Planning in Staffordshire Moorlands

Creating Sustainable Communities

In order to create sustainable communities at a local level the Council will: 1. Support proposals which protect, retain or enhance existing community facilities (including multi use and shared schemes) or provide new facilities. New facilities should preferably be located within defined built up areas where they are most accessible. In exceptional cases facilities may be located adjacent to these areas where it can be demonstrated that this is the only practical option and where a site is well related to the existing settlement. 2. Safeguard land required for the provision of facilities to meet existing and future community needs, as identified by service providers. 3. Resist proposals involving the loss of community facilities unless: a) an alternative facility of the same type and quality that meets the needs of the community is available in the locality or can be provided in an accessible location in the same locality; or b) a viability appraisal including a marketing exercise by a qualified professional demonstrates that there are no options for continued or shared use as any type of community facility which are financially viable and it can be demonstrated that loss of the facility would not disadvantage local residents. c) In the case of proposals to change use from one type of community facility to another, the Council will consider the respective benefits of both the existing and proposed uses in terms of their contribution to the community's ability to meet its day to day needs. 4. Only permit new development where the utility, transport and community infrastructure necessary to serve it is either available, or will be made available by the time it is needed. All development proposals must therefore either incorporate the infrastructure required as a result of the scheme, or make provision for financial contributions and/or land to secure such infrastructure or service provision at the time it is needed, by means of conditions or a planning obligation in line with the Developer Contributions SPD, or any subsequently adopted Community Infrastructure Levy. 5. Support the relocation of uses which are no longer compatible with their surroundings due to negative amenity issues such as noise or accessibility where an alternative suitable site can be secured, subject to the requirements set out in Policy E 2 in order to facilitate regeneration. This policy will only apply insofar as it is consistent with any permanent or temporary provisions for changes of use permissible under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (as amended).

Sport, Recreation and Open Space

The Council will promote the provision of high quality recreational open space by implementing and supporting schemes that will protect, provide and improve the quantity, quality and accessibility of open space, indoor and outdoor sports and children's play facilities throughout the district, in accordance with the updated Open Space Study, Playing Pitch Strategy and Indoor Sports Facility Assessment (2017) and successor documents. Residential developments of 10 dwellings (or 0.5ha) will be expected to make provision, or a contribution towards provision of open space, sports and recreation facilities which are necessary and reasonably related in form and scale in accordance with the recommendations set out in the above studies. The quantity standards from the Open Space Study are set out below and further guidance will be set out in the Developer Contributions SPD. Recommended Quantity Standard (ha per 1,000 population) Typology 0.14 Parks and gardens Not set Natural and semi-natural greenspace 0.60 Amenity greenspace 0.10 Allotment 0.08 Provision for children and young people In addition: 1) Existing areas of open space, recreational land and buildings including school playing fields and amenity open space will be protected from development, unless: a) an assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the open space, buildings or land to be surplus to requirements; or b) the loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location; or c) the development is for alternative sports and recreational provision, the needs for which clearly outweigh the loss. 2) New sport, recreation and open space facilities should: a) be located in accessible locations and supported by the local transport infrastructure; b) protect the residential amenity of the area; c) be of an appropriate quality, scale and form compatible with the local area, especially if the site is located outside the settlement boundary in the open countryside; d) not harm interests of acknowledged importance; and e) be designed so that they are fit for purpose. 3) Applications to improve the use and availability of existing outdoor sports and recreation provision such as the creation of artificial grass pitches and introduction of ancillary facilities such as changing rooms, artificial surfaces or floodlighting will be permitted provided that they: a) are directly related to the needs of the facility and are proportionate in scale; b) can be satisfactorily and economically serviced; c) do not have an unacceptable impact on existing neighbours; d) meet the above criteria for new sport, recreation and open space facilities; and e) are acceptable in other respects e.g. design, landscape impact, not inappropriate in Green Belt. 4) The Council will encourage securing community access to schools to maximise the use of existing sports provision outside of the school day and the co-location of community infrastructure wherever possible. Any of the above development should be consistent with the updated Open Space Study, Playing Pitch Strategy and Indoor Sports Facilities Assessment and the guidance in the Developer Contributions SPD.

Design Considerations

All development shall be well designed and reinforce local distinctiveness by positively contributing to and complementing the special character and heritage of the area in line with the Council's Design Guide SPD. In particular, new development should: 1. be of a high quality and add value to the local area, incorporating creativity, detailing and materials appropriate to the character of the area; 2. be designed to respect the site and its surroundings and promote a positive sense of place and identity through its scale, height, density, layout, siting, landscaping, character and appearance; 3. create, where appropriate, attractive, active, functional, accessible and safe public and private environments which incorporate public spaces, green infrastructure including making provision for networks of multi-functional new and existing green space (both public and private), landscaping, public art, 'designing out crime' initiatives and the principles of Active Design; 4. incorporate sustainable construction techniques and design concepts for buildings and their layouts to reduce the impact of the development; 5. protect the amenity of the area, including creation of healthy active environments and residential amenity, in terms of satisfactory daylight, visual impact, sunlight, outlook, privacy, soft landscaping as well as noise, odour and light pollution; 6. promote the maintenance, enhancement, restoration and re-creation of biodiversity and geological heritage, where appropriate; 7. provide for safe and satisfactory access and make a contribution to meeting the parking requirement arising from necessary car use; 8. require new developments to be well integrated for car, pedestrian and cycle use as well as other sustainable transport links; 9. ensure that existing drainage, waste water and sewerage infrastructure capacity is available, and where necessary enhanced, to enable the development to proceed; 10. ensure, where appropriate, equality of access and use for all sections of the community; 11. be served by high speed broadband (>30mbps) unless it can be demonstrated through consultation with Next Generation Access Network providers that this would not be possible, practical or economically viable. In all circumstances during construction of the site sufficient and suitable ducting should be provided within the site and to the property to facilitate ease of installation at a future date.

Development Principles

The Council will expect the development and use of land to contribute positively to the social, economic and environmental improvement of the Staffordshire Moorlands in terms of delivering, in partnership with other agencies and services: a mix of types and tenures of quality, affordable homes, to meet the needs and aspirations of the existing and future communities quality local services, including provision for education, healthcare, leisure, community, cultural and tourist facilities in response to anticipated population change and visitor numbers; easy access to jobs, shops and transport services by all sections of the community; increased economic prosperity and opportunities for employment and greater local capacity with an educated, skilled and flexible workforce; a healthy, safe, attractive, active, well-designed and well-maintained environment; development which maintains the locally distinctive character of the Staffordshire Moorlands, its individual towns and villages and their settings; development that is undertaken in a way that protects and enhances the natural and historic environment of the District and its surrounding areas, including the Peak District National Park, both now and for future generations. support development which secures high quality, sustainable environments, efficient and effective use of resources and contributes effectively to tackling climate change and reduced carbon emissions. All proposals for development will be considered in the context of the District-wide Spatial Strategy and with regard to both its direct and indirect cumulative impact over the longer term. New development will make effective use of land and the best use of previously developed land and buildings.

Land North of New Haden Road, Cheadle (Cheadle EM1)

Land amounting to 4.27ha is allocated for general employment purposes. Development will be subject to: landscape mitigation measures which should include additional advanced planting on the site boundaries and limiting building heights; detailed investigation work in relation to the mining legacy of the site; and submission of a Transport Assessment and demonstration of a satisfactory vehicular access arrangement, incorporating any necessary highways improvements or financial contributions.

Cornhill East, Leek (LE235)

This 3.13ha site is allocated for comprehensive redevelopment for mixed employment and residential purposes. Schemes should have regard to the adopted Churnet Valley Masterplan, development proposals should support approximately 50 dwellings as part of a mixed use scheme also incorporating at least 0.83ha B-Class employment; and mixed use proposals must demonstrate how the amenity of housing will be maintained around employment uses. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and will require a comprehensive masterplan with indicative phasing programme to include: - provision for any transport infrastructure improvements having regard to the Churnet Valley Masterplan; schemes should enable provision for a link between the A520 and A53 to the south of the town and links to the canal and Churnet Valley railway; and - demonstrate acceptable access arrangements to the site which must not be directly served off Sandon Street; - in the event of proposals affecting Birchall Meadow BAS, appropriate mitigation / compensation measures will be required.

Blythe Vale

Land of approximately 48.5ha is allocated for mixed-use including employment, residential development of approximately 300 houses and supporting infrastructure. This residential development should be located to the north of the site. The employment development is intended to serve a regional need and will be considered separately from the employment land requirement for the District. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and a comprehensive masterplan with indicative phasing programme to include: A Transport Assessment to include an analysis of the site and it traffic impacts on the surrounding road network including the A50 and potential mitigation measures, and early engagement with Highways England; A landscaping scheme to provide appropriate landscape and visual mitigation measures including submission of landscape and visual impact assessments having regard to the recommendations set out in the Council's Landscape, Local Green Space and Heritage Impact Study. The landscaping scheme shall include measures to limit potential landscape impact and include additional planting on the edges of and within the development to create a vegetated edge and soften the appearance of the development from long distance views, limiting the sizes and scale of buildings. Development should be set back from Draycott with additional planting to limit potential coalescence issues; Details of surface water discharge; Developers should liaise with Network Rail at an early stage to identify any potential impact on the operation of the adjacent railway and agree mitigation measures as appropriate; Measures to improve sustainable transport routes and connectivity with Blythe Bridge and surrounding area, and to protect and extend green infrastructure within the Blythe Bridge Opportunity corridor which is identified in the Green Infrastructure Strategy, to include the provision of suitable crossing facilities to enable access on foot and bicycle to the existing schools in Blythe Bridge, safe walking and cycle routes to and from the development to Blythe Bridge and investigation of opportunities for habitat creation/restoration including establishing wildlife corridors; and Cycle path crossing the site needs to be protected

Land east of Brooklands Way, Leekbrook (EM2)

Land amounting to approximately 8ha gross (4.01ha net) is allocated for employment uses. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and include: - demonstration of how the SBI status of the Twinney Wood and Grassland site has been taken into account and demonstration of appropriate ecological impact mitigatory/compensatory measures; and - a landscaping and heritage plan including submission of landscape and visual impact assessments; in particular it must be demonstrated how heritage impacts have been mitigated, for example through submission of a masterplan of the site; development should be focused to the western end of the site to protect the setting of the listed Finneylane Farmhouse, and an appropriate mitigation strategy should be put in place.

New Employment Development

New employment development will be assessed according to the extent to which it supports and improves the local economy in terms of providing for the needs and skills of the existing and future local resident workforce and meeting identified business needs, having regard to the Spatial Strategy Policies in SS 2, SS 3, area strategy policies, and general employment land requirements set out in Policy SS 4. In general the Council will endeavour to support the expansion of existing businesses and new businesses in the District, subject to the provisions below. In addition: All proposals should help maintain or enhance an appropriate range of employment premises and sites across the District in terms of their scale, location and type. Within or on the edge of the town centres and on existing employment sites where redevelopment for other uses is proposed, mixed use schemes will be promoted. Mixed use schemes should accommodate employment generating uses of a scale and nature appropriate to their location. New business developments (use class B1a) should be located in existing or proposed employment areas or in or on the edge of town centres. Preference will be given to town centre locations for office developments, unless ancillary to another use or specifically allocated. In other locations the Council will expect a sequential demonstration that there were no centre or edge of centre sites available first. Office (Class B1a) developments of 200m2 gross or more must provide an impact assessment regarding the impact of the proposal on town centre vitality and viability. This will not apply to appropriate expansions of existing authorised B1 sites. Other types of employment uses (including B use class developments (B1b, B1c, B2 and B8), commercial sui generis uses etc) should be located in existing or proposed employment areas. Such development outside of existing or proposed employment areas but within the settlement boundary may also be acceptable when it would not create undue harm to the character, appearance or amenity of the area. New-build developments not on existing or proposed employment sites and outside of the settlement boundary may be supported where a rural location can be justified. The sustainable redevelopment, intensification or improvement of existing employment sites for new business and industrial developments will be supported provided it would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenities, character or appearance of the area. Schemes involving the re-use of rural buildings for commercial enterprise, including tourism uses, will be considered favourably where the proposed use does not harm the building's character and/or the character of its surroundings. To support the growth of the economy, the Council will: Support proposals that help to deliver priorities of the Local Enterprise Partnership; Encourage flexible working practices via home-working where there is no adverse impact on residential amenities, and allowing the development of live-work units on residential and mixed use sites Encourage provision for small-scale and start-up businesses To ensure that the District's workforce is suitably skilled, the Council will, where appropriate, seek to enter into agreements with developers and employers to contribute towards training programmes and employment support and employment access schemes.

Employment Allocations

The following sites as identified on the Policies Map are allocated for employment development (B1b, B1c, B2, B8 uses), and in some cases mixed uses. The Council will work with developers and the local community to bring forward sustainable developments in accordance with the other policies in the Local Plan. Leek (including Leekbrook) 1.50 ha - Land at Newton House, Leek (Policy DSL 3)(mixed employment/housing) 0.83 ha - Cornhill East, Leek (Policy DSL 4)(mixed employment/housing) 4.01 ha - Land east of Brooklands Way, Leekbrook (Policy DSR 2) Biddulph 4 ha - Land off Tunstall Road (opposite Victoria Business Park), Biddulph (mixed employment/housing) (Policy DSB 3) 1 ha - Wharf Road Strategic Development Area, Biddulph (mixed employment) (Policy DSB 1) Cheadle 4.27 ha - Cheadle EM1 Land off New Haden Road Cheadle (Policy DSC 4) Rural 0.44 ha - Land at Waterhouses Enterprise Centre, Leek Road (WA004)(mixed employment/housing)

Existing Employment Areas, Premises and Allocations

This policy covers employment sites currently in use; disused/vacant sites where employment use has not been abandoned; and employment allocations (Policy E 2) whether or not they contain development. Existing premises that employ people may fall into a number of different use classes, not just industrial (such as sui generis), or in some case it may not be clear what use classes are represented. The Council will reach a view as to what constitutes an existing employment site on a case by case basis. The Council will continue to resist proposals involving the loss of employment land or employment use by proposing a sequential approach towards planning applications. This would initially involve retaining appropriate and viable employment sites. Where a lack of demand can be demonstrated by an appropriate marketing exercise and where the retention of a site in employment use can clearly be shown to be unviable through the submission of appropriate evidence, the potential for mixed-use development should be explored incorporating an element of employment use within the development. To this end the Council would expect that an applicant demonstrate that as much employment floorspace is retained (or re-provided) as possible on site. In the case of 'enabler' redevelopment schemes involving a proportion of non-employment uses needed to fund improvements to existing employment premises or supporting infrastructure, the Council will consider these on their individual merits (including consideration of evidence submitted), but will seek to retain as much of the redeveloped site in employment use. Schemes proposing changes of use amongst "employment" uses but that do not result in a net loss of employment floorspace, will be assessed on their merits against wider policies including SS4. Where mixed use development is not viable then the Council will seek a financial contribution in appropriate cases towards securing employment development elsewhere in the area.

Tourism and Cultural Development

New tourism and cultural development which complements the distinctive character and quality of the District will be supported having regard to the Area Strategies in Policies SS 5 to SS 10 and and Churnet Valley Strategy Policy SS 11. In addition: 1. New tourist, visitor and cultural accommodation, attractions and facilities should be developed in locations that offer, or are capable of offering either: A) good connectivity with other tourist destinations and amenities, particularly by public transport, walking and cycling; or B) in locations in or close to settlements where local services, facilities and public transport are available; or C) in areas specifically identified for tourism development in the Churnet Valley Masterplan or other relevant documents. 2. Developments in other locations may be supported where a rural location can be justified. New accommodation, attractions and facilities should: A) support the provision and expansion of tourist, visitor and cultural facilities in the rural areas where needs are not met by existing facilities; and B) all development shall be of an appropriate quality, scale and character compatible with the local area, protect the residential amenity of the area, enhance the heritage, landscape and biodiversity of the area and shall not harm interests of acknowledged importance.

Renewable/Low-Carbon Energy

The Council will strive to meet part of the District's future energy demand through renewable or low-carbon energy sources (which could be through a variety of technologies, for example solar energy, biomass etc), in line with current evidence which identifies the feasibility of these forms of energy across the District. The Council will assess wind turbine schemes in line with the Government's specific policy on wind turbines. For all other forms of renewable energy the Council will support small- and large- scale stand alone renewable or low-carbon energy schemes subject to the following considerations: the degree to which the scale and nature of a proposal impacts on the landscape, particularly having regard to relevant Landscape Character evidence and impact on the Peak District National Park (taking into account both individual and cumulative effects of similar proposals); the degree to which the developer has demonstrated any environmental/economic/social benefits of a scheme, as well as how any environmental or social impacts have been minimised (e.g. visual, noise or smell); the impact on designated sites of European (or successor), national and local biodiversity and geological importance in accordance with policy NE 1; the impact on the amenity of residents and other interests of acknowledged importance, including the historic environment; the degree to which individual proposals reflect current local evidence regarding the feasibility of different types of renewable or low-carbon energy at different locations across the District; in the case of solar energy proposals that are not affixed to buildings or structures, applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they have examined whether previously developed land is available before greenfield land. Where agricultural land is proposed, poorer quality land should be utilised before higher quality agricultural land.

Sustainability Measures in Development

The Council will support further carbon-saving or water-saving measures in both new and existing developments, in the following ways: 1. Supporting developers who propose exceeding the thermal efficiency or water conservation standards required by law for new buildings or extensions, at the time of the application. In the case of larger developments such as housing estates the Council will support measures such as 'communal' renewables, or District Heating installations. 2. The Council will support measures by landowners/developers designed to contribute to existing or emerging District Heating networks (for example by connecting 'exporters', with receptors, of heat). 3. The Council will support measures designed to improve the sustainability of existing buildings (such as improved thermal insulation, water conservation, or the installation of micro-renewables).

Green Infrastructure

The Council will, through partnership working with local communities, organisations, landowners and developers, develop an integrated network of high quality and multi-functional green infrastructure that will: a) Support and improve the provision of open space, sport and recreational facilities for local communities and enhance the settings of neighbourhoods; b) Link existing and potential sites of nature conservation value and historic landscape features, create new wildlife habitats, increase biodiversity, and increase tree cover where it is appropriate to the landscape; c) Enhance the natural, man-made and cultural features that are crucial to the local landscape and create opportunities for the restoration of degraded landscapes and the enhancement of the urban fringe; d) Mitigate the negative effects of climate change and maximise potential climate change benefits including effective flood risk and waterways management; e) Create appropriate access for a wide range of users to enjoy the countryside, including improved linkages to and provision of formal and informal recreation opportunities and accessible woodland areas, encouraging walking, cycling and horse riding; f) Contribute to the diversification of the local economy and tourist development through the enhancement of existing, and provision of new facilities. The Council will identify, protect and enhance Green Infrastructure assets through the Green Infrastructure Strategy.

Landscape and Settlement Setting

The Council will protect and, where possible, enhance local landscape and the setting of settlements in the Staffordshire Moorlands by: 1. Resisting development which would lead to prominent intrusion into the countryside or have a significant adverse impact on the character or the setting of a settlement or important views into and out of the settlement as identified in the Landscape and Settlement Character evidence; 2. Supporting development which respects and enhances local landscape character and which reinforces and enhances the setting of the settlement as identified in the Landscape and Settlement Character evidence; 3. Supporting developments which conserve or enhance the biodiversity qualities of any natural or man-made features within the landscape, such as trees, woodlands, hedgerows, walls, watercourses or ponds; 4. Supporting opportunities to positively manage the landscape and use sustainable building techniques and materials which are sympathetic to the landscape; 5. Ensuring that development does not adversely affect the wider setting of the Peak District National Park.

Local Green Space

The Council has identified and will protect from inappropriate development Local Green Space shown on the policies maps and listed in Appendix 4. Development proposals within a Local Green Space will be assessed against national Green Belt policy.

Biodiversity and Geological Resources

The biodiversity and geological resources of the District and neighbouring areas will be conserved and enhanced by positive management and strict control of development (and having regard to relevant ecological evidence) by: 1. By ensuring all development schemes have regard to the surveys and actions recommended by the Council's Extended Phase 1 Habitat Surveys and Local Wildlife Assessment, and include measures for protection and enhancement of site biodiversity and protection of any geodiversity as appropriate. 2. Resisting any proposed development that could have an adverse effect on the integrity of an International site (or successor designation) alone or in combination with other plans or projects unless it can be demonstrated that the legislative provisions to protect such sites can be fully met. Any development with a potential to adversely affect a European site/s through construction activities should ensure that Ciria construction guidelines are followed including environmental good practice on control of dust and water pollution. 3. The Council will not normally permit any development proposal which would directly or indirectly (either individually or in combination with other developments) have an adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Where an adverse effect on the site's notified special interest features is likely, an exception should only be made where the benefits of the development, at this site, clearly outweigh both the impacts that it is likely to have on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest and any broader impacts on the national network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. 4. Conserving, and enhancing regional and locally designated sites. The Council will not permit any development proposal which would directly or indirectly result in significant harm to geological and biodiversity conservation interests, unless it can be demonstrated that: a) there is no appropriate alternative site available; and b) all statutory and regulatory requirements relating to any such proposal have been satisfied; and c) appropriate conservation and mitigation measures are provided; or if it is demonstrated that this is not possible d) the need for, and benefit of, the development is demonstrated to clearly outweigh the need to safeguard the intrinsic nature conservation value of the site and compensatory measures are implemented. 5. Expecting all development where possible seeks to deliver a net gain in biodiversity proportionate to the size and scale of the development. In circumstances where adverse impacts are demonstrated to be unavoidable, developers will be required to ensure that impacts are appropriately mitigated, with suitable compensation measures towards loss of habitat used only as a last resort where there is no alternative. Where any mitigation and compensation measures are required, they should be appropriately scheduled and managed according to the nature, size and scale of the development so as to minimise impacts that may disturb protected or important habitats and species. 6. Supporting opportunities to improve site management and increase public access to wildlife sites including supporting the objectives of the Staffordshire County Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan. 7. Ensuring development promotes the appropriate maintenance, enhancement, restoration and/or re-creation of biodiversity through its proposed nature, scale, location and design. The Staffordshire Moorlands Biodiversity Opportunity Map, in conjunction with the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan, will be used to guide biodiversity enhancement measures to be included in development proposals as appropriate to the nature and scale of development proposed and other environmental interest, in particular supporting opportunities to increase grassland and heathland habitats including supporting targets in the UK and Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan. 8. Protecting and enhancing habitats and species of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity as identified in legislation, and recognising and implementing appropriate measures, including landscape-scale conservation management, to take account of the fact that the distribution of habitats and species will be affected by climate change. 9. Recognising the value of the natural environment for sport and leisure activities and the need to manage such activities to ensure there is no conflict. 10. Ensuring the provision and protection of green infrastructure networks in line with Policy C 3.

Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows

The Council will protect existing trees, woodlands and hedgerows, in particular, ancient woodland, veteran trees and ancient or species-rich hedgerows from loss or deterioration. This will be achieved by: Requiring that existing woodlands, healthy trees and hedgerows are retained and integrated within a proposed development unless the need for, and benefits of, the development clearly outweigh their loss; Requiring new developments to provide tree cover that secures a good level of sustainability through tree retention, planting and soft landscaping, including where possible the on site replacement of any trees that are removed with sufficient tree planting to replace or increase the canopy cover on-site as appropriate. Landscaping schemes will also be required to mitigate against negative landscape impact and complement the design of new development and make provision for future maintenance. Where it is not possible to secure this new or replacement tree planting within the site, the Council will work with applicants to ascertain if a suitable site(s) can be found off-site for replacement planting in the locality; Resisting development that would directly or indirectly damage existing ancient woodland, veteran trees and ancient or species-rich hedgerows. The Council will refer to its adopted Tree Strategy in the consideration of proposals; and will in general seek to retain as many trees and as much hedgerow on site as possible.

Sustainable Use of Resources

The Council will require all development to make sustainable use of resources, and adapt to climate change. This will be achieved by: 1. Having regard to the BMV agricultural classification of the land, with a preference for the use of lower quality over higher quality agricultural land. Development should also aim to minimise soil disturbance and to retain ecological connectivity as far as possible 2. Supporting or promoting proposals that remediate brownfield sites affected by contamination. 3. Re-use of sites affected by mining activity will be supported, provided that any mining legacy is appropriately addressed and it can be demonstrated that the site is safe and stable for the development proposed. 4. Supporting development that is located and designed to minimise energy needs and to take advantage of maximised orientation (subject to design and landscape policies) to achieve energy savings in line with Policy SD 3. 5. The Council will require applicants for all major-scale planning applications (10 or more residential units or 1,000+ square metres floor area) to demonstrate that they have considered the energy efficiency, water conservation, sourcing of construction materials, and site orientation aspects of the scheme, and where possible the feasibility of integrating micro-renewables. The degree of detail expected will depend on the scale/complexity of the proposal. 6. The Council will encourage developers to investigate the potential for re-using construction or construction waste materials, especially those sourced locally (which can include those minerals available on site, as appropriate) and integrates where possible on-site waste management facilities.

Pollution and Water Quality

The Council will protect people and the environment from unsafe, unhealthy and polluted environments by ensuring proposals avoid potential adverse effects; and only permitting proposals that are deemed (individually or cumulatively) to result in pollution (including air/ water/ noise/ vibration/ light/ ground contamination) if after mitigation, potential adverse effects are deemed acceptable. This may be achieved by the imposition of planning conditions or through a planning obligation. When considering planning applications, the Council will require developers to have regard to the actions and objectives of all relevant River Basin Management Plans and related Plans affecting the District in striving to protect and improve the quality and capacity of water bodies in or adjacent to the District. Planning permission shall only be granted where the proposal makes provision for the protection (and where feasible, enhancement) of water quality and waterside habitat, and water resources where applicable. In the case of development within Groundwater Source Protection Zones (SPZs) applicants should demonstrate how site layout has sought to mitigate potential pollution to public water supply. A quantitative and qualitative risk assessment and groundwater protection mitigation strategy may be required subject to consultation with relevant bodies.

Flood Risk

The Council will follow a sequential approach to the management of flood risk. New development will be guided to the areas with the lowest risk of current and future flooding where this is viable and compatible with other polices aimed at achieving a sustainable pattern of development. The development of sites within areas at greater risk of flooding will only be considered where they are deemed acceptable due to national or other policies or material considerations. All applicable development must be subject to a site-specific flood risk assessment which demonstrates that the development has been designed to be flood resilient and resistant and safe for its users for the lifetime of the development; in accordance with NPPF Policy. In addition, schemes in flood risk areas should demonstrate how the sequential approach has been used to locate the most vulnerable parts of the development in the areas of lowest flood risk. Where development sites are located in flood risk areas and/or affected by the presence of watercourses, the Council expects developers to undertake early discussions with the EA and the LLFA. Where a watercourse is present on a development site, applicants will be expected to take opportunities to undertake river restoration and enhance natural river corridors where appropriate, in line with the Water Framework Directive, and to make space for water. The culverting of any watercourse will not normally be permitted and development should, wherever possible, open up any culverted watercourses to increase flood water storage and create a green corridor. More generally the Council will support the identification and implementation of natural flood management measures that will contribute towards delivering a reduction in local and catchment-wide flood risk and impacts of climate change and other multiple benefits. All applicable developments should incorporate sustainable drainage measures (SuDS) to reduce the risk of flooding from surface water runoff and contribute to on-site flood alleviation, as well as contributing to wider Council objectives such as its emerging Green infrastructure Network; to enhancing biodiversity and recreation opportunities; landscape character etc. Developers should undertake early discussions with the LLFA to ensure that SuDs can be fully integrated into the final development layout. Where appropriate suitable measures to deal with surface water arising from development proposals will be required to minimise the impact to and from new development. In such cases the Council will expect applicants to demonstrate how their proposals manage surface water run-off sustainably with discharge to the public sewer only being considered as a last resort, where, clear evidence must be demonstrated why alternative options are not available. On greenfield sites developers should aim to not increase surface water runoff rates. On brownfield sites developers should aim to reduce surface water runoff to the greenfield rate wherever practical. Approved development proposals will be expected to be supplemented by appropriate maintenance and management regimes for surface water drainage. On larger sites involving phased development and/or involving multiple landowners the Council will where appropriate encourage applicants to engage in early discussion with utility providers and LLFA for the achievement of coordinated, holistic drainage strategies across the whole site over time. When considering planning applications, the Council will have regard to all relevant Catchment Flood Management Plans affecting the District. In all cases the Council will work with developers, stakeholders and landowners to encourage and promote implementation of natural flood risk management measures which will contribute towards flood risk reduction as well as achieve wider environmental benefits.

The Historic Environment

1. The Council will conserve and where possible enhance heritage assets, including their setting in a manner appropriate to their significance. This will take into account the desirability of maintaining and enhancing their significance and will ensure that development proposals contribute positively to the character of the built and historic environment. 2. Protection will be given to designated heritage assets and their settings and non-designated heritage assets as set out in the NPPF. 3. All applications likely to affect heritage assets will require the submission of a heritage statement, including a qualitative visual assessment where appropriate. 4. Where development is likely to affect archaeology, both designated and undesignated, the Council requires the submission of a desk based assessment, and where appropriate, field surveys and trench evaluation by a qualified professional. 5. Where the loss of significance is unavoidable, recording should take place and this should be added to the Historic Environment Record as a minimum, held by Staffordshire County Council. 6. The Council will continue its proactive approach to heritage assets at risk and welcomes development proposals which would result in the sympathetic reuse of these assets in line with NPPF policy. 7. The Council will promote development which sustains, respects or enhances buildings and features which contribute to the character or heritage of an area and those interests of acknowledged importance through the use of Conservation Area Appraisals, Design Guidance and Statements, Archaeological Assessments, Characterisation Studies and Masterplanning.

Wharf Road Strategic Development Area (BD055, BD071, BD071a, BD106, BD156, BD076, BD076a, BD108, BD016, BD104)

Land amounting to around 18.5ha is allocated for a mix of uses comprising approximately: Housing 15.5ha (approximately 442 dwellings); Employment 1ha; Retail 0.5ha (food store of around 1000m2 net sales floor space); Retention of School Playing Field 1.5ha. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and a comprehensive master plan with indicative phasing programme to include: - A landscape plan. On the part of the site between the bypass and the BVW, additional advanced planting on the ridge and along the boundary with the BVW and screening in the south-eastern part of the site is required. The large mature tree adjacent to the telephone exchange needs to be retained. Landscaping should be used as a buffer between the residential and employment / retail development. Development of land between Tunstall Road and the bypass provides an opportunity for urban greening along the Tunstall Road frontage and buffer planting for visual and noise purposes along the bypass boundary; - Mitigation of heritage impact by setting development back from the Listed Buildings within and in close proximity to the south eastern boundary (at Fairhaven) and reinstatement of historic screening along the field boundary between the former Jacksons Nursery and Levens. Any developer will be required to assess how the setting of the Listed Buildings contributes to their significance prior to development taking place; - Detailed investigation work in relation to the mining legacy of the site and possible historic landfill in the north-western part of the site before development can commence (where applicable); - De-culverting of the watercourse flowing beneath the site which should be re-naturalised through redevelopment and undertaking a Preliminary Risk Assessment in relation to the contamination of controlled waters; - Providing an access point to the area on the east side of the bypass from Tunstall Road; - Provision of pedestrian and cycle linkages from the site to the BVW and town centre; - Investigation of opportunities to reduce habitat fragmentation and increase connectivity by helping to create and improve wildlife corridors extending into the surrounding countryside including linkages with the nearby biodiversity alert site; - The employment use will be determined as part of the masterplan taking into account amenity impact in relation to neighbouring land uses. The retail element of the site is intended for a food store.

Biddulph Mills (BD101 and BD102)

Land at Yarn Mill and Minster Mill amounting to about 0.38ha in total is allocated for residential development of approximately 57 dwellings. Proposals for further intensification of these sites will be considered if residential amenity for future occupants is not adversely affected. Development will be subject to: - A bat survey being undertaken and vegetation removal at the appropriate time of year; and - Contributions towards, improved pedestrian and cycle linkages with the Biddulph Valley Way;

Tunstall Road Strategic Development Area (opposite Victoria Business Park)

Land amounting to around 6.48ha is allocated for mixed-use development as follows: Approximately 4ha is allocated for general employment development; and Approximately 2.48ha is allocated for residential development amounting to approximately 105 dwellings. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and a comprehensive masterplan with indicative phasing programme to include: A landscape plan. Particular attention should be paid to landscaping to address the high landscape sensitivity of most of the site, namely retaining the existing vegetation in the south – west of the site, planting within and on the edges of the development to soften the appearance of the development in long distance views and limiting the sizes and scale of buildings. Landscaping should be used as a buffer between the residential and employment elements; Investigating opportunities for providing footpath links into the countryside and adjoining open space and for habitat creation within the site and / or improving wildlife corridors extending into the countryside; Detailed investigation work in relation to the mining legacy of the site before development can commence; Safeguarding and where possible enhancing the existing right of way located along the northern boundary of the site; Details in relation to the access point and employment and residential uses will be determined as part of the masterplan taking into account amenity impact in relation to neighbouring land uses.

Cheadle North Strategic Development Area

Land amounting to 11.2 ha is allocated for residential development of approximately 320 dwellings, including a new County Primary School and school/community playing pitches (approximately 2ha) and associated public open space. Development will be subject to comprehensive master planning to include: Provision of two separate access points; Land and access for the school should be made available during the 1st phase of development to meet the requirements of the Education Authority; Detailed investigation work in relation to the mining legacy of the site; A detailed assessment of the significance of the heritage asset and how it may be affected, in addition to mitigation measures including screening of the north-eastern boundary; An assessment of the impact on the Cecilly Brook Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in order to manage the impact on the Green Infrastructure Network and the LNR to ensure that Local Plan policy requirements can be met for minimising impacts on biodiversity (and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible); and establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures; as well as enabling water quality improvements in line with the Water Framework Directive objectives; Retention of trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders; and Public footpaths crossing the site will need to be retained and pedestrian connections should be made to the residential areas surrounding the site.

Cecilly Brook Strategic Development Area (CH002a, CH002b & CH024)

Land amounting to 3.1 ha is allocated for residential development of approximately 106 dwellings comprising: Land at Moor Lane Farm (1.7 ha) of approximately 61 dwellings; and Land off Churchill Road (1.4 ha) of approximately 45 dwellings Development will be subject to; An assessment of the impact on the Cecilly Brook Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in order to manage the impact on the Green Infrastructure Network and the LNR to ensure that Local Plan policy requirements can be met for minimising impacts on biodiversity (and providing net gains in biodiversity where possible); and establishing coherent ecological networks that are more resilient to current and future pressures; as well as enabling water quality improvements in line with the Water Framework Directive objectives; An FRA which should determine the risk of flooding from both watercourses. It should be ensured that the development does not encroach into the floodplain area and that at least 8m undeveloped easement/buffer strip is maintained adjacent to Cecilly Brook; A detailed assessment of the significance of the heritage asset and how it may be affected, in addition to mitigation measures; and Public rights of way need to be protected.

Mobberley Strategic Development Area (CH085a, CH085b, CH085c, CH085d & CH128)

Land amounting to 16.64 ha is allocated for residential development (approximately 430 dwellings) including associated public open space. The Council will resist development which would undermine a comprehensive approach to the development of the site. Development will be subject to comprehensive master planning to include: Construction of development access roads along the safeguarded route for a potential future link road of a sufficient design standard to facilitate a link road; Provision of a landscape plan and indicative phasing programme including submission of landscape and visual impact assessments to address recommendations set out in the Council's Landscape, Local Green Space and Heritage Impact Study; A detailed assessment of the significance of the heritage asset and how it may be affected, in addition to mitigation measures including screening of the southern edge of the site; Public footpaths crossing the site will need to be retained; Ground conditions survey; and The flood risk assessment (FRA) should determine the level of flood risk. It should be ensured that the development does not encroach into the floodplain and that at least 8m undeveloped easement/buffer strip is maintained adjacent to the river.

Land at Horsecroft Farm, Leek (ADD01)

Land amounting to 0.89ha is allocated for a mix of uses including housing (approximately 15 dwellings) and D1 education. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and include: - access arrangement via Tittesworth Avenue and consider re-alignment of the track so that an extension to the school could be consolidated into the existing school site; and - a landscaping plan including submission of landscape and visual impact assessments and mitigation of heritage impact; in particular schemes should incorporate heritage masterplanning to include mitigation measures including the use of vegetation screening to reduce effects on the setting of heritage assets. Proposals should also consider landscaping to form a new settlement edge.

Land at The Mount, Leek (LE066, LE128a&b, LE140, LE142a, LE142b)

Land amounting to approximately 10.62ha as shown on the policies map is allocated for housing (approximately 345 dwellings); and 0.76 ha for D1 education. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and will require a comprehensive masterplan with indicative phasing programme to include: - a landscaping plan including submission of landscape and visual impact assessments and mitigation of heritage impact. Proposals should consider landscape mitigation measures including advanced planting and landscaping along eastern boundaries; limited building heights where appropriate; and consider scope for retaining/ integrating existing landscape features, including those on site of Kniveden Hall; and - recognition of the informal recreational value of the Mount to the community and reflect this in masterplanning proposals through the sensitive treatment of Mount Road and Kniveden Lane, appropriately located green infrastructure, recognition of key views and connectivity to public rights of way; and - a site-specific noise assessment to guide layouts and ensure that the amenity levels of future occupants are acceptable in relation to wind turbine noise. Land for a new first school shall be safeguarded as identified on the policies map, or similar location, if forming part of a mixed education and residential development. Development proposals on the allocations listed above, shall be expected to contribute to highway or junction improvements in this area, as deemed necessary by the County Highways Authority to address the cumulative impact of the wider developments along Mount Road.

Land at Newton House, Leek (LE150)

This site amounting to around 9.27ha is allocated for mixed residential and employment use. Approximately 5.25ha of the site should be dedicated to residential use (approximately 180 dwellings) and 1.5ha of the site area should provide for B-Class employment purposes; mixed use proposals must demonstrate how the amenity of housing will be maintained around employment uses. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and will require a comprehensive masterplan with indicative phasing programme to include: - heritage masterplanning; mitigation measures against adverse effects upon heritage assets which should include stepping development back and using vegetation screening along the south-western edge of the site; - demonstration of how the southeast corner of the site should remain undeveloped to minimise landscape impacts; - schemes must demonstrate the incorporation of a wildlife 'buffer' along the eastern edge of the site for ecological protection, to the satisfaction of the Council. - appropriate contributions to improved pedestrian and cycle links from the site; and - retention of the existing tennis courts on the site unless alternative facilities are provided on or off-site in accordance with Policy C 2.

Land off Ash Bank Road Werrington (WE003 & WE052)

Land comprising two sites is allocated for residential development. WE003 amounts to around 3ha and is allocated for approximately 50 dwellings and WE0052 amounts to around 1ha and is allocated for approximately 25 dwellings. Development will be subject to compliance with other relevant Local Plan policies and; - A landscaping scheme to provide appropriate landscape and visual mitigation measures including submission of landscape and visual impact assessments having regard to the recommendations set out in the Council's Landscape, Local Green Space and Heritage Impact Study. The landscaping scheme shall include planting on the southern and south eastern boundaries; - The development shall maintain the gap on the top part of the site WE003 fronting Ash Bank Road by retaining open space on this part of the site; - A Noise impact assessment to consider the impact of the HM Young Offenders Institute. Where appropriate the assessment shall provide details of measures to mitigate the impact of noise on residential development; - Access to WE003 should be from the eastern part of the site. It should not form a crossroads with Oak Mount road. Access to WE052 would need to take account of the existing bus stop. - Adequate visibility splays and access shall be provided in line with the requirements of the Highway Authority; - A traffic assessment to consider the effect of traffic from the development on Ash Bank Road;

New Housing Development

1) New housing development should provide for a mix of housing sizes, types and tenure including a proportion of affordable housing as set out in Policy H 3, and where appropriate housing for special groups, to meet the needs and aspirations of the current and future population having regard to the Area Strategies. 2) In line with Government legislation the Council will maintain and update a register of those interested in acquiring self-build / custom-build housing plots across the District. Where a demand exists, residential developments of 10 dwellings (or 0.5ha) or more will make an appropriate contribution towards this need in agreement with the Council. This will be negotiated on a case by case basis. 3) All development will be assessed according to the extent to which it provides for high quality, sustainable housing and to which it meets identified housing needs, having regard to the location of the development, the characteristics of the site and the economics of provision. In addition: a) Housing for special groups, particularly for older people and others as identified in the SHMA or successor document should be of a scale and in a location which is appropriate to its needs. b) Housing proposals of 10 dwellings (or 0.5ha) or more will be required to provide a mix of housing in terms of size, type and tenure on the site unless viability or other circumstances exist. The final mix will be negotiated with the developer based on housing needs as informed by the SHMA or successor document and other relevant factors such as available supply and market demand. c) All housing development should be at the most appropriate density compatible with the site and its location, and with the character of the surrounding area. Higher densities will generally be appropriate in locations which are more accessible by public transport and which have good access to services. d) All new dwellings should aim to provide flexible accommodation which is capable of future adaptation by seeking to achieve adequate internal space for the intended number of occupants in accordance with the Nationally Described Space standard and delivered to meet accessibility standards set out in the Optional Requirement M4(2) of Part M of the Building Regulations. This will be determined on a site-by-site basis subject to considerations such as viability and design. e) All new dwellings must be of sufficient size to provide satisfactory levels of amenity for future occupiers of the dwellings whilst respecting the privacy and amenity of occupiers of existing dwellings. 4) Housing development on sites not allocated for such purposes in Policy H 2 will be supported as follows: a) Within the development boundaries of the towns and larger villages, residential development and development on unidentified (windfall) sites will be permitted, subject to compliance with the Spatial Strategy and wider Local Plan policies b) Outside of the development boundaries, limited infill residential development of an appropriate scale and character for the Spatial Strategy will be supported, provided that: The development will adjoin the boundary of a larger village and be well related to the existing pattern of development and surrounding land uses, or; The development is well related to the existing pattern of development of a smaller village and will not create or extend ribbon development or lead to sporadic pattern of development; and c) In all cases the development will not lead to a prominent intrusion into the countryside or have a significant adverse impact on the character and appearance of the countryside. 5) In the other rural areas in the open countryside, only the following forms of housing development will be permitted; a) Affordable housing which cannot be met elsewhere, in accordance with Policy H 3. b) A new dwelling that meets an essential local need, such as accommodation for an agricultural, forestry or other rural enterprise worker, where the need for such accommodation has been satisfactorily demonstrated and that need cannot be met elsewhere. c) Proposals for replacement dwellings, provided they do not have a significantly greater detrimental impact on the existing character of the rural area than the original dwelling or result in the loss of a building which is intrinsic to the character of the area. d) The conversion of rural buildings for residential use where the building is suitable and worthy in physical, architectural and character terms for conversion; or where such development would represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate enabling development to secure the future of heritage assets. e) Proposals to redevelop previously developed land provided it is not of high environmental value. f) The subdivision of an existing residential dwelling provided it is not in an isolated location. 6) When development is located in the Green Belt, national Green Belt Policy will apply. The Council will closely monitor the delivery of residential windfall sites and affordable housing to ensure that it is meeting expected levels.

Housing Allocations

The following sites will be allocated for housing or mixed use development. The Council will work with developers and the local community to bring forward sustainable developments in accordance with the other policies in the Local Plan. Leek: 15 dwellings at Land east of Horsecroft Farm, Leek (ADD01); 345 dwellings at Land at the Mount, Leek (LE066, LE128a&b, LE140, LE142a, LE142b); 179 dwellings at Land adjacent to Newton House, Cheddleton Rd, Leek (LE150); 50 dwellings at Land at Cornhill, Leek (LE235); 0 (16) dwellings at Land west of Ashbourne Road, Leek (LE022); 25 dwellings at Land north of Macclesfield Road, Leek (LE102). Biddulph: 442 dwellings at Wharf Road Strategic Development Area (BD055, BD071, BD071a, BD106, BD156, BD076, BD076a, BD108, BD016, BD104); 57 dwellings at The Mills - Yarn and Minster Mills, Stringer Street, Biddulph (BD101 & BD102); 105 dwellings at Tunstall Road Strategic Development Area (opposite Victoria Business Park), Biddulph (BD117). Cheadle: 320 dwellings at Cheadle North Strategic Development Area (CH001 & CH132); 106 dwellings at Cecilly Brook Strategic Development Area (CH002a, CH002b, CH024); 45 dwellings at Land to the rear of Froghall Road, Cheadle (CH004); 51 dwellings at Land to the rear of the Birches (CH013); 32 dwellings at Stoddards Depot, Leek Road (CH015); 42 dwellings at Land north of the Green, Cheadle (CH020); 430 dwellings at Mobberley Strategic Development Area (CH085A, CH085B, CH085C, CH085D, CH128). Rural: 0 (13) dwellings at Land at Capri, Gallows Green, Alton (AL012); 182 (118) dwellings at Blythe Vale, Blythe Bridge; 22 dwellings at Land at corner of Brookfield Avenue / Stoney Lane, Endon (EN128); 15 dwellings at Haulage Depot, St Thomas's Road, Upper Tean (UT019); 36 dwellings at Land at Waterhouses Enterprise Centre, Leek Road (WA004); 75 dwellings at Land off Ash Bank Road, Werrington (WE003 & WE052).

Affordable Housing

1) Residential developments of 10 dwellings (or 0.5ha) or more shall provide 33% affordable housing. Where justified, the Council will consider a lower level of provision taking into account the Local Plan and Site Allocations Viability Study, other up-to-date viability evidence and other contributions. Affordable housing should normally be provided on-site. Provision off-site or through a commuted sum payment in lieu will only be considered where it will be of broadly equivalent value to on-site provision and it can be robustly justified in delivering affordable homes through mixed and balanced communities. 2) Unless circumstances dictate otherwise and in agreement with the Council, 60% of all affordable dwellings provided on each site will be social / affordable rented housing with the remaining 40% being intermediate / starter homes. 3) In or on the edge of villages, affordable housing schemes that are of an appropriate scale for the spatial strategy will be permitted on suitable rural exceptions sites which are well related to services and facilities and where a demonstrable need exists within the local area which cannot otherwise be met by means of provision in the plan. Small numbers of market homes may be allowed at the Council's discretion where it would facilitate the provision of significant additional affordable housing to meet the needs of the local community. 4) Affordable housing should be designed as an integral part of developments and be 'tenure blind' in relation to other properties within the site. 5) In areas of low demand or where the stock does not meet and is not capable of meeting local housing market needs consideration will be given, in consultation with local communities, to options for renovation/improvement or redevelopment schemes to create more sustainable and balanced housing.

Gypsy and Traveller Sites and Sites for Travelling Showpeople

The Council's joint GTAA identified a requirement for 6x residential and zero transit pitches for the District over the period 2014–2019. Given subsequent commitments the residual requirement for 2014-2019 is now 3x residential pitches. A requirement for a further 2x residential pitches was also identified for the period 2019 -2034 taking account of household formation. The Council will seek to meet these residual requirements by applying the following criteria in the determination of applications for gypsy and traveller sites or sites for travelling showpeople: Safe and convenient vehicular and pedestrian access to the site should be provided; The site must be large enough to provide for adequate on site facilities for parking, storage, play and residential amenity; The site is reasonably accessible to shops, schools, health facilities and other community facilities on foot, by cycle or public transport; The site should not be detrimental to amenities of adjacent occupiers; Adequate levels of privacy and residential amenity for occupiers should be provided and sites should be 'soft' landscaped to positively enhance the environment and increase the site's openness rather than 'hard' landscaped; Sites or features of natural value should not be significantly harmed by the proposal; development causing harm to heritage assets will need to be justified against NPPF Policy. Development of gypsy and traveller or travelling showpeople accommodation in the Green Belt will not be allowed unless there are very special circumstances.

Other Rural Areas Strategy

Ensuring very limited appropriate housing development as per policy

Settlement Hierarchy

Towns – these are the largest settlements comprising of Leek, Biddulph and Cheadle which accommodate half of the District's population and the majority of the District's services and facilities. The spatial strategy seeks to focus future growth in these settlements and to strengthen their role as service centres. These settlements will be defined by a Development Boundary. Rural Area Larger Villages – these are the most sustainable settlements in the rural areas which generally have a good local social infrastructure, some local employment opportunities and good accessibility to the towns and larger centres. These villages also have an important role in terms of serving and supporting their immediate surrounding rural areas and smaller villages. The spatial strategy focuses the bulk of the rural development in these settlements and seeks to ensure that they are sustained and promoted as service centres. These settlements will be defined by a Development Boundary. It is recognised that there is a significant range amongst these villages in terms of their size and facilities and it is proposed therefore that the scale of development in each area should be relative to their current size and infrastructure capacity. Rural Area Smaller Villages – these villages generally have a poor range of services and facilities and it is often necessary for local residents to travel outside the village for most of their daily needs. Development on a large scale would be unsustainable in these villages, as it is will generate a disproportionate number of additional journeys outside the village and may undermine the spatial strategy. However, it is recognised that these settlements have a limited role in meeting the development requirements for the District which may assist in maintaining the vitality of the smaller villages. These settlements are not defined by a Development Boundary and only limited development of an appropriate nature will be allowed. Where relevant, Green Belt policy will also apply. Other Rural Areas – this comprises the open countryside where development is normally unacceptable and green belt where further development is generally inappropriate. Within these areas there are some groups of houses and hamlets which are not identified as 'smaller villages' because of their predominantly open character and loose-knit nature. They also contain major developed areas which may be suitable for appropriate development or redevelopment.

Future Provision and Distribution of Development

Provision will be made for at least 6080 additional dwellings (net of demolitions) to be completed in Staffordshire Moorlands during the period 2014 to 2033 - an annual average of 320 homes per year. Sufficient deliverable land will be identified to provide at least 5 years of development at all times. The Council will monitor the annual development rate and manage supply to ensure that future provision will continue to adequately meet identified needs and reflect development potential. Provision will be made for at least 32 hectares of additional employment land in Staffordshire Moorlands (excluding the Peak District National Park) up to the year 2033. Provision will be made for new retail, transport, recreational, community and tourism facilities and services to meet the identified needs of settlements within Staffordshire Moorlands (excluding the Peak District National Park) up to 2033 as set out in the Area Strategies. Development will be located in accordance with the Spatial Strategy and will be distributed between the towns and rural areas as set out below. In identifying land for new development or in considering planning applications, development shall also be compatible with the settlement hierarchy in terms of the development approaches set out in the Area Strategies. Employment 30% - Housing 30% - Leek Employment 20% - Housing 20% - Biddulph Employment 20% - Housing 25% - Cheadle Employment 30% - Housing 25% - Rural Areas

Strategic Housing and Employment Land Supply

Housing Land Supply. In order to meet the housing requirements identified in Policy SS 3, sufficient land will be identified to accommodate at least 3763 additional dwellings. This will be met from sites allocated in Policy H 2 and a windfall allowance for small sites that accord with the Spatial Strategy and Policy H 1. Employment Land Supply. Land will be made available for 15.3ha of employment land which comprises of 50% B1a/B1b (office, R&D) and 50% B1c/B2/B8 (light industry, general industry, storage and distribution) through the allocation of sites under Policy E 2 and through windfall sites. The release of land for housing and employment across the District will be managed in order to deliver the level and distribution of development set out above. The Council has published a Housing Implementation Strategy (HIS) document which sets out how the five year housing land supply will be maintained in accordance with the trajectory. The adequacy of supply (in terms of five year supply of housing and in meeting planned housing delivery targets over the full plan period) will be assessed and monitored through reviews of the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) and progress will be reported in the Annual Monitoring Report. The Council will closely monitor allocations, residential windfall sites and affordable housing to ensure that they are meeting expected delivery levels. The Council will review the Local Plan to assess whether it needs updating to bring forward additional sites for development no later than 5 years from its adoption. Neighbourhood Plans. In order to assist in meeting the development requirements for the Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plans should maximise opportunities for housing growth in sustainable locations. Neighbourhood Plans should also seek to provide as a minimum the residual employment land requirement for their area. Neighbourhood Plans should demonstrate that they can support the housing requirement through the provision of allocations and/or policies which support the development of windfall sites. In relation to employment, Neighbourhood Plans should provide at least the same amount of employment land as identified in the Local Plan for the Neighbourhood Area.

Smaller Villages Area Strategy

Ensuring limited appropriate housing development as per policy

Other Rural Areas Strategy

The other rural areas comprise the countryside and the green belt outside of the development boundaries of the towns and larger villages and the open countryside surrounding the smaller villages. These areas will provide only for development which has an essential need to be located in the countryside, supports the rural diversification and sustainability of the rural areas, promotes sustainable tourism or enhances the countryside. The Council and its partners will achieve this through the following actions: 1. Meet housing requirements and specific needs by: Restricting new build housing development in the countryside to that which has an essential need to be located in the countryside in accordance with Policy H 1; Allowing the conversion or replacement of an existing rural building in accordance with Policy H 1; Allowing extensions or additional domestic outbuildings to existing dwellings provided they are appropriate in scale and design and do not have a detrimental impact on the existing dwelling and the character of the rural area. The Council will assess schemes having regard to the original dwelling, in cases where cumulative change has occurred; Allowing suitable development which would secure the future conservation of a heritage asset in accordance with Policy DC 2; Allowing rural exceptions housing (in accordance with Policies H 1 and H 3); Allowing community facilities where that need cannot be met in a settlement within the hierarchy. In such cases the development should be in a sustainable location close to an existing serviced settlement. 2. Sustain the rural economy by: Enabling the limited expansion or development of business for employment uses where a rural location can be justified Supporting the diversification of existing farm enterprises Supporting the development of appropriate ICT and new means of communications to enable homeworking and small businesses reliant on e-technology; 3. Enhance and conserve the quality of the countryside by: Giving priority to the need to protect the quality and character of the area and requiring all development proposals to respect and respond sensitively to the distinctive qualities of the surrounding landscape; Limiting uses which generate a substantial number of regular trips in areas that are not well served by public transport; Ensuring renewable energy schemes are of an appropriate scale, type and location; Recognising and conserving the special quality of the landscape in the Peak District National Park (in accordance with Policy DC 3); Encouraging measures which protect and enhance the biodiversity, geological resources and heritage of the

Larger Villages Areas Strategy

The following are identified as larger villages: Alton Biddulph Moor Blythe Bridge & Forsbrook Brown Edge Cheddleton Endon Ipstones Kingsley Upper Tean Waterhouses Werrington & Cellarhead Wetley Rocks These settlements shall retain and enhance their role as rural service centres, providing for the bulk of the housing requirement of the rural areas and also for employment needs of a scale and type appropriate to each settlement having regard to infrastructure capacity and character. The Council and its partners will achieve this through the following actions: 1. Retain and enhance their role as rural service centres by: Enabling appropriate development which supports and increases the range and quality of community facilities available to the rural areas; Protecting community facilities where loss would be deemed to reduce the community's ability to meet it's day to day needs Improving connections by public transport to surrounding smaller villages and market towns. 2. Meet housing requirements by: Increasing the range of available and affordable house types, including for first time buyers and families; Allocating a range of deliverable housing sites with good accessibility to services and facilities Supporting the development of housing windfall sites within the village boundaries, subject to wider Local Plan polices Allowing for rural exceptions housing in appropriate locations on the edge of settlements (in accordance with Policy H 1). This will be additional to the housing provision for the rural areas Giving consideration to limited infilling on the edge of settlement boundaries, subject to the criteria set out in Policy H 1. 3. Meet limited employment needs by: Enabling small-scale new employment development; Improving and intensifying the use of existing employment areas and, where appropriate, expanding them. 4. Ensure that new development reflects and enhances each village's special character and heritage by: Giving priority to the reuse and regeneration of existing redundant, underused or surplus sites and premises for new development; Ensuring that development is of a suitable scale in relation to the role and function of the villages as set out in the Spatial Strategy Supporting the use of Neighbourhood Plans and Village Design Statements to guide future development Protecting and enhancing the setting of individual settlements Supporting the implementation of the Green Infrastructure Strategy and Local Green Spaces Protecting and enhancing the setting and historic character of the village, including heritage assets Ensuring development of site UT019 in Upper Tean is sensitively designed to enhance the Conservation Area and proposals include mitigation measures including appropriate screening of the southern boundary as set out in the Council's Landscape, Local Green Space and Heritage Impact Study Ensuring development of site WA004 in Waterhouses is sensitively designed and includes heritage masterplanning and provision of a landscaping plan including submission of landscape and visual impact assessments to address recommendations set out in the Council's Landscape, Local Green Space and Heritage Impact Study. 5. Supporting the mixed-use development of the Blythe Vale site at Blythe Bridge in line with policy DSR 1. Any development proposal that might have the potential to affect a European or Ramsar Site must itself be subject to appropriate assessment.

Smaller Villages Area Strategy

The following are identified as smaller villages: Bagnall Blackshaw Moor Boundary Bradnop Caverswall Checkley Consall Cookshill Cotton Dilhorne Draycott Foxt Froghall Heaton Hollington Hulme Kingsley Holt Leekbrook Longsdon Lower Tean Meerbrook Oakamoor Rudyard Rushton Spencer Stanley Stockton Brook Swinscoe Whiston Winkhill These settlements shall provide only for appropriate development which enhances community vitality or meets a social or economic need of the settlement and its hinterland. The Council and its partners will achieve this through the following actions: 1. Enhance community vitality by: Protecting and enabling services and facilities which are essential to sustain rural living; Improving connections by public transport and other transport measures to neighbouring larger villages and market towns; Supporting the provision of local, mobile and electronic services which increases the range and quality of services Supporting the implementation of the Green Infrastructure Strategy and Local Green Spaces 2. Meet community, social or economic need by: Enabling limited new housing development, including small infill schemes in accordance with Policy H 1 Allowing for rural exceptions housing in appropriate locations (in accordance with Policy H 1). This will be additional to the housing provision for the rural areas. Enabling small-scale new employment development including 'live-work' developments which are for a rural enterprise or an existing authorised business use; Supporting the diversification of existing farm enterprises Supporting the development of appropriate ICT and new means of communications to enable homeworking and small businesses reliant on e-technology. Ensure that new development reflects and enhances each village's special character and heritage by protecting and enhancing the setting and historic character of the village, including heritage assets. Any development proposal that might have the potential to affect a European or Ramsar Site must itself be subject to appropriate assessment.

Planning Obligations and Community Infrastructure Levy

Development proposals will be required to provide, or meet the reasonable costs of providing, the on-site and off-site infrastructure, facilities and/or mitigation necessary through the appropriate use of planning obligations and/or conditions. Planning obligations will only be sought where they met all of the following tests: a. necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; b. directly related to the development; and c. fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development. Standard formula will be applied when applicable. The Developer Contributions SPD will provide further guidance on how contributions will be calculated. Provision will be required for subsequent maintenance where contributions are secured for facilities which are predominantly for the benefit of users of the development concerned. Subject to an assessment of development viability and further consideration by the Council, infrastructure requirements related to the cumulative impact of development in Staffordshire Moorlands will generally be supported by the Community Infrastructure Levy. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan that supports the Local Plan provides further clarification on infrastructure needs and sources of funding. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains up-to-date. In implementing this policy regard will be had to economic viability considerations, consistent with meeting the Local Plan objectives.

Bolton Copperworks

Land amounting to approximately 17 hectares is identified as an opportunity site for mixed use development. Development will need to demonstrate the flood risk issues can be satisfactorily addressed. A site-specific flood risk assessment (FRA) level 2 and early discussions with the Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Authority is required. The FRA should determine the level of flood risk and appropriate mitigation measures. - Uses which may be suitable are employment, residential, tourist-related retail and accommodation, leisure; - Development shall make provision for appropriate off-site highway improvements; - Development should be complementary to and not undermine the role of the towns and larger villages nor shall it undermine wider strategic objectives; - Development should avoid or minimise environmental impacts and congestion and safeguard and enhance natural and cultural assets; - Details of the development shall include an investigation of the extent and nature of any contamination on the site and appropriate remediation measures. - Development shall be in accordance with the Churnet Valley Masterplan.

Anzio Camp

Land amounting to approximately 15.4 hectares is identified as an opportunity site for mixed use development. - Uses which may be suitable are employment, extra care housing, tourist accommodation; - Development should be complementary to and not undermine the role of the towns and larger villages nor shall it undermine wider strategic objectives; - Development should avoid or minimise environmental impacts and congestion and safeguard and enhance natural and cultural assets; - Development shall be in accordance with the Churnet Valley Masterplan.

Churnet Valley Strategy

The Churnet Valley is identified as an area for sustainable tourism and rural regeneration. The Churnet Valley Masterplan provides a comprehensive framework for development in the Churnet Valley and development should be in accordance with the Masterplan. Within this area particular support will be given to the following forms of development and measures: short stay and long stay visitor accommodation; the expansion of existing tourist attractions and facilities and the provision of compatible new tourist attractions and facilities; measures to enhance, protect and interpret the landscape character and heritage assets of the Churnet Valley; measures to remediate and restore derelict land, buildings and features including the appropriate redevelopment of sites; actions to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the valley, including the maintenance, buffering and connection of designated sites and actions to mitigate climate change. measures that support and integrate the heritage transport infrastructure of the valley, sympathetically with enhancing and developing links to strategic footpaths, cycle and horse riding routes. measures to improve connectivity and accessibility to and within the Churnet Valley by sustainable transport means having regard to the Green Infrastructure Strategy. Any development should be of a scale and nature and of a high standard of design which conserves and enhances the heritage, landscape and biodiversity of the area. Strong sustainable development and environmental management principles should also be demonstrated. The consideration of landscape character will be paramount in all development proposals in order to protect and conserve locally distinctive qualities and sense of place and to maximise opportunities for restoring, strengthening and enhancing distinctive landscape features. Complementary and sensitive highway improvements to access routes and/or measures to support other alternative means of access will be required to serve any developments which generate significant additional demand for travel.

Leek Area Strategy

The Council and its partners will seek to consolidate the role of Leek as the principal service centre and a market town and support its regeneration. This will be achieved through the following actions: 1. Continue to meet the housing and community needs of Leek and its rural hinterland by: Increasing the range of available and affordable house types, including for first time buyers and older people. Allocating a range of suitable, deliverable housing sites sufficient to meet the requirements of the area. Supporting the development of new housing on sustainable sites within the Development Boundary. Protecting, increasing and improving the provision and accessibility of open space, sport and recreational facilities in line with the updated Open Space Study, Playing Pitch Strategy and Indoor Facility Assessment. Increasing and improving the provision of educational, health and community facilities and enabling further shared use of facilities. Specific facilities and needs will be identified through the Plans and Strategies of relevant service providers. Supporting the provision of the identified education facilities, in particular the following sites identified on the Policies Map: New first school Expansion of existing middle school Promoting measures to encourage walking and cycling. Reducing levels of health and economic deprivation in Leek North. 2. Create employment growth and increase the diversity of employment opportunities to meet existing and future needs by: Supporting the retention and growth of existing businesses within the town Seeking the comprehensive redevelopment of the Cornhill East area for a mix of uses as set out in the Cornhill Masterplan and the Newton House site Supporting the development of the employment site allocations (as identified on the Leek and Leekbrook Policies Maps) Providing facilities and sites for new start-up businesses and expanding the service sector, in particular small B1(a) and B1(b) uses, knowledge-based and creative industries; Improving the provision of prime office space and commercial premises in and around the town centre; Encouraging mixed use development on larger redevelopment sites, particularly within or near to the more accessible town centre locations, on former employment premises, and in mill buildings within the town centre where consistent with wider Policies including E 1; Improving and intensifying the use of existing employment areas at Barnfields and Leekbrook; Improving accessibility to employment areas, particularly from areas of local deprivation and need. 3. Strengthen the role of Leek as a principal service and retailing centre for the District by: Supporting sensitive improvements to the town centre to increase the quality of the retail offer and supporting town centre uses, improve linkages between areas and establish new development opportunities in accordance with the adopted Town Centre Masterplan. Consolidating the main retail core and the market area and protecting and enhancing its distinctiveness, vitality and viability Supporting improvements to the range and diversity of educational, health, cultural and community services and facilities in the town. Improving accessibility to the town's major retail, service and employment areas, particularly by public transport, from the rest of the District. Managing car parking to support the role of Leek as a destination for shopping, employment, entertainment and tourism without leading to congestion of the town centre. 4. Promote Leek's special character and heritage and strengthen its role as a visitor destination by: Conserving and enhancing buildings, sites and areas of heritage and cultural importance, including heritage assets, complemented by new distinctive, sensitively designed, high quality, sustainable buildings; Promoting environmental enhancements in and on the edges of the town centre, establishing the Market as a central feature, creating strong, high quality 'gateways' into the centre and improving signposting; Increasing tourist opportunities for visitors through additional high quality accommodation, promoting links with the Peak District and the development of new tourist attractions linked to the Churnet Valley (see policy SS 11); Improving and creating pedestrian and cycle links in the town and in particular between the town centre and Brough Park, Westwood College, Leek High School and Churnet View Middle School; and encouraging Active Design principles to encourage physical activity; Protecting and improving the setting and historic character of the town and increasing access into the countryside by foot, cycling and horse riding; Implementing measures identified for Leek in the Green Infrastructure Strategy; Ensuring proposals at LE102 are accompanied by a heritage statement that describes the significance of Highfield Hall Estate including any contribution made by its setting, the potential impact of the proposals on its significance and opportunities to enhance or better reveal its significance; to address recommendations set out in the Council's Landscape, Local Green Space and Heritage Impact Study. 5. Create major mixed use development opportunities and related infrastructure improvements for the following strategic sites: Cornhill East – uses which may be suitable include employment and housing. Development should enable provision for a link between the A520 and A53 to the south of the town and links to the canal and Churnet Valley railway and should have regard to the Churnet Valley Masterplan. Further policy for this site is set out in Policy DSL 4 Land at Newton House - a mix of uses including housing and employment will be supported in line with policy DSL 3 Land at the Mount - the provision of housing and supporting infrastructure, including additional school capacity and transport improvements will be supported in line with policy DSL 2.

Biddulph Area Strategy

The Council and its partners will seek to enhance the role of Biddulph as a significant service centre and a market town and support its regeneration. This will be achieved through the following actions: 1. Improve the local housing market and range of community facilities by: Increasing the range of available and affordable house types, especially for first time buyers, families and older people, including extra care housing. Identifying suitable land for housing sites both within the urban area and, on land adjacent to the urban area. Sites within the urban area shall be in locations across the town which have good accessibility to services and facilities with encouragement being given to previously developed (brownfield) sites. Protecting, increasing and improving the provision and accessibility of open space, sport and recreational facilities in line with the updated Open Space Strategy, Playing Pitch Strategy and Indoor Sports Facility Assessment. Increasing the provision of educational, health and community facilities. Specific facilities and needs will be identified through the Plans and Strategies of relevant service providers. 2. Create employment growth and increase the diversity of employment opportunities to meet existing and future needs by: Supporting the retention and growth of existing businesses within the town. Providing opportunities for new enterprises and businesses by promoting further development. Providing facilities and sites for new start-up businesses. Supporting improvements to accessibility to employment areas, particularly from areas of local deprivation and need. 3. Strengthen the role of Biddulph as a significant service and retailing centre for the District by: Allocation of land for a new foodstore of 1000m2 (net sales) Supporting improvements to public transport connections to the town centre. 4. Improve the image and identity of Biddulph and strengthen its role as a visitor destination by: Regenerating and improving the streetscape of the town centre. Upgrading the general environment of the town through landscaping and the improvement and creation of green spaces. Strengthening and promoting links between the town and countryside in particular with the Biddulph Valley Way, Biddulph Grange Garden and the Country Parks. This will include the implementation of the Green Infrastructure Strategy. Improving the main approaches to the town from the south. Protecting and enhancing the setting and historic character of the town, including heritage assets. 5. Create major mixed use development opportunities and related infrastructure improvements for the following strategic sites: Wharf Road Strategic Development site - mixed-use development including housing, employment, retail and supporting infrastructure will be supported in line with policy DSB 1. Tunstall Road Strategic Development site - housing and employment will be supported in line with policy DSB 3. Developments should secure Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems in line with national planning policy and manage surface water discharge rates in accordance with the Sustainable Drainage Systems Non-statutory Technical Standards (DEFRA, 2015).

Cheadle Area Strategy

The Council and its partners will seek to expand the role of Cheadle as a significant service centre and a market town. This will be achieved through the following actions: 1. Expand the housing market area and community provision by: Increasing the range of available and affordable house types and higher market housing, including for first time buyers and families; The development of specific housing sites through new site allocations in the Local Plan. This will include two strategic housing clusters to the north and south of the town, namely: Cheadle North Strategic Development Area - housing and school development will be supported in line with policy DSC 1 Mobberley Farm - housing development will be supported in line with policy DSC 3 Protecting, increasing and improving the provision and accessibility of open space, sport and recreational facilities in line with the updated Open Space Study, Playing Pitch Strategy and Indoor Sports Facility Providing additional educational, health and community facilities, including a new primary school to serve north Cheadle at the Donkey Lane site Ensuring development of site CH015 Stoddards Depot, Leek Road adjacent to the Conservation Area enhances the frontage with sensitive design as set out in the Council's Landscape, Local Green Space and Heritage Impact Study 2. Create employment growth and increase the diversity of employment opportunities to meet existing and future needs by: Supporting the retention and growth of JCB and other existing businesses within the town; Supporting improved access to JCB and existing employment sites; The development of employment land through new site allocations in the Local Plan; Providing facilities and land for new start-up businesses; Improving and intensifying the use of existing employment areas at New Haden/Brookhouses. 3. Expand the role of Cheadle as a significant service and retailing centre for the District by: Supporting improvements to the quality and range of the retail offer and supporting town centre uses Regenerating and improving the streetscape of the town centre and creating more public realm Expanding the range and diversity of educational, health, sport, cultural and community services and facilities in the town; 4. Improve environmental quality and accessibility by: Addressing traffic related issues in the town centre and along the A521 and A522 by working with partners to develop and implement transport improvements and by safeguarding the route of a potential future link road; Improving pedestrian and cycle links across the town and into the countryside, including the implementation of the Green Infrastructure Strategy; Improving public transport links between the town and other main settlements; Promoting the role and historic character of the town, including the protection of heritage assets and its links with the Churnet Valley as a visitor destination.

Larger Villages Areas Strategy

The following are identified as larger villages: Alton Biddulph Moor Blythe Bridge & Forsbrook Brown Edge Cheddleton Endon Ipstones Kingsley Upper Tean Waterhouses Werrington & Cellarhead Wetley Rocks These settlements shall retain and enhance their role as rural service centres, providing for the bulk of the housing requirement of the rural areas and also for employment needs of a scale and type appropriate to each settlement having regard to infrastructure capacity and character. The Council and its partners will achieve this through the following actions: 1. Retain and enhance their role as rural service centres by: Enabling appropriate development which supports and increases the range and quality of community facilities

Development in the Town Centres

The vitality and viability of the town centres of Leek, Biddulph and Cheadle (defined on the Policies Maps) will be protected and enhanced by positive management as follows: 1. Focusing and promoting retailing as well as other key town centre uses such as offices, leisure and cultural facilities within the town centres. 2. Supporting positive measures and proposals which enhance and regenerate the shopping and town centre environment and promote their tourism potential. 3. Enhancing local distinctiveness by supporting proposals which help retain, attract or expand the provision of independent retailers in the town centres including niche markets. 4. Ensuring new development is well related to pedestrian shopping routes. 5. Ensuring there are adequate parking facilities in suitable locations in and around the town centres and good access to the town centres is strengthened for those using public transport, cycling or walking. 6. Setting out design principles to improve and enhance the distinctive heritage of the town centres including high quality public spaces as well as minimising the risk of crime and considering the needs of disabled people. 7. Promoting housing on upper floors within town centres where this does not jeopardise their vitality and viability.

Primary Shopping Frontages

In primary shopping frontages (defined on the policies maps), proposals for changes of use to A1 retail will be supported. Development falling within other use classes will only be permitted where it will not create a concentration of non-shopping uses and result in an unacceptable change in the retail character of the immediate area or have an adverse effect on the vitality or viability of the town centre. Proposals for residential use at ground floor level in primary shopping frontages will not be supported. Any non-A1 use must be complementary to adjacent shopping uses in terms of its operational characteristics. Other Frontages within the Town Centre Boundary In other frontages, development falling within other use classes will be permitted where it will contribute to the vitality and viability of the town centre. Proposals within the town centre boundary that would create a concentration of evening economy uses (A3, A4 & A5) that would give rise to social and environmental issues will not be supported. This policy will only apply insofar as it is consistent with any permanent or temporary provisions for changes of use permissible under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (as amended).

Retailing and other Town Centre uses outside Town Centres

In determining proposals for retail and other town centre uses of 200m2 or more (net sales for A1) on sites outside town centres and not in accordance with an up-to-date Local Plan a Sequential Assessment will be required. Preference will be given to town centre and then edge of centre sites. Where there are no sequentially preferable sites available, sites outside Leek, Biddulph and Cheadle in highly accessible locations that are well connected to the town centre will be considered. An Impact Assessment will be required on proposals for town centre uses of 200m2 or more (net sales for A1) located outside of the town centres and not in accordance with the Local Plan. Developer contributions may be sought to mitigate identified impacts on defined centres where appropriate. Proposals with a significant adverse impact will be refused.

Development and Sustainable Transport

The Council will promote and support development which reduces reliance on the private car for travel journeys, reduces the need to travel generally and accommodates residual development traffic in line with the Integrated Transport Strategy. This will be achieved by: 1. Ensuring that all new development is located where the highway network can satisfactorily accommodate traffic generated by the development or can be improved as part of the development. 2. Ensuring that major development is located in areas that are accessible by sustainable travel modes or can be made accessible as part of the proposal. 3. Considering appropriate parking provision on a case by case basis with recourse to the parking guidance set out in Appendix 2. 4. Where appropriate all new development shall facilitate walking and cycling within neighbourhoods and town centres, and link with or extend identified walking or cycling routes. In addition applicants should also consider how their schemes can enhance the existing path network in line with the Staffordshire County Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan and also give consideration to the protection of non-definitive public footpath routes in addition to definitive routes. Development which generates significant demand for travel or is likely to have significant transport implications (as identified within a Transport Assessment) will, where appropriate: Contribute to improved public transport provision Contribute to junction improvements, traffic management and highway infrastructure Provide proactive facilities and measures to support sustainable transport modes including on-site features to encourage sustainable travel methods e.g. cycle path links, cycle storage facilities, bus stops etc Provide and actively promote travel plans.

Other Sustainable Transport Measures

In line with priorities set out in the NPPF and the Integrated Transport Strategy, and through working with partner organisations, the Council will encourage and support measures which promote better accessibility, create safer roads, reduce the impact of traffic, or facilitate highway improvements. In particular, the Council will: 1. Support, subject to feasibility assessment, strategic infrastructure improvements and links to major urban areas for example to road, rail, bus facilities in the District and the development of new rail or bus termini within the District. 2. Continue to safeguard all existing disused railway lines within the District and support the reuse of these for public or commercial/tourism use. To this end the Council will refuse any development which would impede or truncate these routes. However proposals for recreational routes, cycleways, bridleways etc will generally be acceptable. 3. Work with its partners to promote the improvement/expansion of existing bus services and the provision of sustainable transport services in the District, particularly those serving rural areas. 4. Support and promote the development of a network of safe walking, horse riding and cycling routes (including the National Cycle Network), connecting to public transport, linking communities and recreational/tourist areas. The Council will also ensure that all legally recognised public rights of way affected by development are protected (or diverted where necessary) and, where possible, enhanced. 5. Seek to minimise the environmental impact of freight road transport and to work with Staffordshire County Council and other partner organisations to agree designated lorry routes, freight handling facilities and greater rail use. 6. Support development proposals which encourage electrical battery powered vehicles.