species and designated sites and particularly the internationally important nature sites; l. Heritage assets and their setting. 5. In determining shale gas applications Sefton will seek the highest levels of environmental, health and social protection and benefit consistent with prevailing national policy and regulation, including that relating to Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment. Compliance with industry best practice standards as defined by United Kingdom Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG) will also be expected.

DEMOLITION OR SUBSTANTIAL HARM TO DESIGNATED HERITAGE ASSETS

Development which results in substantial harm to, or demolition of, a designated heritage asset or its setting will not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that substantial public benefits outweigh the harm or loss.

WORKS AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS

1. Works affecting a Listed Building or its setting will only be permitted where: a. Any alterations preserve the historic fabric and features of the building and/or its setting which contribute to its significance b. Any new additions are well designed and respect the special architectural or historic interest of the building c. New development affecting the building's setting respects and conserves historic and positive existing relationships between the listed building and its surroundings d. Development does not undermine the long term economic viability of the listed building or otherwise harm options for its long term maintenance. 2. Opportunities should be taken to enhance the significance of a listed building or its setting. 3. Development which harms elements that contribute to the significance of a Listed Building or its setting will not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that public benefits outweigh the harm.

CONSERVATION AREAS

1. Development within conservation areas (shown on the Policies Map) or affecting their setting will only be permitted where the proposal is of high quality design and preserves or enhances the character or appearance of the conservation area or its setting. Development must ensure that: a. Replacement or new features are of an appropriate style and use materials which are sympathetic to the age, architecture and features of the affected property, b. Extensions, alterations or additions respect the layout and historic pattern of development in the conservation area affected, c. Hard and soft landscape features which contribute to the historic value of the site to the conservation area are retained (including historically significant features from previous uses), d. The character of historic boundary treatments, patterns of trees and planting in the conservation area are retained and enhanced, and e. Changes of use within conservation areas generally retain the mix of uses which are characteristic of the area. 2. Development which harms elements which make a positive contribution to the significance of a conservation area or its setting will not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that public benefits outweigh the harm. 3. Development proposals which provide opportunities to better reveal the significance of conservation areas and their settings will be supported. Where the asset affected is degraded, enhancements will normally be required.

REGISTERED PARKS AND GARDENS

1. Development within a Registered Historic Park or Garden (shown on the Policies Map) or affecting its setting must relate well to the elements which contribute to the significance of the historic park or garden and be of high quality design, which conserves and enhances the special interest and function of the site. 2. Development affecting the setting of a registered historic park or garden must maintain the aspects of its setting which contribute to its significance including views into and out of it, and the general relationship between the park or garden and the character of the surrounding landscape or townscape. 3. Development which harms elements which make a positive contribution to a Registered Historic Park or Garden or its setting will not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that public benefits outweigh the harm.

SCHEDULED MONUMENTS AND NON-DESIGNATED ARCHAEOLOGY

1. Development affecting, or within the setting of, Scheduled Monuments or nationally important archaeological sites will only be permitted where the development does not harm their significance or setting, unless it can be demonstrated that the development is necessary to deliver public benefits which outweigh the harm. Historically significant relationships between features within the site and between the site and its surroundings must be retained. 2. Where development harms the archaeological interest of designated or non-designated sites or their setting (i.e. including buildings and sites recognised as having archaeological potential, where their significance, extent and state are unclear), development will not be permitted unless the benefits of the proposals outweigh the loss and: a. the nature and value of the archaeology is well understood, b. the development has been designed to minimise harm to the archaeology, and c. provision is made for recording, reporting and interpretation where appropriate.

NON-DESIGNATED HERITAGE ASSETS

Development affecting a locally listed asset or its setting, or a non-designated heritage asset or its setting, will be permitted where the aspects of the asset which contribute to its significance are conserved or enhanced.

HERITAGE ASSETS

1. Sefton's heritage assets together with its historic landscape character should continue to contribute to the Borough's sense of place, local distinctiveness and quality of life. Development proposals and other initiatives should contribute positively towards achieving this. 2. The Council will seek to protect the significance of Sefton's heritage assets and their settings. Opportunities will be pursued to enhance heritage to reinforce the identity of the distinctive towns, villages and rural landscapes within Sefton. 3. Key elements which contribute to the distinctive identity of Sefton, and which will therefore be a strategic priority for safeguarding and enhancing into the future, include; a. The verandahs throughout Southport, particularly in Lord Street, which add considerably to its local distinctiveness. b. The historic centre, resort and traditional seafront of Southport including the conservation areas of Lord Street and Promenade, and their settings. c. The spacious planned character of Victorian and Edwardian suburban conservation areas such as those in Birkdale, Blundellsands, Christ Church, Moor Park and Waterloo Park. d. Country estates, their countryside settings and associated villages including Ince Blundell Hall, Crosby Hall and North Meols Hall. e. The dispersed layout and simple rural character of village conservation areas such as Lunt, Homer Green and Sefton village. f. The open and flat ditched former wetland landscapes. g. The broad sands, dune system, pinewoods and habitats that characterise parts of the Sefton coast, and the ancient and modern historic features within them such as the prehistoric footprints and wartime remnants. h. The 18th century Leeds and Liverpool Canal, associated historic features and its setting. i. Valued historic green spaces and their key features, particularly registered Historic parks and gardens, but also undesignated parkland and cemeteries such as Crosby Hall and Duke Street Cemetery. j. Important archaeological sites such as village and wayside crosses, moated sites, Lunt Meadows and St Catherine's Chapel. 4. Designated heritage which is 'at risk' will be a priority for action. Opportunities to secure enhancements to safeguard and sustain these assets will be expected to be taken. 5. Proposals affecting Sefton's heritage assets and their settings should ensure that features which contribute to their significance are protected from losses and harmful changes. Development should therefore: a. Secure the long-term future of the heritage asset b. Be designed to avoid harm c. Be of a high quality design which is sympathetic to the historic context of the heritage assets affected d. Incorporate proposals for proper repair and re-instatement of historic features and/or involve work which better reveals the significance of Sefton's heritage assets and their settings e. Where losses are unavoidable, a thorough analysis and recording of the asset should be undertaken.

AFFORDABLE AND SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING

All of Sefton outside Bootle and Netherton 1. For new developments of 15 dwellings or more (or for residential and other conversions involving 15 or more additional dwellings net) 30% of the total scheme (measured by bedspaces) will be provided as affordable housing. 2. 80% of the affordable housing should be provided as social rented/affordable rented and the remaining 20% provided as intermediate housing. Bootle and Netherton 3. Affordable housing will be required as part of proposals for new developments of 15 dwellings or more (or for residential and other conversions involving 15 or more additional dwellings net) on the basis of 15% of the total scheme (measured by bedspaces). 4. Affordable housing should be 50% social/affordable rented and 50% intermediate housing. All Areas 5. Vacant Building Credit - Proposals that involve the re-use of a vacant building or where it is demolished and replaced by a new building, will receive a financial credit equivalent to the existing gross floorspace (of relevant vacant buildings) when calculating any affordable housing contributions. 6. Special needs housing can be substituted for up to 50% of the site affordable housing contribution on a bedspace for bedspace basis. 7. Where extra care or sheltered housing is proposed to be substituted for affordable housing, this must meet the tenure requirements set out in parts 2 and 4 of this policy. 8. Affordable and/or special needs dwellings shall be: a. 'tenure blind' i.e. there shall be no external visual difference between the affordable/special needs housing and market housing, and b. 'pepper-potted' i.e. there shall be a reasonable dispersal of affordable housing or special needs units within residential developments (i.e. groupings of no more than six units) to promote mixed communities and minimise social exclusion. The only exception to this will be where it can be demonstrated that the special needs housing has to be grouped together for functional or management purposes. 9. Affordable and/or special needs housing will be provided in accordance with this policy unless a robust assessment of a scheme's economic viability confirms that this cannot be achieved. 10. Off-site provision of affordable housing, or a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value, will be considered where it can be robustly justified, and where the agreed approach contributes to the objective of creating mixed and balanced communities. 11. In implementing the policy, the Council will have regard to: a. the definitions and provisions of affordable and/or special needs housing in relevant national guidance as they may change over time, and b. changes in the Borough's requirements for affordable and special needs housing based on new evidence of need as set out in future commissioned Strategic Housing Market Assessments or similar studies.

HOUSING TYPE, MIX AND CHOICE

1. In developments of 25 or more dwellings, the mix of new properties provided must be as follows unless precluded by site specific constraints, economic viability or prevailing neighbourhood characteristics: A minimum of 25% of market dwellings must be 1 or 2 bedroom properties A minimum of 40% of market dwellings must be 3 bedroom properties These requirements do not apply to wholly apartment/flatted, extra care, and sheltered housing developments. Any new affordable dwellings are also exempt. 2. In developments of 50 or more dwellings, at least 20% of new market properties must be designed to meet Building Regulation Requirement M4(2) 'accessible and adaptable dwellings'. 3. Where housing for older people or people with special needs is provided as part of a larger scheme, this should, where appropriate, be located within the scheme in the most accessible location for local services and facilities. 4. Proposals for residential care accommodation that would result in or exacerbate an existing oversupply will be refused. 5. The Council will support proposals for custom or self-build homes on appropriate sites. To identify and provide for those who wish to custom or self-build their own homes the Council will: a. Manage a register of interested parties who wish to custom or self-build their own home b. Identify at least two pilot schemes to be made available for custom or self-builders.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRIMARILY RESIDENTIAL AREAS

1. New residential development will be permitted in Primarily Residential Areas shown on the Policies Map where consistent with other Local Plan policies. 2. Non-residential development will be permitted in Primarily Residential Areas provided that it can be demonstrated that the proposal: a. will not have an unacceptable impact on the living conditions of neighbouring properties, and b. will otherwise not harm the character of the residential area, and c. will not undermine objectives of the plan regarding housing delivery. 3. Residential development will be permitted in other areas except where: a. the land is required for the purpose for which it is designated, b. the development would conflict with the allocated or designated land use, c. it would result in an unacceptable residential environment, or d. it would be inconsistent with other policies in the Plan. 4. New residential development must achieve a minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare of the net developable area, except where: a. constraints within the site, or the provision of infrastructure within the site, make this impractical, or b. a lower density can be justified having regard to the layout and character of the immediate surrounding area.

HOUSE EXTENSIONS, HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION AND FLATS

1. Extensions and alterations to dwelling houses will be approved where: a. They are of a high quality of design that matches or complements the style of the dwelling and the surrounding area; b. The size, scale and materials of development are in keeping with the original dwelling and the surrounding area; c. The extensions and alterations are designed so that there shall be no significant reduction in the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties. In particular, extensions must not result in: i. Loss of outlook, from the main windows of neighbouring habitable rooms, ii. A significant loss of light/overshadowing for neighbours, iii. An overbearing or over-dominant effect on the habitable rooms of neighbouring properties, iv. A significant loss of privacy for neighbouring residents. 2. Development involving the conversion of buildings to Houses in Multiple Occupation or flats will be permitted where it will not cause significant harm to: a. The character of the area or b. The living conditions for either the occupiers of the property or for neighbouring properties.

GYPSIES AND TRAVELLERS

1. The following sites are allocated for Gypsy and Traveller pitches in order to meet the Borough's needs for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation: Site ref. Site location Size Type of site Maximum Number of pitches HC5.1 Land north east of Red Rose Traveller Park, Broad Lane, Formby 0.4ha Permanent 6-8 HC5.2 Land south west of Red Rose Traveller Park, Broad Lane, Formby 0.2ha Permanent 2-3 HC5.3 Land at Plex Moss Lane, Ainsdale 1.0ha Permanent 6-8 HC5.4 Land at New Causeway, Ince Blundell 0.4ha Transit 4-6 These sites are identified on the Policies Map. These sites are suitable for Gypsy and Traveller pitches and other ancillary development required for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation. Development which is not compatible with Gypsy and Traveller accommodation will not be permitted on these sites. 2. Proposals for new sites for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation should meet the following criteria: a. The site should provide a safe environment for intended occupants including from flood risk b. The site should have good or adequate access to the primary road network c. The site should be within easy reach of a range of essential facilities and services, including health services, schools, and jobs d. The use should not cause significant harm to the amenity of neighbouring properties e. The site should, as far as possible, be in a location that meets the aspirations of the Gypsy and Traveller community f. The development of the site should not result in unacceptable harm to the local environment, including to the integrity of internationally important nature sites.

HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Housing Requirement 1. During the period 2012 – 2030 provision will be made for the development of a minimum of 11,520 new homes in Sefton. The housing requirement will met at the following average annual rates: 2012-2017: 500 dwellings per annum 2017-2030: 694 dwellings per annum 2. The housing requirement will be met from the following sources: a. The housing allocations identified in Policy MN2 b. Sites with planning permission for housing development c. Other sites identified in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment d. Unanticipated or 'windfall' sites Employment Requirement 3. During the period 2012 – 2030 provision will be made for a total of 81.6 ha of employment land 4. New employment development will be provided on the following types of land: a. Strategic Employment Locations (identified in Policy MN2) b. Employment Allocations (identified in Policy MN2) c. Land within Existing Employment Areas (Policy ED3) d. Sites with planning permission for employment development e. Other suitable sites in Sefton 5. Sefton is working jointly with the other Liverpool City Region local planning authorities and the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership to undertake the Strategic Housing and Employment Land Market Assessment (SHELMA) to establish, objectively, the level of long-term growth in housing and employment needs appropriate in Sefton. In the event that it is demonstrated that further housing or employment provision is required in Sefton, an immediate review or partial review of the Sefton Local Plan will be brought forward to address these matters. The review will commence following the adoption of the Sefton Local Plan. It will take into account the findings of the SHELMA, and will be submitted within two years from the date of the Local Plan adoption.

HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, AND MIXED USE ALLOCATIONS

Housing Allocations 1. The following sites are allocated for housing development as shown on the Policies Map: Site Ref. Location Area [ha.] Indicative Capacity MN2.1 Bartons Close, Southport 1.0 36 MN2.2 Land at Bankfield Lane, Southport 9.0 300 MN2.3 Former Phillips Factory, Balmoral Drive, Southport 6.0 158 MN2.4 Land at Moss Lane, Churchtown 18.3 450 MN2.5 Land at Crowland Street, Southport 25.8 678 MN2.6 Land adjacent to Dobbies Garden Centre, Benthams Way, Southport 6.8 174 MN2.7 Land at Lynton Road, Southport 1.5 25 MN2.8 Former Ainsdale Hope School, Ainsdale 9.2 120 MN2.9 Former St John Stone School, Meadow Lane, Ainsdale 1.4 40 MN2.10 Land at Sandbrook Road, Ainsdale 2.6 83 MN2.11 Land south of Moor Lane, Ainsdale 3.2 69 MN2.12 Land north of Brackenway, Formby 13.7 286 MN2.13 Land at West Lane, Formby 1.9 40 MN2.14 Former Holy Trinity School, Lonsdale Road, Formby 1.0 50 MN2.15 Land at Shorrocks Hill, Lifeboat Road, Formby 3.3 34 MN2.16 Formby Professional Development Centre, Park Road, Formby 1.6 15 MN2.17 Land at Liverpool Road, Formby 14.2 319 MN2.18 Land at Altcar Lane, Formby 0.7 29 MN2.19 Power House phase 2, Hoggs Hill Lane, Formby 0.4 12 MN2.20 Land at Andrews Close, Formby 3.3 87 MN2.21 Land at Elmcroft Lane, Hightown 6.5 120 MN2.22 Land at Sandy Lane, Hightown 0.7 10 MN2.23 Land at Hall Road West, Crosby 1.1 14 MN2.24 Land at Southport Old Road, Thornton 3.9 85 MN2.25 Land at Holgate, Thornton 8.4 221 MN2.26 Land at Lydiate Lane, Thornton 10.2 265 MN2.27 Land south of Runnell's Lane, Thornton 5.3 137 MN2.28 Land at Turnbridge Road, Maghull 1.6 40 MN2.29 Land north of Kenyons Lane, Lydiate 10.1 295 MN2.30 Former Prison Site, Park Lane, Maghull 13.6 370 MN2.31 Land east of Waddicar Lane, Melling 6.0 178 MN2.32 Wadacre Farm, Chapel Lane, Melling 5.5 135 MN2.33 Land south of Spencers Lane, Melling 0.6 18 MN2.34 Land at Wango Lane, Aintree 1.8 25 MN2.35 Aintree Curve Site, Ridgewood Way, Netherton 3.1 109 MN2.36 Former Z Block Sites, Buckley Hill Lane, Netherton 3.5 100 MN2.37 Former St Raymond's School playing field, Harrops Croft, Netherton 1.9 53 MN2.38 Land at Pendle Drive, Netherton 1.4 29 MN2.39 Land at the former Bootle High School, Browns Lane, Netherton 1.7 63 MN2.40 Former Daleacre School, Daleacre Drive, Netherton 1.0 37 MN2.41 Former Rawson Road Primary School, Rawson Road, Bootle 1.0 20 MN2.42 Former St Wilfrid's School, Orrell Road, Bootle 6.6 160 MN2.43 Klondyke Phases 2 and 3, Bootle 3.6 142 MN2.44 Peoples site, Linacre Lane, Bootle 2.9 110 MN2.45 Former St Joan of Arc School, Rimrose Road, Bootle 1.3 51 MN2.46 Former St Mary's Primary School playing fields, Waverley Street, Bootle 1.6 72 MN2.47 Land East of Maghull 85.8 1,400 TOTALS: 315.2 7,264 2. Land at Moss Lane, Churchtown (site MN2.4), Land north of Brackenway, Formby (site MN2.12) and Land East of Maghull (site MN2.47) are subject to site specific policies (Policies MN5, MN6 and MN3 respectively). In addition, a number of sites listed above are subject to site-specific requirements as set out in Appendix 1. 3. Complementary appropriate facilities for new residents, such as medical services, small scale convenience shops and community facilities, where needed as part of a comprehensive development, will also be permitted on these sites. 4. Sites MN2.2, MN2.4, MN2.6, and MN2.20 are adjacent to areas of 'Proposed Open Space' (shown on the Policies Map). These areas will be developed for new open space alongside the housing allocation. 5. Site MN2.8 Former Ainsdale Hope School, Ainsdale will include an Ecological Improvement Area to be developed as a nature reserve alongside the housing allocation. Strategic Employment Locations 6. The following Strategic Employment Locations as shown on the Policies Map are allocated for new office and light industrial (B1), general industrial (B2), and storage and distribution uses (B8): MN2.47: Land East of Maghull - 20 ha (net) MN2.48: Dunnings Bridge Road Corridor, Netherton – 26.8 ha comprising: a. Atlantic Park (16.8 hectares), b. Senate Business Park (4.2 hectares), c. Former Peerless Refinery Site (5.8 hectares). MN2.49: Land to the North of Formby Industrial Estate - 8 ha (net) 7. Other uses will only be permitted on sites MN2.47 and MN2.48 where they are: a. necessary to cross subsidise the provision of B1, B2 and B8 uses on the majority of the site; or b. small scale and intended primarily to serve other businesses operating on the Business Park. 8. Land North of the Formby Industrial Estate (site MN2.49) is subject to a site specific policy (Policy MN4). 9. Southport Business Park (Site MN2.50) is also allocated as a Strategic Employment Location for new office and light industrial (B1) uses and has a site area of 13.1 ha (net) Other uses will only be permitted on this site where they are: a. Main car dealerships, gymnasia, veterinary, or healthcare uses in the north east quadrant of the site fronting onto Town Lane (Kew); or b. small scale and intended primarily to serve other businesses operating on the Business Park. 10. The Strategic Employment Locations must provide high quality business parks. New development on these sites should maximise job outputs (including job opportunities for local people), incorporate high quality design and layout, and be compatible with adjacent uses. Employment Allocations 11. The following sites within Existing Employment Areas (defined in Policy ED3 and shown on the Policies Map) are allocated for new office and light industrial (B1), general industrial (B2), and storage and distribution (B8) uses: Site Ref. Location Area (ha.) MN2.51 Switch Car Site, Wakefield Road, Netherton 4.7 MN2.52 Land at Farriers Way, Netherton 0.5 MN2.53 Former Lanstar Site, Hawthorne Road, Bootle 1.0 MN2.54 Land at Linacre Bridge, Linacre Lane, Bootle 1.0 TOTAL 7.2

Land at Sandbrook Road, Ainsdale

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Land south of Moor Lane, Ainsdale

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; • preserve the setting of the Grade II listed Formby House Farmhouse.

Land at West Lane, Formby

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment. This must include information about the impact of recreational pressure on the integrity of internationally important nature sites.

Former Holy Trinity School, Lonsdale Road, Formby

Development of this site must: • be developed for older persons housing / accommodation (reserved for residents aged 55 and over)

Land at Shorrocks Hill, Lifeboat Road, Formby

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment. Any planning application at this site should seek to avoid increased recreational pressure upon the SAC and address any likely significant effects upon these habitats as a result of the individual project alone; • secure the long term management of the adjacent woodland Local Wildlife Site between the site and Formby Point Caravan Park, to minimise impact on the adjacent internationally important nature sites; • provide for full public access into the area of woodland between the site and Formby Point Caravan Park in a manner which minimises impact on the adjacent internationally important nature sites; • extend the existing Formby no. 52 Bridleway through the woodland area from Lifeboat Road to Alexandra Road; • provide a new 100 space public car park in the northern part of the allocation; and • provide a new public toilet block adjacent to the car park and secure its long term management.

Land at Liverpool Road, Formby

Proposals for development on this site will only be granted planning permission where they are consistent with a single detailed master plan for the whole site which is approved by the Council before any planning application is submitted. Development of this site must: • preserve the setting of grade II listed Loveladys Farmhouse and adjacent buildings; • be served by a single point of access onto Liverpool Road; • Provide a road up to the land ownership boundary (which comprises a drainage ditch) without leaving any 'ransom strip'. This is to provide access into the western part of the site, and must be completed to an adoptable standard before occupation of the 50th dwelling; and • Identify opportunities to reduce flood risk elsewhere through a site Flood Risk Assessment, and implement any appropriate solutions.

Land at Altcar Lane, Formby

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Power House phase 2, Hoggs Hill Lane, Formby

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Land at Bankfield Lane, Southport

Development of this site must: • take all vehicular access from an expanded Blundell Lane; • provide an additional pedestrian / cyclist access directly onto Bankfield Lane; • provide new public open space, habitat creation, and Sustainable Drainage Systems on the adjacent land designated as 'Proposed Open Space'; and • take account of the Local Wildlife Site designation in meeting the requirements of policy NH2.

Land at Andrews Close, Formby

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; • provide new public open space, Sustainable Drainage Systems and habitat creation on the adjacent land designated as 'Proposed Open Space'; and • provide for the connection of the existing Formby footpath no. 35 through the development onto Andrews Lane.

Land at Southport Old Road, Thornton

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; • provide a proportional financial contribution towards the implementation of the A565 Route Management Strategy (Thornton to Crosby section); • take primary vehicular access to the site from a new signal controlled junction onto Park View, also serving site MN2.25; and • incorporate a pedestrian and cycle route through the site to connect with sites MN2.25, MN2.26, and MN2.27, and the path north of Thornton Cemetery.

Land at Holgate, Thornton

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; • provide a proportional financial contribution towards the implementation of the A565 Route Management Strategy (Thornton to Crosby section); • take all vehicular access to the site from a new signal controlled junction onto Park View, also serving site MN2.24; and • incorporate a pedestrian and cycle route through the site to connect with sites MN2.24, MN2.26, and MN2.27, and the path north of Thornton Cemetery.

Land at Lydiate Lane, Thornton

Development of this site must: • take primary vehicular access from a new roundabout onto Lydiate Lane, that also serves site MN2.27; and • incorporate a pedestrian and cycle route through the site to connect through sites MN2.24, MN2.25, and MN2.27, and the path north of Thornton Cemetery.

Land south of Runnell's Lane, Thornton

Development of this site must: • take primary vehicular access from a new roundabout onto Lydiate Lane, that also serves site MN2.26; and • incorporate a pedestrian and cycle route through the site to connect through sites MN2.24, MN2.25, and MN2.26, and the path north of Thornton Cemetery.

Land north of Kenyon's Lane, Lydiate

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; and • include the widening of Kenyon's Lane to provide a 2 lane approach to the junction with the A59.

Land East of Waddicar Lane, Melling

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; and • identify opportunities to reduce flood risk elsewhere through a site Flood Risk Assessment, and implement any appropriate solutions.

Wadacre Farm, Chapel Lane, Melling

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; and • identify opportunities to reduce flood risk elsewhere through a site Flood Risk Assessment, and implement any appropriate solutions. This should include improvements to the capacity of the existing watercourse that forms the northern and western site boundaries.

Land South of Spencers Lane, Melling

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; and • provide a minimum of 15 dwellings to ensure an affordable housing contribution is required under policy HC1

Land at Wango Lane, Aintree

The partial development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; • be sited so that the connection between Grade II listed Valley House and its wider green / agricultural setting is maintained; and • retain a buffer around the listed building.

Former St Raymond's School playing field, Harrops Croft, Netherton

Development of this site must: • ensure that the loss of the former playing pitch(es) is addressed consistent with Local Plan policy NH5. This will be achieved via a commuted sum payment (on a per dwelling basis) towards the provision of a new 3G pitch(es) at Litherland Sports Park.

Former Daleacre School, Daleacre Drive, Netherton

Development of this site must: • ensure that the loss of the former playing pitch(es) is addressed consistent with Local Plan policy NH5. This will be achieved via a commuted sum payment (on a per dwelling basis) towards the provision of a new 3G pitch(es) at Litherland Sports Park.

Former St Wilfrid's School, Orrell Road, Bootle

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; • provide pedestrian and cyclist links between Orrell Road and Hawthorne Road to improve accessibility to the adjacent supermarket; and • take vehicular access from the existing signal controlled junction on Hawthorne Road that serves the existing supermarket; and • retain and improve the disused football pitches within the site and bring them back into use.

Land at Crowland Street, Southport

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; • take all vehicular access from Foul Lane.

Land adjacent to Dobbies Garden Centre, Benthams Way, Southport

Development of this site must: • take all vehicular access from Benthams Way unless other equally or more appropriate vehicular access is agreed by the Council; • provide new public open space, flood water storage, and habitat creation on the adjacent land designated as 'Proposed Open Space'; • meet the requirements of policy NH2, notably in relation to water voles and invasive species; • make an appropriate financial contribution towards the provision of a new school playing field for the Birkdale Primary School; and • provide pedestrian / cyclist links through the site from Benthams Way to Broome Road, and into the adjacent country park.

Land at Lynton Road, Southport

Development of this site must: • contribute towards improvements to the Waterloo Road / Lynton Road junction; and • take account of the Local Wildlife Site designation in meeting the requirements of policy NH2.

Former Ainsdale Hope School, Ainsdale

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment. This must include information about the impact of recreational pressure on the integrity of internationally important nature sites; • ensure that the loss of the former playing pitch(es) is addressed consistent with Local Plan policy NH5. This will be achieved via a commuted sum payment (on a per dwelling basis) towards the provision of a new 3G pitch(es) at Meols Park or adjacent land; and • provide new habitat and ecological improvements on the adjacent 'Ecological Improvement Area', the extent of which will be determined following the completion of future evidence.

Former St John Stone School, Meadow Lane, Ainsdale

Development of this site must: • ensure that sufficient information is provided with the planning application to enable the Council to make a Habitats Regulations Assessment; • ensure that the loss of the former playing pitch(es) is addressed consistent with Local Plan policy NH5. This will be achieved via a commuted sum payment (on a per dwelling basis) towards the provision of a new 3G pitch(es) at Meols Park or adjacent land.

LAND EAST OF MAGHULL

1. Land East of Maghull (shown on the Policies Map) is identified as a Strategic Mixed Use Allocation. The development of this site will create a comprehensive high quality, well-designed sustainable urban extension containing integrated, distinctive, safe and secure residential neighbourhoods, a Business Park and improvements to local infrastructure. 2. Proposals for development within Land East of Maghull will only be granted planning permission where they are consistent with a single detailed master plan for the whole site which is approved by the Council. The master plan should accord with this policy and any associated Supplementary Planning Document and may be submitted prior to or with the first application. Planning permissions will be linked to any necessary legal agreements for the improvement, provision, management and maintenance of infrastructure, services and facilities, open spaces and other matters necessary to make the development acceptable and which facilitate comprehensive delivery of all phases of development within the site in accordance with the master plan. 3. Proposals for development within this site must demonstrate a comprehensive approach to infrastructure provision (including provision of an appropriate proportion of financial and/or 'in kind' contributions towards strategic and/or local infrastructure required to enable the comprehensive development of the site). All residential applications within the site must contribute proportionally (on a per dwelling basis) to the following improvements: a. the expansion of Summerhill Primary School to become a two form entry school b. the provision of a main park within the site c. new slip roads at junction 1 of the M58 motorway d. subsidy of a bus service through the site for a period of 5 years from the practical completion of the distributor road. 4. No applications for residential or employment development will be permitted until a Supplementary Planning Document relating to this site has been adopted by the Council. 5. The development of the site must provide: a. A minimum of 1,400 dwellings, incorporating a range of housing types and tenures to meet identified housing needs. This will include the provision of affordable / special needs housing (policy HC1), and at least 2 dedicated older persons housing schemes (reserved for residents of 55 and over) each comprising at least 25 dwellings. b. A 20 hectare (net) serviced Business Park for office and light industrial (class B1), general industrial, (B2), and storage and distribution (B8) uses. The Business Park will be located adjacent to the site's north eastern boundary as set out in the broad location identified in figure 6.1. c. Small-scale retail and commercial development to ensure the convenience shopping and other needs of new residents are met. This should be no more than 2,000 sq m (gross) in total. d. A new 'main park' within the site located either side of Whinney Brook. This must incorporate an equipped play area, new habitat creation, and provision for outdoor sports. e. A landscaping network including tree planting, buffer zones between employment and housing areas and to the M58 motorway and railway, the strategic paths and cycle routes network. f. A layout that provides: a bus route across the site from School Lane / Maghull Lane in the north to Poverty Lane in the south; a distributor road(s) that encourages residential traffic from the southern part of the site to access / egress via School Lane / Maghull Lane. The distributor road(s) will run from School Lane / Maghull Lane through the site and will cross Whinney Brook; and appropriate separation of commercial and residential traffic g. Walking and cycling routes within and beyond the site linking new and existing residential areas and Business Park to the railway stations, bus services, local shops, open space, and schools. This will include improving existing rights of way within the site, including upgrading the existing Maghull no. 11 footpath to a pedestrian / cycle way h. Effective management of flood risk within the site, including use of sustainable drainage systems. The development of the site will result in the reduction of flood risk on site and to the adjacent railway line. No residential development will be located in Flood Zones 2 or 3 following any watercourse realignment, and i. The long-term management and maintenance of public open space, landscaping, and sustainable urban drainage systems, to be agreed by the Council. 6. The following phasing requirements will be applied to ensure that the required infrastructure is provided alongside new development: a. Maghull North station must be operational before the practical completion of the 500th dwelling b. The southbound on slip and northbound off slip at Junction 1 of the M58 motorway must be constructed before the practical completion of the 500th dwelling c. No more than 250 dwellings will be served from Poverty Lane and no more than 250 dwellings will be served from School Lane / Maghull Lane, prior to the completion of the internal bus route / distributor road d. The access into the Business Park from School Lane / Maghull Lane must be constructed to an appropriate standard, servicing into the business park provided, and the landscaping framework to the business park implemented before the practical completion of the 500th dwelling e. The proposed Business Park must not be occupied until the new slip roads are completed at Junction 1 of the M58 f. The local shopping provision must be constructed and made available for occupancy before the practical completion of the 750th dwelling, and g. The main park and outdoor sports provision will be provided in a phased manner.

LAND AT MOSS LANE, CHURCHTOWN

1. Land at Moss Lane, Churchtown, is allocated for housing (as shown on the Policies Map). Development of this site must: a. Provide for the widening of Moss Lane between the Roe Lane/Mill Lane roundabout and the main vehicular access point into the site, to a minimum width of 6 metres with 2m wide footway on the southern side of Moss Lane. This can be achieved within the existing highway and site boundary b. Provide a financial contribution to subsidise the extension of a bus service into the site for at least 5 years c. Provide a loop road arrangement or suitable turning facility within the northern half of the site for the use of bus services d. Provide a layout that provides for mitigation from the operation of the adjacent golf course e. Retain the existing woodland that abuts Moss Lane to the north, and provide for its long term management. The development must also make provision for footpaths through and public access to the woodland area f. Preserve the setting of the adjacent North Meols Conservation Area, and secure a transition to open countryside, by: • Providing a 15 metre deep screen of trees along the Moss Lane frontage, between no. 83 Moss Lane and the western edge of Pool House Farm, whilst allowing for a safe vehicular point of access into the development. Existing mature trees around Pool House Farm should be retained and supplemented with additional planting • Maintaining the open character of the north east corner of the site, identified as Proposed Open Space on the Policies Map g. Incorporate any necessary flood risk mitigation, and h. Provide habitat creation and management, appropriate tree planting, and a landscaped buffer alongside the Three Pools Waterway. 2. These requirements will be achieved through the use of planning conditions, Section 106 and other legal agreements.

LAND AT BRACKENWAY, FORMBY

1. Land at Brackenway, Formby, is allocated for housing (as shown on the Policies Map). Development of this site must: a. Include a flood risk mitigation scheme that: i) ensures that new dwellings are not at risk from either fluvial flooding in a 1 in 1000 year event, or flooding from any other source; and ii) ensures that there is no increase in flood risk elsewhere caused by the development; and iii) significantly reduces the existing surface water flood risk to properties on Hawksworth Drive by directing flood flows away from Eight Acre Brook to new flood storage areas adjacent to the Formby Bypass; and iv) is accompanied by a maintenance plan / arrangement that ensures the flood risk mitigation scheme and existing watercourses within the site are maintained in perpetuity b. Retain and manage 7.9 ha of grassland and wetland habitats outside of the residential allocation as a buffer zone to the adjacent nature reserve, including additional species enhancement measures. In addition, main water courses within the site (including Wham Dyke) must be maintained and enhanced with watercourse buffer habitats. c. Include a signal controlled junction onto the Formby Bypass and a through route to a secondary means of access via Paradise Lane. 2. These requirements will be achieved through the use of planning conditions, Section 106 and other legal agreements.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

1. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Appendix 1 and other policies in the Local Plan list the infrastructure required for the implementation of the Local Plan strategy. 2. Social, community, environmental and physical infrastructure will be protected, enhanced and provided where there is an identified need to support sustainable communities. 3. Where appropriate, contributions will be sought to enhance and provide infrastructure to support new development. This may be secured as a planning obligation through a legal agreement, through the Community Infrastructure Levy or through other agreements. 4. Where appropriate, the Council may require developers to provide the infrastructure themselves as part of their development proposals, rather than making financial contributions. 5. Developer contributions may also be sought in appropriate locations to assist with regeneration objectives set out elsewhere in the plan. 6. Planning conditions or phased legal agreements may be used to ensure infrastructure is provided within appropriate timescales. 7. The Council will work with a range of partners to make sure that infrastructure is provided in the right location when required. 8. The impact of providing or contributing to infrastructure on the viability of development proposals will be considered. Where scheme viability will be affected, developers will be expected to provide Viability Assessments which will be taken into account as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications. Essential infrastructure is required regardless of viability.

AINTREE RACECOURSE

1. Within the part of Aintree Racecourse which lies within the Green Belt (as shown on the Policies Map), development must meet all of the following criteria: a. maintain or enhance the existing use of the Racecourse b. preserve the character of the area; and c. be consistent with national Green Belt Policy and other Local Plan policies. 2. Within the remaining part of Aintree Racecourse, development which enhances the recreational, tourism and conference functions of the Racecourse will be supported where consistent with other Local Plan policies.

WASTE

The Council will promote sustainable waste management in accordance with the waste hierarchy. As set out in the Joint Waste Local Plan it will work to: a. Identify and safeguard (where appropriate) waste management sites in appropriate locations as shown on the Policies Map b. Assist in the implementation of a resource-recovery led strategy for sustainable waste management c. Ensure that the Borough contributes to meeting the identified sub-regional waste management needs d. Encourage good design in new development in order to minimise waste, promote the use of reclaimed and recycled materials and to facilitate the storage, collection and recycling of waste e. Encourage the sustainable transport of waste and promote use and waste audits or a similar mechanism, such as waste management plans, and f. Ensure that waste management facilities are developed whilst minimising any negative impacts on the environment and communities of the Borough.

Formby Professional Development Centre, Park Road, Formby

The Raven Meols Community Centre is listed as an Asset of Community Value under the Community Right to Bid provisions of the Localism Act 2011. The obligations under the relevant statutory provisions and regulations will need to be met, as will the requirements of policy HC6.

SAFEGUARDED LAND

1. The following areas are identified as safeguarded land and are identified on the Policies Map: Site Ref. Location Area (ha.) MN8.1 Land at Lambshear Lane, Lydiate 33.9 MN8.2 Land adjacent to Ashworth Hospital, Maghull 15.1 2. Development on Safeguarded Land will only be permitted where the proposal is: a. necessary for the operation of the existing use(s); or b. for a temporary use that would retain the open nature of the land and would not prejudice the long term ability to redevelop the site to meet future development needs. 3. In all other instances, the development of Safeguarded Land will only be permitted following the adoption of a replacement Local Plan which allocates the development of any of these areas.

PLANNING ENFORCEMENT

1. The Council will act proportionately in the extent to which it investigates and pursues breaches of planning control. 2. Where it is considered expedient and in the wider public interest to do so, the Council will take the necessary appropriate action to secure compliance with planning related controls, utilising its powers under the relevant planning, advertisement and conservation acts, policies and guidance to ensure compliance. 3. Where it is considered appropriate to do so, the Council will seek to prosecute those who fail to comply with any statutory planning enforcement notice. Powers under the various planning acts allowing direct action to be taken to remedy breaches of statutory notices may also be utilised where appropriate.

PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Local Plan (and, where relevant, with policies in Neighbourhood Plans) will be approved, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. 2. Where there are no policies relevant to the proposed development, or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision, the Council will grant permission unless material considerations indicate otherwise, taking into account whether: a. Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole, or b. Specific policies in the NPPF indicate that development should be restricted

PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Local Plan has been developed in accordance with, and will apply the following principles: a. To support urban regeneration and priorities for investment in Sefton b. To help meet the housing needs of Sefton's changing population for market and affordable housing; homes for families, the elderly, people with other special housing needs and others c. To promote economic growth, tourism and jobs creation and support new and existing businesses d. To meet the diverse needs for homes, jobs, services and facilities, as close to where they arise as possible e. To help Sefton's town and local centres to diversify and thrive f. To make the most of the value of the Port to the local economy and jobs, while making sure that the impact on the environment and local communities is mitigated g. To make sure that new developments include the essential infrastructure, services and facilities that they require h. To improve access to services, facilities and jobs i. To protect and enhance Sefton's natural and heritage assets and their settings, including requiring relevant assessments, and making sure there are no adverse effects on the integrity of internationally important nature sites or supporting habitats j. To achieve high quality design and an environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle k. To respond to the challenge of climate change, encouraging best use of resources and assets l. To ensure that all new development addresses flood risk mitigation and explores all methods for mitigating surface water run-off. Wherever possible, developers should include an element of betterment within their proposals to reduce further the risk of flooding in the area m. To work with partners and make the most of Sefton's place within the Liverpool City Region Development proposals will be assessed taking into account these principles.

CROSBY CENTRE

1. Within Crosby Centre (as shown on the Policies Map) proposals should be consistent with, and make a positive contribution to, the regeneration of the centre. 2. New retail and other town centre developments of an appropriate scale will be supported in order to improve the vitality and viability of the centre. 3. Proposals that would prejudice the comprehensive development of key sites within the Centre will not be permitted. 4. Development within the Centre should be of high quality design, particularly on the key routes and gateways of Liverpool Road, Coronation Road, Islington, Cooks Road, The Bypass and Moor Lane. 5. Development should contribute towards a high quality public realm, to ensure that the centre benefits from attractive outdoor areas. 6. Development should facilitate and improve pedestrian connections to Moor Lane to support its role as the focal point for the Centre. 7. Development proposals should have active ground floor uses facing key routes, gateways and public spaces. Development on key routes should be at least two storeys in height. The use of upper floors for appropriate uses will be encouraged. 8. Development proposals in proximity to the listed St Michael's Cross should enhance its setting. 9. The improvement of traffic flows and accessibility within and beyond the centre will be supported. Improvements to facilitate pedestrian, cycling, and vehicular access within and beyond the Centre will be required as part of development proposals.

Retail, Leisure and Other Town Centres Uses

1. Retail, leisure and other main town centre uses will be directed towards the Borough's existing centres as shown on the Policies Map in accordance with the following hierarchy: Town Centres: Bootle and Southport District Centres: Crosby, Formby, Maghull and Waterloo Local Centres: Ainsdale, Birkdale, Churchtown, Netherton and Old Roan Planning permission will only be granted for development which is appropriate to the role and function of each centre. 2. Proposals for all retail, leisure and other town centre uses will be subject to a sequential approach to development. This will require applications for town centre uses to be located firstly in: a. Primary Shopping Areas (retail uses only), then b. Town, district and local centres (in accordance with the hierarchy in part 1), then c. Edge of centre locations, and d. Only if suitable sites are not available should out of centre sites be considered. When considering new proposals in out of centre locations, preference will be given to accessible sites that are well connected to a defined centre in accordance with part 1 of the policy. For retail uses, if there are no accessible out of centre sites that are well connected to a defined centre, preference will be given to the existing retail parks (as shown on the Policies Map). 3. For retail, leisure and office use proposals, impact assessments will be required to accompany planning applications at the locations identified below based on the floorspace thresholds: a. outside of the Primary Shopping Areas (for retail) or the town, district and local centres (for leisure and office uses) impact assessments will be required for development which proposes more than 500m2 gross floorspace; b. within 800 metres of the boundaries of the district centres, an impact assessment will be required for development which proposes more than 300m2 gross floorspace; and c. within 800 metres of the boundaries of the local centres, an impact assessment will be required for development which proposes more than 200m2 gross floorspace. Where more than one impact threshold applies, the lower impact threshold will take precedence. All proposed retail, leisure and offices uses which exceed the above local impact threshold test (part 3) should demonstrate: d. that they would not have a significant adverse impact on the delivery of existing, committed, and planned public and private investment within any existing defined centre; and e. that no significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of any existing centre will arise from the proposed development, including to local consumer choice and trade in defined centres and the wider area, for up to five years from the time the application is made. For major schemes where the full impact will not be realised in five years, the impact should also be assessed for up to ten years from when the application is made. Subject to the above, impact assessments may also be required in other circumstances, including where a change of use or variation of conditions from one form of retail development to another is proposed and could materially affect local shopping patterns. 4. Within Primary Shopping Areas as shown on the Policies Map proposals for non-retail uses compatible with a town centre location, will be permitted providing that: a. the overall retail function of the Centre would not be undermined; b. the use would make a positive contribution to the overall vitality and viability of the Centre; and c. it would not result in an unacceptable cluster of non-retail uses. Within the primary retail frontages identified on the Policies Map, it is expected that 70% of units should fall within the A1 (retail) Use Class. Applications within primary and secondary frontages at the town and district centres shown on the Policies Map which would result in the loss of an active ground floor use will not be supported. 5. Residential development and other non-town centre uses will be permitted, if they do not compromise the vitality and viability of the centre or parade, in: a. defined town and district centres (outside Primary Shopping Areas) and local centres, or b. upper floors of buildings in the Primary Shopping Area, or c. local shopping parades. Careful design is required to ensure residential development and other uses are compatible and complement each other. 6. Bootle Town Centre is the main focus for local convenience and comparison retail development and other town centre uses in the south of Sefton. Southport Town Centre is the main focus for comparison and convenience retail development, cultural, education, office and leisure development in the north of Sefton. 7. The District and Local Centres are the main focus for retail development to serve local convenience shopping needs. In Crosby and Maghull District Centres, a more significant scale of retail redevelopment will be supported where it contributes positively to the regeneration of these centres, consistent with policy ED6 Regeneration Areas. 8. Non-retail development within local shopping parades which are not retail centres in their own right, will be permitted provided that: a. a vacant property is brought back into beneficial use, and b. the overall provision of facilities in the local area or the appearance of the local shopping parade is not harmed, and c. the development would have no unacceptable impact on the amenity of surrounding/neighbouring uses. For the purposes of this policy, a shopping parade is defined as groupings of four or more consecutive retail units or four retail units in any six units.

TOURISM

Strategic Tourism Locations 1. Tourism development will be supported in the following locations as shown on the Policies Map, subject to there being no adverse effects on the integrity of sites of international nature conservation importance, other natural and heritage assets, or other Local Plan policies: a. Southport Seafront and Southport Central Area b. Crosby Coastal Park c. Aintree Racecourse d. Adjacent to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Other Tourism Development 2. Elsewhere sustainable tourism development will be supported in principle where it relates to location-specific tourism assets and is consistent with other Local Plan policies.

SOUTHPORT CENTRAL AREA

1. Within the Southport Central Area (shown on the Policies Map) development proposals should be consistent with, and make a positive contribution to, the economic function of the area, the quality of the environment and maintain the significance of heritage assets and their settings. 2. Development proposals within the Southport Central Area for the following uses will be acceptable in principle, subject to other Local Plan policies: a. Hotels and guest houses b. Arts and cultural uses and visitor attractions c. Education uses including the expansion of Southport College d. Uses which secure a sustainable future for vacant or 'at risk' heritage assets. 3. Development within the Central Area should: a. Have no unacceptable impact on existing living conditions, and b. Cause no unacceptable harm to the appearance of street frontages, and to the vitality and viability of the town centre in general. c. Take opportunities to enhance heritage assets and their settings including securing their re-use, repair and restoration where appropriate. Where heritage is degraded through poor quality previous changes, enhancements should form part of proposals. Within the Lord Street and Promenade Conservation Areas, new or replacement features should enhance the appearance of buildings, public spaces, and the historic character of the area. 4. On the Lord Street frontages, new development should promote active frontages that support vitality and viability. Amusement arcades and centres will not be permitted on the north west Lord Street frontage. 5. The use of upper floors for a range of uses comparable with the retail and commercial character of the area will be encouraged. The use of upper floors for residential development will be permitted where they provide acceptable living conditions.

SOUTHPORT SEAFRONT

1. Proposals within the Southport Seafront (shown on the Policies Map) area for the following uses will be acceptable in principle, subject to other Local Plan policies and designations: a. Leisure facilities b. Hotels c. Facilities for conferences, events and exhibitions, and d. New or improved visitor attractions. 2. Development that would be detrimental to the historic and landscape character of the Seafront or its function as a regionally important centre for tourism, or harm the integrity of adjacent internationally important nature sites, will not be permitted.

MARINE PARK, SOUTHPORT

1. Marine Park (16.4 ha) is allocated for major visitor-based development (shown on the Policies Map). Redevelopment of this site must significantly enhance the regional leisure and tourism role of Southport. 2. The redevelopment of this site must: a. Be of high design quality that complements the existing historic seaside environment and its open character; b. Incorporate active frontages to both Marine Drive and Esplanade; c. Significantly improves pedestrian links within and through the site. This must include the provision of a high quality, landscaped pedestrian link through the site continuing the linear route connecting Scarisbrick Avenue and the Venetian Bridge in King's Gardens to the seafront; d. Incorporate high quality landscaping, including enhancements to the north western edge of the Marine Lake; e. Retain the open seafront setting of the listed pier, and maintain views to and from it; f. Ensure that the position, orientation, and scale of new buildings allows for open views to be retained towards the sea from the Promenade and the Seafront Gardens; g. Improve views from the Promenade towards Ocean Plaza; and h. Provide appropriate compensatory open space and green infrastructure within the site. 3. The expansion of the existing fairground and the provision of new outdoor leisure facilities are acceptable in principle. 4. Any proposal to partially develop the site should be prepared in the context of a development strategy for the whole site. 5. Development that would adversely affect the integrity of adjacent internationally important nature sites will not be permitted.

FOOD AND DRINK

1. Proposals for food and drink uses will only be permitted where they are located so as to meet all of the following criteria: a. They would not cause significant harm to local amenity, b. They would not result in unacceptable groupings of similar uses where they would harm the character of the area, the vitality and viability of a centre or shopping parade or harm public health, and c. Any external ventilation and extractor systems do not: i. Significantly harm the external appearance of the building or the street scene, ii. Harm the residential amenity of neighbouring properties through noise or odours. 2. In order to address the problem of obesity amongst children, proposals for hot food takeaways (Class A5 uses) within 400 metres of secondary schools and further education establishments will not be permitted. Exceptions will be made where: a. It is located within a designated town, district or local centre, or b. The premises are not open until after 1700 hours.

ACCESSIBILITY

In order to improve accessibility in Sefton, new development must adhere to the following principles: a. Be located and designed to encourage walking and cycling both within, to and from the site, b. Where practical, be located in areas that are accessible, or are capable of being made accessible, to bus stops and rail stations, c. Be accessible to an existing range of local services and facilities or, where appropriate, be supported by new services and facilities, d. Ensure the needs of all residents and users of services and buildings, including those with limited mobility are met, e. Ensure existing pedestrian and cycle paths are protected and where possible enhanced, f. Ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and all road users is not adversely affected, and g. Have regard to the Council's parking standards and the recommendations of any submitted Transport Assessment or Transport Statement.

TRANSPORT

1. The Local Plan will seek an efficient and extensive transport network which enables services and facilities to be accessible to all, whilst also reducing congestion and minimising the environmental impact of transport. It will achieve this by: a. Improved access to the Port of Liverpool by a range of transport types b. A new train station and park and ride facilities at Maghull North (shown on the Policies Map) c. Development or extension of park and ride facilities at Hall Road, Seaforth and Litherland and Waterloo rail stations (shown on the Policies Map) d. The provision of interchange facilities in Southport, Crosby and Maghull centres e. Improved parking facilities in Bootle, Southport, Crosby and Maghull centres f. Upgrading of the motorway access at Junction 1 on the M58 (shown on the Policies Map) g. Traffic management improvements to the A565 and A5036 h. Improved access to Southport from the east (A570 corridor) i. Safeguarding the rail link between Bootle New Strand and Aintree rail station (i.e. the North Mersey Branch line as shown on the Policies Map). 2. Improvements to the transport network will take account of the need for: a. Improving safety and accessibility for all transport users b. Protecting the freight distribution network c. Maintaining, improving and extending the walking and cycling network d. Better connecting new and existing neighbourhoods with the public transport network e. Creating opportunities for existing transport to become more sustainable such as by promoting/installing charger units at appropriate locations. 3. Transport Assessments or Transport Statements will be required for all significant development (see paragraph 9.23 below). A Transport Assessment will also be required where a development: a. Is below the Transport Assessment threshold but which will generate a significant number of trips b. Will affect the strategic route network c. Is judged to result in a significant impact on air quality, particularly where the development is within, or adjacent to an Air Quality Management Area or the development would be likely to result in the declaration of an Air Quality Management Area d. Is in close proximity to, or may have a significant impact upon a level crossing. Any proposal that significantly impacts upon a level crossing should be accompanied by a transport assessment which includes assessment of the level crossing. 4. Access onto the Primary Route Network will be restricted as follows: a. direct access onto the motorway and trunk road network will not normally be permitted b. access onto the remainder of the primary route network, whether indirectly (by way of an existing access) or directly (by a newly built access) will be permitted where it does not reduce the capacity of the road. 5. Direct access onto the primary route network will not be permitted where a reasonable alternative exists. 6. The preferred locations for development which generates significant movement of freight are: a. Sites which are served by sea, canal, rail or where rail facilities can be provided as part of the development or, where these options are not available b. Where there is good access to a road designated as a Freight Priority Route. 7. The Council will support initiatives to reconnect the Port of Liverpool (Southern Zone) between Alexandra Dock and Sandon Dock to the rail network. Subject to compliance with Policy ED1 'The Port and Maritime Zone' and NH2 'Nature', proposals by Peel Ports to extend the existing rail lines within the Port of Liverpool at Seaforth to directly serve the new Liverpool 2 container terminal will be supported.