Planning in Wakefield

Leisure Opportunity Areas

The following sites are allocated as Leisure Opportunity Areas and are shown on the Policies Map: LA01 Ferry Lane Leisure Opportunity Area, Stanley Playing fields with potential to be enhanced/developed for sport and community leisure uses. The site adjoins the Trans Pennine Trail Strategic Leisure Corridor link to Stanley Ferry waterside and the City Fields Special Policy Area. The site is within the Green Belt and partly within flood zones 2, 3a and 3b. Water Management: The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Historic Environment: Proposals will need to safeguard those elements which contribute to the significance of Stanley Ferry Aqueduct which is both a Scheduled Monument and a Grade I Listed Building. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. LA02 Minsthorpe Leisure Opportunity Area, South Elmsall Playing fields and swimming pool with potential to be developed for sport/fitness facilities and community leisure uses. The site adjoins Minsthorpe College sports complex offering opportunities to enhance the range and quality of facilities serving the South East Area. The site is within a flood zone. Ecology: The beck is UK BAP priority habitat. Dual purpose ecological enhancement and flood risk mitigation along the beck corridor is required. Water Management: Parts of the site lie within Flood Zones 3b, 3a and 2 and the site has localised flooding issues. Proposals in these zones have been subject to the sequential test and, as required, exception test. A site specific flood risk assessment is required which accords with local and national policy. An 8 metre buffer along the beck is recommended. The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. LA03 Ryhill & Havercroft Leisure Opportunity Area Extension to Ryhill and Havercroft Sports Centre and playing fields. The site is within the Green Belt and is bisected by the Dearne Valley Junction Strategic Leisure Corridor. Potential to be enhanced/developed for sport and community leisure uses. Ecology: The beck, woodland and hedgerows are UK BAP priority habitats. Ecological enhancements along the beck and railway corridors are required. Transport: A contribution towards enhancing the Strategic Leisure Corridor along the railway to provide a combined pedestrian and cycleway is required. Water Management: The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. LA04 Fairies Hill Leisure Opportunity Area, Castleford Canal basin and adjoining land on the Aire and Calder Navigation. Potential to be developed for canal related leisure uses and ecological enhancements to support species such as otters and water voles. The site is within the functional floodplain. Ecology: The site contains UK BAP priority habitat and species. Dual purpose ecological enhancement and flood risk mitigation is required. Water Management: The site is within functional floodplain and a flood risk assessment will be required. As the site is within 8 metres of a main river, an 8 metre buffer along the river is recommended and an environmental permit will be required. The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Historic Environment: Proposals will need to safeguard those elements which contribute to the significance of the Listed railway viaducts. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. LA05 Pontefract Prince of Wales Leisure Opportunity Area A key regeneration and land reclamation area on the Former Prince of Wales Colliery with potential to be developed for sport and leisure facilities to serve Pontefract and the Five Towns Area. The site has planning consent for coal extraction and restoration to a country park and sports pitches. The regeneration area includes the new northern link road with access to the M62 and adjoins new Housing and Employment sites. The site is within the Green Belt. Fryston Beck runs along the north and west boundaries. Ecology: The beck is UK BAP priority habitat. Dual purpose ecological enhancement and flood risk mitigation along the back corridor is required. Water Management: The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Transport: A transport assessment will be required for proposals for further intensification of leisure activities or new leisure development within the site. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. LA06 Knottingley Hill Top Leisure Opportunity Area A key regeneration area including Greenhouse Park, Knottingley Sports Centre and Library, Kellingley Miners Welfare, cricket club, sports pitches and playing fields. The northern part of the site including the leisure centre, library and miners welfare is within Knottingley town centre and has potential to be redeveloped to provide a new community leisure facility which could include a community centre, library and indoor sport facilities/leisure centre. The existing outdoor sports facilities have potential to be enhanced and could include a new all-weather pitch, creating a sports hub to serve the Knottingley area. Several small areas within the site are at risk from surface water flooding. Water Management: The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. LA07 Spring Mill Leisure Opportunity Area, Ossett Spring Mill is a large site within the Green Belt which is a sports hub with sports pitches and a clubhouse. The former golf course has a network of informal recreational open space and semi-natural areas with paths and cycle ways. There is potential to develop the area for community clubs to provide an all-weather pitch, a football/rugby ground and/or other sports facilities. The Horbury - Ossett – Flanshaw Strategic Leisure Corridor passes through the site. Ecological enhancements will also be a significant element in any development, there is potential to create ecological based activities such as nature trails and conservation areas. Ecology: An Ecological Assessment will be required for proposals for further intensification of leisure activities or new development within the site. Water Management: The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. An assessment of the potential impact on groundwater is required which must set out mitigation if an impact is identified. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. LA08 Pugneys Leisure Opportunity Area This is a key area of countryside adjoining Wakefield South, Sandal, Kettlethorpe, Crigglestone and Durkar. It includes Pugneys Country Park and Local Nature Reserve, Sandal Castle and site of the Battle of Wakefield, Durkar Lows Local Wildlife Site, and Strategic Leisure Corridors. Pugneys lake is used for water sports with a visitor centre offering tuition and hire facilities which attracts visitors from across Wakefield and neighbouring districts. The Reserve lake is used for conservation and has bird watching hides. A network of footpaths and cycle routes link Pugneys to other strategic sites in the Calder Valley. It is proposed to enhance/develop countryside recreation and outdoor sports including improvements to the visitor centre and new outdoor sport facilities to serve Wakefield District. Ecological enhancements will also be a significant element in any development, there is potential to create ecological based activities such as nature trails, and improve links to the adjoining Calder Valley Leisure Opportunity Area. This area is within the Green Belt and partly within the functional floodplain and flood zones. Ecology: An ecological assessment will be required for proposals for further intensification of leisure activities or new development within the site. Water Management: Part of the site is within Zone 3 floodplain and a flood risk assessment will be required. The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Transport: A transport assessment will be required for proposals for further intensification of leisure activities or new leisure development within the site, to identify the level of impact from the site, and where appropriate, suitable mitigation measures implemented to ensure there is no detriment to the strategic road network. Historic Environment: Proposals will need to ensure that they safeguard those elements which contribute to the significance of the Scheduled Monument at Sandal Castle, the Site of the Battle of Wakefield and the Listed Buildings in this area. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. LA09 Calder Valley Leisure Opportunity Area This is a key area along the River Calder and Calder & Hebble Navigation adjoining Wakefield South, Pugneys Country Park and Calder Park Special Policy Area. It includes Horbury Lagoons and the Soap Tips and part of Hartley Brooks Netherton Woods Local Wildlife Site designations, and Strategic Leisure Corridors. There is potential to enhance/develop the area for countryside recreation and water based recreational activities relating to the canal and lagoons. Ecological enhancements will also be a significant element in any development, there is potential to create ecological based activities such as nature trails, bird watching hides and conservation areas together with links to Pugneys Leisure Opportunity Area. This area is within the Green Belt and partly within the functional floodplain and flood zones. Ecology: An ecological assessment will be required for proposals for further intensification of leisure activities or new development within the site. Water Management: Part of the site is within Zone 3 floodplain and a flood risk assessment will be required. The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Transport: A transport assessment will be required for proposals for further intensification of leisure activities or new leisure development within the site, to identify the level of impact from the site, and where appropriate, suitable mitigation measures implemented to ensure there is no detriment to the strategic road network.

Sports Facilities

1. New and improved sports facilities will be supported providing it can be demonstrated that: a. The intensity of uses will not have a significant detrimental impact on amenity and highway safety; b. Facilities and ancillary buildings are of appropriate scale and design which respect the character of the surrounding area. 2. Existing sports facilities will be safeguarded from development unless it can be demonstrated that: a. There is an identified over provision of that particular type of facility in the community area and the site is not required for alternative sport and leisure uses; or b. Suitable replacement facilities can be provided to serve the community area which are equivalent to, or better than those lost, in terms of quantity and quality; in accordance with national planning policy. 3. Outdoor sport facilities within the Green Belt will be supported where development does not have a significant detrimental impact on the open character of the Green Belt and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it, in accordance with national planning policy.

Community Facilities and Services

1. Good quality community facilities and services will meet the needs of local communities and benefit the less mobile or more deprived members of the community. Community facilities and services will be provided in locations which ensure needs are met in the most effective and accessible way. 2. Community facilities and services will be required to be of an appropriate scale to the type and size of settlement and shall be accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. Higher level services that serve large numbers of people such as hospitals, secondary schools and colleges will be located in urban areas. In Local Service Centres and Villages appropriate community facilities and services will be provided in order to meet: a. The need to increase the level of local community facilities, such as community centres, sport facilities and public open space; b. The need to provide accessible health care facilities such as doctors surgeries and pharmacies; c. The need to improve access to nurseries, primary and secondary schools; d. The need for local services such as village store, post office, or public house. 3. Given the important role of community facilities and services in all settlements, development proposals will not result in the loss of an existing community facility or service unless: a. Satisfactory alternative provision is made; or b. There are cumulative community benefits identified as part of regeneration schemes; or c. It can be demonstrated that the facility is no longer

Sports Facilities

SF01 - Featherstone Rovers Sports Hub, Featherstone. Proposals include improving the rugby league stadium with new stands and all weather pitch, creating sport related small business units, and providing new community sports facilities, and providing associated development which will only be located on land outside the Green Belt. The playing field to the rear of the stadium will be improved and a new access off Post Office Road to Featherstone Miners Welfare and Featherstone Cricket Club is proposed, enabling the railway crossing to be closed. There is also potential to enhance the sports facilities at the miners welfare and cricket club. Water Management: A watercourse runs through the site. The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. SF02 - Minsthorpe Community College Sports Hub, South Elmsall. Minsthorpe College sports complex provides an important community sports hub. The Council will support proposals which enhance the offer and quality of facilities serving the college and the communities in the South East Area. Water Management: The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. An assessment of the potential impact on groundwater is required which must set out mitigation if an impact is identified. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks. SF03 - Balne Lane Playing Fields, Wakefield. Proposals include creating new rugby and football pitches and ancillary facilities for Wakefield College and wider community use. The Strategic Leisure Corridor running through the site, linking Thornes Park, Wrenthorpe Park and Alverthorpe Meadows will be retained and improved as required. There is potential to develop other community facilities within the site and provide some ecological enhancements along Balne Beck. Ecology: The Beck is a UK BAP priority habitat. Enhancement of the Beck is required to augment the corridor with dual purpose ecological and flood risk mitigation habitat such as wetland. Water Management: Part of the site is within Flood Zone 3a. The developer must provide a drainage strategy/scheme to deal with surface water flood risk within the site which does not increase flood risk elsewhere. An assessment of the potential impact on groundwater is required which must set out mitigation if an impact is identified. Contaminated Land: The developer should ensure that appropriate assessments are undertaken to assess any potential contamination and instability risks.

Leisure, Recreation and Open Space

1. Good quality, well maintained leisure, recreation and open space facilities will be secured to address identified deficiencies and to meet the needs of local communities. Key measures include: a. Improving facilities for health and fitness in central Wakefield and in urban areas such as Sun Lane leisure centre and pool in Wakefield, Minsthorpe leisure centre and pool in South Elmsall, and the Five Towns leisure centre and pool in Pontefract; b. Providing access to green spaces and green infrastructure to promote health and mental well-being particularly through environmental enhancements and increasing links for walking and cycling; c. Protecting and improving sports facilities and playing pitches, including creating Sports Hubs at key sites such as Pontefract Park, Spring Mill Ossett and Thornes Park Wakefield; d. Encouraging community use of school sports facilities and the co-location of leisure facilities so different types of open space, sport and recreation can be located next to each other and in close proximity to other community facilities for education and health; e. Supporting initiatives which enable or improve access to growing healthy food such as community food growing initiatives and allotments. 2. The provision of leisure and recreation facilities will be of a scale appropriate to the type and size of settlement. Generally new leisure, cultural and visitor facilities will be located within town centres or urban areas and be accessible by walking, cycling and public transport. These facilities include cinemas, restaurants, drive-through restaurants, bars and pubs, night clubs, casinos, health and fitness centres, indoor bowling centres, bingo halls, theatres, museums, galleries, concert halls, hotels and conference centres.

Emerald Ring Design Principles in Wakefield City Centre

The Emerald Ring will continue to be constructed and maintained in accordance with the following design principles: a. It will be a tree-lined road or street; b. There will generally be an absence of continuous central reservations; c. There will be provision for pedestrians/cyclists alongside the street; d. There will be pedestrian/cyclist crossing points at grade; e. Roundabouts will, wherever possible, be replaced by signal controlled junctions. Development in the vicinity of the Emerald Ring will be constructed in accordance with the following design principles: i. Buildings will be constructed up to the back of footways, avoiding large areas of car parking between the road/footway and buildings; ii. Frontages to the Emerald Ring will generally be active at ground level; iii. Proposals shall conserve those elements which contribute to the significance of the numerous designated and non-designated heritage assets along its route.

Wakefield City Centre Skylines and Strategic Views

One of Wakefield's most valuable assets is its historic and distinctive skyline. Strategic views of the skyline within central Wakefield will be protected, maintained and where possible enhanced. Proposals for development will not be supported that would obstruct or detract from the city's skyline and/or strategic views of the spires and towers of All Saints Cathedral, Wakefield Town Hall, St John's Church and Wakefield County Hall particularly from the following key viewpoints identified on the Policies Map: Wakefield City Inset Map, Plan No.5 (Landmarks, Vistas & Views). a. The entrances/forecourts of Kirkgate and Westgate railway stations and the bus station; b. The approaches/crossings of the Emerald Ring by the main arterial routes; c. The Hepworth Wakefield Gallery. Where development is likely to affect the city's skyline and/or strategic views of the spires and towers, developers must submit a visual appraisal of their proposals showing how it will make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the skyline and preserve important views of the spires and towers.

Wakefield City Centre Vistas

Key vistas of the spires and towers and other historic civic buildings within central Wakefield will be protected, maintained and where possible enhanced. Proposals for development will not be supported (including signage and advertisements etc) where they would obstruct or detract from important vistas within the city centre, especially the following (as shown on the Policies Map: Wakefield City Inset Map, Plan No.5 (Landmarks, Vistas & Views)): a. The civic buildings viewed up Wood Street; b. Wakefield Town Hall viewed from George Yard and Crown Yard; c. All Saints Cathedral viewed from Bread Street; d. The cathedral viewed from Wood Street; e. The cathedral and precinct viewed from Little Westgate; f. The cathedral and precinct viewed from Lower Kirkgate; g. St John's Church viewed from Wentworth Street.

Landmark Sites/Development in Wakefield City Centre

The following sites/locations as shown on the Policies Map: Wakefield City Inset Map, Plan No.5 (Landmarks, Vistas & Views) have potential for landmark buildings/developments: 1. Junction of Marsh Way and Northgate; 2. Junction of Marsh Way, Peterson Road and Kirkgate; 3. Chantry Bridge/junction of A61 (Barnsley Road) and A638 (Doncaster Road); 4. Junction of Denby Dale Road and Ings Road; 5. Junction of Stanley Road and the Emerald Ring; and 6. The former Westgate Station. Landmark development must be of exceptional design quality and use the best quality materials. They must also create active street frontages and provide strong links to the public realm and footpath/pedestrian network. Proposals for landmark development must also be accompanied by the following information: a. An assessment of the townscape setting out how the proposal will contribute to the urban form and character of the city and the built environment. This must include a thorough analysis of the siting and design of the building and its potential effects on both the immediate and surrounding context, including the built form, streetscape, waterways and the distinctive topography of the city; b. In the case of tall buildings, details of daylight and sunlight and wind effects to show how the proposal will affect neighbouring buildings and spaces in terms of privacy, levels of sunlight and extent of overshadowing; c. An assessment of the effect on the prominence or visibility of the key spires and towers as well as significant views from within the site, especially those identified on the Policies Map: Wakefield City Inset Map, Plan No.5 (Landmarks, Vistas & Views); d. An assessment of the effect on character and appearance of the area where it adjoins a Conservation Area or would affect the setting of a Listed Building or group of Listed Buildings; e. Architectural models and three dimensional drawings to illustrate how the proposal will appear in the streetscape and how it will relate to other structures and landmarks, such as public spaces, and how the building will shape the city's skyline; f. An assessment of how the proposal will improve accessibility for all users, including people with disabilities and how it will be managed and maintained.

Wakefield City Centre Public Realm Principles and Objectives

New development within central Wakefield will be required to make: a. A positive contribution to the public realm by virtue of its siting, design and materials; and b. A financial contribution towards public realm improvements where appropriate. The public realm will be developed and enhanced in accordance with the following principles and objectives: Principles: 1. The creation of a people orientated city; 2. The creation of a sense of identity for Wakefield by enriching the urban fabric; and 3. The creation of a spatial hierarchy that provides a structure for the development of the public realm in a coherent manner over time. Objectives: i. Achieve a high standard and quality of design that will be embraced by Wakefield's inhabitants and instil a sense of pride in the city; ii. Enhance the character and usage of a space in a way that complements the rest of the city centre so that the network of streets and spaces are legible and easy to understand; iii. Provide a coherent and consistent public realm through the city whilst still allowing the flexibility to respond to the immediate environment and use of a space; iv. Reinforce what makes Wakefield distinctive, respecting and reflecting both its heritage and aspirations remaining forward looking while still keeping in touch with its roots; v. Create a simple and uncluttered environment and allow the character of the existing buildings to come through; vi. Create a public realm that encourages a diverse street culture and a place for people to work, live and visit; vii. Create a functional and accessible streetscape; viii. Create a robust and durable public realm that promotes cost effective and sustainable maintenance to ensure long term quality; and ix. Create a safe and inviting environment for Wakefield's inhabitants and visitors.

Wakefield City Centre Public Realm - Hierarchy of Quality

Public realm improvements including the provision of new open spaces and refurbishments must take into account and reflect the 'hierarchy of quality' set out below: Exemplar quality The city's principal streets and focal spaces (Westgate, Kirkgate, Wood Street, Northgate, the cathedral precinct, Bull Ring and Westgate Yards) will be characterised by very high quality public spaces and natural stone materials. Public realm projects shall reflect the form and scale of the street pattern and enhance the importance of these streets. Public art and innovative design features such as off the shelf street furniture shall be used to enhance the pedestrian environment. High quality All public spaces within the key regeneration areas (i.e. Special Policy Areas) must be treated with high quality materials and detailing and reflect the traditional layout of the street pattern. Major focal spaces must provide meeting spaces or events/activities and place strong emphasis on high quality art work and creative lighting to enhance the character of the public realm. Good quality The key linkages through central Wakefield - including the Special Policy Areas - provide a network of spaces that link various parts of the city centre together particularly the waterfront and residential communities to the north and west. In these areas emphasis will be placed on continuity and cohesive design that promotes accessibility, safety and security to provide a network of physical links that are safe and well used. These spaces should reflect the surrounding character of the streetscene and provide links to pedestrian spaces, integrating public art work and high quality street furniture with active frontages and street activity to achieve a safe and accessible pedestrian environment. The streets and spaces to which these principles apply are shown on the Policies Map: Wakefield City Inset Map, Plan No.4 (Streetstyle Quality). The fabric of public realm improvements shall be maintained and repaired/reinstated as necessary when damage occurs or further works have been carried out.

Design Improvement Areas in Pontefract

Development within the Design Improvement Areas, as identified on the Policies Map: Pontefract Inset Map, will need to make a positive contribution and improvement to the area by: a. Ensuring buildings are constructed up to the back of footways, avoiding large areas of car parking or outdoor storage between the road/footway and buildings; b. Frontages to Southgate generally being active at ground level; c. Retaining the individual historic Burgage Plots. Works in and adjacent to the highway will need to be designed and implemented in a manner that improves the general environment of the road corridor by: 1. The use of appropriate materials, particularly for footways and other areas of the public realm; 2. The planting of trees and other vegetation; 3. Construction of new, and improvements to existing, walls and entrances. All the designated Design Improvement Areas are in locations with high archaeological potential. Development proposals in these areas should be accompanied by an archaeological desk based assessment. Redevelopment proposals should also have regard to the relevant Conservation Area Appraisal.

Design of New Development

Design will be a key consideration when assessing proposals of all scales and types. Innovation, distinctiveness and creativity will be encouraged to ensure the delivery of high quality and sustainable development. The diverse range of settlements in the district and their distinctive local characteristics shall be recognised when preparing proposals. For residential development across the district (including Wakefield city centre) applicants shall refer to and utilise the guidance in the Residential Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document and any future updates to it. For development proposals within Wakefield city centre applicants shall refer to and utilise the guidance in the Urban Design Framework Supplementary Planning Document and any future updates to it. In order to maintain and enhance local diversity all new development shall make a positive contribution to the environment and amenity of its locality by virtue of high quality design, layout and landscaping. The Council will support the enhancement of public spaces, including provision of works of art in public places, and in appropriate cases this may be required as part of major development proposals. In particular proposals shall: a. Be designed to accord with Active Design principles and Streets for People principles as set out in Chapter 5 of the Plan; b. Use internal and external building design and orientation and signage in order to encourage physical activity within and to and from development; c. Respect, and where appropriate enhance the character, function and overall quality of the locality in terms of design, scale, massing, height, density, layout, materials and colour over the lifetime of the development; d. Provide a quality setting within the development incorporating, where appropriate, effective landscaping with a consideration for future management, maintenance and personal safety; e. Retain, and enhance important ecological and landscape features, including those provided to meet biodiversity net gain requirements; f. Provide a minimum net gain of 10% of the current ecological value of the site, except on householder proposals; g. Respect, and where appropriate enhance existing natural and built features, skyline, landmarks or key views that contribute to the character and local distinctiveness of the area; h. Incorporate high quality landscaping and boundary treatment while relating positively to surrounding streets, services and amenities; i. Prioritise access arrangements and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles, and facilitate direct walking and cycling connections to surrounding streets, services and amenities outside the site; j. Incorporate arrangements for servicing, waste handling, recycling and storage. All schemes that will generate additional waste should incorporate convenient and discrete accommodation for waste storage; k. Incorporate sensitive treatment of ancillary development such as parking and service areas and provide satisfactory screening where appropriate; l. Incorporate sensitive treatment of wiring, cabling and pipelines either by laying underground or providing adequate screening or landscaping; m. Allow for flexibility to adapt non-residential development to alternative uses to meet changing needs and circumstances over the lifetime of the development; n. Have no significant detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring users or residents and existing or prospective users; o. Allow easy access for all members of the community such as disabled people, elderly people and people with pushchairs or young children; p. Allow the opportunity for access to adjoining undeveloped land so it may subsequently be developed; q. Ensure open space and recreational facilities provided in new residential developments are well designed, using high quality materials. These areas shall be accessible to the whole development, with suitable pedestrian linkages to the rest of the scheme and the surrounding area and have adequate overlooking by adjacent homes; and r. New streets are to be tree-lined unless, in specific cases, there are clear, justifiable and compelling reasons why this would be inappropriate. Where specified in Volume 2, a masterplan will be required to include evidence that the criteria set out in this policy have been considered. For proposals which come forward where a masterplan has not been specified in Volume 2 or for non-allocated sites, a requirement for the site to be masterplanned will be assessed on a case by case basis. Masterplans will demonstrate how the proposal adheres to the principles set out in the National Design Guide, National Model Design Code and any local design guides or codes.

Extensions and Alterations to Dwellings

Throughout the district's settlements are a diverse range of residential neighbourhoods, many of which have distinctive local characteristics which shall be maintained or enhanced. Extensions and alterations to dwellings shall respect residential amenity, the character and scale of the dwelling, and its location. Development will only be permitted if it would not: a. Be overbearing or reduce the space about the dwelling resulting in significant harm to residential amenity or character of the area; b. Significantly reduce the privacy of occupants of the dwelling or neighbouring properties; c. Significantly overshadow neighbouring dwellings resulting in harm to the amenity of occupants of the dwelling or neighbouring properties; d. Be discordant with the style of the original dwelling or result in harm to the character of the area.

Waterfront Design

Development adjacent to the River Aire, River Calder, the district's canals and other bodies of water shall be orientated to face the watercourse or water body and must be designed to enhance the water's edge and biodiversity. The Council will require that public access and recreational opportunities are provided where compatible with the proposed development and the capacity of the site to accommodate them. In particular development along rivers and canals shall: a. Conserve any heritage assets, reinforce, and where appropriate enhance, the distinct waterside character of the area; b. Improve the visual and physical relationship between the development site, the waterway and any adjoining public areas; c. Improve access along and across the river or canal corridor where appropriate; d. Be orientated and designed to promote surveillance of the river or canal frontage; e. Enhance the public amenity value of the waterway; f. Enhance important views outward from the river or canal corridor; and g. Enhance recreational opportunities of the waterway, where appropriate.

Safety and Security Through Design

Development proposals shall be designed to ensure a safe and secure environment that reduces the opportunities for crime. Development will be permitted where the following have been taken into account: a. The use and creation of defensible space; b. The creation of opportunities for natural surveillance; c. The location and design of lighting; d. The location, number and design of footpaths and access points; e. The location and design of parking facilities; and f. The design of landscaping, in particular maximising opportunities for surveillance to avoid creating hiding places and secluded areas.

Design, Safety and the Local Environment

The design of buildings and spaces will be improved and opportunities for crime reduced. The district's historic, built environment, landscape features and wildlife habitats will be protected and enhanced. They contribute to the local distinctiveness and character of the district. In all parts of the district, new development will: 1. Incorporate sustainable buildings, spaces and landscaping of high quality design which; a. Are appropriate to their location in terms of scale and density; b. Protects and enhances local character and distinctiveness taking local building traditions into account; c. Takes the different landscape character across the district, including the Calder Valley, the Northern Coalfield areas, the Went River Basin, the Limestone Escarpment and the south-east and south-west coalfield areas into account. 2. Be designed to accord with Active Design principles and Streets for People principles as set out in Chapter 5 of the Plan; 3. Create safe and secure environments that reduce the opportunities for crime in all parts of the district; 4. Conserve and enhance the district's historic assets and their contribution to the local distinctiveness and character of the district, in a manner which will also help in their management, understanding and enjoyment. Development proposals must seek to avoid or minimise any conflict with a heritage asset's conservation. This will be in accordance with their significance, particularly of Scheduled Monuments, archaeological sites and landscapes, Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, Registered Parks and Gardens, Historic Landscapes and Battle Sites and those assets which are at risk; 5. Protect and enhance the district's biological and geological diversity and green infrastructure including the need to increase tree cover across the district, safeguard designated sites of international, national, regional and local importance, ancient woodland and other ecological assets, including priority habitats and species; 6. Minimise the risk from all forms of pollution and contamination for existing and future occupants, the wider community and the environment, particularly within the defined Air Quality Management Areas; 7. Bring about improvements to the local environment including the reclamation of derelict or degraded land, and providing new green infrastructure where appropriate; 8. Help reduce fossil fuel dependency, by promoting designs which incorporate energy efficiency and renewable energy generation technology.

New Office Floorspace in Wakefield City Centre

The focus for new office floorspace will be within the Waterfront Special Policy Areas, and the former Westgate Railway Station as identified on the Policies Map and along the Emerald Ring. Outside these areas, small scale office development will be supported (including extensions and/or redevelopment of existing premises and changes of use) provided they: relate well to existing streetscene and land use pattern; are highly accessible by public transport; and have no significant amenity or detrimental effects. Major office proposals will require a green travel plan.

Protecting Employment Land

Land within Employment Zones (established areas in employment use), Employment Sites (land allocated in this Local Plan for employment use development) and in Special Policy Areas (where the Local Plan designates a specific area for employment use), which are shown on the Policies Map, shall continue to be occupied primarily by or be developed for employment use. Proposals for development or re-development for employment uses in these areas will generally be supported. On land or premises within Employment Zones, Employment Sites or Special Policy Areas (where the Local Plan designates a specific area for employment use) planning applications for alternative uses will need to demonstrate there is no reasonable prospect of the site being utilised for an employment use by providing robust evidence that: a. Other employment land is available in the locality which is suitable in terms of quality and quantity so as not to prejudice opportunities for local employment uses; and b. Suitable alternative provision has been made to accommodate any existing occupiers of the site or premises subject to the planning application, and c. The site or premises cannot satisfactorily support employment use because, for example, it is not viable or cannot be adequately accessed; and/or d. Appropriate marketing has taken place which shows that the site or premises are not in demand for employment use; and e. Existing neighbouring uses are not restricted by the introduction of new uses and the amenities of the new occupiers are not compromised by existing neighbouring uses; and f. The proposal would not result in environmental, amenity or traffic problems; and g. If located in an Employment Zone or an established area of employment uses in a Special Policy Area a mix of uses is retained, including a proportion which generates employment. Employment Sites located outside of Local Plan settlement boundaries will not usually be suitable for residential development. If the planning application is for energy generation or battery storage facilities on a vacant site criteria a to d above will not apply.

Local Economy

1. The Local Plan allocates 508 hectares of developable land for employment use. In addition, as of 1 April 2022, other sources of delivery and supply provide a further 119 hectares, providing a total of 627 hectares of land for employment use over the plan period (numbers are rounded). All this land is allocated for employment uses E(g)(ii) Research and development of products or processes, E(g)(iii) Industrial processes, B2 General Industrial and B8 Storage and Distribution). Ancillary offices associated with these uses will be acceptable on this land. 2. The economic performance of the district will be improved by: a. Providing and safeguarding an adequate supply and variety of land and buildings for employment uses which match employment need and will facilitate inclusive growth across the district, particularly in areas of highest deprivation and in designated Enterprise Zones and Spatial Priority Areas identified in the Leeds City Region Strategic Economic Plan and any successor documents; b. Increasing business productivity, based on higher skills levels, improved educational attainment and greater innovation; c. Creating good quality, skilled jobs and inclusive growth with increased earnings (especially for the low paid); d. Future proofing existing industries at the same time as ushering in new ones, notably in e-commerce logistics, cultural, digital and creative industries and advanced manufacturing; e. Encouraging the development of high quality office led developments in Wakefield city centre; f. Promoting the development of clusters of economic activity, specifically in the logistics and distribution, food and drink and digital and IT sectors; g. Supporting business start-ups, new enterprise and business incubation units in the main urban areas in accordance with the spatial development strategy and in larger industrial estates, and also including homeworking; h. Improving access to employment opportunities by public transport, particularly from the Five Towns and South East of the district; i. Promoting the district as a place to invest; j. Providing new infrastructure for employment development; k. Strengthening and diversifying the urban and rural economy; l. Encouraging new facilities and accommodation for tourists. 3. New employment development will be well located to the Urban Areas of the district within: a. Allocated Employment Sites which are undeveloped sites mainly in prime locations which meet market needs and have good access to the strategic road network; b. Special Policy Areas which are areas allocated for mixed use development which can include employment uses on some sites (where set out in the site specific policy); c. City and town centres, particularly on allocated development sites (where set out in the site specific policy); d. Employment Zones which are designated areas of established employment use, where sites and buildings could be redeveloped and where some vacant land is still available. In particular: i. Commercial offices will be located within: Wakefield city centre and in Castleford and Pontefract town centres, particularly on allocated development sites where developers will need to consider the scope for including an element of office floor space in proposals for mixed use development; The Special Policy Area SPA14 'Calder Park, Wakefield', which is allocated for development as an office and business park and which meets the need for out of centre office development in the district; ii. Light and General Industrial activities will be located within: Urban Areas set out in the spatial development strategy on previously developed land, allocated Employment Sites and in Special Policy Areas, where the site specific policy supports such uses, or existing Employment Zones; iii. Warehousing and distribution and advanced manufacturing activities will be located within: Employment Site allocations

Employment Land Allocation

1. The Local Plan allocates a minimum of 508 hectares of developable land for employment use over the plan period to provide a range of high quality sites and premises to meet business and employment needs across a range of employment uses. 2. Employment development will be directed to the most sustainable and accessible locations. Employment uses will be located in the following order of preference: a. Urban Areas set out in the spatial development strategy on previously developed land, particularly brownfield sites which can be redeveloped for employment purposes; b. Areas which are areas allocated for mixed use development which can include employment uses on some sites (where set out in the site specific policy); c. City and town centres, particularly on allocated development sites (where set out in the site specific policy); d. Employment Zones which are designated areas of established employment use, where sites and buildings could be redeveloped and where some vacant land is still available. In particular: i. Commercial offices will be located within: - Wakefield city centre and in Castleford and Pontefract town centres, particularly on allocated development sites where developers will need to consider the scope for including an element of office floor space in proposals for mixed use development; - The Special Policy Area SPA14 'Calder Park, Wakefield', which is allocated for development as an office and business park and which meets the need for out of centre office development in the district; ii. Light and General Industrial activities will be located within: - Urban Areas set out in the spatial development strategy on previously developed land, allocated Employment Sites and in Special Policy Areas, where the site specific policy supports such uses, or existing Employment Zones; iii. Warehousing and distribution and advanced manufacturing activities will be located within: - Employment Site allocations proposed for this type of use in close proximity to the Strategic Road Network; - Existing Employment Zones which are suitable for this type of use, making best use of opportunities for redevelopment, particularly of older stock no longer suited to modern industrial requirements; - Special Policy Areas where the site specific policy supports such uses; iv. The Special Policy Area SPA18 'Calder Grove, Land at Junction 39 M1 Durkar, Wakefield' will be developed to include an Advanced Manufacturing Park; v. For sites which are accessible by rail and/or waterways, developers should make full use of these forms of transport. 3. Proposals for energy generation and battery storage facilities should be located, wherever possible, on vacant areas within Employment Sites or Employment Zones. Such proposals, within Employment Sites or Employment Zones, that are on sites or premises in current use will need to satisfy the relevant requirements of the Protecting Employment Land policy (LP6). 4. In Local Service Centres, Villages, smaller settlements and rural areas employment development will be of an appropriate scale and create or retain local jobs to reduce the need to travel, diversify the rural economy, and promote sustainable communities.

Mine and Landfill Gas Extraction Sites

The sites in the following table are allocated as Mine and Landfill Gas Extraction Sites and are shown on the Policies Map: Newmarket Lane, Stanley: Energy Generation - Mine Gas Extraction - EG01 Prince of Wales Colliery Reclamation, Skinner Lane, Pontefract: Energy Generation - Mine Gas Extraction - EG02 Former HWS site at Shawcross Colliery, Owl Lane, Ossett: Energy generation - Landfill Gas Extraction - EG03 Land at Welbeck Landfill Site, Boundary Lane, Normanton: Energy Generation - Landfill Gas Extraction - EG04 Wheldon Road, Castleford: Energy Generation - Mine Gas Extraction - EG05

Renewable Energy

In order to contribute to the UK 2050 net zero carbon emissions target and the objectives of the Council's Climate Emergency Resolution and Action Plan all developments of 0.5 hectares or more in site area, or 10 or more dwellings, or 1,000 m2 or more floor area for employment, commercial, leisure and community development (including conversions) will be required to provide a minimum of 10% of the predicted energy needs of the development from onsite renewable or low carbon energy generation technology, unless it can be demonstrated that it is not technically feasible or financially viable, or there are demonstrable alternative decentralised renewable or low carbon energy services. If it can be demonstrated that renewable or low carbon energy generation is not practical, it may be acceptable to provide in lieu of provision, a contribution equivalent to the cost of providing the 10%, which the council will use towards off-site low carbon schemes. Wherever possible, the low carbon projects would be linked with local projects that would bring local benefits. Applicants will be required to submit an Energy Assessment with their application to demonstrate compliance with this policy. Where end user requirements change significantly, an updated Energy Assessment should be submitted prior to construction.

Sustainable Construction and Efficient Use of Resources

The Council will require that new development within the district shall be energy and water efficient and incorporate built-in conservation measures. Opportunities to conserve energy and water resources through the layout and design of the development shall be maximised. In considering planning applications the Council will require where practical: a. The use of solar energy, passive solar gain and heat recycling (such as combined heat and power); b. Layouts which reduce wind-chill and maximise the efficient use of natural light; c. The use of green roofs, rainwater and grey water storage and recycling, and sustainable drainage systems; d. The use of renewable and recycled materials during construction and provision for the recycling of construction, demolition and excavation wastes. All non-residential developments of over 1,000 m2 of floorspace (including conversion), where feasible, will be required to meet the BREEAM standard of 'excellent'.

Assessment of Applications for Renewable Energy Generation Developments

Proposals for renewable and low carbon energy development will be supported and planning permission granted provided they will not have an unacceptable impact on: a. Landscape character and visual appearance of the local area, including the urban environment; b. Protected species or designated sites of importance for biological or geological conservation; c. Flood risk or water quality; d. Heritage assets and their character, appearance and setting; e. The statutory protection of any area; f. Transport infrastructure or highway safety; g. Local amenity including noise, odour, traffic or other impacts; h. The potential for cumulative effects with other existing or proposed energy developments. The extent to which harm can be reduced to an appropriate level through mitigation will be taken into account when assessing effects. Proposals must include information to show how the local environment will be protected, and that the site will be restored when production ends. Priority will be given to: 1. Established and proposed industrial sites; and 2. The use of other previously developed land before greenfield sites Proposals in the Green Belt will conform to national and local policies relating to the Green Belt. Where the above criteria are met, the council encourages dialogue with local community groups promoting community renewable and low carbon energy schemes. As the Local Plan does not identify any areas as suitable for wind energy development the policy does not apply to wind turbines, which will be considered against national planning policy.

District Heating and Cooling Infrastructure

Where Combined Cooling Heat and Power distribution networks already exist, all new developments are required to connect to them, or be connection-ready, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that utilising a different energy supply would be more sustainable or connection is not technically feasible or financially viable. Where technically feasible and financially viable, and in areas with sufficient existing or potential heat density, developments of 1,000 sqm or more, or residential developments of at least 50 dwellings a hectare, or 300 dwellings or more (including conversions) shall propose heating and cooling systems according to the following heating and cooling hierarchy: a. Construction of site wide renewable Combined Cooling Heat and Power, b. Construction of site wide gas-fired Combined Cooling Heat and Power, c. Construction of site wide renewable community heating/cooling, d. Site wide gas-fired community heating/cooling, e. Collaboration with neighbouring development sites or existing heat loads/sources to develop a viable shared District Heating network, f. Individual building renewable heating, g. Individual building heating, with the exception of electric heating In areas where district heating is currently not viable, but there is potential for future district heating networks, all development proposals will need to demonstrate how sites have been designed to allow for connection to a future district heating network. All Combined Cooling Heat and Power must be of a scale and operated to maximise the potential for carbon reduction. Carbon savings and renewable energy generation achieved under this policy will contribute to the target set out in policies LP32 Renewable Energy and LP33 Sustainable Construction and Efficient Use of Resources.

Proposals for the Exploration and Appraisal of Hydrocarbons (Oil and Gas)

Within Petroleum Licence Areas, as shown on the Policies Map, proposals for the exploration and appraisal of hydrocarbons will be supported provided they accord with other policies in the Local Plan and national planning policy and guidance, and the following criteria are met: a. Any well sites and associated infrastructure are located so as to minimise adverse impacts on people and the environment, whilst allowing access to effectively explore and appraise the potential resource; and b. Sufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that any adverse impacts on people and the environment can be avoided or adequately mitigated; and c. Any boreholes intended to be re-used in production are sited where they can accommodate the necessary scale of future infrastructure and any required mitigation; and d. Exploration and appraisal is for a temporary agreed length of time; and e. An indication is provided about the extent of the resource and the area of search; and f. Proposals for the restoration of the site are included which provide for maintenance or enhancement of the ecological, landscape and/or amenity value at the earliest opportunity if resources are not found to be economically viable, planning permission is not subsequently granted, or they are not developed within an agreed time frame.

Proposals for the Commercial Production of Hydrocarbons

Within Petroleum Licence Areas, as shown on the Policies Map, proposals for the commercial production of hydrocarbons will be supported provided they accord with other policies in the Local Plan and national planning policy and guidance, and the following criteria are met: a. A full appraisal has been completed for the resource to demonstrate that a viable resource exists of a sufficient size to justify its extraction; and b. Sufficient evidence has been provided to demonstrate that the scheme will not lead to any adverse impacts on people and the environment or that any such adverse impacts will be adequately mitigated; and c. Proposals for the restoration of the site are included which provide for maintenance or enhancement of the ecological, landscape and/or amenity value at the earliest opportunity once production has ceased; and d. The proposed extraction and production site is the most appropriate in terms of potential impacts on people and the environment and infrastructure and transportation requirements. e. Proposals must include information to show how the site will be reclaimed at the earliest opportunity, to provide high quality restoration and aftercare.

Coal Extraction

Proposals for coal extraction will not be permitted unless the coal resource would otherwise be sterilised by another form of development or all of the following criteria are met: 1. Any viable fireclay resources will also be recovered, and; 2. One of the following circumstances applies: a. The proposals are environmentally acceptable, or can be made so by planning conditions or obligations, or if not; b. The proposal provides national, local or community benefits which clearly outweigh the likely impacts of the development.

Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change and Efficient Use of Resources

1. In order to be sustainable, development must minimise the impact and mitigate the likely effects of climate change on existing and future occupants, the wider community and the environment and minimise the use of natural resources. 2. This will be achieved by: a. Avoiding unacceptable levels of flood risk, particularly in areas of high flood risk such as the Calder River Valley, the Went River Basin, and river tributaries in the south east of the district; b. Requiring all new development proposals to include climate change resilient design to reduce reliance on existing flood defence infrastructure into the future; c. Taking measures to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change during the construction and operation of new developments through, for example, orientation, layout, design and material selection; d. The prudent and efficient use of natural resources including energy, water, soil and the best and most versatile agricultural land and the use of re-used and recycled materials; e. Proactively managing surface water through the promotion of sustainable drainage techniques and positive land management; f. Through the provision of multi-functional green infrastructure, which can reduce urban heat islands, manage flooding and help species adapt to climate change; and g. By making positive progress towards achieving "good" status or potential under the Water Framework Directive in the district's surface and ground water bodies. 3. In order to contribute to the UK 2050 net zero carbon emissions target and the objectives of the Council's Climate Emergency Resolution and Action Plan the Council will: a. Encourage the development of new sources of renewable energy generation where there is no adverse environmental impact or harm to nearby communities; b. Encourage all development to incorporate energy from decentralised and renewable, or low carbon sources. All developments of 0.5 hectares or more in site area, or 10 or more dwellings, or 1,000m2 or more floor area for employment, commercial, leisure and community development (including conversions) will be required to incorporate on-site renewable energy generation capacity, unless it is not feasible or viable or there are demonstrable alternative decentralised and renewable, or low carbon sources.

Protected Areas of Open Land

The following site is allocated as a Protected Area of Open Land and is shown on the Policies Map: Wrenthorpe Valley, Wakefield - OL01

Strategic Leisure Corridors

New and improved routes for walking, cycling and horse riding will be supported. Within Strategic Leisure Corridors the enhancement of existing routes and creation of new links to improve access and outdoor recreational activities will be prioritised. Development within or adjoining Strategic Leisure Corridors shall maintain public access, contribute to enhancement of the corridor and where appropriate, provide new links and recreational opportunities.

Leisure Opportunity Areas

Within the areas identified as Leisure Opportunity Areas uses for leisure, sport, outdoor recreation and countryside activities will be supported providing it can be demonstrated that: a. The development does not have a significant detrimental impact on the open character of the Green Belt and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. b. Facilities and activities are of appropriate scale, design and intensity which respect the character and amenity of the surrounding area.

Recreational Use of Water Resources

Recreational use of the district's rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs, ponds and flood risk reduction areas will be supported providing it can be demonstrated that: a. Activities and any ancillary facilities are of appropriate scale, design and intensity that respect the character of the water body; b. There are no significant detrimental impacts on ecology, flood management and landscape quality; c. There are no detrimental impacts on water quality; d. There are no significant detrimental impacts on amenity or the character of the surrounding area; e. The proposals would conserve the significance of any heritage assets; f. The development does not have a significant detrimental impact on the open character of the Green Belt and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it; and g. The development will not compromise the ability of navigable waterways to handle the passage of craft.

Green and Blue Infrastructure

Proposals that help conserve, sustain and enhance the district's green and blue infrastructure assets will be supported. The Council will seek to secure new and enhanced green and blue infrastructure in order to encourage healthy lifestyles and help address climate change. Public access and recreational opportunities will be encouraged where appropriate. Development proposals shall ensure that: a. Green and blue infrastructure assets are, wherever possible, retained. If this is not feasible replacement infrastructure equivalent to or better than that lost in terms of both quantity and quality shall be provided; b. New or enhanced green infrastructure is designed and integrated into the development, for example through planting schemes, footpath/cycle corridors, and recreational open space; c. The development connects with footpaths and cycling routes, particularly the Strategic Leisure Corridors, by retaining existing links, and providing new links where opportunities exist; d. Appropriate protection and enhancement of biodiversity and ecological assets such as natural green space, woodland and water bodies is provided, particularly if development is within the Wildlife Habitat Network or adjoining ecological designations such as Local Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves; e. Wherever practical green and blue infrastructure is multifunctional, incorporating measures such as sustainable drainage schemes, tree planting and wildlife refuge areas, that will help reduce the impacts of, and enable the district's communities and wildlife to adapt to, climate change.

Flood Risk

Following flooding events in the district the Council is concerned that development proposals are not at unacceptable risk from flooding or give rise to flooding elsewhere. The Council will adopt a sequential approach to discourage development in areas at risk of flooding. The whole of the district should be the starting point for the Sequential Test. Applicants will be required to provide justification where a smaller area of search is proposed. If, after applying the sequential approach, it is not possible to avoid areas of flood risk then the Council will adopt a precautionary approach to managing flood risk by seeking to minimise probability and consequence and ensuring developments are safe. The Council's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment will be used to inform the Sequential Test and, where development can only be situated in flood risk areas, it must have wider sustainability benefits to the community that outweigh the flood risk and should reduce flood risk overall. The Council will adopt the following approach to determining applications in relation to flood risk: 1. Applicants proposing development in Flood Zones 2 and 3 must provide evidence of the Sequential Test to the Council; 2. An appropriate Flood Risk Assessment will be required, to manage flood risk from all sources, for proposals in: a. Flood Zone 1 (low probability) of 1 hectare or more; b. Flood Zone 1 where there is known to be a risk of localised flooding including from surface water, watercourses and groundwater, proportionate to the size and flood risk of the site; c. Flood Zone 2 (medium probability) following successful completion of the Sequential Test; d. Flood Zone 3 (high probability) following successful completion of the Sequential Test. The Flood Risk Assessment will form part of the Exception Test where required; 3. Applicants must demonstrate that developments can be considered safe over their predicted lifetime taking account of climate change and the vulnerability of its users, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible will reduce flood risk overall. The Council's Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and national flooding guidance will inform this process; 4. Measures to mitigate the risk of flooding and to manage any residual flood risk must be provided as part of the development and provision must be made for their future maintenance; 5. Within functional floodplain (Flood Zone 3b as mapped in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment), development will only be permitted where it is water compatible development, or for essential transport or utilities infrastructure for which no alternative location is available, subject to satisfying the Exception Test. The development shall be designed to remain operational at times of flood, shall not result in any net loss of floodplain storage and shall not impede water flow or increase flood risk elsewhere; 6. A sequential approach to site layout will be required to ensure the most vulnerable aspects of a development are sited on the lowest risk areas of the site, and that the least vulnerable are sited on the highest risk areas. 7. Development shall be appropriately flood resilient and resistant designed and give priority to the use of sustainable drainage systems. 8. Flood Zone 3ai includes the areas of land that would be in Flood Zone 3b if not already developed. Therefore, development in Flood Zone 3ai shall take account of the risk at the sites and their role in managing flood risk in the surrounding area. Proposals within Flood Zone 3ai will be assessed in accordance with national policies relating to Flood Zone 3a, but with all the following additional restrictions: a. No new highly vulnerable or more vulnerable uses will be permitted; b. Less vulnerable uses will only be permitted provided that the Sequential Test has been passed and; c. Where extensions are linked operationally to an existing business or, where redevelopment of a site provides buildings with the same or smaller footprint; d. All proposals will be expected to include flood mitigation measures such as compensatory storage which should be identified and considered through a site specific Flood Risk Assessment; e. Development will not be permitted on any part of the site identified through a site specific Flood Risk Assessment as performing a functional floodplain role.

Open Space

Proposals that help conserve, sustain and improve the district's open space will be supported. Areas of open space will be safeguarded from development unless it can be demonstrated that: a. There is an identified over provision of that particular type of open space in the community area and the site is not required for alternative recreational uses; or b. Suitable replacement open space can be provided to serve the community area which is equivalent to, or better than that lost, in terms of quantity and quality, and c. There are no significant detrimental impacts on amenity, the character of the surrounding area or ecology, and d. The space does not make a positive contribution to the character or setting of a Conservation Area, Listed Building or other heritage asset.

Open Space in New Development

The Council will seek to secure well-designed new and improved public open space, sport and recreational facilities in order to encourage everyone in the district to be as physically active as possible and promote a healthy lifestyle for all. New housing developments will be required to provide or contribute towards new recreational open space or the improvement of existing facilities in the area. 1. The Council will require open space to be provided either on-site, or contributions in lieu of on-site provision, or a combination of both, as appropriate. This will be assessed in accordance with the Council's open space standards and the Playing Pitch Strategy on a site specific basis taking account of the needs of new residents and the existing facilities serving the community area. The accessibility, quality, usage, connectivity, type and amount of existing open space will be considered in order to determine the requirements for open space. a. In areas where existing open space is insufficient to meet local needs, the provision of on-site open space will be preferred to meet the needs of the development. Where this is not practical developer contributions towards off-site provision and/or enhancement of existing open space serving the community area will be sought. b. In areas where existing provision is sufficient to meet the needs of the development, developer contributions towards off-site diversification and/or enhancement of open space serving the wider community area will be sought. 2. New open space shall complement existing recreational facilities in the vicinity of the development and be designed to enhance the natural landscape and environment. On-site provision shall allow for informal recreation for residents and children's play. Off-site provision may contribute towards any type of open space where there is an identified community need. Amenity landscaping and drainage management infrastructure will not be accepted as recreational open space within new development.

Protected Areas of Open Land

Protected Areas of Open Land identified on the Policies Map shall be safeguarded from development to maintain local character and amenity of settlements and their communities. Within the areas of open land identified under this policy, development will only be permitted in very special circumstances for purposes other than those which would not substantially affect the openness and character of the land or detract from its amenity value.

Ecological and Geological Conservation

The Policies Map identifies sites designated for biological or geological conservation of international, national, and regional importance within the following hierarchy of importance: International and European Designation: Special Areas of Conservation; National Designation: Sites of Special Scientific Interest; Regional Designations: Local Geological Sites, Local Nature Reserves, Ancient Woodland and Local Wildlife Sites. Where the Council considers that any designated site or any species of principal importance for conservation may be affected by a development proposal, an appropriate ecological assessment will be required to be submitted with the planning application. An Appropriate Assessment will also be required to be submitted for development in proximity to Denby Grange Colliery Ponds Special Area of Conservation. 1. Development that is likely to have either a direct or indirect adverse effect on a Site of Special Scientific Interest will only be permitted if it can clearly be demonstrated that exceptional reasons of public interest for development clearly outweigh any impact on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest and any broader impacts on the national network of designated sites. 2. Development resulting in either the loss or deterioration of Ancient Woodland, veteran trees and other irreplaceable habitats or that is likely to have either a direct or indirect adverse effect on a regionally designated site will not be permitted unless a suitable compensation strategy exists and it can clearly be demonstrated that: a. Development cannot reasonably be located on an alternative site; and b. There are exceptional reasons where the public benefit clearly outweighs the loss or deterioration of habitat; and c. There will be an overall net gain for biodiversity of at least 10%, including a positive contribution to the protection, creation and enhancement of habitat and species; and d. Biodiversity enhancement measures are incorporated which reflect the priority habitats and species identified in the Wakefield Biodiversity Action Plan; and e. There are no significant adverse impacts on the integrity of, and connectivity to, the Wakefield Wildlife Habitat Network. 3. Where development is permitted the Council will require developers to: a. Minimise disturbance; b. Protect and enhance the site's ecological value; c. Ensure appropriate management; d. Ensure appropriate mitigation measures are designed into the proposal and work on the site does not commence until these measures are in place; e. Work to approved methods; and f. Create new or replacement habitats with a minimum net gain of 10% of the current ecological value of the site using the Defra Metric.

Ecological Protection of Watercourses and Water Bodies

The Wakefield District Local Biodiversity Report identifies watercourses and water bodies as important ecological assets. Development on or adjacent to watercourses and water bodies will not be permitted unless it can clearly be demonstrated that there will be no significant harm to any ecological features. Where development is permitted proposals shall include: a. Environmentally sensitive engineering methods; b. Appropriate wetland features and landscaping; and c. Appropriate management schemes for the planning and use of areas of water; and d. Measures to minimise light spillage over the water body.

Wildlife Habitat Network

Development that would adversely affect the integrity and value of the Wildlife Habitat Network across the district or the movement of flora and/or fauna species will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that reasons of public interest for the development clearly outweigh any significant harm and a suitable compensation strategy exists. Proposals for development shall make provision for the retention of the network and protection of its wildlife links and ecological conservation value. Where development is permitted the Council will require developers to: a. Minimise disturbance; b. Protect and enhance the site's ecological conservation value; c. Contribute towards the objectives of the Wakefield District Biodiversity Action Plan; d. Ensure appropriate management; and e. Create new or replacement habitats and maintain links for the Wildlife Habitat Network with a minimum net gain of 10% of the current ecological value of the site calculated using the Defra Metric.

Protection of Trees and Woodland

The district's woodland, hedgerows and trees are important ecological assets identified in the Wakefield District Local Biodiversity Report. Where the Council considers that trees or woodland may be affected by a development proposal, it will require an appropriate tree survey to be submitted with the planning application. 1. Development that would detrimentally affect or result in the loss of Ancient Woodland and veteran trees will be refused unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy, in accordance with national planning policy. 2. Development that would damage or result in the loss of trees, areas of woodland or hedgerows, will only be permitted if it can clearly be demonstrated that: a. Development cannot reasonably be redesigned to retain trees and hedgerows or be located on an alternative site; and b. The need for development clearly outweighs any harm to the ecological value and landscape quality of the area; and c. There will be an overall net gain for biodiversity of at least 10%, including a positive contribution to the protection, creation and enhancement of habitat and species. d. They do not contribute to the character of a Conservation Area or setting of a heritage asset.

Landscape Character

Landscape is an important and highly valued environmental resource within Wakefield District. Development within the countryside, on the edge of settlements or within areas of open urban green space shall contribute towards the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the character of the district's landscape, its biodiversity, and where appropriate, the recreational quality of the area. The Council may require an evaluation of the impact of development on the landscape to be submitted with development proposals. Impact upon the landscape will be assessed having regard to the extent to which development would: a. Adversely affect landscape elements which contribute to landscape character such as landform, field boundaries, or settlement patterns; b. Adversely affect vegetation and trees which are characteristic of that landscape type; c. Cause unacceptable visual intrusion; and d. Introduce or remove incongruous landscape elements.

Landscape Design

Landscape is an important and highly valued environmental resource within Wakefield District. New development shall be designed so that important existing landscaping features such as water bodies, trees, hedgerows, stone walls and other elements identified in the Landscape Character Assessment together with any new features are incorporated as an integral part of the proposal. In particular development proposals shall: a. Conserve and integrate existing natural and historic features; b. Use new landscape features such as planting, shelter belts, and green spaces to integrate development with the wider landscape; c. Integrate new and existing development at the boundaries of the site through the continuity of landscape; d. Create areas of valuable habitat for wildlife by additional planting of native species rather than by using purely decorative planting; and e. Where appropriate allow public access and/or provide opportunities for recreation.

Pollution Control

Within the district there is a legacy of activities such as mining, quarrying, heavy industrial processes and chemical works which have resulted in the degradation of environmental quality in the past and have potential to cause further pollution or damage to amenity. Air pollution from road traffic is also an increasing problem. In order to protect public health and the environment, and to encourage regeneration, the Council will require that: 1. Development proposals which are likely to cause pollution or are likely to be exposed to potential sources of pollution will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that measures can be implemented to minimise emissions to a satisfactory level that protects health, environmental quality and amenity. In determining proposals particular consideration will be given to: a. The likelihood of emissions which may have an unacceptable effect on the amenity of the local area; b. Where there is an identified risk that public health may be affected; c. Where there is a possibility that any proposed development will lead to a breach of national air quality objectives or lead to a deterioration of local air quality; d. There would be no adverse impact on water bodies and groundwater resources, in terms of their quantity, quality, the important ecological features that they support and their current status or ability to achieve "good" status or potential under the Water Framework Directive; e. An appropriate impact assessment is submitted with the planning application; and f. Approved mitigation measures are carried out prior to occupation or operation of the development commencing. 2. Where the Council considers that an Air Quality Management Area may be affected by development, it will require the proposal to be consistent with the aims and objectives of the Council's Air Quality Action Plan. 3. Development proposals that include external artificial lighting which would cause unacceptable light pollution in the form of sky glow, glare or intrusion onto other property and land will only be permitted if the Council is satisfied that adequate and reasonable controls can be put in place to protect dwellings and other sensitive property, the rural night sky, observatories, road users, and designated sites for conservation of biodiversity or protected species from the intrusive effects of the light pollution.

Protection from Hazardous Operations

There are a number of sites and pipelines within the district which are designated as dangerous substances establishments and major accident hazard pipelines by virtue of the quantities of hazardous substances present. Whilst they are subject to stringent controls under existing health and safety legislation, it is considered prudent to control the kinds of development permitted in the vicinity of these installations. Development proposals which involve either: a. Notifiable quantities of hazardous substances or which are in the vicinity of notified sites or other known hazards; or b. Sensitive development which is likely to be exposed to hazardous processes or other potentially hazardous activities will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that measures can be implemented to protect public health and safety.

Contaminated Land and Unstable Land

Within the district are areas where there are adverse ground conditions caused by unstable or contaminated land, including the presence of methane gas, as a result of past activities such as mining, quarrying, heavy industrial processes and chemical works. a. Development on or adjacent to land where there are adverse ground conditions will not be permitted unless it has been adequately demonstrated that these conditions have been properly identified and safely treated. Proposals for development should include a desk study of the previous uses of the site identifying possible ground contamination or land instability. Where contamination or instability has been identified or is strongly suspected, a full site investigation shall be submitted with the planning application. This investigation shall clearly identify the contamination and/or land instability, assess the risk to human health and controlled waters, and propose remediation requirements where necessary. b. Development proposals that lie within 250 metres of a former or current landfill site shall be accompanied by an assessment of the likelihood of gas migration affecting the development. Where necessary, remediation measures shall be identified to ensure the safety of the development and its occupants. Where development proposals are within 50 metres of a landfill site development will only be permitted if suitable investigations indicate there is no risk to people or property or where mitigation measures will provide suitable protection.

Protection of Agricultural Land

Agricultural land within the district is under pressure from proposals to work minerals, to plant crops for biofuel and from urban expansion. As the climate is changing it is prudent to ensure that the most productive agricultural land is safeguarded for the future. The best and most versatile agricultural land within the district will be protected from irreversible development. In particular, development involving a significant loss from agricultural land graded 3a or higher will not be permitted where land of a lower quality could be developed for the particular purpose. Proposals to work minerals on the best and most versatile agricultural land will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that a high standard of restoration to good quality agricultural land can be achieved.

Soil Conservation

The protection, use and movement of soil shall be considered from the outset of a development project's planning, through its design and construction phases and on into future maintenance. a. Development proposals shall protect and enhance soil as a local resource and shall adhere to the Construction Code of Practice for the Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites guidance. b. A soil resource survey will be required prior to any earthwork operations on new major development sites, particular greenfield sites. This shall inform the materials and/or waste management plan with a planning application. c. Planning conditions or a Section 106 agreement will be used to ensure developments are carried out in accordance with the materials and/or waste management plan(s). In addition to the Defra Construction Code, the use of sustainable drainage systems on sites shall be considered which provide more long term protection of soils beyond the construction phrase.

Strategic Approach to Waste Management

The Council will work with its partners including the Environment Agency, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, other local authorities, the waste industry and community groups to ensure the integration of strategies and proposals for sustainable and environmentally effective waste management, having regard to cross-boundary issues, including waste movement and location of facilities in adjacent areas; working collaboratively with other waste planning authorities to provide a suitable network of facilities to deliver sustainable waste management to meet the identified needs of the district. 1. Waste will be managed in accordance with the principles of the waste management hierarchy in the following order: i. Prevention; ii. Preparing for re-use; iii. Recycling; iv. Other recovery; v. Disposal. 2. Proposals for waste management facilities to deal with all forms of waste arisings within the district will be considered based on the following general principles: a. Moving the management of all waste streams up the waste hierarchy; b. Promoting opportunities for on-site management and processing of waste where it arises, including Construction Waste, Demolition and Excavation Waste, and Agricultural Waste and other waste arisings; c. Achieving the objectives and targets for recycling/recovery for waste set out in the Council's Municipal Waste Management Strategy; d. Achieving regional, sub-regional, local authority and neighbourhood self-sufficiency, at the lowest practicable level for the waste stream concerned; e. Promoting opportunities to co-locate facilities together and with complementary activities (reflecting the concept of resource recovery parks) subject to there being no significant adverse effects.

Green Belt

The general extent of the Green Belt will remain unchanged. A review of the Green Belt boundaries will only be undertaken in association with the Wakefield District Local Plan in order to inform the identification of sites for delivering growth that is consistent with the spatial development strategy. Only in exceptional circumstances where there is an overriding need to accommodate what would otherwise be inappropriate development, which cannot be met elsewhere and where Green Belt land offers the most sustainable option, will land be taken out of the Green Belt. Where land is removed from the Green Belt for development, the impact will be offset through compensatory improvements to the quality of the environment and accessibility of the remaining Green Belt. This may be achieved by: Creating green infrastructure such as recreational green spaces and landscaped zones; Creating green corridors to provide pedestrian, cycling and bridleway links with adjoining areas of countryside, green infrastructure and recreational open space; Creating wildlife habitat, woodland and other ecological enhancements, and Making provision for appropriate management of new infrastructure, corridors, habitats and species on adjoining land.

Non-designated Heritage Assets

New development shall preserve, protect or where possible enhance and better reveal the significance of non-designated heritage assets including locally listed assets. Proposals which would directly or indirectly remove, harm or undermine the significance of a non-designated heritage asset or its setting will be permitted only where the public benefits are considered sufficient to outweigh the harm. Locally listed non-designated assets have a degree of archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic significance which affords them material weight in any planning decisions. The significance of any previously unconsidered assets will be assessed against the same local listing criteria. Consideration will be given to the impact on: a. any features of special architectural or historic interest; and b. the character, appearance and setting of the building, structure or remains.

Development Affecting Archaeological Sites

New development shall preserve, protect or where possible enhance the District's archaeological heritage. 1. Where development proposals affect sites of known or potential archaeological interest, an appropriate archaeological assessment and evaluation will be required to be submitted as part of the planning application. Planning permission will not be granted without adequate assessment of the nature, extent and significance of the remains present and the degree to which the proposed development is likely to cause harm to their significance. 2. Development that would harm the significance of a Scheduled Monument (Class I), or other non-designated archaeological sites (Class II and Class III) found to be of demonstrably equivalent significance to Scheduled Monuments, will be considered subject to the policies for Designated Heritage Assets (LP64). 3. Proposals that relate to Class II and III archaeological sites will only be permitted where: a. The archaeological remains will be preserved in situ through careful design, layout and siting of the proposed development; or b. When in-situ preservation is not justified or feasible, appropriate provision is made by the developer for excavation and recording before and/or during development and for the post-excavation analysis, publication, and archive deposition of any findings.

Conserving the Historic Environment

The District's heritage assets will be conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance. Developments which will help in the management, conservation, understanding and enjoyment of the District's historic environment, especially for those assets which are at risk, will be encouraged. Particular attention will be paid to the conservation of those elements which contribute most to Wakefield's distinctive character and sense of place. These include: The area's medieval heritage including the fine motte-and-bailey castles at Pontefract and Sandal, and the range of other medieval sites found throughout the District. The archaeological landscapes of the Southern Magnesian Limestone Ridge. Castleford's important Roman heritage. The impressive legacy of Georgian and Victorian architecture and townscape from Wakefield's historical role as County Town of the West Riding especially its distinctive silhouette of spires and towers - a key feature of the distinctive character of the City. The tight knit urban fabric of Pontefract including its medieval street pattern, historic buildings, burgage plots and yards, and the views towards and from the Castle. The legacy of the District's mining industry including the extensive remains of early activity (such as the iron stone pits at Bentley and the wooden headstock of Caphouse Colliery), the planned mining villages, and the associated public buildings and parks. The buildings, bridges, locks and other and structures associated with the Aire and Calder Canal. The Grade I Listed Chapel of St Mary on Wakefield Bridge is one of only four (and the best preserved) Bridge Chapel in the country. The distinct Conservation Area of the historic village of Heath with its combination of Common Land, surrounding open fields, and collection of significant 16th to 19th Century buildings. Other locally listed assets, including the Battle site of Wakefield and Buildings of Local Interest because of their local significance in terms of their historical, archaeological, architectural or artistic interest. 1. Proposals shall retain those elements of the historic environment which contribute to the distinct identity of the District and its settlements, and ensure that they are conserved in a manner warranted by their significance, including: a. Open spaces, views, landmarks and landscape that contribute to their character, appearance or setting; b. The character of any buildings or structures having regard to local scale, proportion, details and materials; c. The preservation of features of architectural, archaeological, artistic and historic interest. 2. The Council will require that plans for development clearly illustrate the impact of the proposal on any features of architectural, archaeological, artistic and historic interest of the area. Such applications must also be supported with full details of the proposal. 3. A heritage statement or impact assessment will be required to be submitted to accompany planning and listed building applications for development likely to affect heritage assets dependent upon the scale of development and level of harm to the significance of heritage assets. Applicants will be required to record the significance of any heritage assets affected, in a manner appropriate to their importance, with adequate assessment of the nature, extent and significance of the remains present and the degree to which the proposed development is likely to affect them and mitigation measures required should be submitted for consideration. This evidence and any archive generated shall be made publicly accessible. 4. Where permission is granted for a development which would result in the total or partial loss of a heritage asset, either designated or non-designated, planning permission will be conditional upon the asset being fully recorded and the record and commentary deposited with Wakefield Council and the Historic Environment Record.

Designated Heritage Assets

Development proposals affecting a designated heritage asset, including its setting, shall conserve or enhance the significance of the asset. 1. Any harm to, or loss of, the significance of a designated heritage asset will require clear and convincing justification. 2. Where proposals are likely to cause substantial harm or loss, development will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal is necessary to achieve substantial public benefits that clearly outweigh any harm, or all of the following apply: a. The nature of the heritage asset prevents all reasonable uses of the site; and b. No viable use of the heritage asset itself can be found in the medium term through appropriate marketing that will enable its conservation; and c. Conservation by grant funding or some form of not for profit, charitable or public ownership is demonstrably not possible; and d. The harm or loss is outweighed by the benefit of bringing the site back into use. 3. Where a development proposal will lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, any harm will be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use.

Housing in Rural Areas

1. In small settlements not within the Green Belt housing proposals shall be limited to meet identified local community needs where it comprises of: a. Closing a small gap in an otherwise built-up frontage to an existing road; or b. The redevelopment or sub-division of an existing residential curtilage; or c. The sub-division of an existing dwelling; or d. The change of use or redevelopment of a non-residential building where this would not result in a loss of local employment or service provision. The following settlements are small settlements not in the Green Belt: Ackton, Featherstone Bottomboat, Wakefield Great Cliff, Crigglestone Kirkthorpe Newmillerdam New Sharlston, Bleakley, Notton Oakenshaw, Crofton Development proposals must fall wholly within the confines of the settlement. In very exceptional cases a slightly larger development may be permitted if this would lead to the sustainable recycling of a brownfield site bringing positive overall benefit to the settlement. 2. In the Green Belt housing proposals will not be regarded as inappropriate where they are for: a. Limited infilling within the infill boundary of Green Belt settlements as shown on the Policies Map, which closes a small gap in an otherwise built-up frontage to an existing road, and are meeting identified local community needs. The development must fall wholly within the confines of the infill boundary; or b. The extension or alteration of a building provided that it does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building; or c. The replacement of a home, provided the new building is not materially larger than the one it replaces; or d. Limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed land, whether redundant or in continuing use (excluding temporary buildings), which would: i. not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing development; or ii. not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt, where the development would re-use previously developed land and contribute to meeting an identified affordable housing need within the Wakefield district boundary; or e. The re-use of a building provided that the building is of permanent and substantial construction.

Accessible Housing Standards

New build residential developments over 0.5 hectare or 10 or more homes should include the following proportions of accessible homes: 9% of homes which meet the standard set in requirement M4(2) of volume 1, Part M of the Building Regulations 'accessible and adaptable dwellings'. 3% of homes which meet the standard set in requirement M4(3) of volume 1, Part M of the Building Regulations 'wheelchair user accessible dwellings'. The M4(3) standard should be applied only to those homes where the Council is responsible for allocating or nominating a person to live in that home. Where the number of homes provided by a development means that the percentage requirements for M4(2) and/or M4(3) homes generate less than one dwelling: if the figure generated is 0.5 to 0.99 of a home this should be rounded up to one home if the figure generated is below 0.5 of a home, then the home does not need to be provided. On all sites percentage requirements will be rounded up or down as appropriate. Where the scale of development would generate more than one accessible home, based on the requirements of this policy, the mix of sizes, types and tenures of accessible housing should reflect the mix of sizes, types and tenures of the development as a whole as closely as possible (unless there is evidenced need for additional accessible housing in one particular tenure). The required number and mix of accessible homes should be clearly illustrated on submitted plans and controlled via planning condition. Where it can be robustly justified using evidence that site specific factors, such as site topography, make a site unsuitable for M4(2) and/or M4(3) compliant homes, the requirements of this policy should not apply.

Minimum Space Standards for Homes

All new homes will comply with the Technical Housing Standard setting out the Nationally Described Space Standard for internal space in new dwellings. This will apply across all tenures. The standard requires that: a. The dwelling provides at least the gross internal floor area and built-in storage area set out in the table below; b. A dwelling with two or more bed spaces has at least one double (or twin) bedroom; c. In order to provide one bed space, a single bedroom has a floor area of at least 7.5m2 and is at least 2.15m wide; d. In order to provide two bed spaces, a double (or twin bedroom) has a floor area of at least 11.5m2; e. One double (or twin bedroom) is at least 2.75m wide and every other double (or twin) bedroom is at least 2.55m wide; f. Any area with a headroom of less than 1.5m is not counted within the Gross Internal Area unless used solely for storage (if the area under the stairs is to be used for storage, assume a general floor area of 1m2 within the Gross Internal Area); g. Any other area that is used solely for storage and has a headroom of 900-1500mm (such as under eaves) is counted at 50% of its floor area, and any area lower than 900mm is not counted at all; h. A built-in wardrobe counts towards the Gross Internal Area and bedroom floor area requirements, but should not reduce the effective width of the room below the minimum widths set out above. The built-in area in excess of 0.72m2 in a double bedroom and 0.36m2 in a single bedroom counts towards the built-in storage requirement; i. The minimum floor to ceiling height is 2.3m for at least 75% of the Gross Internal Area. Proposals for the development of student accommodation and houses in multiple occupation will not be subject to the Nationally Described Space Standard. Such development should, however, reflect the Nationally Described Space Standard with appropriate adjustments to address the particular characteristics of these types of development.

Sub-Division and Multiple Occupation of Homes including Student Housing

The conversion or change of use of existing homes and buildings in other uses to shared accommodation including houses in multiple occupation will be supported where: a. The existing home or building is capable of conversion without causing harm to the amenities of future occupants, neighbours and the wider area; and b. In the case of an existing home, it can be demonstrated there is an established lack of demand for the single family use of the property concerned; and c. The development will not lead to or increase an existing over-concentration of such uses in the area; and d. Adequate provision is made for external communal areas and bin storage and collection. On-site car parking and cycle storage facilities should be provided unless it can be demonstrated that the site is sustainably located with access to regular public transport or is within a 400 metre walking distance of a defined town centre; and e. For student accommodation, appropriate learning facilities are accessible by walking and cycling or regular public transport. Purpose built shared accommodation, including student provision, will be supported where the criteria set out in c. to e. above are satisfied and any amenity issues identified can be resolved or adequately mitigated both in terms of the residents of the new development and for users of surrounding buildings and businesses.

Requirements for Open Space in New Housing Development

The Council will require open space to be provided for residents of new housing development as set out below. 1. For sites of 15 dwellings and over and between 0.5 to 2 hectares in area, a developer contribution in lieu of on-site provision will be required. 2. For sites of 2 hectares and over the developer will be required to provide either: a. 10% of the site area of the development as open space, or b. A commuted sum for investment in open space to serve the development, or c. A combination of commuted sum and on-site open space, according to local requirements.

Residential Development in Town Centres

Proposals for residential uses within defined town centres, as set out on the Policies Map, will be supported subject to the following: a. Affordable housing shall be provided in accordance with policies set out in the Local Plan; b. In Primary Shopping Areas and Primary Shopping Frontages residential development will only be permitted on upper floors and shall not prejudice existing established uses; c. Proposals shall protect the character of the centre, and the local street scene; d. Proposals shall retain and enhance the design and heritage features of buildings conserving those elements which contribute to the significance of heritage assets; e. Proposals shall protect the amenity of existing residents and future occupiers of the proposed residential use in accordance with amenity and design policies in the Local Plan; f. Proposals shall include the provision of space for the storage of sustainable modes of transport such as bicycles and, where appropriate, electric vehicle charging points; g. Space for vehicular parking shall be provided in accordance with the current parking standards; h. Access shall not cause problems of highway or pedestrian safety; and i. Appropriate provision shall be made for refuse storage and collection.

Scale and Distribution of Additional Housing

1. The scale and distribution of the housing requirement will be as follows: a. The largest number of additional houses will be built in the Sub Regional City of Wakefield, with similar numbers in the Principal Town of Castleford. As a Sub Regional City, it is expected the Urban Area of Wakefield, including its suburbs will accommodate about 20% of the district's housing requirement. As a Principal Town with extensive areas of previously developed land in need of regeneration Castleford is also expected to accommodate about 20%. Pontefract will be expected to accommodate less growth, about 10%, reflecting the extensive residential development that has occurred in the town in recent years; b. Of the other Urban Areas identified in the settlement hierarchy, the towns of Featherstone, Hemsworth, Knottingley, Normanton and South Elmsall/South Kirkby will be the main focus of new housing growth, reflecting their status as sustainable settlements, their relative size and function and the need for urban regeneration. In the towns of Horbury, Ossett and Stanley/Outwood growth will be more constrained in order to ensure a sustainable development pattern. Together these settlements are expected to accommodate about 40% of the district's housing requirement; c. Limited numbers of additional houses will be built in Local Service Centres to meet the needs of the settlement and its immediate area and to help create sustainable communities. Together these settlements are expected to accommodate up to 8% of the district's housing requirement, reflecting their position in the settlement hierarchy, their relative size and function and their limited capacity to accommodate growth within the context of the spatial development strategy; d. In Villages limited amounts of additional houses will be built to meet local needs up to a maximum scheme size of 10 dwellings, provided that development fills the whole land parcel or site and complies with density and design policies. To reflect the need to meet local housing requirements these settlements are expected to accommodate up to 2% of the housing requirement; e. In settlements below the Village category of the settlement hierarchy and not in the Green Belt, housing proposals will be of very limited scale and only permitted where they meet identified local community needs; f. In the Green Belt, housing development will only be permitted where it conforms to local and national Green Belt policy. 2. When proposing the change of use of a building to residential use in Villages, smaller settlements and rural areas, developers will need to demonstrate that proper consideration has been given to employment and community uses as well as residential. 3. Proposals for residential development will achieve a net residential density of: a. At least 50 homes a hectare in Wakefield city centre and Castleford and Pontefract town centres and within a 500 metre radius of rail and bus station public transport hubs; b. At least 40 homes a hectare throughout the rest of the Wakefield, Castleford and Pontefract Urban Areas; c. At least 30 homes a hectare in other Urban Areas, Local Service Centres, Villages and in the Green Belt. In circumstances where individual site characteristics dictate and are justified, a lower density may be acceptable.

Housing Mix, Affordability and Quality

All proposals for housing, including those affecting the existing housing stock, will be of a high quality and design and contribute to creating mixed and balanced communities. This will be achieved by providing housing to meet the need for market and affordable homes, including specialist homes for older people, students, people with disabilities, service families, people who rent their homes and people wishing to commission or build their own homes. Housing will also need to be of the right size, type, and tenure to meet local needs. Evidence of need is set out in the Strategic Housing Market Assessment and any associated studies. a. All proposals for housing must provide a broad mix of homes suitable for different household types and will show how they reflect the district's changing household composition in the types of homes they provide, taking into account local evidence. On large strategic sites (60 homes or 2 hectares or more) the housing mix shall reflect the local need for different types of specialist housing, for different sizes of home, price and different types of tenure. For smaller sites, the mix of housing shall contribute to the creation of mixed communities having regard to local community needs and the existing mix of housing in the locality. b. Proposals for additional housing, including those for a mix of uses, above the identified size thresholds set out below, must maximise the provision of affordable housing and provide at least the percentage of affordable housing required, in accordance with the Housing Viability Value Area they are located within. In the Housing Viability Value Areas identified on the Policies Map the following levels of affordable housing must be provided: Housing Viability Value Area 1 - 30% of homes will be affordable Housing Viability Value Area 2 - 20% of homes will be affordable Housing Viability Value Area 3 - 10% of homes will be affordable Housing Viability Value Area 4 - 0% of homes will be affordable These homes must meet identified local community needs for different forms of affordable tenure. Affordable provision will be made up of 65% for rent and 35% for intermediate affordable home ownership. The types of tenures considered affordable are defined in the National Planning Policy Framework. In Housing Viability Value Area 1 at least 10% of the total number of homes on major developments should be provided as affordable home ownership tenures (unless the exceptions set out in the National Planning Policy Framework apply). Affordable homes will be provided on the application site, unless off site provision or a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value can be robustly justified by the applicant. When assessing the acceptability of these alternative options a key consideration will be if the approach would contribute to the creation of mixed and balanced communities. Where affordable housing provision is required, based on the Housing Viability Value Areas set out in this policy, a threshold of 10 or more homes or a site area of 0.5 hectares or more will be applied. Actions proposed to improve the quality or make efficient use of the district's housing stock must contribute to sustainable development. Proposals which involve the redevelopment of existing housing must comply with the Local Plan spatial development strategy and policies.

Specialist Housing

Proposals for specialist housing for older people and people with physical and learning disabilities will be supported where they are located in accessible locations with access to regular public transport and other facilities and services such as retail and health provision, subject to the effect of the development on public services. Self-build and custom build housing and co-housing will be supported in principle, subject to conformity with the wider development plan. With regard to market accommodation for older people age restricted general market housing, retirement living or sheltered housing and extra care housing or housing with care is considered as being in use class C3 and relevant housing policies in the Local Plan will be applied to such proposals. Residential care home and nursing home accommodation (including end of life/hospice care and dementia care home accommodation) is considered as being in use class C2 and relevant housing policies in the Local Plan will not be applied to such proposals.

Build to Rent Housing

The development of build to rent schemes will be supported, particularly in Wakefield Sub-Regional city and the Principal Towns, usually as part of larger mixed tenure schemes. They will provide a mix of unit sizes and types to meet local needs. Evidence of need will be set out in Strategic Housing Market Assessments and associated studies. Build to Rent Schemes will require a legal agreement setting out that: 1. The whole development is and remains under common ownership and management control for a minimum of either 20 years or, where specifically justified and appropriate, an alternative covenant period that shall be agreed with the Council; 2. Operators must offer tenancies of three years to all tenants, with tenants having the option to terminate at one month's notice, after the first six months, without a break fee being payable. Where a tenant requests a shorter tenancy, this should be accommodated; 3. Operators must offer rent certainty for the period of the tenancy, the basis of which should be made clear to the tenant before a tenancy agreement is signed, including any annual increases which should always be formula-linked; 4. On-site management will be provided with a daily presence for apartment schemes. Other types of provision will have appropriate management arrangements set out in the legal agreement; 5. Operators must have a complaints procedure in place and be a member of a recognised ombudsman scheme and a member of the Council's Responsible Landlord Scheme; 6. An annual statement must be submitted to the Council setting out the approach being used to let affordable units, their ongoing status and demonstrating how the scheme is meeting the overall affordable housing level required by the planning permission; 7. All the homes must remain as Build to Rent for the covenant period agreed under part 1 of this policy; 8. All the units must be self-contained, let separately and not sublet. Schemes above the Council's affordable housing size thresholds should provide affordable private rent housing. A benchmark level of 20% of homes should be provided as affordable private rent subject to any viability assessment and recognition that a site's location with regard to the Housing Viability Value Areas shown on the Policies Map may have an impact on viability. Affordable private rent dwellings will be: At a rent that is at least 20% less than the private market rent (inclusive of service charges) for an equivalent dwelling on the site but no less than the Local Housing Allowance for that property; Maintained as affordable private rent in perpetuity unless the provisions set out below apply; Distributed throughout the development and physically indistinguishable from the market rent homes in terms of quality and size; Occupied by eligible households having regard to household income levels and local rent levels; and Advertised on the Council's choice based letting system. The following mechanisms are to be utilised if the operator seeks to change the tenure of units prior to the expiration of the covenant period agreed under part 1 of this policy, and subject to presenting robust evidence and a compelling case to the Council: Where the operator seeks to sell a market rent unit before the covenant period agreed under part 1 of this policy has expired, the operator will be required to pay over a sum equal to the number of weeks remaining on the agreed covenant period, multiplied by the weekly rent at the time of the proposed sale, which will be increased annually according to Retail Price Index to the end of the covenant period. This claw back sum must be used by the Council for the provision of affordable housing across the district. Where the operator seeks to sell an affordable private rent unit a claw back must be paid which will be used by the Council for the provision of affordable housing across the district. This claw back will be calculated using the market value of the unit and the percentage rental discount that had been applied. This percentage discount will be applied to the sale price of the unit and this will be the claw back sum. Where the operator seeks to convert an affordable private rent unit to a market rent unit the operator must agree to a 20 year covenant period or, where specifically justified and appropriate, an alternative covenant period that shall be agreed with the Council for that unit to remain as a market rent unit and a claw back will have to be paid. This claw back will be the difference between the value of the property as a market rent unit and its value as an affordable private rent unit. The market rent unit value will be the difference between the capitalised value of the market rent unit for 20 years (or other agreed covenant period) and its reversionary value upon freehold sale on expiry of the 20 year covenant period (or other agreed covenant period). The affordable private rent value will be the capitalised value of the property subject to an affordable private rent in perpetuity. The Council must use these funds for affordable housing provision within the district. On schemes that include a mix of Build to Rent and open market sales units, this policy only applies to the Build to Rent element. With regard to affordable housing requirements, any open market element on schemes including build to rent provision will be considered separately under the Council's market affordable housing policy (SP6).

Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showperson Accommodation

1. The Local Plan makes provision for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showperson accommodation to meet identified needs. There is an identified need of 164 permanent pitches for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation during the Plan period. There is a need to provide 10 Gypsy and Traveller transit pitches. There is an identified need of 76 plots for Travelling Showperson accommodation during the Plan period. Opportunities to provide additional accommodation will be considered in the context of the criteria set out below and in future plans. 2. Land is allocated to accommodate 152 permanent Gypsy and Traveller pitches, 6 transit pitches and 82 Travelling Showperson plots. 3. Proposals for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showperson accommodation on unallocated sites will be permitted, where the proposed development: a. Is consistent in terms of location and size with Local Plan and national planning policy; b. Is accessible to shops, schools and health facilities by public transport, on foot or by cycle; c. Is reasonably accessible to services and will not cause traffic congestion or safety problems; d. In the case of Travelling Showperson sites, the site includes sufficient space for storage and maintenance of equipment and the parking and manoeuvring of all vehicles associated with the occupiers; and e. The site is capable of being provided with adequate on-site services for water supply; power; drainage; sewage disposal and waste disposal facilities.

Scale and Distribution of Additional Housing

The Local Plan allocates land to accommodate the housing requirement for the 19 year period from 2017-18 to 2035-36. The housing requirement is set at 1,400 homes a year (equating to 26,600 homes over the 19 year period set out above). This will be met by the development of allocated sites, continued provision of homes on land with extant planning permission in the early part of the plan period and from future windfall housing development on sites without planning permission at the time of adoption. To accommodate this source a windfall allowance will be applied later in the plan period. A five year supply of specific, deliverable sites will be maintained at all times. The five year supply throughout the plan period will be calculated using the housing requirement of 1,400 homes a year, taking into account any shortfall or oversupply of homes against this since the start of the plan period in 2017-18. 1. The scale and distribution of the housing requirement will be as follows: a. The largest number of additional houses will be built in the Sub Regional City of Wakefield, with similar numbers in the Principal Town of Castleford.

Drainage

a. Surface water from new developments must be managed using sustainable drainage systems unless it can be demonstrated that they are not technically feasible. New developments on existing formally drained brownfield sites will be expected to reduce run-off rates by at least 30%, and must not increase existing rates on greenfield sites. Change of use developments and conversions will be expected to incorporate sustainable drainage techniques wherever possible. b. Development will only be permitted if infrastructure required to service the development is available or the provision of infrastructure can be co-ordinated to meet the demand generated by the new development. c. Development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that it would not result in an unacceptable impact on water quality.

Protection and Improvement of Watercourses and Flood Defences

The Council considers it beneficial for watercourses to remain in an open state for both flood risk and environmental purposes. Where possible the Council will also encourage the removal of existing culverts. The Council will only approve an application to culvert a watercourse if there is no reasonably practicable alternative. 1. New development must make space for water and not harm the integrity of flood defences. New development should: a. Be set back from main rivers and any associated flood defence structures or culverts, and ordinary watercourses, and in the case of the former, maintain a minimum eight metre buffer strip, which should be free of development and naturalised where feasible. An Environmental Permit will be required for any work within the buffer; b. Maintain an adequate distance between new development and ordinary watercourses (a minimum of eight metres is required for maintenance). The distance applied will be determined by having regard to the nature of the development and the type of ordinary watercourse; c. Adopt a presumption in favour of the removal, where possible, of existing culverts; and d. Not involve the culverting of main rivers and ordinary watercourses. 2. Development on any land required for current and future flood management, which would adversely affect the delivery of flood defence schemes, will be refused. 3. Development on or adjacent to watercourses must not: a. Result in deterioration in a watercourse; or b. Impede existing normal or flood flows; c. Increase flood risk to upstream or downstream properties or land.

Location of Other Waste Management Facilities

Proposals for the development of waste management facilities other than in allocated sites shall be located in accordance with the spatial development strategy and the settlement hierarchy giving priority to: a. Employment Zones and Sites where most modern waste management facilities can be appropriately developed particularly where the co-location of complementary activities, such as "resource recovery" or "sustainable growth" parks is possible; b. Previously developed land in sustainable locations, including use of mineral extraction and landfill sites during their period of operation for the location of related waste treatment activities; and c. Redundant agricultural and forestry buildings and associated land.

New Waste Management Facilities

Proposals for the development of new waste management facilities will be permitted, where it can be demonstrated that: a. They are in accordance with the waste hierarchy; b. There will be no unacceptable adverse environmental, social or economic effects, particularly in relation to urban regeneration, economic development, environmental improvement, and growth priorities; c. The significance of any heritage asset will be conserved; d. There will be no unacceptable adverse effect on surface or groundwater. In the floodplain, proposals shall not adversely affect groundwater levels or water quality, impede flood flows, reduce capacity of flood storage or existing flood defence structures; e. Adequate means of controlling noise, light, vibration, dust, litter, odours, vermin, birds and other emissions are incorporated in the scheme, such that there would be no unacceptable adverse effects on the amenity of sensitive receptors; f. Development will be of a scale, form and character appropriate to its location and landscape setting, and not be visually intrusive in terms of height and size; g. There is a high quality of design, particularly in relation to site layout, external appearance of built structures, screening, boundary treatment, and landscaping to ensure that the development is well screened and integrated with the surrounding area and uses; h. Safe and convenient access to the strategic road, inland waterway or rail networks can be achieved and it can be demonstrated that the network has adequate capacity to accommodate any additional traffic movements generated by the proposed development; i. Adequate space can be provided on site to ensure that vehicles can enter, wait, unload and leave safely; j. Where appropriate, details of progressive restoration to a suitable after-use are provided; and k. Where appropriate provision is made to recover energy. Where proposals are not consistent with the Local Plan, they will be required to demonstrate that they serve an identified need.

Waste Facilities within Development

All significant development proposals shall make efficient use of resources and integrate waste management facilities. A waste management plan must be provided with all planning applications, which shall consider, where appropriate: a. Designs and layouts that allow the effective sorting, recycling and where appropriate composting of waste; b. The need to ensure that development can be served by appropriate waste collection methods to support recycling systems; c. Design principles and construction methods that, where appropriate, encourage the use of high quality building materials made from recycled and secondary sources; d. Construction, demolition and excavation methods using fixed and mobile plant that minimise waste production and re-use/recycle materials, as far as practicable onsite; and e. Accommodating community based sorting, recycling and composting facilities within new developments, where appropriate and feasible.

The Effect of Development on Public Services

1. Development will be granted planning permission provided that infrastructure, facilities and services exist, or can be provided via the development, which will allow the development to proceed without an unacceptable adverse impact on existing provision. 2. Development likely to cater or provide accommodation for users of publicly provided support services, including but not limited to mental health services, substance misuse treatment and adult social care, will only be permitted where it is clearly demonstrated that: a. A need for the development exists arising from the requirements of people already ordinarily resident in Wakefield or of Wakefield service users currently receiving service outside the authority area; b. Where the development consists of a facility directly providing a support service, the nature and scale of the facility is in line with the Council's commissioning strategies, such that resources are likely to be available to refer individuals to the facility and it can be reasonably expected that people already ordinarily resident in Wakefield, or Wakefield service users currently receiving service outside the authority area will be the principal users of the facility; and c. The development will not lead to an increase in the level of demand for any publicly provided support service, to an extent that is likely to result in a deterioration of the level of service available to existing users.

Digital Infrastructure

To support economic growth and social wellbeing in Wakefield District now and in the future, development proposals will: a. achieve high quality, mobile and broadband digital connectivity at the appropriate level for the development; b. ensure that sufficient ducting space for future digital connectivity infrastructure is provided; c. prioritise full fibre open access connections to existing and new development; d. meet requirements for mobile connectivity within the development and take appropriate mitigation measures to avoid reducing mobile connectivity in surrounding areas; e. avoid or mitigate detrimental impacts on successful functioning digital infrastructure; and f. support the effective use of the public realm (such as street furniture and bins) and rooftops to accommodate well-designed and located mobile digital infrastructure.

Waste

The following sites are allocated for waste management to meet the future identified need during the plan period. WS01 - South Kirkby Business Park (part) South Kirkby. The site is allocated for strategic municipal waste management and is in active use for this purpose. Other development within/adjacent to this site will not be permitted if it would prevent or restrict the extent to which it may be used for waste management purposes. WS02 - South Kirkby Business Park (part) South Kirkby. The site is allocated for commercial and industrial waste recycling, composting and recovery and is in active use for these purposes. Other development within/adjacent to this site will not be permitted if it would prevent or restrict the extent to which it may be used for waste management purposes. WS03 - Welbeck, Normanton. The site is allocated for commercial and industrial waste recycling, composting and recovery and is in active use for these purposes. Other development within/adjacent to this site will not be permitted if it would prevent or restrict the extent to which it may be used for waste management purposes. WS04 - Welbeck Landfill site, Normanton. This is an existing operational site where landfill capacity will be safeguarded as a means of final disposal of residual waste at Welbeck Landfill Site, Normanton. Other development within/adjacent to this site will not be permitted if it would prevent or restrict the extent to which it may be used for waste management purposes.

Land Reclamation Sites

The sites in the following table are allocated for Land Reclamation and are shown on the Policies Map: Former Prince of Wales Spoil Tip, Reclamation, Pontefract - LR01 Former West Riding Colliery Spoil Tip, Express Way, Whitwood, Castleford - LR02 Welbeck Landfill Reclamation Site, Boundary Lane, Normanton - LR03 Former HWS site at Shawcross Colliery, Owl Lane, Ossett - LR04 Former Spoil Tip, Bottom Boat, Stanley - LR05. The whole of this site is also designated as The Former Newmarket Colliery Local Wildlife Site. An ecological assessment will be required prior to any further reclamation work taking place. Any development would need to meet the tests set out in policies LP51 and LP37.

Mineral Reserves

The sites in the following table are allocated as Minerals Reserves and are shown on the Policies Map: Foxholes, North of Altofts - Sand and Gravel - MR01 Penbank, Castleford - Sand and Gravel - MR02 Newland Lane, Normanton - Clay - MR03 Nostell Brickworks (North), Wragby - Clay - MR04 Nostell Brickworks (South), Wragby - Clay - MR05 Crofton Triangle, Shay Lane, Crofton - Ash and Shale - MR06 The Strands, Horbury Bridge - Sand and Gravel - MR07 Darrington Quarries, M62 North Extension, Ley Lanes, Knottingley - Active Permian Limestone Quarry - MR08 Bracken Hill Quarry (Part) Green Lane, Ackworth - Sandstone Blockstone Reserve for Heritage Materials - MR09 Ash and Brick Clay Quarry, Field Lane South Elmsall - Ash and Brick Clay - MR10

Mineral Safeguarding Areas

The sites in the following table are allocated as Mineral Safeguarding Areas and are shown on the Policies Map: South Knottingley/Darrington - Limestone (MSA01) To safeguard limestone reserves in the east of the district - south of Knottingley. The Wyke, Horbury - Sand and Gravel (MSA02) The site will contribute towards the regional supply of aggregates and provide an adequate and steady supply of sand and gravel. The whole of this site is also designated as The Wyke Local Wildlife Site. Any development would need to meet the tests set out in policy LP51 and LP37. Stanley Ferry, Wakefield - Sand and Gravel (MSA03) The site will contribute towards the regional supply of aggregates and provide an adequate and steady supply of sand and gravel. Limits of the Surface Coal Resources (MSA04) To safeguard potentially economically viable deposits of coal in the district. The limits of the shallow coal resources are shown to safeguard coal mineral resources as far as possible. The limits of the coal resources do not necessarily identify economically viable deposits.

Petroleum Licence Areas

Petroleum Licence Areas have been shown on the Policies Map for information. These licences are granted by the North Sea Transition Authority and are not designated by the Council.

Mineral Extraction

Proposals for mineral extraction will be considered having regard to their impact on the natural and historic environment and human health. Taking into account the cumulative effects associated with all existing and approved developments affecting the locality, proposals to explore for, or extract minerals will be permitted provided they will not have an unacceptable adverse impact in relation to: a. Noise and vibration; b. Dust, particle emissions and air quality; c. Impact on best and most versatile agricultural land; d. Light pollution; e. Landscape character and visual impact on the local and wider area; f. Transport infrastructure or highway safety; g. Protected species or designated sites of importance for biological or geological conservation; h. Disruption to significant ecological networks; i. Increased flood risk; j. Impacts on the flow and quantity of surface and groundwater, and the quality of groundwater; k. Archaeological and heritage assets and their character, appearance and setting; l. Tip and quarry-slope stability; m. Differential settlement of quarry backfill; n. Mining subsidence; o. Geological structure; p. Migration of land contamination from the site; and q. Public access. Proposals for mineral extraction must be accompanied by sufficient information to demonstrate that such unacceptable adverse impacts will not occur, or can be satisfactorily controlled. Proposals for mineral extraction must include information to show how the site will be reclaimed at the earliest opportunity, to provide high quality restoration and aftercare, including the contribution towards enhancement of ecological networks through beneficial biodiversity after-use schemes.

Mineral Safeguarding

1. All proposals for non-mineral development within Mineral Safeguarding Areas on sites over 2 hectares must be accompanied by supporting information demonstrating that mineral resources will not needlessly be sterilised. Proposals shall satisfy one of the following criteria: a. The mineral can be extracted prior to the development taking place; or b. Mineral resources are not present or have already been extracted; or c. The prior extraction of the mineral resource is not feasible or economically viable; or d. The development will not affect the ability to extract the mineral resource in the future if required; or e. The prior extraction of the mineral resource will have an unacceptable impact on people or the environment; or f. There are overriding economic, environmental or social benefits of the development which justifies the sterilisation of a resource that could otherwise be viable for extraction. 2. Planning permission should not be granted for alternative development within an existing Mineral Reserve unless it can be demonstrated that it will not result in the sterilisation of an economically significant mineral resource.

Existing Uses in the Green Belt

Within Wakefield District a number of residential, industrial, educational and community uses are located in the Green Belt that provide local accommodation, employment opportunities or important community facilities. In order to allow for their continued use, limited, small-scale development will be permitted providing the following criteria are met: 1. Proposals for redeveloping existing uses within the Green Belt will only be permitted if very special circumstances can be demonstrated or the proposal meets the criteria set out in national planning policy. 2. Extensions and/or free standing buildings within an existing developed site and extensions and/or alterations to existing dwellings may be appropriate where: a. Extensions and alterations are not disproportionate over and above the size of the existing building(s) when originally constructed; b. Replacement buildings remain in the same use and are not materially larger than the one(s) replaced; c. The scale, materials and general design are in keeping with the character of the buildings and their surroundings; and d. Limited infilling or redevelopment on previously developed land does not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing development.

Viability Review

National planning policy provides examples of a limited number of circumstances where it may be relevant for the applicant to demonstrate whether particular circumstances justify the need for a viability assessment at the application stage. Where the applicant can demonstrate that particular circumstances justify the need for a viability assessment, the Council will use review mechanisms to ensure policy compliance and optimal public benefits through economic cycles. This will allow increases in Section 106 contributions to reflect changes in the value of a development from the date of planning permission to specific stages of the development programme. Viability assessment and review will be carried out at the applicant's expense. For applications that do not meet the minimum requirement for developer contributions at the point at which the application is submitted the relevant triggers and the terms of the review will be clearly set out in the Section 106 agreement. Increased contributions secured towards delivering a policy compliant development may be sought through on site provision or offsite commuted sums, depending on what is deemed to be most appropriate at the time for the provision being sought. The review mechanism will not be used to reduce the base level of developer contributions which are required as part of the planning permission. This will require a new or modified planning permission.

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

When considering development proposals, the Council will take a positive approach reflecting the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will work proactively with applicants to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in the development plan (including, where relevant, polices in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no development plan policies relevant to the application or the policies which are most important for determining the application are out of date at the time of making the decision the Council will grant permission, unless material considerations indicate otherwise, unless: a. The application of policies in the National Planning Policy Framework

Waste Management Facilities

Seeking to be as self-sufficient as possible in managing all waste arising in the district, further waste management capacity will be provided to meet identified needs through: a. The protection and possible expansion of South Kirkby strategic municipal waste management facility where it meets local and national planning policy; b. Supporting appropriate applications in employment areas where they meet local and national planning policy and would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on existing or planned neighbouring development; and c. Existing landfill sites. Existing sites for waste management, as shown on the Policies Map, have been carried forward from the Local Development Framework and will be protected unless it can be demonstrated that there is no longer a need for the facility, or where capacity can be met elsewhere in the district. Proposals for development within or adjacent to an existing, or planned waste management facility, regardless of whether they are identified on the Policies Map, will be required to demonstrate that the proposed development does not prevent, hinder or unreasonably restrict the operation of the waste development. New development for sensitive receptors within 250 metres of certain higher risk permitted activities, such as combustion operations, incinerators, composting operations, anaerobic plants and existing landfill operations will not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that any adverse impacts can be properly mitigated against.

Managing Residual Waste

To meet capacity needs priority will be given to the development of facilities to manage/dispose of residual waste at existing waste management sites within the district. Landfill capacity will be safeguarded as a means of final disposal of residual waste at Welbeck landfill site, Normanton.

Minerals

In conjunction with other minerals planning authorities within West Yorkshire, the Council will seek to contribute to the maintenance of a landbank of at least seven years supply for sand and gravel reserves and 10 years supply for crushed rock, as calculated through the Local Aggregates Assessment. The Council will also seek to maintain an adequate and steady supply of other industrial minerals: 1. Mineral Safeguarding Areas: Where there are known limestone, brick clay, fireclay, building stone, sand and gravel and coal resources of economic value, these have been identified on the Policies Map and will be protected from development that could result in their sterilisation. This applies equally to sites allocated for non-mineral development where economically viable reserves exist. 2. Mineral Reserves: Existing mineral reserves throughout the district with planning permission for ash and shale, limestone, clay, and sand and gravel, have been identified on the Policies Map and will be protected from inappropriate development that could result in their sterilisation. 3. Safeguarding Areas for Minerals Production: Are planned and potential sites for: the bulk transport, handling and processing of minerals; the manufacture of concrete and concrete products; and the handling, processing and distribution of substitute, recycled and secondary aggregate material. These have been identified on the Policies Map and will be protected from development for alternative uses. 4. Aggregates and Other Minerals: a. Working of mineral resources from land reclamation schemes may provide secondary aggregates and other minerals in association with restoration and/or development wherever practicable and environmentally acceptable; b. Sustainable transport will be used wherever practicable in connection with mineral extraction, particularly existing railheads and the wharf at Pioneer Way/Whitwood; c. The district includes areas where land reclamation is required, particularly on older colliery workings. Land Reclamation sites have been identified on the Policies Map at the former Prince of Wales Colliery Spoil Tip, Pontefract; the former West Riding Colliery Spoil Tip, Castleford; Welbeck Landfill Reclamation site, Normanton; the former Bottom Boat Spoil Tip, Stanley; and the former Household Waste Recycling Site, Ossett. Land reclamation will be supported and limited extraction will be acceptable where it enables reclamation; d. Mineral extraction before development commences will be acceptable, particularly where the development would result in a considerable extension to an urban area, provided the extraction is carried out in a reasonable timescale and in an environmentally acceptable manner. The contribution to the supply of alternative materials for use as secondary aggregates will be maximised by securing opportunities for recycling, processing and transfer of materials wherever practicable and environmentally acceptable.

Safeguarding Areas for Mineral Production

The sites in the following table are allocated as Safeguarding Areas for Mineral Production and are shown on the Policies Map: Redland Tarmac, Express Way, Castleford (SMP01); Redland Aggregates, Wakefield Road, Ackworth (SMP02); Plasmor Concrete Products, Womersley Road, Knottingley (SMP03); Ibstock Brick Ltd, Swine Lane, Nostell (SMP04); Hanson Concrete Works and Railhead, Calder Vale Road, Wakefield (SMP05); Siniat Gypsum Works, Willow Garth Park, Kirkhaw Lane, Knottingley (SMP06); Healey Mills, Sidings, Ossett (SMP07).

Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development

When considering development proposals, the Council will take a positive approach reflecting the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will work proactively with applicants to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in the development plan (including, where relevant, polices in neighbourhood plans) will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no development plan policies relevant to the application or the policies which are most important for determining the application are out of date at the time of making the decision the Council will grant permission, unless material considerations indicate otherwise, unless: a. The application of policies in the National Planning Policy Framework protecting areas or assets of particular importance provides a clear reason for refusing the development proposed; or b. Any adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole.

Settlement Hierarchy

Villages: Badsworth, Darrington, Hall Green, High & Low Ackworth, Kirkhamgate, Middlestown, Netherton, North Featherstone, Notton, Sharlston, South Hiendley, Streethouse, Thorpe Audlin, Walton, West Bretton, Woolley Local Service Centres: Ackworth Moor Top, Crofton, Fitzwilliam/Kinsley, Ryhill/Havercroft, Upton, Horbury, Knottingley/Ferrybridge, Normanton/Altofts, Ossett, South Elmsall/South Kirkby, Stanley/Outwood Urban Areas: Wakefield - Sub Regional City, Castleford - Principal Town, Pontefract - Principal Town, Featherstone, Hemsworth

Location of Development

To deliver the spatial development strategy, based on the settlement hierarchy, the broad spatial framework for the location and scale of development is: a. Most new development, including most housing, employment, retail and mixed use development, will take place within the Urban Areas taking advantage of existing services and high levels of accessibility. Significant amounts of development will be located in the Sub Regional City of Wakefield, the Five Towns and the South East, with a particular focus on the regeneration of Castleford, Featherstone, Knottingley, Normanton and South Elmsall/South Kirkby. In other Urban Areas, such as the south east of the district, the scale of development will reflect settlement size and function, the need for regeneration and to tackle locally high levels of deprivation. Specific Employment Site allocations will be made in close proximity to the strategic road network to accommodate market need for such sites in full over the plan period; b. New retail, leisure, office, cultural and tourist facility development will be located within Wakefield city centre and other town centres and in identified Special Policy Areas where consistent with site specific policies, the spatial development strategy and national planning policy, taking advantage of existing services and high levels of accessibility; c. In Local Service Centres the scale of development will be appropriate to the size of the settlement, meet the identified local community needs of the settlement and its immediate area and help create a balanced sustainable community; d. In settlements identified as Villages only small scale development will take place where it helps to meet identified local needs within the existing boundaries of the settlement; e. In other settlements not washed over by the Green Belt development will be strictly limited to meeting identified local needs within the existing boundaries of the settlement; f. In the Green Belt, development will conform to Local Plan and national planning policy relating to the Green Belt.

Safeguarded Land

Areas of safeguarded land have been identified on the edge of settlements which may be suitable to meet longer term development needs for housing or employment land. Within these areas shown as Safeguarded Land on the Policies Map, development will be restricted to that which is necessary for the operation of existing uses together with such temporary uses that will not prejudice the possibility of long term development. Permanent development on safeguarded land shall only be considered through the process of preparing and updating the Wakefield District Local Plan.

Impact Assessment

An impact assessment will be required for retail and leisure proposals which are outside of a centre, as defined on the Policies Map, and not in accordance with the Local Plan. This shall include the criteria for a town centre impact assessment set out in national planning policy. The following minimum gross external floorspace thresholds will apply (including the creation of a mezzanine floor): a. 700 m2 for assessing the impact of proposals on Sub-regional City, Principal Towns and Main Towns. b. 300 m2 for assessing the impact of proposals on the District Centres and Local Retail Centres. Proposals that are likely to have a significant adverse impact on defined centres will not be supported.

Non-Retail Development in Primary Shopping Frontages

Primary Shopping Frontages are defined on the Policies Map within the Primary Shopping Areas in the Sub-Regional City, Principal Towns and Main Towns in the retail hierarchy that contain predominantly retail uses and where further retail uses will be focused to retain the vitality and viability of the retail core. Within the Primary Shopping Frontage proposals for non-retail uses will be permitted at ground floor provided that: a. Within each continuous Primary Shopping Frontage the predominant use (51% of the total frontage length) remains retail (E(a)); b. The proposed use will provide an active daytime frontage that will diversify and improve town centre provision to support the vitality and viability of the Primary Shopping Area; and c. Existing neighbouring uses are not restricted by the introduction of new uses and the amenities of the new occupiers are not compromised by existing neighbouring uses. Development will be subject to local planning, traffic and environmental considerations, will provide customer choice and reflect the individuality of the centres.

Hot Food Takeaways

Proposals for hot food takeaways (use class sui generis) located within a 400 metre radius of secondary schools, as indicated on the Policies Map, will not be supported unless they are within a town centre, as defined by the Retail Hierarchy associated with Policy SP11 set out in Table 4. With regard to Wakefield city centre, the boundary of the Primary Shopping Area shall be used when applying this policy. In the case of Villages, listed in the Local Plan settlement hierarchy and identified on the Policies Map, proposals will be considered on their merits. There may be a case for hot food takeaways in Villages, which are likely to be some distance from other settlements/facilities. Consideration shall be given to the proximity to local schools and other village facilities. Locations near to village shops/services will be preferable.

The Evening Economy in Wakefield City Centre

Proposals for new/refurbished nightclubs, public houses, restaurants, cafes, bars and music venues must be accompanied by a statement detailing measures to establish and maintain a safe and secure environment in and around such premises.

Advertisements and Shopfront Design

Shopfronts, signs and advertisements make a significant contribution to the character and local identity of the district's town centres. 1. The development of new or replacement shopfront units and display of advertisements will only be permitted if they satisfy the following criteria: a. The design is consistent with the character of the existing building in terms of scale, quality and use of materials; b. Proposals respect the character of the locality and any features of scenic, historic, architectural, cultural or other special interest; c. The shop fascia is designed to be in scale, in its depth and width, with the façade and street scene of which it forms part. 2. Proposals for the alteration of existing shopfronts or installation of new shopfronts and display of advertisements on a Listed Building or within a Conservation Area shall preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the building, the area in which it is located and any features of architectural or historical interest. Existing traditional shopfronts shall be retained and restored unless exceptional circumstances apply. Proposals for new shopfronts and advertisements must be of a high standard of design and be appropriate in style, scale and materials to the building and its setting.

Retail Development in Town Centres

Primary Shopping Areas are defined on the Policies Map for the Sub-Regional City, Principal Towns and Main Towns in the Retail Hierarchy. Retail development will be encouraged and permitted in the Primary Shopping Areas of town centres and within other centres defined within the Retail Hierarchy, or sites allocated for retail use, as defined on the Policies Map.

Large Retail Development on the Edge of Primary Shopping Areas

Large retail outlets (food stores and retail warehouses) which cannot be accommodated within the Primary Shopping Areas of centres as shown on the Policies Map will be permitted on the edge of these areas provided that the development: a. Lies within the existing settlement boundary as defined on the Policies Map; b. Is readily accessible by people who rely on public transport, whether as shoppers or prospective members of the workforce; and c. Does not involve land allocated for other uses, unless there is no reasonable prospect of it being used for the allocated use, or the land is allocated for retail use. Development will be subject to local planning, traffic and environmental considerations, will provide customer choice and reflect the individuality of the centres.

Retail and Town Centres

Wakefield city centre is and will remain the largest and dominant centre in the district, performing a sub-regional role. Castleford and Pontefract will remain important retail centres serving the Five Towns area. Other designated town centres will continue to provide shopping facilities for localised catchments. Development will take place at a scale appropriate to the size, role and function of the settlement. To guide this approach a Retail Hierarchy has been defined. Within town centres the Council will encourage and co-ordinate private and public sector investment and action. The emphasis will be on exploiting the opportunities for better quality retail development, improving the urban environment, provision of housing, ancillary leisure and social facilities, and promoting the heritage, advantages and attractiveness of town centres. Priority will be given to the needs of pedestrians, followed by cyclists, public transport users and then motorists. City and town centres will provide a range of main town centre uses to promote choice and diversity, whilst retaining a strong retail core. Proposals shall support the vitality and viability of the city and town centres. Main town centre uses will be located within the town centres as shown on the Policies Map, and then in accordance with the sequential test as set out in national planning policy. The town centre is defined by the Primary Shopping Area in the Sub-Regional City, Principal Towns and Main Towns, for the purposes of the sequential approach to retail development. The sequential approach will not be required for small scale proposals for main town centre uses of 300m2 gross external floorspace or under. In the case of small scale rural offices or other small scale rural development this will be a cumulative figure for the site that will take into account previous development for uses covered by the sequential test. Out of centre retail and town centre related uses will only be permitted where they meet the requirements of national planning policy.

HS2 Phase 2b

A safeguarded alignment is shown on the Policies Map.

Number and Location of Car Parks in Wakefield City Centre

The total number of public car parks in Wakefield city centre will be reduced and replaced with a smaller number of larger facilities. Long-stay car parks will be located around/outside the Emerald Ring with good accessibility to the city centre. Short-stay car parking will be located within the Emerald Ring. In the case of residential development, car parks within the Development Sites and Special Policy Areas must be located underground or at ground level so as to secure safety and reduce the built footprint of the development.

Development of Pedestrian and Cycle Routes in Wakefield City Centre

Pedestrian and cycle routes shown on the Policies Map: Wakefield City Inset Map, Plan No.3 (Pedestrian and Cycle Routes) will be protected, developed and enhanced. Proposals for development on sites that include cycle or pedestrian routes must: a. Ensure that the cycle or pedestrian route is incorporated and designed into the scheme; and b. Either build the route or make a financial contribution towards the provision of the route. Cycle and pedestrian routes will be well lit and adjacent developments shall provide good surveillance to achieve safe and secure access through central Wakefield.

Access and Highway Safety

Highway safety, road traffic congestion, and the impact of vehicles on environmental quality and amenity are increasingly of concern within the district. Development proposals shall demonstrate that they can be accessed conveniently and safely and by modes of transport other than the car. In particular proposals shall: a. Ensure suitable access to and within the development whilst not presenting an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or severe residual cumulative impacts on the surrounding highway network; b. Be supported by travel plans which encourage the use of public transport, cycling and walking, where appropriate; c. Allow access and penetration by public transport, where appropriate; d. Provide pedestrian and cycling connections within the site and to its surroundings, including linking into existing and proposed pedestrian and cycling routes where appropriate, and ensuring these can be accessed easily and safely by all sections of the community; e. Include provision for safe cycle storage; f. Provide a level of parking provision appropriate to the proposal and its location (applying the agreed maximum standards set out in current guidance), ensuring that such provision is located in safe and accessible locations, paying particular attention to the needs of wheelchair/pram users which should be located close to entrances; g. Take into account changes in site levels to ensure the development can be accessed easily and safely by all sections of the community and by different modes of transport; h. Take into account the features of surrounding roads and footpaths and provide adequate layout and visibility to allow the development to be accessed safely; and i. Take into account access for emergency, service and refuse collection vehicles.

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

All applications for new development which include provision of parking spaces will be required to meet the minimum standard of provision of electric vehicle charging points. This requires: a. Residential: one charging point per dwelling with an associated dedicated parking space and where parking spaces are unallocated (for example visitor and communal parking) one charging point per 10 spaces; b. Office/Retail/Industrial/Education: charging points for 10% of parking spaces ensuring that electricity infrastructure is sufficient to enable further points to be added at a later stage; c. Motorway Service Stations: charging points for 10% of parking spaces; d. Petrol Filling Stations: provision of fast charge facilities; e. Pay and display car parks: charging points for 20% of parking spaces. If it is not practical or feasible to provide electric vehicle charging within the development then an equivalent contribution will be required to be made towards public electric vehicle charging infrastructure (for example on-street charging or public charge-points on public car parks).

Sustainable Transport

Accessibility to jobs and services by sustainable transport is key to building sustainable communities in the district and creating a competitive and efficient labour market within the sub-region. Priority will be given to locating development and directing investment to improve access to job opportunities between Leeds and Wakefield districts, reconnecting communities in the South-East of the district to Wakefield and the Five Towns, encouraging efficient public transport and tackling congestion in the Urban Areas, particularly in Wakefield and Pontefract. New development will be located in accordance with the spatial development strategy so that the need to travel is reduced and essential travel needs can be met by the use of transport modes other than the private car. Transport assessments and travel plans will be required for all major planning applications. In particular development will be located where: a. It can be served by alternative modes of transport other than the car, such public transport, walking and cycling; b. The traffic generated can be accommodated by existing or known improvements to highways and where it will not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or severe residual cumulative impacts on the road network; c. In the case of residential development, it is within convenient walking distance of essential local facilities and where possible is within 400 metres of existing or proposed public transport services; d. It makes best use of existing transport networks and has regard to future transport investment proposals, so as to enhance the viability of public transport services, such as the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040 - partnership working between West Yorkshire Combined Authority, district councils and the Association of Bus Operators in West Yorkshire and the Leeds City Region Transport Strategy. Where appropriate investment and delivery will be coordinated with Sheffield City Region, taking account of relevant Sheffield City Region transport strategies; e. It will improve accessibility to jobs and services for those without access to a car and those from disadvantaged groups and areas, and those who make a positive choice not to travel by car; f. Development which generates a large number of passenger movements shall be located in Wakefield city centre, in other town centres in the main urban areas or at locations which provide convenient access on foot, by cycle and public transport. The number and proportion of journeys by public transport, cycling and on foot will be increased by: g. Creating integrated, safe and attractive public transport, cycling and footpath networks across the district in support of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and the District Cycle Network Plan; h. Giving priority to buses, cyclists and pedestrians over the private car, particularly in urban areas; i. Promoting the integration of cycling and walking with public transport as part of longer journeys; j. Improving the frequency, reliability and quality of public transport services and infrastructure in support of the West Yorkshire Bus Strategy 2040; k. Giving priority to investment in public transport infrastructure and services in areas where public transport accessibility is poor (such as rural areas and settlements in the South East of the district and particularly their connection with settlements in the Five Towns area, urban extensions and Employment Sites); l. Giving priority to Urban Areas, notably Wakefield and Pontefract, where congestion reduces public transport efficiency; and m. Improving bus stopping facilities in support of the commitments and specifications of the West Yorkshire Bus alliance and Bus Strategy 2040.

Strategic approach to transport networks

In order to achieve a balanced and integrated transport network which makes the most efficient and effective use of road, rail and water transport, consistent with the priorities identified in the Strategic Economic Plan and West Yorkshire Transport Strategy 2040: a. Targeted improvements to the highway network will relieve traffic congestion and new roads will open up development sites. The needs of cars will be balanced with other road users to reflect the function of the road/needs of different places/communities to influence travel choices through demand management; b. Investments in the transport network will include support for the regeneration of Wakefield city centre and addressing the legacy of sub-standard infrastructure in the former coalfields areas, particularly in the south-east of the district; c. Development proposals will have access to the appropriate category of road to ensure that traffic can be accommodated safely and conveniently. Improvements to the highway network will be used to manage traffic effectively, relieve congestion and give priority to buses, in particular schemes at: i. Knottingley Sustainable Transport Package, Knottingley; ii. South Featherstone Link Road, Ackworth Featherstone and Pontefract; iii. Broad Lane Improvement Scheme, South Kirkby; iv. Denby Dale Road M1 Junction 39, Wakefield; v. Ings Road, Wakefield; vi. A650 Newton Bar Roundabout, Wakefield. d. Improvements to the rail network will include improving capacity, journey times and quality of public transport links between the urban centres in the district, Leeds City Region and South Yorkshire, particularly to Wakefield and Leeds city centre at peak times; e. The statutory rail undertaker will be consulted where development is likely to result in a material increase in the volume, or a material change in the character of traffic using a level crossing over a railway, or impact upon rail infrastructure. A full transport assessment and mitigation measures will be required for development that may increase the level of pedestrian and/or vehicular usage at a level crossing. The developer shall assess the impacts any development could have upon the railway infrastructure and provide for appropriate mitigation and funding for improvements; f. Better use will be made of the inland waterway and rail networks in the district, including the Aire & Calder and Calder and Hebble navigation and the regional rail/road transfer facility at Wakefield Europort. Opportunities will be taken to link major freight movement origins and destinations to the rail network. Developments which generate large volumes of freight traffic or involve the transport of bulk materials will include, or be located close to, inter-modal transfer facilities, rail freight facilities or wharves and make use of rail or water for freight movements, wherever practical. Sites which are used or suitable for inter-modal transfer facilities, rail freight facilities and the loading and unloading of water-borne freight will be protected for these uses and water and rail freight connections to existing industrial sites will be retained wherever possible and the development of new inter-modal transfer facilities, new rail sidings and rail freight facilities and new wharves will be encouraged. There are significant opportunities to import seabourne aggregates from the Humber towards sites in the district and large development sites next to the waterways shall consider the use of the waterway for the import of construction materials; g. High quality, safe cycle, footpath and bridleway networks will be safeguarded and extended to provide opportunities to reduce the number of short car journeys and for cycling, walking and riding for recreation in the countryside. Disused railway lines and waterways across the district, including the former Barnsley Canal, will be protected from other forms of development to safeguard their potential to be reinstated to their former use for commercial or leisure purposes or to extend the cycling or footpath networks.

Influencing the Demand for Travel

The Council will work with neighbouring councils and relevant national, regional and sub-regional agencies to develop a co-ordinated long term approach to manage the demand for travel. The spatial development strategy seeks to maximise the use of sustainable modes of travel – public transport, walking and cycling and reduce the need to travel by concentrating development in city/town centres. The strategy is supported by the District Wide Parking Standards set out in the Street Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document. Alongside this strategy, the Council will influence the demand for travel through: a. Managing the amount of car parking in new development through the application of parking standards in the Street Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document, which require minimum parking levels for residential development and maximum parking levels for industrial and commercial development; b. Reducing car parking provision on city/town centre sites where public car parking or alternative modes of transport are available, particularly in Wakefield city centre, and Pontefract and Castleford town centres; c. Reducing long stay parking (other than at railway stations and park and ride sites) and transfer spaces to short stay, where appropriate; d. Introducing park and ride facilities on major transport routes in association with public transport service improvements and measures which give priority to public transport in the use of road-space; e. Securing local and area wide Travel Plans to reduce the number of single occupancy car trips generated by or attracted to new development working in partnership with relevant organisations including National Highways and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

South Featherstone Link Road

An indicative safeguarded alignment is shown on the Policies Map. This scheme will provide a series of link roads and local bypasses of Ackworth, Featherstone and Pontefract. It will remove through traffic, improve road safety and the environment for these communities, as well as open up land for development within the Special Policy Area SPA24 'Land South of Featherstone'. The scheme will be funded from developer contributions and future transport funds and it is the Council's aspiration to deliver the link road in the plan period. The exact route of the road will be subject to further assessment and evaluation as the business case process advances. Construction is likely to be from 2024 onwards for the part of the scheme south of Featherstone, from the A645 in the west, required to allow development of up to 1,000 homes within Special Policy Area SPA24 'Land South of Featherstone'. The construction of the other parts of the South Featherstone Link Road are an important longer term objective for the district. The indicative route of the link road is safeguarded from development. The development shall incorporate active design and streets for people principles to allow pedestrian and cycle permeability with the surrounding area.

Barnsley Canal Restoration

A corridor up to 50 metres wide, 25 metres either side the centreline of the route, is safeguarded from development. The more exact and necessary corridor width at any particular point on the route, will be determined in consultation with the Barnsley Canals Consortium and the Barnsley, Dearne and Dove Canals Trust as development proposals arise. Land occupied by and adjacent to the former Barnsley Canal will be protected from other forms of development, in order to safeguard its potential to be reinstated to its former use for commercial or leisure purposes, or to extend the cycling or footpath networks.