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Planning : UDP ...

Chapter 3 - Strategy and Part 1 Policies

INTRODUCTION

3.1 This chapter sets out the strategy, aims an objectives of the plan and Part I UDP Policies. The UDP is a statutory document and the Government provides the policy framework at a national and regional level for plan preparation. However, UDP's should contain the local planning authority's policies and proposals for the development and use of land within this wider context.

3.3 North Tyneside is located with a complex conurbation with a significant degree of interdependence in work place, housing, transport, social and leisure activities. While the plan deals essentially with land use its influence and the influences upon it combine economic, social and environmental factors. They can arise from local, regional, national and increasingly international considerations.

3.4 The UDP is one of a range of linked initiatives dealing with the way in which change will be managed.

3.5 The main factors which contributed to the development of the UDP strategy are considered in the following sections.

CONTEXT

Location

3.6 North Tyneside is a metropolitan district, one of five within the County of Tyne and Wear. The borough had a population of 195,500 (at 1991) and an area of 8,367 ha. It has the North Sea to the east, the River Tyne as its southern boundary, Newcastle City to the west and Blyth Valley District in Northumberland along its northern boundary.

3.7 The northern fringe of the borough is open countryside with the main urban areas including the towns of Wallsend, North Shields and Whitley Bay extending inland from the river and coastline. There are a number of other settlements between the main towns and the rural hinterland. Large open areas extend into the urban area.

3.8 The Tyne is a commercial river with shipbuilding, offshore fabrication, fishing and port related industries. It supports regular passenger services to northern Europe and it is increasingly used for recreational purposes. The coastline is attractive with sandy beaches and is a tourist area.

3.9 The borough has good external road links via the A19 southwards via the Tyne Tunnel and has access to the A1 to the north west. It has a good system of internal roads with the A1058 linking it with Newcastle City. Newcastle Airport is to the north west. A suburban electric rail 'metro' system loops through the borough linking the main towns and the coastal area with Newcastle and other districts of Tyneside.

3.10 An area south of the Metro loop and north of the River Tyne from the Newcastle City boundary to the Fish Quay near the river mouth was an Urban Development Area. It was the planning responsibility of the Tyne and Wear Development Corporation until 1998 and the Corporations proposals have been incorporated into the UDP.

3.11 An area north of this boundary and extending northwards along the A19 Trunk Road is a corridor which until 1999 formed North Tyneside's City Challenge Area.

Other Factors

3.12 In preparing and revising the plan the Council has had particular regard to:

  • international and national obligations, new legislation, and Government advice, especially that set out in Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPG's), with particular emphasis on Sustainable Development, Green Belts, Transportation, Minerals, Nature Conservation and Gypsies
  • Strategic Guidance for Tyne and Wear issued by the Secretary of State for the Environmentin April 1989 (RPG1)
  • the large number of representations made about the policies and proposals of the Consultation Draft UDP together with subsequent representations
  • existing Council Policies and Programmes such as HIP's, TPP, City Challenge, the Urban Programme, Economic Development Strategy, and current planning policies in Structure and Local Plans
  • proposals within the area covered by the former Tyne and Wear Development Corporation. A revised master plan was approved by TWDC for the Royal Quays area and an SPZ has been declared to stimulate and facilitate regeneration of a riverside employment area
  • policy initiatives in adjacent local authorities. The Newcastle Deposit UDP has now been adopted and the Blyth Valley Local Plan, in the context of the Northumberland County Structure Plan has included a Green Belt in that part of the District adjacent to North Tyneside
  • major policy initiatives at a local level including the Enterprise Zone designation, SRB and City Challenge proposals, decision on the new Tyne Crossing, the prospective Millennium and National Lottery bids, increasing links with northern European countries and the North Tyneside Environmental Action Plan (Green Plan).
  • town centre studies in both North Shields and Whitley Bay, improvements in Wallsend and recent planning applications to redevelop Killingworth and Whitley Bay Town Centres
  • the Tyne and Wear Nature Conservation Strategy
  • existing commitments and permissions, development completed, approved or proposed since publication of the draft UDP. There has been considerable activity during this period with the closure of a major shipyard; the decision by Siemens to invest in North Tyneside; sustained housebuilding and the revitalisation and redevelopment of the Meadowell and Royal Quays
  • • demographic, social and other changes which in particular impact upon housing requirements. Account has also been taken of the likelihood of some developments not being capable of being realised during the plan period
  • Local Government boundary changes in April 1994 with particular impact on environment policies and land use along the boundary with Newcastle City and Blyth Valley Councils

3.13 A fuller explanation of Strategic Guidance is set out in the next section.

Strategic Guidance For Tyne and Wear

3.14 The Council is required by statute to have regard to this guidance in preparing the UDP. The guidance is set out under a number of subheadings reproduced below.

Urban Regeneration

  • the primary aim of the UDP should be revitalisation of the economy
  • the focus should be on the regeneration of urban areas
  • regeneration should include provision of new housing, employment and recreational opportunities alongside improvement to the areas living, working and leisure environment
  • the UDP should allow potential for expansion to maintain the momentum of regeneration
  • plans should cater for natural change and changes in migration
  • a realistic range of sites for industrial use and opportunities for industrial and commercial development must be maintained • such sites should include inner area locations and sites close to the strategic transport network
  • a basic requirement of 12,600 dwellings (City of Newcastle/North Tyneside) from 1988-2001 should be provided
  • the close links between housing markets in Newcastle/North Tyneside were noted
  • the UDP should provide realistic housing choice but not to the extent that it frustrates regeneration or revitalisation or, that it promotes excessive consumption of greenfield sites

Retailing

  • the UDP should seek to enhance the level and quality of shopping service provided
  • town centres will remain the main focus for the provision of shopping facilities but a range of measures will be needed to secure them
  • a balance should be drawn between existing provision and future proposals
  • the UDP should consider how services other than retailing, such as housing could add to the vitality of centres

Transportation

  • transportation improvements should assist urban regeneration, support town centres, facilitate investment in housing and industry and enhance the environment
  • particular attention should be given to the improvement of mobility and the environmental quality of entry corridors
  • proposals should make best use of existing capacity and relieve pressure by the use of public transport
  • the strategic and primary route network should be used as a framework in assessing the need for new roads in connection with urban regeneration, economic development and environmental improvement
  • a comprehensive public transport system should be maintained and new development patterns should allow public transport to serve travel needs
  • provision should be made for bus priorities on congested corridors with terminals in major centres • extensions and improvements to the metro and rail system should be included in the UDP • land use proposals should be well related to the transportation system

Environment

  • special attention should be given to areas of strategic environmental importance which assist in the task of attracting inward investment and tourism
  • regard should be given to defining, protecting and enhancing areas and features of heritage importance and also Wildlife Corridors
  • policies to conserve and enhance the attractiveness of the countryside and maintain and improve public access should be included
  • policies for the supply of minerals should be established. Areas where there are presumptions for and against mineral working should be specified; mineral resources should be safeguarded against sterilisation by other forms of development. Plans should set out the criteria to be applied to determining planning applications for mineral development

Green Belt

  • North Tyneside should consider an extension of the Metropolitan Green Belt in North Tyneside
  • policies for control of development in the Green Belt should conform to the guidance in PPG2
  • a secure Green Belt should be established taking account of the likely scale of development needs into the 21st century

Main Changes

3.15 The overall strategy set out in the Consultation Draft UDP is largely unchanged but is now explicit in its provision for sustainable development.

3.16 The main aim and objectives of policies and proposals for the Local Economy remain unchanged in seeking to provide a range of employment sites. However, additional policies have been included to meet the needs of major investment projects with new sites allocated in the A19 Corridor and in the west of the borough; to allocate sites for leisure developments and, to maximise the benefits of EZ designation.

3.17 Environment policies have been amended and new policies included to take account of a wide range of new national advice much of it developing a strategy and key actions for sustainable development, including protection of the environment and prudent use of natural resources. In particular, alterations have been made to policies for control of development in the Green Belt and to the extent of the Green Belt and Protected Open Land to take account of PPG 2 and other proposals in the plan. Protected Open Land designation has replaced proposed Green Belt in the Murton/Shiremoor area and in northern Wallsend. A hierarchical approach has now been taken in developing policies for the protection of sites of nature conservation interest. New government advice on minerals, pollution and energy is now reflected in policies and proposals.

3.18 In respect of Housing recent demographic information together with sustained private sector building activity confirms an overall dwelling requirement of 13,300 (1988 - 2006) for which additional justification is now provided. A major housing proposal at West Moor has now been allocated for employment use. Policies for accessible and affordable housing have been clarified, and as a result of legislation the policy covering the provision of gypsy caravan sites has been revised.

3.19 Shopping policies and proposals now incorporate the governments latest advice to protect and enhance established centres. A new policy dealing with change of use of car showrooms has been included and clearer links established with policies for the local economy.

3.20 Objectives, policies and proposals for Transportation have been refined to take account of national advice (PPG13) to reduce the need to travel and also to reflect local programmes such as the TPP. A by pass for Holystone is now proposed and the West Moor/Killingworth Southgate extension has been deleted. Additional routes for possible public transport corridors are now included and the proposal for a Metro Station for Killingworth Town Centre is deleted. Some of the more detailed policies have been incorporated into an expanded Development Control chapter. The importance of increasing the attraction of cycling as a means of transportation is recognised.

3.21 Open Space and Recreation policy objectives remain unchanged. The policy for improvements and additions to facilities now includes references to playing pitch and children's play site provision. New policies are included dealing with the identification of new playing fields and proposals for recreation corridors.

3.22 Development Control policies have been extensively revised and expanded to take account of national advice, other UDP policies and proposals and, to clarify their status in the plan.

STRATEGY

3.23 Taking into account the range of issues covered in this chapter North Tyneside Council has developed a strategy expressed as a set of guiding principles with a spatial content.

3.24 These guiding principles are then explained by a series of aims and objectives relating to particular topic areas from which in turn strategic Part I policies and Part II policies and proposals have been developed.

Sustainable Development

3.25 The overall strategy is to provide for development which is sustainable. Sustainable development was defined by the Brundtland Report (1987 - World Commission on Environment and Development) as "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". The subsequent United Nations Conference (Rio 1992) agreed a plan of world-wide action to achieve sustainable development (Agenda 21 - Action plan for the next century).

3.26 The UK Government first published a national strategy for sustainable development in 1994. This has now been replaced by "A better quality of life - a strategy for sustainable development for the UK" (1999).

This has four main aims of equal importance:

  • social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
  • effective protection of the environment
  • prudent use of natural resources
  • maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment Local authorities have been set the target of preparing local sustainable development strategies (known as "Local Agenda 21"). The Council has produced an Environmental Action Plan (Green Plan - 1997) as a response to the LA 21 Initiative.

3.27 In planning guidance the Government draws attention to the key role of development plans (including this Plan) in contributing to the national strategy for sustainable development.

Environmental Appraisal

3.28 In accordance with Government guidance the UDP strategy, policies, and proposals have been subject to environmental appraisal. This involves a structured assessment of each of these elements of the UDP against 16 environmental criteria covering global sustainability, natural resources, and environmental quality. Such an assessment should be carried out at the various stages of the preparation of the UDP. Accordingly, an appraisal was carried out of the UDP as it stood at the Deposit Draft stage, and of the plan as amended by proposed Modifications. The two environmental appraisals have been published, and are available separately from the UDP.

Strategy Statement

3.29 The overall strategy of this Plan is to provide for sustainable development by achieving a balance between new development, regeneration of the urban areas, and protection of the environment.

The main elements of the strategy are accordingly to:

  • revitalise the economy of North Tyneside
  • allow for some population growth
  • locate most development on sites already committed and on land or in buildings to be re-used
  • locate additional development within or on the edge of the built up area where:
  • it is already accessible or has the potential to be accessible by means other than the private car;
  • it supports existing community facilities;
  • it provides the potential for mixed land uses;
  • it reduces the need to travel;
  • it minimises harm to the environment, or use of natural resources
  • extend the Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Green Belt across the northern part of the borough
  • protect open land between the built up area and the Green Belt, and protect urban open space • maximise equality of opportunity and access in all development proposals for all of the Borough's residents especially those experiencing economic, social, racial, physical or sensory disadvantage.
  • monitor, protect, and enhance the biodiversity and natural resources of North Tyneside
  • preserve or enhance the built environment

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Aim

3.30 To maintain and strengthen the health of North Tynesides economy.

3.31 This aim is fundamental to the well being of the borough's residents and is crucial to the retention of its population. A healthy economy is also essential in underpinning the provision of a range of housing, retailing and community services.

Objectives

3.32 to assist in retaining the Borough's population by maximising the number and range of employment opportunities, to achieve the highest possible level and quality of employment

  • to provide Borough residents with optimum access to employment opportunities
  • to focus employment support and job creation in areas with greatest potential by giving priority to development opportunities in the A19 Corridor and Longbenton, as well as meeting local employment needs in the older riverside areas, in the Longbenton area, and in Whitley Bay
  • to implement measures for the improvement of older industrial and commercial areas.
  • to protect the manufacturing base of the local economy from further decline, and attempt to foster its stability and growth
  • to encourage continued growth in service sector employment
  • to help existing businesses and to promote the creation of new businesses
  • to capitalise on the availability of well-located, easily accessible development sites by promoting a number of high quality, premium business locations
  • to support employment in agriculture and fishing industries by encouraging successful continuation of these activities
  • to promote further development of tourism in North Tyneside to provide additional job opportunities and to capitalise on the accessibility of the District's natural and man-made leisure and recreational resources
  • to support and develop the main centres of North Tyneside, as major foci of economic activity and local employment
  • to integrate development of the District's economy with economic planning across the region
  • to achieve a sound basis of partnership between public and private sector interests.

PART 1 POLICIES

LE1 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL ENSURE PROVISION OF A RANGE OF SITES FOR EMPLOYMENT ACROSS THE DISTRICT, SUFFICIENTLY BALANCED IN TERMS OF SIZE, TYPE AND LOCATION TO MEET NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE PLAN PERIOD.

LE2 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SUPPORT PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURIST AND LEISURE FACILITIES PROVIDED THEY ARE ACCEPTABLE IN TERMS OF THEIR IMPACT ON THE NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT. IN THE CASE OF USES WHICH ARE APPROPRIATE TO A TOWN CENTRE LOCATION PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY WHERE THEY SATISFY THE CRITERIA SET OUT IN (I) - (VII) OF POLICY S8 FOR ALLOWING KEY TOWN CENTRE USES ON NON-CENTRAL SITES.

LE3 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL ENCOURAGE, AND WHERE APPROPRIATE IMPLEMENT MEASURES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF OLDER INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS WITHIN THE BOROUGH, AND COVERING: (I) MODERNISATION BY REDEVELOPMENT, CONVERSION AND EXTENSIONS. (II) ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING LANDSCAPING AND RECLAMATION OF DERELICT LAND AND PREMISES. (III) IMPROVED ACCESS, TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AND PARKING, AND (IV) ADDITION OF NEW PREMISES. (V) DEVELOPMENT OF MIXED USE PROJECTS WHERE IT CAN BE CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THAT THE JUXTAPOSITION OF USES WILL NOT GIVE RISE TO UNACCEPTABLE CONFLICT.

LE4 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS OF ENTERPRISE ZONE DESIGNATION FOR THE SITES SELECTED AND FACILITATE THEIR EARLY DEVELOPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANNING SCHEME AGREED FOR EACH ZONE.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Aim

3.33 To protect and enhance the rural, natural and built environment.

3.34 The environment includes the natural environment, for example biodiversity, air, water, and landscape features; and the built environment, ranging from historic buildings to new housing estates. Therefore, unless the context indicates otherwise, whenever the UDP refers to the environment, this is a reference to the surroundings or physical condition of a particular place or area, whether natural or otherwise.

3.35 In addition to protection by UDP policies of the environment for its own sake, a high quality image and identity, together with improvements in the environment of the Borough and thus the quality of life, assists in retaining and attracting investment, population, and employment. The aims for the environment incorporated in the national strategy for sustainable development have been taken into account in the preparation of all UDP policies and proposals.

Objectives

3.36 to resolve outstanding environmental problems including giving priority to the reclamation of derelict land

  • to reuse vacant and derelict land and minimise the take of greenfield sites • to set high environmental and design standards in the control of new development
  • to extend the Green Belt
  • to maintain extensive areas of open land around the built up area and ensure that a pattern of linked open spaces is established within the urban area with access to countryside
  • to improve existing townscape and landscape and to protect historic features and areas
  • to promote biodiversity and to protect sites of nature conservation value.
  • to deal with particular issues including waste disposal and mineral working in a way that minimises environmental impact and maximises the potential to accommodate beneficial new uses, such as sport and recreation.
  • to ensure that the amenity of the coastline and river estuary is protected and enhanced

PART 1 POLICIES

E1 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SEEK TO MONITOR, PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE BIODIVERSITY AND QUALITY OF THE BOROUGHÍS ENVIRONMENT. IN CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING PERMISSION IT WILL ENSURE THAT THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT ON AND IN THE ENVIRONMENT ARE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.

E12 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL PROMOTE NATURE CONSERVATION AND LOCAL BIODIVERSITY, AND WILL SAFEGUARD PROTECTED SPECIES, THROUGH: (I) THE PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF DESIGNATED SITES OF WILDLIFE AND GEOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE, AND OF WILDLIFE CORRIDORS. (II) THE PROTECTION, ENHANCEMENT, AND CREATION OF WILDLIFE HABITAT. (III) THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF BENEFICIAL LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES THROUGHOUT THE BOROUGH. IN THE APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY, ACCOUNT WILL BE TAKEN OF THE BENEFIT TO THE PUBLIC OF LOCAL AND ACCESSIBLE SITES OF WILDLIFE INTEREST.

E13 IN PURSUING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WITHIN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL GIVE PRIORITY TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THOSE PARTS WHICH ARE MOST IN NEED OF REGENERATION BECAUSE OF THEIR POOR LAYOUT, PHYSICAL DECAY AND LACK OF AMENITIES, SUCH AS LARGE MUNICIPALLY BUILT HOUSING ESTATES, AND TO THOSE WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF PUBLIC ACCESSIBILITY AND/OR VISIBILITY SUCH AS PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT CORRIDORS AND TOWN CENTRES.

E15 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL PRESERVE, PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE HISTORIC, ARCHITECTURAL, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSETS OF THE BOROUGH.

E20 A GREEN BELT IS DEFINED WHICH: (I) EXTENDS THE EXISTING GREEN BELT ACROSS THE BOROUGH TO THE COAST. (II) CHECKS THE UNRESTRICTED SPREAD OF THE BUILT-UP AREA OF NORTH TYNESIDE. (III) PREVENTS THE MERGING OF THE FOLLOWING SETTLEMENTS: KILLINGWORTH WITH WIDEOPEN, DUDLEY/ANNITSFORD AND SEGHILL; SHIREMOOR/BACKWORTH WITH SEGHILL AND SEATON DELAVAL/HOLYWELL; WHITLEY BAY WITH SHIREMOOR, SEATON DELAVAL/HOLYWELL AND SEATON SLUICE. (IV) MAINTAINS THE SEPARATE CHARACTER OF SEATON BURN, WIDEOPEN/BRUNSWICK GREEN, DUDLEY/ANNITSFORD AND EARSDON. (V) ASSISTS IN THE REGENERATION OF THE OLDER PARTS OF THE URBAN AREA. (VI) SAFEGUARDS THE BOROUGH'S COUNTRYSIDE FROM FURTHER ENCROACHMENT.

E21 BETWEEN THE GREEN BELT AND THE URBAN AREA AN AREA OF SAFEGUARDED LAND IS DEFINED WHICH WILL BE MAINTAINED IN ITS OPEN STATE FOR AT LEAST THE PLAN PERIOD.

E26 AN AREA OF COASTAL PROTECTION IS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSAL MAP WHOSE OPEN CHARACTER WILL BE MAINTAINED AND WHERE POSSIBLE ENHANCED. ITS TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO THE EXTENT THAT THIS DOES NOT ADVERSELY AFFECT ITS LANDSCAPE AND NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE. LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WHICH WOULD ACHIEVE A BALANCE OF THESE INTERESTS WILL BE ENCOURAGED.

E27 IN CONSIDERING ANY APPLICATIONS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF NON-ENERGY MINERALS THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL HAVE REGARD TO NATIONAL AND REGIONAL GUIDELINES RELATING TO THE SUPPLY OF THE SPECIFIC MINERAL TYPE. BEARING IN MIND THE LEVEL OF NEED ESTABLISHED AND THE AMOUNT OF PROVISION MADE ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION EXTRACTION OF NON-ENERGY MINERALS WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH OPENCAST COAL EXTRACTION APPROVED UNDER POLICY E28.

E28 IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF COAL THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES WILL BE ADOPTED: (I) THERE SHOULD BE A PRESUMPTION AGAINST COAL EXTRACTION, WHETHER OPENCAST OR DEEP MINE, UNLESS IT CAN BE CLEARLY SHOWN EITHER THAT PROPOSALS WILL NOT HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN RELATION TO BOTH LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND THE WIDER ENVIRONMENT, OR THAT THEY CAN BE MADE ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE BY PLANNING CONDITIONS OR OBLIGATIONS. (II) IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE OPENCAST COAL WORKING IS PROPOSED SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSES OF CLEARING DERELICT AND DESPOILED LAND, OR TREATING LAND INSTABILITY ARISING FROM FORMER WORKINGS, PROPOSALS FOR SITE RESTORATION, AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE SCHEME BENEFITS THE COMMUNITY, WILL BE WEIGHED AGAINST THE SEVERITY OF HARM LIKELY TO BE CAUSED WHILE DEVELOPMENT IS IN PROGRESS AND THE TIMESCALE FOR SITE RESTORATION AND REGENERATION. THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SEEK TO ENSURE THAT PROVISION FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT UNNECESSARILY STERILISE COAL RESOURCES WHERE IT IS LIKELY THAT PROPOSALS FOR THEIR REMOVAL CAN SATISFY THE VERY STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS REQUIRED.

E29 IN DETERMINING ANY APPLICATION FOR MINERAL EXTRACTION THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPAL FACTORS: (I) THE PROPOSED SCALE AND DURATION OF OPERATIONS. (II) THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE SITE TO KNOWN MINERAL RESERVES WITHIN NEIGHBOURING OR NEARBY SITES. (III) ANY PROPOSALS FOR OTHER FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE SITE AND IN PARTICULAR THOSE WHICH MIGHT STERILISE MINERAL RESERVES. (IV) THE PROXIMITY OF THE SITE TO HOUSING OR OTHER SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT AND THE ANTICIPATED EFFECT ON THE AMENITIES OF RESIDENTS OR OCCUPANTS IN RESPECT OF NOISE, DUST, VIBRATION, VISUAL INTRUSION AND GENERAL DISTURBANCE. (V) THE EFFECT OF TRAFFIC TO AND FROM THE SITE ON THE ROAD SYSTEM AND ITS IMPACT ON NEARBY SETTLEMENTS OR RESIDENTIAL AREAS. (VI) THE EFFECT ON THE CHARACTER AND QUALITY OF THE LANDSCAPE OF THE SITE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS BOTH DURING AND AFTER OPERATIONS. (VII) THE IMPACT ON GREEN BELT. VIII) THE EFFECT ON FEATURES OR AREAS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL, HISTORIC, GEOLOGICAL OR NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE AND ON WILDLIFE. (IX) THE EFFECT ON AGRICULTURAL LAND QUALITY, FARM STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS. (X) THE EFFECT ON THE DRAINAGE OF THE AREA WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE POSSIBLE POLLUTION OF WATERCOURSES OR FLOODING. (XI) THE VISUAL IMPACT OF THE SITE WHEN IN OPERATION ON THE USERS OF MAIN ROADS AND THE RAIL NETWORK. (XII) THE EXISTENCE WITHIN THE SITE OF OTHER MINERAL DEPOSITS WHICH COULD BE EXTRACTED IN COMMERCIALLY VIABLE QUANTITIES. (XIII) THE IMPACT IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT TAKING ACCOUNT OF JOBS WHICH WOULD BE PROVIDED AS AGAINST JOBS OR POTENTIAL JOBS IN THE WIDER MARKET WHICH MIGHT BE LOST AS A RESULT OF THE DEVELOPMENT. (XIV) WHETHER ANY PART OF THE SITE TO BE WORKED IS DERELICT OR CONTAMINATED AND THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD SECURE ITS RESTORATION. (XV) THE LEVEL OF NEED ESTABLISHED FOR THE MINERAL TYPE AND QUALITY AND THE AMOUNT OF PROVISION MADE ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION. IN THE CASE OF COAL IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR INDIVIDUAL OPERATORS TO JUSTIFY THEIR PROPOSALS IN THE LIGHT OF MARKET CONDITIONS.

E30 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE MINIMISATION OF WASTE PRODUCTION, AND THE RE-USE AND RECOVERY OF WASTE MATERIALS, INCLUDING RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING AND ENERGY FROM WASTE RECOVERY. IN FURTHERANCE OF THESE AIMS IT WILL IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION AND IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY SEEK TO ESTABLISH AN INTEGRATED NETWORK OF FACILITIES FOR COL-LECITON, HANDLING AND DISPOSAL OF WASTE, CONSISTENT WITH PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT. IT WILL FURTHER SEEK TO ENSURE THAT WHEN WASTE HAS TO BE MOVED PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO BULK TRANSPORT SCHEMES BY RAIL OR BOAT WHERE THIS WOULD REDUCE THE OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.

HOUSING

Aim

3.37 To reverse current trends in population decline arising mainly from out migration and allow some growth in the population of North Tyneside by creating conditions under which the housing needs of all sectors of the borough's population are met in terms of choice, access, quality and location having full regard to the protection of the environment.

3.38 A good quality housing stock and environment are vital elements in assisting the borough to reverse current trends in population decline and allow for some growth.

Objectives

3.39 To maintain and where necessary improve the existing housing stock and its environment

  • to provide a range and choice of sites for all sectors of the housing market including social housing and housing for special needs
  • to make full and effective use of land and buildings within the built up area but balance this against environmental concerns such as the loss of open space
  • to locate housing development so as to provide a choice of means of travel
  • to minimise the take of greenfield sites by recycling urban land and buildings.
  • to ensure that environmental considerations and high standards of design are applied to all proposals giving particular attention to the access and opportunity needs of disabled people and to the improvement of personal safety and the reduction of crime
  • to support the primary aim of the UDP in the regeneration of the urban areas

PART 1 POLICIES

H1 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL ENSURE THAT A RANGE AND CHOICE OF HOUSING IN TERMS OF SIZE, TYPE AND LOCATION IS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE PLAN PERIOD WHICH WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEEDS OF ALL SECTORS OF THE BOROUGH'S POPULATION. THIS WILL BE SECURED BY: (I) PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING THE IMPROVEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND ADAPTATION OF THE EXISTING HOUSING STOCK, AND (II) SUPPORTING THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS, AND (III) PROVIDING LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 13,300 NEW DWELLINGS BETWEEN JANUARY 1988 AND DECEMBER 2006.

H6 PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR AT LEAST A 5 YEAR LAND SUPPLY FOR HOUSING AT ALL TIMES DURING THE PLAN PERIOD.

SHOPPING

Aim

3.40 To contribute to economic regeneration by enhancing the level and quality of the shopping service provided which is accessible to all sectors of the population and to ensure that town centres continue to be the focus for new retail investment.

3.41 Shopping provision in accessible locations is a necessary community facility but particular priority needs to be given to the borough's less mobile residents by continuing investment in existing centres.

Objectives

3.42 to support the vitality and viability of established centres, including bringing forward measures to improve their environment, safety, accessibility and by providing new floorspace

  • to focus retail development in locations which facilitate competition and maximise the opportunity to use means of transport other than the car.
  • to ensure the availability of a wide range of shopping opportunities within an efficient, competitive and innovative retail sector.
  • maintaining and improving levels of provision and the environment of local shops
  • making provision for new floorspace commensurate with new residential development
  • providing a policy framework for other issues directly related to aspects of shopping

PART 1 POLICIES

S1 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF A WIDE RANGE OF SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES TO WHICH PEOPLE HAVE EASY ACCESS BY: (I) SUSTAINING AND ENHANCING THE VITALITY AND VIABILITY OF EXISTING CENTRES AND, (II) SUPPORTING PROPOSALS FOR ADDITIONAL SHOPPING WHERE THERE IS A CLEARLY DEFINED NEED, WHERE THE SCALE, TYPE AND LOCATION WOULD HELP TO PROMOTE THE VITALITY AND VIABILITY OF EXISTING CENTRES AND WOULD NOT RESULT IN AN UNACCEPTABLE INCREASE IN VEHICLE GENERATED POLLUTION.

S2 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL PROMOTE MEASURES TO SECURE A GOOD QUALITY AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN THE BOROUGH'S SHOPPING CENTRES BY: (I) GIVING PRIORITY TO MEASURES TO ASSIST PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST MOVEMENT. (II) INTRODUCING TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND CALMING. (III) IMPROVING ACCESS TO AND WITHIN THE SHOPPING AREAS AND ENSURING IT MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, WHEELCHAIR USERS, AND CARERS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN IN PRAMS/PUSHCHAIRS. (IV) PROMOTING A HIGH STANDARD OF DESIGN. (V) ENCOURAGING THE FULL USE OF VACANT AND DERELICT SITES AND PREMISES WITHIN CENTRES WHICH WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVING OVERALL STANDARDS. (VI) SUPPORTING PROMOTIONAL AND CENTRE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES. (VII) GIVING PRIORITY TO MEASURES TO IMPROVE PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY.

S3 THE TOWN CENTRES OF WALLSEND, NORTH SHIELDS AND WHITLEY BAY AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS (INSET) MAP WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED AND ENHANCED AS THE MAIN FOCUS FOR RETAIL PROVISION AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES BY: (I) DEFINING THE AREAS OF PRIMARY SHOPPING FRONTAGE AND DEVELOPING DETAILED PROPOSALS TO ENSURE THE DOMINANCE OF RETAILING. (II) IDENTIFYING DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT AND REFURBISHMENT OPPORTUNITIES. (III) IMPROVING THE CENTRES ENVIRONMENT. (IV) IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY.

S6 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SEEK TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE ROLE OF LOCAL SHOPPING CENTRES WHERE FEASIBLE TO ENABLE THEM TO CONTINUE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR CATCHMENT POPULATION BY: (I) UNDERTAKING EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS. (II) DECLARING COMMERCIAL IMPROVEMENT AREAS. (III) UNDERTAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO PREMISES. (IV) IMPLEMENTING TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, ACCESS AND PARKING SCHEMES IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY T10. (V) SUPPORTING PROPOSALS FOR NEW RETAIL INVESTMENT APPROPRIATE TO THE ROLE OF THE CENTRE.

TRANSPORTATION

Aim

3.43 Ensure that transportation improvements assist urban regeneration, support town centres, facilitate further investment in industry and housing and enhance the environment.

3.44 Other elements of the UDP will ensure that land use proposals are well related to the transportation system recognising the need to contain urban sprawl, reduce the need for car journeys, conserve energy and permit the choice of more energy efficient public transport.

Objectives

3.45 to provide a safe and efficient transport system for North Tyneside

  • to reduce pollution, congestion and accidents
  • to maximise the efficient use of existing transport networks and facilities
  • to improve mobility and accessibility particularly for non motor car users and disadvantaged groups.
  • to promote an additional River Tyne crossing point
  • reducing the need to travel by facilitating a range and mix of land use patterns in close proximity to where people live
  • directing major trip generating developments to locations where they can be reached by means of transport other than the car
  • promoting usage and directing investment towards public transport, cycling and walking; and implementing travel demand management measures, such as parking restraint, to encourage people to modify their travel behaviour.
  • Although the basis of the new policy agenda is to improve public and non-motorised modes of transport, it appreciates that the car remains a very important means of transport for a large number of people. The road network in the Borough is largely complete and priority will be given to the maintenance of existing roads and management of the network rather than building new ones. There are nevertheless some instances where new roads need to the built.

PART 1 POLICIES

T1 THE COUNCIL WILL GIVE PRIORITY TO THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTEGRATED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM.

T2 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WHICH UTILISE SPARE CAPACITY IN THE EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK WILL BE ENCOURAGED.

T4 A HIGH PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO ASSISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATION BY GIVING PRECEDENCE TO BUS MOVEMENTS ON CONGESTED ROUTES, IN TOWN CENTRES AND AT METRO INTERCHANGES AND BY PROMOTING IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT PASSENGER FACILITIES

T6 THE HIGHWAY NETWORK WILL BE IMPROVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCILÍS GENERAL OBJECTIVE OF: (I) IMPROVING CONDITIONS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND (II) IMPROVING SAFETY AND CONVENIENCE ON THE PUBLIC HIGHWAY, AND (III) PROTECTING AND IMPROVING THE BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, AND (IV) IMPROVING CONDITIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, AND (V) PROVIDING FOR CYCLISTS; AND OTHER NON-MOTORISED USERS, AND (VI) IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY TO MAIN EMPLOYMENT, RESIDENTIAL AND OTHER AREAS. IN THIS CONTEXT, THE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER THE NEED TO INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF A HIGHWAY IN ORDER TO MEET SOME OR ALL OF THESE GENERAL OBJECTIVES.

T7 DEVELOPMENT REQUIRING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE HIGHWAY NETWORK WILL NOT BE ALLOWED UNLESS: (I) APPROPRIATE CONTRIBUTIONS RELATED DIRECTLY TO THE IMPACT OF THE PROPOSALS ARE OBTAINED FROM DEVELOPERS; (II) THE OPERATIONAL ECONOMIC AND ENVIRON MENTAL INTERESTS OF THOSE AFFECTED BY DEVELOPMENT ARE PROPERLY SAFEGUARDED; (III) IT IS AGREED WITH THE APPROPRIATE HIGH WAY AUTHORITY; AND (IV) APPROPRIATE PROVISION IS MADE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT, PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS AND HORSERIDERS.

T8 CYCLING WILL BE ENCOURAGED BY: (I) PROVIDING A SIGNED NETWORK OF CYCLE ROUTES SEPARATE, WHERE POSSIBLE, FROM MAJOR TRAFFIC FLOWS; (II) ENSURING THAT CYCLISTSÍ NEEDS ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE DESIGN OF HIGHWAY AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES; (III) ENSURING CYCLISTSÍ NEEDS ARE CONSIDERED AS PART OF NEW DEVELOPMENT AND WHERE APPROPRIATE REQUIRING THAT FACILITIES, INCLUDING PARKING, ARE PROVIDED, TO SATISFY OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS; (IV) PROVIDING CYCLE PARKING FACILITIES AT APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS; (V) PROVIDING ACCESS TO ROAD SPACE OTHER WISE SHARED BY BUSES AND SERVICE VEHICLES WHERE APPROPRIATE; AND (VI) PROVIDING EDUCATION TRAINING AND PUBLICITY WHICH ENCOURAGE SAFE AND GOOD CYCLING PRACTICE.

T9 THE NEEDS OF PEDESTRIANS, INCLUDING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS, WILL BE GIVEN A HIGH PRIORITY WHEN CONSIDERING TRANSPORT AND DEVELOPMENT ISSUES.

T11 PARKING REQUIREMENTS WILL, IN GENERAL, BE KEPT TO THE OPERATIONAL MAXIMUM AND SHOULD INCLUDE ADEQUATE PROVISION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND SPECIAL NEEDS.

OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION

Aim

3.46 To ensure that the recreational and open space needs of the borough's residents are satisfied and that the borough's recreational resources are protected and developed taking account of their impact on the natural environment and local amenity.

3.47 Recreation uses can have major land use implications and their availability is a significant factor in the quality of life for the borough's residents and in the image projected by the borough.

Objectives

3.48 to accommodate a wide spectrum of leisure and recreation facilities • to provide a choice of active and passive recreation facilities • to identify and protect an open space framework • to remedy shortcomings in availability and quality of provision • to protect amenity and environment in making new provision • to consider carefully any proposed loss of facilities and open space and to require suitable compensating provision when the loss is unavoidable

PART 1 POLICIES

R1 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL SEEK TO ENSURE PROVISION OF A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF FACILITIES FOR ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATION, WITHIN THE BUILT-UP AREA AND BEYOND, AND AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL ITS RESIDENTS.

R2 THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL PROVIDE FOR OPEN SPACE RECREATION TO BE BASED AROUND AN ORGANISED PATTERN OF ACCESSIBLE GREEN SPACES FOR BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL FACILITIES, VARYING IN SCALE FROM DISTRICT-WIDE TO NEIGHBOURHOOD SIGNIFICANCE.

R3 THE COUNCIL WILL AIM TO ENSURE THAT RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE RESOURCES ARE PROPERLY MANAGED AND KEPT UNDER REVIEW, AND WHERE NECESSARY AND IN CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS, WILL ENCOURAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS TO FACILITIES TO ACHIEVE AN OVERALL ENHANCEMENT OF THE DISTRICT'S AMENITIES. IT WILL GIVE PARTICULAR PRIORITY TO: (I) DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD SECURE THE USE OF DERELICT OR UNDER-USED SITES. (II) DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NON-LOCAL AUTHORITY PROVIDERS TO MEET NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES. (III) COMPLETION OF DEFINITION OF THE BOROUGH'S RIGHTS OF WAY NETWORK. (IV) CREATION OF GREEN RECREATION CORRIDORS WITHIN AND BETWEEN THE URBAN AREAS OF THE BOROUGH AND LINKING WITH ADJOINING DISTRICTS. (V) PROVISION OF AN INCREASED NUMBER AND RANGE OF CHILDREN'S PLAYSITES. (VI) ENHANCEMENT OF THE RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THE COASTLINE AND TYNE ESTUARY. (VII) ENHANCEMENT OF LOCAL BIODIVERSITY.

R5 IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR RECREATION FACILITIES THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY WILL AIM TO ENSURE THAT DEVELOPMENT IS ACCEPTABLE IN TERMS OF: (I) NEED DEMONSTRATED IN RELATION TO EXISTING FACILITIES. (II) IMPACT ON THE LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD IN TERMS OF VISUAL EFFECT, NOISE AND DISTURBANCE, AND TRAFFIC CONSIDERATIONS. (III) QUALITY OF DESIGN, BUILDING MATERIALS, AND LANDSCAPING. (IV) EASE OF ACCESS ESPECIALLY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT. (V) RELATIONSHIP WITH THE NETWORK OF GREEN LINKS ESTABLISHED BY THE UDP. (VI) THE IMPACT ON NATURE CONSERVATION AND BIODIVERSITY.