9.1 The Leigh Park Strategic Framework has been prepared as a supplement to HBDWLP policy UA3. The initial sustainability scoring for this policy is contained at Appendix 1 of this report and shows that in accordance with those criteria the policy would have either positive or neutral effects.

 

9.2 Therefore, it is not surprising to see that an appraisal of the proposed actions contained within the Supplementary Planning Document also score broadly positive for sustainability. The identified negative aspects have been justified through the substantial benefits to be gained. Much of the negative aspects are caused by the proposals for release of significant amounts of greenfield land.

 

9.3 The development of Dunsbury Hill Farm has been established through the Local Plan process. In mitigation, the SPD has expanded upon the Council’s desire to improve public transport links to the site to reduce reliance on the private car and reduce the environmental impact of the proposals. In addition, the assessment has demonstrated the broad range of other benefits received by securing a range of investment and job opportunities in this area.

 

9.4 The proposals for new housing on greenfield sites adjacent to Leigh Park have not been tested at Examination. However, the area has been identified as a possible location for future development in the consultation for development options for the South East Plan and so has been included in the SPD. The amount and location of any new development will have to be assessed through the production of the Council’s Core Strategy and Housing Allocations DPD but this appraisal has demonstrated that there are significant advantages to be secured through new housing, providing the environmental cost is not too great. This will have to be investigated further through the LDF process.

 

9.5 A cautionary note must be added to the lack of consideration given to material resources, re-use of building materials and renewable energy opportunities. The single biggest development in the area will be at Dunsbury Hill Farm. Further work will need to be undertaken with SEEDA to investigate to potential for securing these benefits at this location.

 

9.6 This Sustainability Appraisal of the Leigh Park Strategic Framework has been produced alongside the SPD itself. Ongoing monitoring will be carried out in accordance with the proposals in Section 8 of this report to see what progress is being made and assess if further action is to be taken.