APPENDIX 1

NOTE TO APPENDIX 1

Please note that the Structure Plan policies set out in this Appendix 1, are the policies contained in the County Structure Plan, incorporating Alterations 1, 2 and 3, adopted in June 1995. This is the Structure Plan against which the Suffolk Coastal Local Plan, incorporating the First Alteration, was produced.The Replacement Structure Plan, the Suffolk Structure Plan 2001, is a material consideration when considering planning applications, and will need to be read in association with this Local Plan.Copies of the Replacement Structure Plan can be obtained from

Suffolk County Council
Environment and Transport
Endeavour House
8 Russell Road
Ipswich
IP1 2BX
Telephone: 01473 583000

 

THE COUNTY STRATEGY

CS1

a) Housing and employment growth will be accommodated at a level that will safeguard the environment and sustain the economic well being of Suffolk and does not give rise to problems of transport or service provision.

b) The structure plan provides for about 54,690 additional dwellings between 1988 and 2006 generally located as follows.

DISTRICTS
BABERGH	7,170
FOREST HEATH	5,330
IPSWICH	4,490
MID SUFFOLK	7,590
ST EDMUNDSBURY	9,780
SUFFOLK COASTAL	11,480
WAVENEY	8,850
TOTAL	54,690
POLICY AREA
IPSWICH	11,750

 

CS2

Positive initiatives will be undertaken to strengthen the economy and encourage employment growth throughout the county. In allocating resources priority will be given to areas meeting the following criteria:

a) Consistently high unemployment rates;
b) Particular problems associated with the scale and composition of the unemployed, including long-term unemployed, new entrants to the workforce and ethnic minority unemployment;
c) Limited range of job opportunities;
d) Dependence on a small number of industries;
e) A high proportion of declining industries.

CS3

a) Most housing and employment development will be located in or adjoining towns. The scale of housing and employment growth in each town will be consistent with the protection of the character and landscape setting of the town.
b) Major housing and employment growth will take place at:

i) Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket;
ii) Lowestoft;
iii) An expanded settlement at Red Lodge capable of accommodating approximately 1,500 additional dwellings.

c) In the following towns few if any new land allocations will be appropriate, as indicated in the relevant local plan.

ALDEBURGH	BUNGAY	DEBENHAM
EYE	FELIXSTOWE	FRAMLINGHAM
HADLEIGH	LEISTON	MILDENHALL
NEEDHAM MARKET	NEWMARKET	SAXMUNDHAM
SOUTHWOLD	WOODBRIDGE

 

CS4

Measures will be taken to maintain the vitality of rural communities, particularly in the rural development areas. A rural strategy will seek:

a) To reduce unemployment and diversify employment structure;
b) To improve accessibility to jobs, services and facilities;
c) To counter population loss in those areas experiencing decline;
d) A better balance between the population of working and retirement age.

CS5

The scale and location of housing development in villages will be consistent with the size and character of each village, highway safety and the availability of services, and should not detract from the character of the surrounding countryside. Where new general market housing extending the built up area of a village would be acceptable appropriate sites for such development should be indicated in the Local Plan.

CS6

Where a local need for affordable housing is identified to the satisfaction of the Local Planning
Authority, the Authority will :

a) On Local Plan Housing Allocations, seek an appropriate proportion of affordable housing;
b) Give favourable consideration to affordable housing on appropriate small sites adjoining villages which would not be allocated for general market housing;
c) Require prior agreements ensuring continued availability of houses provided under a) and b) to meet the needs of those requiring affordable housing.

With the exception of village development, provision for affordable housing will form part of the overall provision for housing specified on policy CS1.

CS7

New residential development to meet the needs of the Military Air Bases at Honington, Wattisham, Mildenhall and Lakenheath shall, as far as is reasonably practical, be located within the existing Air Bases, provided there is no significant adverse impact on:

a) Existing Communities;
b) The Environment;
c) Services;
d) Best and most versatile agricultural land;
e) Highways
f) Natural and cultural heritages.

Subject to the same provisos, development to meet such needs may be integrated with existing development immediately adjoining the bases; any approval for development permitted in these circumstances will normally be controlled by legal agreement to restrict occupation of the dwellings in view of the special planning considerations involved.

CS8

The re-use of appropriate redundant land and buildings at RAF Bentwaters will be supported through the development of a comprehensive community involving integrated proposals for existing housing, administrative and operational buildings, and community facilities. The new community should be approximately 1200 dwellings including new development. The development is to be the subject of a detailed master plan, which will take full account of policies for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Countryside and which will set out :

a) The proposed uses;
b) The phasing of proposals;
c) The intended rationalisation and clearance of existing installations and appropriate restoration of damaged land, particularly within the AONB;
d) The intended provision of new or improved infrastructure, education and community facilities;
e) Access arrangements and highway improvements appropriate to the site’s countryside setting;
f) A strategic landscaping scheme.

Proposals for development on hitherto open or undeveloped land will not normally be acceptable unless essential elements of the new community cannot be achieved within the currently developed area.

CS9

Re-use of redundant land and buildings at RAF Woodbridge, preferably by a single user, will only be
acceptable provided :

a) It conforms with policies for housing and employment;
b) It does not significantly conflict with environmental policies and in particular those relating to the AONB;
c) The traffic generated does not, when considered together with the implementation of policy CS8, exceed the levels on the local road network experienced at the peak level of USAF activity without appropriate improvements to the network;
d) Proposals are made for clearance of redundant buildings and facilities and restoration where appropriate.

CS10

Development will be located and designed so as to minimise growth in travel demand and to maximise use of public transport. Major new development will be closely related to the highway primary route network and the railways.

CS11

The protection and enhancement of the environment of Suffolk will normally be given the highest
priority, in particular :

a) The historic, ecological and scenic quality of the Suffolk landscape will be conserved through the control of development and by management measures;
b) In cases where conflict may arise between proposals for development and conservation in or near the heritage coast, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and The Broads, conservation objectives will be given the highest priority;
c) Development which would have a significant impact on historic buildings and parklands, conservation areas, special landscape areas or areas of Outstanding Archaeological or Ecological importance will not normally be permitted.

 

THE ENVIRONMENT

ENV1

The character and setting of Conservation Areas and buildings listed as being of special architectural and/or historical interest will be protected and enhanced. The demolition or major alteration of buildings in the statutory list will not normally be acceptable. Demolition of unlisted buildings in Conservation Areas will only be acceptable if it is demonstrated that redevelopment would preserve or enhance the conservation area. New developments in Conservation Areas or affecting the setting of listed buildings must be in harmony with their surroundings.

ENV2

The conversion of re-use of sound, traditional rural buildings will be supported where consistent with other structure plan policies, particularly where employment can be generated and where a significant environmental benefit would result from their retention. The conversion or re-use of other sound rural buildings for employment purposes will be acceptable where the building and the proposed new use respect the rural setting. Proposals likely to lead to significant traffic growth will not be acceptable.

ENV3

To conserve and enhance the special character of Suffolk, the Local Planning Authorities will require high standards of siting, design and landscaping and sympathetic location in all development. Proposed uses, their design and layouts must respect the characteristics of the site and its surroundings.

ENV4

The landscape quality and character of the countryside and coast will be protected for their own sake and their non renewable and natural resources will be conserved. Development will not normally be acceptable which is not required for the efficient operation of agriculture, forestry and recreation unless there is an overriding case for a rural location. Proposals for prominent structures will only be acceptable if the Local Planning Authority is satisfied that they are essential in the countryside, and that the location, siting and design minimises adverse impact on the environment.

ENV5

New housing will not normally be permitted in the countryside.

ENV6

New dwellings for agricultural personnel will generally be sited in towns and villages unless, in the case of certain key agricultural personnel, the needs of the farming enterprise can be shown to justify an exception being made to the policy against residential development in the countryside.

ENV7

Development will not be acceptable which would have a material adverse impact on:

a) The Broads;
b) Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
c) The Heritage Coast.

The only exception to this policy will be where an overriding national need for development in the particular location can be demonstrated and there is a lack of acceptable alterative sites, or where development conforms with polices MP9 or WD2. Where development proceeds because of an overriding natural requirement, removal will be required in the event of redundancy at a later date.

Development which would have a material adverse impact on a special landscape area will not normally be acceptable.

ENV8

Special landscape areas will have the characteristics of one or more of the following :

a) River valleys which still possess traditional grazing meadows with their hedgerows, dykes and associated flora and fauna;
b) The Brecks, including remaining heathland, former heath recently ploughed, other arable areas, river valleys and the characteristic lines and belts of Scots Pine;
c) Historic parklands and gardens;
d) Other areas of countryside where topography and natural vegetation, particularly broadleaved woodland, combine to produce an area of special landscape quality and character.

ENV9

The following special landscape areas will be defined in local plans :

a) The Waveney and Dove Valleys and The Little Ouse Valley East of Brandon;
b) The Upper Deben, Ore and Alde Valleys, Minsmere River/Yox Valley and parts of the Blyth Valleys and Kessingland Hundred;
c) The Fynn and Mill River Valleys;
d) The Lark Valley and Brecks from Fornham St Genevieve to Herringswell, Barton Mills and Lakenheath;
e) The Stour Valley from Long Melford to the Dedham Vale AONB, and the Glem, Brett, Box and Chad Brook Valleys;
f) Areas East of Newmarket and South Bury St Edmunds;
g) Historic parklands and gardens;
h) Other areas meeting the criteria of policy ENV 8.

ENV10

Proposals for energy generation will be considered against policy ENV 4 or ENV 7, depending on location, and against other Structure Plan policies for the protection of the environment.

ENV11

Renewable energy development will not be acceptable which would have a materially adverse impact on:

a) The Broads;
b) Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
c) The Heritage Coast;
d) Special Landscape areas.

The only expectations to this policy will be where an overriding national need for development in the particular location can be demonstrated and there is a lack of alternative sites.

Other renewable energy development will be considered on its merits against Structure Plan policies for protection of the environment.

Proposals for prominent structures will only be acceptable if the Local Planning Authority is satisfied that the location, siting and design minimises adverse impact on the environment. Removal of structures will be required in the event of redundancy at a later date.

ENV12

In the provision of land for development and in the consideration of development proposals full recognition will be given to the need to minimise the irreversible loss of best and most versatile agricultural land and woodland, and to minimise the severance and disruption of viable farms and commercial woodland. Best and most versatile land includes that in the Ministry of Agriculture grades 1, 2, and 3A.

ENV13

The retention and management of existing trees, hedgerows and woodlands will be encouraged for their economic, landscape and ecological value and historic interest. Where serious harm to the landscape or wildlife would result from felling, District Councils will, where appropriate, impose Tree Preservation Orders. The Local Authorities will carry out planting themselves, will support planting by others in conjunction with the Countryside Commission, and provide advice on the conservation of the landscape.

ENV14

Development will not be acceptable if it would have a material adverse impact on the availability or quality of ground or surface water.

ENV15

Development will not be acceptable if it would impede materially the flow or storage of floodwater, increase the risk of flooding elsewhere or increase the number of people or properties at risk of flooding.

ENV16

Development will not be acceptable which would adversely affect the integrity of tidal or fluvial defences, or would be likely to be affected by marine erosion during its expected lifetime.

ENV17

Development will not be acceptable which would have a material adverse impact on :

a) ‘Ramsar’ sites;
b) Special protection areas established in accordance with E.C. Directive 79/409;
c) National and Marine Nature Reserves;
d) Sites of Special Scientific Interest;
e) Sites proposed for the above designations;
f) Sites supporting species protected by specific legislation and species listed in red data book (Nationally Rare Species).

The only exceptions to this policy will be where an overriding national need for development in the particular location can be demonstrated and there is a lack of acceptable alternative sites, or development conforms with policies MP12 or WD2.

Development will not normally be acceptable which is likely to result in the destruction of or damage to other important habitats, in particular county wildlife sites and local Nature Reserves, regionally important geological or geomorphological sites or sites proposed for such designations, either directly or indirectly.

The County Council will declare Local Nature Reserves on its own land or acquire land for that purpose, and will by agreement with landowners declare and promote Local Nature Reserves on private land.

ENV18

The overall strategy for The Broads is :

a) To conserve and enhance the built environment, the landscape, waterways, water quality and wildlife of the area, with conservation taking priority over other considerations in the determination of development proposals;
b) To allow the development of new facilities for informal recreation and holidays, and business development sustaining the economic and social wellbeing of the area, only in locations and on a scale which will not materially damage the ecological and landscape qualities of the area and its built environment.

ENV19

In The Broads, additional permanent moorings for private craft and expansion or new development likely to lead to more motor boats using The Broads will not normally be acceptable. Provision for new overnight moorings will normally be made only in off-river cuts or mooring basins.

ENV20

Development will not normally be acceptable if it would have a material adverse effect on scheduled ancient monuments or other sites of National Archaeological importance, or their settings. On other sites, provided there is no overriding case against development, planning permission will normally be subject to satisfactory prior arrangements being agreed including one or more of the following :

a) The preservation of remains within a development;
b) The recording of remains by archaeological excavation before development commences;
c) A watching brief during development

 

THE ECONOMY

ECON1

Expansion of an existing employment use will normally be acceptable provided that this would not materially conflict with residential amenity or with policies for transport or protection of the environment.

ECON2

Most new employment uses will be located at towns on areas allocated in Local Plans, and will not normally be acceptable in the countryside. Retailing development will not normally be acceptable on sites allocated for other employment uses.

ECON3

New small scale employment uses will normally be acceptable :

a) In existing buildings;
b) On unallocated sites within towns;
c) On sites in or closely related to villages;

Subject to no material conflict with residential amenity or with policies for transport or protection of the environment.

ECON4

Proposals to expand the Port of Felixstowe in accordance with the provisions of the Felixstowe Dock Act 1988 will be supported. Proposals to maintain or expand the Ports of Ipswich and Lowestoft will be supported subject to no material conflict with residential amenity, or policies for transport or protection of the environment.

ECON5
Warehousing, Haulage Depots and Container Compounds for non-local distribution purposes will only be acceptable on industrial sites well related to the primary route network.

ECON6

Provision will be made for new employment, taking into account :

a) The locational guidance in polices CS2, CS3, CS4, CS10, ECON2, ECON4 and ECON5;
b) The amount, location and availability of existing commitments for employment uses;
c) Historic rates of take up of land for employment uses;
d) The needs of existing and new businesses, including special needs such as port – related and high technology development
e) The need to seek to ensure the availability of a range and variety of sites;
f) Policies for transport and protection of the environment.

ECON7

The vitality, viability and character of town centres will be maintained and enhanced by seeking :

a) Improvements to the quality and range of retailing facilities;
b) Provision for service, business, leisure and residential uses;
c) Improvements to the environment, traffic and pedestrian circulation and car parking, through both Pubic and private sector investment, wherever possible giving priority to pedestrians in shopping streets and the circulation of buses and essential service vehicles over other traffic elsewhere.

ECON8

Provision for additional shopping development shall normally be made within town centres and local centres. Where opportunities for such provision are not available, provision may be made immediately adjacent to such centres, normally on sites identified in Local Plans.

ECON9

Retailing proposals including retail warehousing will not be acceptable where they would :

a) Have a material adverse impact on the vitality, viability or character of a town or local centre, the Local Plan strategy for such a centre, or future investment necessary to safeguard its vitality and viability;
b) Materially conflict with policies for transport or protection of the environment.

ECON10

Subject to the environment policies and to the more detailed guidance in policies ECON11 and ECON12 and REC2, REC3 and REC4 below, development of accommodation and facilities for tourists will be acceptable, in particular development which :

a) Extends the tourist season and/or enhances the range of tourist attractions, particularly at Lowestoft and Felixstowe;
b) Provides employment in areas of special need, including the rural development area;
c) Relieves existing conflicts, leads to the improvement of derelict or under used sites, or brings about the conservation or improvement of significant environmental assets.

ECON11

In towns and villages proposals for tourist accommodation will normally be acceptable provided that they are compatible with policies for protection of the environment, and for transport.

ECON12

The development of tourist accommodation in the countryside in cabins, chalets, caravans and camping sites is acceptable provided that it is compatible with polices for protection of the environment and for transport. It will not however normally be appropriate :

a) In The Broads;
b) In The Dedham Vale AONB;
c) Adjoining the estuaries of The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB;
d) In The Heritage Coast.

TRANSPORT

T1

The County Council will secure improvements to travel and environmental conditions through the management and improvement of the County’s transport system. High priority will be given to secure improvements to travel and environmental conditions in towns and in particular in Ipswich, Bury St. Edmunds and Lowestoft. Transport provision for towns will include the following measures which will respect and wherever possible enhance the environment :

a) Traffic Management to make full use of the Highway Network; and to exclude as far as possible through traffic from shopping areas, housing areas and conservation areas;
b) Priority in the use of public car parking in town centres will be given to short-term parking;
c) Long-term parking will primarily be in car parks outside town centres;
d) Improvements will be made to the effectiveness of public transport to encourage increased use particularly for journeys to work;
e) Improved routes and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists including provision in new housing and industrial developments, traffic management schemes and any improvements;
f) Road improvements, including new roads, particularly those which complement the above measures;
g) Provision for the parking of heavy goods vehicles;

T2

At Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St. Edmunds the major road schemes to implement policy T1 are as follows (in priority order for each town) :

Ipswich :
A1214 Kesgrave Bypass	(1993/94)
Lowestoft :
A12 Eastern Relief Road	(1993/94)
A146 Barnby-Carlton Colville Bypass	(Short Term)
Bury St Edmunds :
1st Phase	Dualling of Rougham Road
(Short Term)	Holywater Meadows Link
	Parkway Junction improvements
	Cullum Road Widening
2nd Phase
(Medium – Long Term)	Dualling of Parkway (North) Tayfen Road
	Dualling of Compiegne Way, A14 to Northgate Street
	Tayfen Meadows Link

T3

The following major trunk road schemes in Suffolk are proposed in the Department of Transport’s road programme during the period up to 2006 :

A11	Fiveways roundabout to Bridgeham Heath, Norfolk
A12	South of Four Sisters Grade separated junction
A12	Martlesham to Woodbridge improvement
A12	Woodbridge to Wickham Market improvement
A12	Wickham Market to Saxmundham Bypass
A12	Saxmundham Bypass improvement
A12	Saxmundham Bypass to Lowestoft widening
A12	Lowestoft second Harbour Crossing
A14	Rookery Cross grade separated junction
A14	Quarries Cross improvements
A140	Beacon Hill to Scole improvement
A140	Scole Bypass.

T4

In addition to the road improvements listed in policies T2 and T3 other major road improvements to the network of roads of more than local importance will be undertaken to :

a) Reduce high accident rates;
b) Bypass towns and villages where there is serious environmental intrusion by through traffic;
c) Improve access to locations where economic promotion is required;
d) Serve other major growth locations;

Major road schemes under this policy will include:

1993/94	A143	Rickinghall/Botesdale Bypass
	A143	Scole – Stuston Bypass
Short Term	A131	Sudbury Western Bypass/Southern Link Road
	A604	Haverhill Bypass
Medium Term	A144	Bungay Bypass
	A1065	Brandon Bypass
	A1092	Clare Bypass
	A1101	Mildenhall Bypass
Long Term	A134	Newton Bypass
	A134	A1141 Junction to Sicklesmere
	A143	Gt Barton Bypass
	A143	Horringer Bypass
	A1071	Hintlesham Bypass
	A1092	Cavendish Bypass
	A1092	Stoke by Clare Bypass

T5

All new road schemes and alterations or improvements to existing roads will be located and designed to minimise adverse impact on the landscape, built environment, ecology, archaeology and natural resources of the county.

T6

The County Council will promote an effective Public Transport Network, through :

a) The integration of various transport modes;
b) Support for additional facilities to improve rail services;
c) Support for rural bus services;
d) The use of rail as an alternative to road freight traffic where appropriate.

T7

In all development proposals, except as indicated in policy IP8b), adequate access and car parking provision must be secured. Developers will be required to fund the necessary highway and/or other transport improvements including public transport improvements; proposals generating a significant volume of traffic will not be acceptable where the adverse effects on safety, traffic flows or the environment cannot be satisfactorily overcome. Developments including the movement of substantial volumes of bulk material will normally be expected to provide rail handling facilities.

RECREATION & LEISURE

REC1

Proposals which would involve the loss of an existing public recreational facility will normally only be acceptable where it can be shown not to be required in relation to the overall needs of the community, adopted standards of provision and the availability of facilities elsewhere.

REC2

In towns and villages the development of facilities for both indoor and outdoor recreation will normally be acceptable, provided that proposals are compatible with policies for protection of the environment and for transport.

REC 3 In the Countryside

a) Large scale recreation facilities will normally be acceptable if they are sited where good access is available from towns and the proposals are compatible with the policies for protection of the environment and for transport.
b) Proposals for small-scale facilities for public appreciation and enjoyment of the Suffolk countryside and heritage will normally be encouraged provided that they are consistent with policies for protection of the environment and for transport.
c) Recreation proposals under a) and b) will not be acceptable if through the effect of structures, noise, light emission or other intrusive characteristics the development would not be in harmony with the character of the Countryside.
d) In the Heritage Coast, the estuaries of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and Dedham Vale AONB, only small-scale recreation facilities will normally be acceptable and only where they replace facilities in unsatisfactory locations or significantly lessen existing conflicts.

REC4

The development of berths and moorings on the estuaries and coast will not be acceptable outside towns but maybe acceptable at Ipswich and Lowestoft, subject to there being no materially adverse impact on the environment.

REC5

Footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes will be created as opportunities and resources permit, making use of disused railway lines and riverside towpaths where appropriate. The network will include long distance as well as local routes, and nature trails. Particular attention will be given to the creation of circular routes starting and finishing at or near suitable parking areas or public transport stops.

MINERALS

MP1

The County Council will seek to maintain the contribution from Suffolk towards meeting the local, regional and national demand for sand and gravel. In particular a reserve of land with planning permission for sand and gravel extraction will be maintained to meet the level of ‘Land Won’ demand currently forecast to be met from within the county. The aim will be for such a ‘Landbank’ to be maintained at a level sufficient for not less than a 10 year period.

MP2

To help meet overall aggregate demand, the continued use of marine dredged sand and gravel at levels envisaged in national guidelines will be encouraged, subject to the department of the environment being satisfied that dredging does not give rise to adverse impact upon nature conservation, fishery protection interests, marine archaeology and coastal defence. The landing of all important aggregates will be encouraged at Lowestoft, Felixstowe and Ipswich provided that processing operations do not give rise to unacceptable environmental problems and the transport of aggregates does not lead to unacceptable highway safety and environmental problems.

MP3

The County Council will support the provision of rail depots and the use of port facilities at Lowestoft, Felixstowe and Ipswich for receiving imported rock and transferring to road as may prove necessary, provided that any environmental and highway safety problems in the locality of these facilities can be overcome.

MP4

The County Council will seek to ensure that there are sufficient permitted reserves of chalk within the County for at least 10 years extraction and will pay regard to the geographical location of reserves and the ability of the limited number of existing operators to meet demand when considering applications for planning permission.

MP5

In considering proposals for the cement manufacturing industry the County Council will have regard to the capital intensive nature of the industry and the need to ensure a long term supply of chalk and clay.

MP6

Permitted mineral reserves and potential resources will be protected as far as reasonably practicable from development which might preclude their later extraction.

MP7

Planning permission for mineral extraction will not normally be granted if it would lead or contribute to a significant reduction in output or the cessation of output at other operational sites, the consequence of which would be detrimental to the development.

MP8

In considering applications for mineral extraction the County Council may have regard to the effectiveness of operations at adjacent or similar sites in minimising disturbance to the environment and in achieving satisfactory restoration.

MP9

New mineral workings or extensions to existing sites will not normally be permitted :

a) In The Broads Authority area and in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
b) On land immediately outside these areas but which is nevertheless important for an appreciation of the high visual quality of designated area.

All proposals in these areas will normally need to be accompanied by an environmental statement prepared in accordance with the current Environmental Effects Regulations. Proposals will be rigorously examined in the light of :

i) an analysis of the issues in the environmental statement;
ii) whether there is a need for working to meet regional requirements;
iii) whether there are available alternative sources of supply to meet the needs identified in (ii)

Planning permission will only be granted where the proposed development and its consequences are considered to be acceptable.

MP10

New mineral workings and extensions to existing sites in special landscape areas will be examined with particular regard to the physical and other special qualities of the application site and surroundings. New workings and extensions to existing sites will not normally be permitted unless it can be shown that there is a proven need to work the mineral and any special quality of the application site and/or surroundings will not be permanently and adversely affected.

MP11

Favourable consideration will normally be given to an extension to an existing mineral site not lying within or immediately outside The Broads, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or Special Landscape Area, subject to there being no unacceptable conflict with other Structure Plan policies.

MP12

New mineral workings, extensions to existing sites and mineral related activities including processing plant will not normally be permitted in the following circumstances :

a) Where they would result in the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land unless :

i) the application includes acceptable proposals for progressive restoration back to agricultural use; and
ii) it can be shown that the quality of the restored land will not be materially less than existed previously as a result of working;

b) Where any of those existing or proposed sites or habitats listed in policy ENV17 would be adversely affected;
c) Where satisfactory access to a highway cannot be provided or where traffic generated by a proposal cannot be safely accommodated on available approach roads, or where traffic generated would be materially harmful to the environment;

d) Where a proposal adjoins or is near to housing, unless by the use of :

i) effective screening, phase and sound attenuation measures;
ii) traffic routing;
iii) restricted working hours which will normally exclude weekends;

Any disruption to amenity can be kept to an acceptable level;

e) Where after consultation with the National Rivers Authority, it is considered that there would be a material adverse impact on the quality or availability of ground or surface water;
f) Where the proposal would damage a scheduled ancient monument or other archaeological site which is of National importance, or the setting of such a monument or site;

MP13

Before granting permission for mineral extraction the County Council will secure to its satisfaction :

a) A programme setting out the method and phasing of working;
b) Such provisions including landscaping as are required to protect the amenity of the area during and after working;
c) Proposals for restoration of the land to a condition suitable for an appropriate after-use, such as agriculture, forestry, recreation, nature conservation or amenity use;
d) A commitment to prepare a programme for the after-care of land to a standard necessary for subsequent agricultural forestry or amenity use;
e) An archaeological evaluation of the area to provide the basis of a conservation strategy ensuring provision for recording of archaeological remains and/or avoidance of areas of particular interest;
f) Arrangements for the routing of traffic to and from the site to avoid problems of residential amenity or highway safety.

MP14

Favourable consideration will normally be given to the extraction of minerals from sites required to serve major civil engineering or road construction projects where :

a) The proposed site lies close to the construction location;
b) The operation will be concluded and the land restored not later than the completion of the project;
c) It can be demonstrated that there are environmental benefits in allowing a new mineral extraction to serve the project rather than using an established mineral site; and
d) There would be no unacceptable conflict with any other Structure Plan policy including MP9 in respect of the AsONB and Broads.

MP15

The County Council will encourage the production of alternative aggregates, such as crushed concrete, within active mineral or landfill sites if :

a) The operation does not unduly prolong the restoration of that site; and
b) The operation can be carried out without loss of residential or visual amenity through :

i) Unacceptable levels of noise;
ii) Unacceptable levels of dust;
iii) An unacceptable increase in vehicular traffic to and from site; and

c) The proposal does not give rise to Highway Safety and Environmental problems.

These proposals will not be acceptable in The Broads or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and not normally on land immediately outside these areas.

WASTE DISPOSAL

WD1

The disposal of waste by the Landfill of worked out mineral sites will normally be permitted where :

a) There would be no material adverse effect on the quality or availability of ground or surface water;
b) Land can be brought back to a good standard of agricultural or other appropriate use within a reasonable timescale;
c) There would be no significant loss of residential or rural amenity;
d) There is an identifiable need for the facility during the plan period;

WD2

The deposit of waste will not normally be permitted :

a) Where any of those existing or proposed sites or habitats listed in policy ENV17 would be adversely affected;
b) Where the proposal would damage a scheduled ancient monument or other archaeological site which is of National Importance, or the setting of such site;
c) Where the proposal would have an adverse impact on The Broads, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Special Landscape Area;
d) Where birds attracted by waste will endanger aircraft using nearby airfields;
e) Where satisfactory access to a highway cannot be provided or where traffic generated by a proposal cannot be safely accommodated on available approach roads or where traffic would be materially harmful to the environment;
f) Where a proposed working adjoins or is near to housing unless :

i) By effective screening, phasing, and sound attenuation measures;
ii) By restricted working hours which will normally exclude weekends;
iii) By traffic routeing;
iv) Because the landfilling operation is to be short-lived, and it can be shown that sufficient and appropriate fill material is available to the operator for this purpose,

Any disruption to amenity can be kept to an acceptable level :

g) On any open or agricultural land unless the County Council is satisfied that :

i) Significant agricultural or land drainage Improvements will result; and
ii) There will be no loss of landscape quality.

More significant proposals for landraising will be judged against policy WD5

WD3

In considering applications for waste disposal, the County Council may have regard to the effectiveness of operations at adjacent or similar sites in minimising disturbance to the environment and in achieving satisfactory restoration.

WD4

Before granting permission for waste disposal the County Council will secure to its satisfaction :

a) A programme setting out the method of landfilling and phasing of operations;
b) Such provisions including landscaping as are required to protect the amenity of the area during and after landfilling;
c) Details of proposed gradients and levels over the restored site;
d) Proposals for restoration of the land to a condition suitable for an appropriate after-use such as agriculture, forestry, recreation, nature conservation or amenity;
e) Where appropriate, an archaeological evaluation of the area to provide the basis of a conservation strategy ensuring provision for recording of archaeological remains and/or avoidance of areas of particular interest;
f) Where appropriate, the routeing of traffic to and from the site to avoid problems of residential amenity or highway safety;
g) Where appropriate, satisfactory details of arrangements for containing landfill gas and leachate within the site, and for their subsequent safe removal.

WD5

Proposals for the disposal of waste above existing ground levels will only be permitted where it can be shown that:

a) There is an overriding need to dispose of waste in this way;
b) Proposed gradients, doming, levels and profiles can be assimilated naturally into adjoining land contours;
c) The proposal does not conflict with other structure plan waste disposal policies.

WD6

Within active landfill sites the County Council will normally permit the recovery of wastes for subsequent transfer and recycling providing that the activity is temporary; and,

a) Is not contrary to policy MP15 where it involves the crushing of concrete and similar waste;
b) Is ancillary to the operation of the landfill site within which the activity is taking place and does not unduly prolong landfill activities;
c) Does not result in :

i) Injury to residential or rural amenity;
ii) An increased danger to highway safety.

WD7

Proposals for the treatment, sorting and transfer of wastes in buildings and not related to temporary landfill activities should :

a) Identify a regional and local need for such a facility
b) Be situated close to the primary route network and not give rise to unacceptable dangers to highway safety;
c) Be located in or close to urban areas but not result in loss of residential amenity; and
d) Not be in conflict with other Structure Plan policies.

WD8

Facilities for the separation of household waste for subsequent recycling and to which the public have access for disposal purposes (household waste sites) will normally be permitted at active landfill sites. The continued siting of such facilities following the closure of landfill sites will be considered with regard to :

a) The opportunity to provide alternative facilities at an active landfill site which is equally accessible to the public;
b) The effects of the continued use of the facility on :

i) Residential and rural amenity;
ii) Highway safety; and
iii) The satisfactory restoration of the landfill site.

WD9

When considering proposals for the siting of household waste sites in locations other than those referred to in policy WD 8 regard will be paid to the :

a) Accessibility of the site to the public;
b) Impact of the proposal on residential and rural amenity;
c) Impact of the proposal on highway safety;
d) Opportunities for screening and landscaping the site to mitigate any loss of visual amenity; and
e) Period for which permission is required.

 

IPSWICH POLICY AREA

IP1

The role of Ipswich as a regional centre and County Town will be maintained and enhanced.

IP2

Encouragement will be given to measures to improve the environment of Ipswich and the Conservation Areas and Wet Dock in particular. The historic importance of the Wet Dock area should be enhanced through the redevelopment where practicable of vacant, derelict or underused sites incorporating a variety of uses including leisure and recreation uses, residential and commercial development. The amount and phasing of development will be conditioned to the improvement of the Highway Network.

IP3

Redevelopment of Ipswich Airport incorporating housing will take place after the provision of adequate access and the necessary highway infrastructure to accommodate predicted traffic movements.

IP4

Provision will be made for new housing development in the Ipswich Policy Area to meet future requirements as follows:

BABERGH (PART)	1,350
MID SUFFOLK (PART)	440
IPSWICH BOROUGH	4,490
SUFFOLK COASTAL (PART)	5,470
TOTAL	11,750

 

IP5

Except where provided for by other policies in the Plan, in the area outside Ipswich, including the built-up area of Kesgrave, Rushmere, St Andrew and Foxhall, the village and countryside policies will apply; care will be taken to maintain the open character of the land which separates the villages from each other and from Ipswich and Woodbridge.

IP6

Major new employment areas will be located on the periphery of Ipswich with good access to housing areas, the primary route network and public transport. The extension of the Nacton Industrial Area up to the AONB boundary and the extension of the Whitehouse Industrial Area proposed.

IP7

a) Major office development within Ipswich central area will not normally be acceptable, in order to safeguard the environment and prevent the exacerbation of traffic congestion unless:

i) The development is of such a design and scale that it is compatible with the existing character of the central area;
ii) Acceptable proposals to overcome traffic and highway objections from part of the proposals.

b) Proposals for change of use, redevelopment or refurbishment for offices in Ipswich central area that can provide significant townscape benefits will be acceptable provided that they are not of a scale which would cause significant problems for the transport network or the environment generally.

c) Outside the central area proposals for office development will normally be appropriate in employment areas. Proposals for office development elsewhere will be considered on their merits against the following criteria :

i) The compatibility with the uses of the surrounding area;
ii) The effect on the environment generally;
iii) The effect on the transport network.

IP8

The transport strategy for the Ipswich Policy Area comprises :

a) The development of a Car Parking Policy for the centre of Ipswich giving priority to short-stay use, making no additional long-stay provision, and providing 2000 new short-stay spaces;
b) Restrictions on parking to serve new development in or adjacent to the town centre;
c) Maintaining and where possible enhancing the role of bus travel generally, and in particular provision of Park and Rde and bus priority measures;
d) Encouragement of rail use, especially for the movement of goods to and from the ports;
e) Improving Ipswich town centre for the greater convenience of pedestrians;
f) The development of improved cycling and pedestrian facilities;
g) The development of environmental protection measures, and traffic management schemes.

IP9

In considering proposals for a general aviation airport within the Ipswich sub-region, preference will be given to use of redundant military airfields. The Airport must :

a) Be closely related and have suitable links to the trunk road network;
b) Avoid conflict with the operational requirements of existing airfields;
c) Minimise the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land;
d) Avoid Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Areas of Special Landscape Value;
e) Minimise disturbance to residential areas.