Chapter 7 - Environment

Introduction

7.1 A pleasant, clean, unpolluted and visually attractive environment is important to the quality of life enjoyed by residents, to the quality of the image the Borough presents to the outside world, and essential for attracting investment and jobs to the area. The protection and enhancement of the environment is therefore a key element of the Council’s economic and community regeneration strategy for the Borough that it wishes to pursue through this Plan and other appropriate and related Council strategies.

7.2 Trafford is a relatively leafy and environmentally attractive part of the Greater Manchester conurbation. It contains many pleasant residential suburbs and buildings and areas of historical, architectural, archaeological, biological and visual quality. It also, however, contains areas of relatively poor quality environment, adversely affected by pollution, dereliction, neglect and poor quality development.

7.3 The quality and appearance of the environment of this busy metropolitan area is subject to daily pressure from residents, commuters, local business activity and developers. The population living and working in the Borough has been on the increase over the last decade as regeneration activity has gathered pace. Over the coming decade or so these pressures on the Borough are not expected to abate as the regeneration effort is continued. The Council recognises that without protective action this effort will inflict damage to the urban and rural fabric and the quality of life of the people that live and work in the area.

General Justification for the Policies and Proposals for the Environment

7.4 The protection and improvement of the environment of Trafford has been a consistent objective of the Council since its inception. Over the years considerable effort has been expended on a programme of schemes to reclaim derelict land, improve and landscape open land areas, protect buildings of historical and architectural significance and interest, declare Conservation and Tree Preservation Areas and protect sites of importance for nature conservation. With particular reference to flood risk in the Borough Proposals take account of PPG25 which recommends applying a risk based approach to development decisions through the application of a sequential test

7.5 These efforts have done much to protect and enhance the quality and appearance of urban and countryside areas. Much, however, remains to be done to conserve local environmental assets, guard against the creation of new areas of poor environment and restore neglected or damaged areas to some useful purpose. The Policies and Proposals of this Chapter are intended to build upon the solid foundation of work undertaken to date and create and sustain an attractive and safe environment for those who live and work in the area.

7.6 The package of measures seeks to: -

• Protect and improve the urban and countryside assets that enhance the quality of Trafford’s environment;
• Enhance the appearance and utility of those areas and features that detract from the environmental quality of the Borough;
• Encourage better quality, environmentally more sustainable and sensitive development;
• Minimise the sources and impact of pollution on local water and air quality.

7.7 The measures are augmented and complemented by: -

• The Policies and Proposals set out in other Chapters of the Plan (notably those dealing with Open Space, Countryside, Transport and Movement and Development Control matters);
• Other Council policies and strategies, and,
• Sub-regional and regional policy and strategy statements (notably the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan and the Mersey Basin Campaign).

7.7 Proposals reflect the objectives of RPG Policy ER5 on biodiversity which seeks to ensure that there is no net loss in the value of biodiversity resources in the region. The Council will seek to implement the targets in The Greater Manchester Biodiversity Action Plan and Cheshire Biodiversity Plan through a more detailed Trafford Action Plan For Nature backed up by the UDP Proposals on Nature Conservation and Species Protection.

7.8 All the above are seeking to carry forward the environmental safeguarding, enhancement and sustainable development objectives of Regional Planning Guidance for the North West and of the Greater Manchester Strategic Planning Framework.

Part I Plan Policies

Part I Policy ENV1 - Flood Risk

The Council will minimise flood risk by taking a precautionary approach to all new development in or affecting areas liable to flooding.

Part I Policy ENV2 – Improving the Environment

The Council will regard the maintenance, protection and improvement of the environment as central to the purpose of the Policies and Proposals of this Plan. Opportunities to improve the environment will be explored where they occur but specific efforts will be made on: -

• The A56 and other “corridors";
• “Gateways" to Trafford and other prominent sites;
• Waterways;
• Areas where economic development is to be encouraged;
• Conservation areas;
• Town centres;
• River valleys and certain parts of the countryside.

Part I Policy ENV3 – Landscape Protection

The Council will designate Areas of Landscape Protection, as listed below, and seek to protect them from development, which is obtrusive or unsympathetic to its surroundings: -

• Along Timperley Brook between Timperley, Hale and Wythenshawe;
• The Bollin Valley and environs;
• Land in the parishes of Dunham Massey and Warburton up to the Cheshire boundary and along the Ship Canal, and including Dunham Park, Dunham New Park and the Devisdale;
• Land in the Mersey Valley and around Sale Water Park.

Part I Policy ENV4 – Trees, Hedgerows and Woodlands

The Council will foster the retention of trees, woodlands and hedgerows and encourage new tree planting, including planting of new woodlands and hedgerows, utilising native species, wherever possible.

Part I Policy ENV5 – Community Forest

The Council will seek to further the establishment of the Red Rose Forest in Trafford by encouraging the creation, enhancement and management of the community forest resource as a significant land use in the Borough.

Part I Policy ENV6 – Areas for Conservation

The Council will seek to protect and enhance identified areas of architectural, archaeological, cultural and heritage value.

Part I Policy ENV7 – Nature Conservation

The Council will seek to protect and enhance identified areas and sites of importance for nature conservation (including SSSIs, SBIs, geological sites, wildlife corridors and declining habitats).

Part I Policy ENV8 – River Valleys and Major Watercourses

The Council will develop the recreation, wildlife and leisure potential of the valleys and major watercourses in Trafford commensurate with landscape and wildlife interests, and, where appropriate, will seek to re-establish a countryside character in the Mersey and Bollin valleys.

Proposal ENV9 – Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation

In determining whether development proposals are satisfactory within the terms of Policy ENV7, the Council will have regard to the following hierarchy of sites: -

• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's);

Development proposals within or without SSSI's (or National Nature Reserves) will be subject to special scrutiny and will only be permitted where they would not have an adverse effect, directly or indirectly, on the SSSI.

• Sites of Nature Conservation Interest.

Attention will also be paid to the nature conservation interest of the following categories of site: -

• Sites of Biological Importance (defined on the Proposals Map and identified in Appendix C):

these are sub-divided into the following three categories :-

• Grade A - rare and valuable within the Greater Manchester area;
• Grade B - significant at the Trafford Borough level;
• Grade C - significant at a level wider than the immediate locality.

- Local Nature Conservation Sites (defined on the Proposals Map and identified in Appendix D).

Within all the above sites the Council will, wherever appropriate, seek to safeguard the intrinsic features of nature conservation interest or value, having regard to: -

• - The particular degree of significance and rarity value of the features on the individual site;
• - The detailed impact of the proposed development on the nature conservation interest of the site;
• - The extent of any proposed measures of mitigation or compensation aimed at enhancing or recreating habitats on or off the site.

Justification

1. Wildlife sites are a scarce resource in the Borough. In addition to their intrinsic value they are important in maintaining a variety of habitat types from which fauna and flora may colonise any further areas made available by development or management.

2. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) are of national importance and are protected by law. They are designated by English Nature as are National Nature Reserves. There are two SSSI's in Trafford (see Appendix C). Local Nature Reserves are designated by the Local Authority in consultation with English Nature.

3. Sites of Biological Importance (SBI's) are identified by the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit in surveys of the county, updates as necessary. They are assessed as having one of three grades of significance:-

A. Sites of county importance;

B. Sites of district importance;

C. Sites of more than local importance.

4. Current SBI's are included in the areas of wildlife interest shown on the Proposals Map and listed in Appendix C.

5. Local Nature Conservation Sites have been identified by Trafford Borough Council as a result of a habitat survey carried out by the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit to a nationally approved method and updated by local knowledge.

6. These sites are of interest as habitats in their own right and also have value because they enable local residents to enjoy wildlife on their doorstep. Ideally, everyone should have a wildlife site within easy walking distance. Their value does not necessarily entail public access into the site, so that existing site owners' enjoyment is not affected. Sites at present designated are included in the areas of wildlife interest shown on the Proposals Map and listed in Appendix D.

7. The Sites of Biological Importance are reviewed annually and the Local Nature Conservation Sites will be amended periodically, so the list of sites covered will change over time. A list of such amendments to the Sites will be maintained as Special Planning Guidance, which will be incorporated in the Plan at its review.

8. There are six Ancient Woodlands identified in the Borough which are shown in Appendices D and E. These are sites where there has been continuous woodland cover since 1600 AD and the combination of undisturbed soils and tree cover provides a unique range of habitats. They are often refuges of rare fauna and flora which are not found in more recent planted woodlands.

9. It is not the intention that the operational requirements of United Utilities should be compromised by this Proposal.

Part II Proposal ENV10 – Wildlife Corridors

a) The Council will seek to consolidate and strengthen the effectiveness of the wildlife corridors set out below and shown on the Proposals Map by: -

- Examining the impact of development proposals (including extensions to gardens) to ensure that the integrity of the corridors is not destroyed or impaired, and,

- Ensuring that new development within or adjacent to the corridors contributes to their effectiveness wherever possible through appropriate siting, design of buildings and landscaping measures.

The corridors consist of the following: -

The Manchester Ship Canal;

North Trafford Linear Open Space (from Davyhulme via Barton to Stretford);

The Mersey Valley;

The Manchester - Liverpool Railway;

Redbrook, and Sinderland, Baguley, and Fairywell Brooks;

The Skelton Junction to Lymm Railway;

The Bollin Valley and The Devisdale;

The Bridgewater Canal;

Open land between Timperley and Hale.

Firsway, Sale;

Carrington Tree Belts;

The Partington - Timperley Railway;

Longford Park.

b) Within the Mersey Valley the following sites shall be retained, improved and managed for wildlife purposes: -

- Land south of Newcroft Farm, Urmston;

- Outfall channel from Sale Sewage Works and adjacent land, Hawthorn Lane, Sale;

- Land at Sinderland Brook, Carrington.

Justification

1. Corridors are crucial links between wildlife sites, ensuring that wildlife has a range of continuous habitats to exploit throughout the urban and rural areas of the Borough and into and out of adjoining Districts. Many corridors already have some protection by planning or management (eg Mersey Valley), or restricted access (eg. railways, canals, motorways and small brooks). These are strategically important corridors and it is necessary to safeguard them from development or to enhance their value by habitat creation. There is a need for additional corridors to facilitate wildlife moving from open land into more densely populated urban areas, for instance the proposed North Trafford Linear Park (see Proposal OSR6(i) in Chapter 10 - Open Space and Recreation). Some corridors, such as Firsway, the Carrington Tree Belts and the Partington to Timperley Railway, are capable of improvement. The boundaries of the corridors shown on the Proposals Map were defined following an ecological survey.

2. The sites identified in (b) above have been brought forward from the Mersey Valley Local Plan (Proposals 45, 49 and 64).

Part II Proposal ENV11 – Nature Conservation and Assessment of Development

In determining applications for planning permission the Council will: -

a) Ensure that effects upon wildlife and geological features identified in Proposals ENV9, ENV10 and ENV12 are taken into account;

b) Ensure, wherever appropriate, that features of natural and/or geological value are retained and incorporated into the development and that, where appropriate, measures for the future management of such features be agreed when considering any proposal for development;

c) Encourage the use of native species, wherever appropriate, in the design of landscaping, woodland, and forestry schemes. Such schemes should take into account the potential of the site and be appropriately designed to ensure that wildlife habitats are essentially self-sustaining;

d) Require an Environmental Assessment for any planning application which may significantly impinge on sites of national nature conservation value, ie: all proposed or designated Special Protection Areas or wetland sites protected under the RAMSAR Convention and all proposed or notified Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Justification

1. The Council's commitment to nature conservation applies across the whole Borough and is not limited to “designated sites". Housing, industrial, recreation and infrastructure developments are all likely to have an impact on the Borough's nature conservation resource. Wildlife provision should be made wherever practicable within the context of these types of proposals, with appropriate management where necessary.

2. Where important features are lost a scheme for their replacement, or other measures of mitigation, may sometimes render a development acceptable, and the Council will seek to explore such possibilities.

Part II Proposal ENV12 – Species Protection

Where sites support species protected by law, the Council will not grant planning permission for development that might adversely affect the species concerned, unless exceptional circumstances outweigh the protection of the species. Development proposals will be assessed in accordance with the criteria contained in Policy ENV11 – Nature Conservation and Assessment of Development.

Justification

1. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (and its subsequent amendments) places restrictions on the killing, taking, disturbance of nesting sites, keeping for sale of wild birds and their eggs and protects other animals and plants listed in the Act. The Proposal will ensure that the requirements of all legislation for the protection of species is taken into account.

Part II Proposal ENV13– River Valley Floodplains

The Council will only permit land-filling, land-raising or other development in flood plains, as shown on the Proposals Map, in wholly exceptional circumstances and where all the following criteria are satisfied;

• It will not increase the risk of flooding, by reducing flood storage capacity, increasing flows within the floodplain or via the additional discharge of surface water;
• It will not itself be at risk from flooding;
• It will provide adequate access to watercourses for maintenance purposes;
• It will allow for the protection of existing or proposed flood defences;
• It will not necessitate additional public expenditure on flood defence works.

Justification

1. Flooding, and the increased risk of flooding, caused by land-filling, land-raising or other development within the floodplain are increasingly important issues in Trafford and elsewhere.

2. Guidance on these issues is contained in Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 on ‘Development and Flood Risk’, which was published in revised form in July 2001 to replace advice contained in Department of the Environment Circular 30/92.

3. The advice in PPG25 states that planning authorities should adopt a risk-based approach to the preparation of development plans and development control through the application of a sequential test, as set out in the guidance.

4. The boundaries of the areas identified on the Proposals Map as being Indicative Flood Plains have been derived from information provided by the Environment Agency, which has the lead role in providing advice on flood issues at a strategic level and in relation to planning applications. Development proposals in or close to these areas should be discussed with the Environment Agency .It should be noted that the pattern of flood risk may change over time but is expected to increase as a result of climate change.

5. In preparing development proposals in these areas, applicants should carry out an assessment of flood risk and the run off implications of their proposal that is appropriate to the scale and nature of the development and the risks involved. The assessment should be carried out by a suitably qualified person. Developers should, wherever possible, look to sustainable drainage systems to fulfil requirements.

6. Any land adjacent to a watercourse may be liable to flooding at some point in the future and developers should investigate the potential impacts of proposed development on the flood risk for land and property downstream.

7. New development should allow for proper maintenance of watercourses by the relevant operating authority, and not prejudice existing or proposed flood defences. Where additional flood defences, mitigation works and warning measures are required as a result of new development these should be funded by the developer, including provision for ongoing maintenance.

8. Flood plains are also valuable natural assets, with the River Mersey flood plain being of particular geo-morphological value. In these circumstances mitigation measures thatinvolve bank stabilisation works will not normally be appropriate as the active meandering of the River Mersey is a key feature in the Borough.

Part II Proposal ENV14 – Tree and Hedgerow Protection

(i) Trees

In exercising its powers and duties to protect trees, the Council will give priority to the following:

trees along the main transport corridors and at gateways into the Borough;

trees in river valleys, on skylines and in areas identified in the landscape proposals of this Plan;

copses or woodlands especially semi natural ancient woodland (unless under management schemes agreed by the Forestry Commission) listed in Appendix E;

individual trees and groups of trees of outstanding importance, wherever sited;

Significant trees on development sites.

(ii) Hedgerows

• The Council will seek to protect important hedgerows in the countryside by controlling their removal through a system of notification.
• The Council will seek to protect hedgerows, which make a positive contribution to amenity in the urban area.

The Council will only permit development affecting trees and hedgerows, including lopping, topping and felling where it is necessary for the development to take place. Regard will be had to proposed and existing Tree Preservation Orders and the amenity value of the site. Consideration must be given to the retention of existing trees/hedgerows on site, wherever possible and any that are removed should be adequately replaced.

Justification

1. Trees and hedgerows are vital in maintaining and improving the quality of life for the inhabitants of the Borough. Within the urban area they enhance amenity by providing a pleasant backdrop to the built environment and within the countryside make an important contribution towards the rural landscape.

2. The Council has a duty under Section 197 and powers under Section 198 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to protect trees in the interests of amenity. The priority areas are those in which trees play a major role in the landscape character of the Borough at a District or local level. Protection will be achieved by the use of Tree Preservation Orders, legal agreements and development control.

3. The Hedgerow Regulations (1997) came into force on the 1 st June 1997. The Regulations set out criteria that must be used by the local planning authority in determining which hedgerows are important. The criteria relate to the value of hedgerows from an archaeological, historical, landscape or wildlife perspective. They exclude hedgerows that are less than 30 years old. If a hedgerow is at least 30 years old and qualifies under any one of the criteria, then it is important .

Part II Proposal ENV15 – Community Forest

In considering proposals for development in the countryside, particularly in the Mersey Valley, the Council will further the establishment of the Red Rose Community Forest by seeking, wherever appropriate, the inclusion of associated tree planting and any directly related works including suitable provision for wildlife and sustainable public access. The scale and type of planting and related works, whether on-site or off-site, should be consistent with the nature of the particular development and its setting in the Forest area. Any built development in the Forest area will be expected to be of high quality in design and materials and to respect its woodland setting.

Justification

1. The Community Forest will bring trees, woodland, wildlife and landscaped areas closer to people’s homes, with environmental, social and economic benefits. The initiative is supported by policy guidance at both the national and regional levels. The Red Rose Forest Partnership was launched in 1992 to create a Greater Manchester Community Forest and it covers six of the Greater Manchester local authorities.

2. Trafford is a largely urbanized Borough and its trees, hedgerows, woodlands and wildlife habitats, in both the countryside and urban centres, are among its most valuable natural assets. These qualities are valued by local people and make a significant contribution to the Borough’s landscapes and townscapes. The Red Rose Forest aims to provide increased community woodland close to where people live, which will:

• produce landscape and wildlife benefits;
• provide recreational opportunities for large numbers of people, and,
• Help to improve quality of life and the quality and image of the environment.

3. The vision and strategy for the development of the Community Forest is set out in the Red Rose Forest Plan (1994) and updated in the forest plan and supplementary review (2000).

4. In order to improve the environment and to deliver a better quality of life in Trafford, the Council aims to achieve a community forest resource in Trafford of 1,700 ha (about 16% of the land area of the Borough).

5. All residents of the Borough require access to trees, woodlands and other wildlife and landscaped areas close to their homes. It is the Council’s long term aim that all Trafford residents should have ready access to the Community Forest. This Forest will range from trees, which green the local streetscape, to small copses and nature areas, within a short walk of people’s doorsteps, through to larger woodlands and other wildlife habitats at a greater distance from home, but readily accessible on foot or by bicycle. The Red Rose Forest Partnership is working to achieve this vision.

6. Any planting required will be of native species appropriate to the setting and (whether on-site or off-site) will be no more than necessary to overcome planning objections. The willingness of applicants to plant trees will not be a factor that would lead in itself, to permission being granted.

7. Any development proposals in the Green Belt will also be subject to Green Belt policy. Where off-site planting is justified by the nature of a particular proposal, a financial contribution may be sought from a developer. The Council will undertake to refund any monies that remain unspent 8 years from the date of initial payment under this scheme

8. Government Circular 1/97 gives local planning authorities policy guidance on the use of planning obligations in approving development. The planning obligations may “enhance the quality of development “, but “must be relevant to planning and directly related to the proposed development”. This will be used as a broad basis for negotiation with developers and will relate tree planting and any directly related works to the nature of the development and its setting in the Forest area. Related works should also include suitable provision for wildlife and sustainable public access.

Part II Proposal ENV16 – Tree Planting

In considering development proposals throughout the Borough, the Council will impose planning conditions or negotiate planning obligations with applicants to secure the planting of trees, hedges and woodlands in a way that is fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the proposed development. Planting should be in keeping with the locality using native species. Where the scale and nature of the proposed development justify off-site planting, a financial contribution will be sought.

Justification

1. The planting of trees through new development will assist the Red Rose Forest initiative to meet its woodland cover target.

2. Planting will usually be expected to take place on the development site itself. Off-site planting, however, may be justified by the nature of a particular development proposal. Where off-site planting is agreed, any developer contributions remaining unspent after eight years from the initial date of payment will be refunded. These proposals are in line with Circular 1/97 that requires planning obligations to be related to the development.

3. Contributions will only be required where they are fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development proposal and where such contributions would be of direct benefit to the occupiers of the new development. The amount of planting likely to be sought for typical developments is set out below. However, variation to this may be appropriate according to the circumstances of the site, the proposal and the locality.

• 3 trees per dwelling for new housing development;
• 1 tree per 80 sq. m of gross floor space for industry and warehousing
• 1 tree per 50 sq. m of gross floor space for retail development
• 1 tree per 30 sq. m of gross floor space for offices

4. Supplementary Planning Guidance will be prepared, outlining the details of the operation and administration of this Policy.

5. For the avoidance of doubt the Council will not seek to apply this Proposal to the development of “affordable” (as defined in Proposal H8) or elderly persons housing accommodation.

Part II Proposal ENV 17 - Protection of Landscape Character

The Council will protect, promote and enhance the distinctive landscape character and quality of the areas identified on the Proposals Map. Where development is acceptable in principle, the Council will apply the following criteria in assessing the suitability of proposals in relation to the landscape type and character of their setting:

• The appropriateness of design and construction materials with regard to local/regional building traditions.
• The degree and quality of landscaping.
• The impact on the landscape quality of the immediate area and the wider setting and on features of importance to wildlife.

Justification

1. The quality and character of the Borough’s landscape types differs. Some areas have retained their original characteristics whilst the character of others has changed or has been weakened by development. The Council wishes to ensure that the characteristics of each of the Borough’s landscape types is preserved and enhanced when it is considering the merits or otherwise of development proposals that may come forward within them.

2. The Council has completed a Landscape Assessment of the Borough’s open land areas and has identified seven different landscape types that it wishes to seek to preserve and enhance by means of this Proposal. The seven types are:

• WOODED CLAYLAND – A predominantly pastoral landscape area, including pockets of arable farming and market gardening with recreational land uses on the urban edge. Hedgerows and hedgerow trees combine with wooded areas and surrounding development to restrict views. Settlement is generally dispersed, including scattered farmsteads and occasional rural dwellings.
• WOODED ESTATE LAND – An area of rolling, rising ground dominated by Dunham Hall and its associated outbuildings and estate lands. The area has a predominantly wooded appearance with Dunham Park and Dunham New Park and numerous scattered, isolated small coverts and woodland areas. The layout, field size and management regime of the agricultural fields results from the association with the Hall, with most enclosed by well-maintained hawthorn hedgerows. Views are open and extensive from the rising ground with tree groups forming the main restriction.
• SETTLED SANDLAND – An area dominated by agricultural uses, mainly arable with some pasture. The rolling landscape and generally un-wooded nature of the rural area allow extensive views, with hedgerow trees and hedgerows being visually prominent. A number of dispersed farmsteads are linked by meandering lanes with settlement clusters at Dunham Woodhouses and Warburton. Isolated pockets of remnant coverts and woods with a number of ponds provide a valuable range of woodland and wetland habitats with diverse ecological benefits.
• MOSSLAND – A flat area dominated by a large scale, geometric field pattern with intensive arable agricultural use. The “rides” which cross the area have become a distinguishing feature of the mossland, particularly those running north-south. There is little tree or shrub vegetation except that associated with the “rides” which controls views by foreshortening the distant views and focussing them in a linear manner. Steep sided ditches mark field boundaries with areas of herbaceous vegetation between the ditches and the “rides”. There has been little development with only one isolated farmstead.
• RIVER MEADOWLAND – A flat alluvial flood-plain area with pastoral land use and a lack of human habitation. The rivers are not visually prominent, due to their sunken position and the presence of levees within the flat topography. Open, distant views along the flood plain become more confined to the north and south by the rising ground beyond the flood plain.
• WOODED RIVER VALLEY – An area with an intimate, secluded nature, created by the narrow valley bottom and the small scale of the river and its meandering course. The river is not visually prominent, as it is generally sunken and fringed by trees. On the flatter areas of the flood plain, the land use is predominantly grazing with much of the agricultural land enclosed by woodland slopes, which maintain the integrity, intimacy and apparent seclusion of the river valley.
• URBAN RIVER VALLEY – An area whose character has been affected by the proximity of the urban area. Little remains of the former alignment or original topography of the rivers. Land uses such as water parks, playing fields, golf courses and general areas of amenity and recreation have given the land adjacent to the river an almost suburban appearance. The flat topography and few boundaries, allow extensive views over the flood plain with neither the Ship Canal or river being overly prominent.

3. Supplementary Planning Guidance has been produced by the Council to describe for each landscape type the particular qualities and characteristics of the built and natural landscape that developers should seek to protect, preserve, strengthen and improve.

Part II Proposal ENV18 – The Devisdale

The Devisdale, other than those areas already developed as playing fields, shall be used only for informal recreation and no additional playing fields will be permitted on the site.

Justification

1. The site is an integral part of the Devisdale Conservation Area enhancing the character, quality and setting of the adjoining built-up area.

2. Most of the land will be used for informal recreation and school playing fields designed so that the landscape and open quality of the site is preserved.

Part II Proposal ENV19 – Special Landscape Features

The Council will seek to retain, protect and wherever possible, enhance features that make an important contribution to the quality and interest of Trafford's landscape. Such features are: -

• - Woodlands and copses (listed in Appendix E);
• - The banks of the River Mersey including old oxbows, meander scars and river terraces (from
• - Ashton Weir to the Ship Canal);
• - Brooks Drive (from Timperley to Hale Barns);
• - Carrington Rides;
• - Sale Water Park Lake;
• - King George V Pool, Altrincham;
• - The trees on Davyhulme Golf Course;
• - The main group of trees in Longford Park.

Justification

1. The features, which are predominantly woodlands, are attractive features in themselves but, in particular, make a major contribution to the general attractiveness of the landscape.

Part II Proposal ENV20 – Skylines

The Council will seek to retain and enhance the character of prominent skylines running from Dunham New Park to Oldfield Road, Altrincham and from the A56 through Bowdon by: -

• Maintaining existing tree cover and important landscape features;
• Protecting the sight lines and views to important buildings and landmarks which enhance the skyline;
• Rejecting development proposals which adversely affect these skylines by virtue of their height, scale or inappropriate siting.

Justification

1. These important landscape features are visible for considerable distances and make a major contribution to the quality of the Borough's landscape. The Altrincham skyline is visible from Warburton and Dunham Parishes and the Bowdon skyline from the Bollin Valley, the M56 and North Cheshire.

Part II Proposal ENV21 – Conservation Areas

The Council will from time to time: -

• Review the question of whether any further parts of the Borough are of special architectural or historic interest, warranting designation as Conservation Areas;
• Formulate and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas, and
• Consider whether grounds exist within any Conservation Area for (i) the making of a direction withdrawing a particular range of permitted development rights or (ii) the definition of an Area of Special Control of Advertisements.

In determining applications for planning permission within Conservation Areas the Council will pay particular attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of the area and will judge the effect of proposals by taking particular account of those special qualities identified in the pre-designation assessments. All developments within Conservation Areas will be expected to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the area.

In determining applications for Conservation Area consent for demolition the Council will take account of the contribution made by the building to the character, appearance or special architectural interest of the area as a whole, including the merits of any proposed (re) development. Where development is to follow demolition, it will be a requirement that detailed planning permission shall be obtained before the grant of conservation area consent and any such consent will normally be conditional upon demolition not taking place until a contract has been made for the carrying out of the redevelopment.

Justification

1. There are 21 Conservation Areas within the Borough. These contain a major part of the Borough’s built heritage and make a major contribution to the attractiveness of the Borough. The Conservation Areas are shown on the Proposals Map and listed in Appendix F. The Council is required by the Planning ( Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to: -

• Keep the designation of Conservation Areas under review and to consider whether new Areas should be designated;
• Make and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas and protect and enhance the character and appearance of such areas;
• Pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of Conservation Areas

2. The Council wishes to retain the character and quality of these Areas and this Proposal and other Proposals are designed to do this. New development should be of a high standard, buildings of quality should be retained and where appropriate improvements carried out. The Council intends to issue design guidance for Conservation Areas and will promote enhancement and environmental improvement schemes as resources and opportunities permit. Trees are often crucial to the quality and character of Conservation Areas and these should be protected. Advertisements can, if not sympathetically designed and sited, have an adverse impact on the quality of the Conservation Area and the Council propose to control these to protect the character of the Conservation Areas.

3. Where necessary, to safeguard the Character of Conservation Areas from types of development such as the inappropriate replacement of windows and doors, the Council will seek to control minor classes of development permitted under the Town and Country Planning General Development Order by making Article 4 Directions.

Part II Proposal ENV22 – Conservation Area Designation

In considering whether to designate further parts of the Borough as Conservation Areas, the Council will have regard to the following criteria:

1. Whether the area is of special architectural or historical interest which may arise from:

• The number of buildings in the area of architectural or historic interest, including listed buildings;
• The buildings or layout serving as a reminder of the historic development of the area
• The archaeological significance of the area, and/or;
• The quality and character of the spaces and townscape and the contribution made by trees and other green features.

2. Whether the area is of consistently high quality and not unduly interrupted by elements, which detract from its special character.

3. Whether the area is of sufficient size, coherence and enclosure to establish a firm sense of its special character.

4. Whether the area would benefit from Conservation Area designation having regard to the planning effects and purpose of designation.

In reviewing the boundaries of existing Conservation Areas the Council will have regard to the following criteria: -

5. Whether and part of the existing Conservation Area has been so eroded by change as to have lost its special character

6. Whether any additional area proposed is comparable to the existing area in terms of its quality and character

7. Whether any areas forming the setting for important buildings or groups of buildings in the existing areas should be included in the area to provide the necessary protection

8. Whether the area as proposed to be amended complies with criteria 1-4 above

The areas of the Borough, which the Council is considering for new Conservation Areas, are:

• Hollybank, Sale
• Barnfield/Westgate, Urmston

The Conservation Areas whose boundaries are to be given priority for review are:

• Barton-upon-Irwell
• The Devisdale
• The Downs
• Bowdon
• Linotype Housing Estate
• Sandiway

Justification

1. This proposal sets out the basis upon which the designation decisions will be taken in accordance with advice in Planning Policy Guidance Note PPG15 – Planning and the Historic Environment.

Part II Proposal ENV23 – Development in Conservation Areas

Development proposals should preserve and enhance the character of Conservation Areas. They should be of the highest standard of design. They will be considered against the following criteria: -

a. In terms of its architectural design, siting, scale, proportions, emphasis, form, height and materials the development should be compatible with the character and setting of the Area and should relate to street and building patterns;

b. The treatment of associated landscaping, boundaries, paving, open spaces and associated street furniture, lighting and advertisement signs should be similarly complementary;

c. Any new or extended building should provide or retain sufficient space at the sides, front and rear to be in character with the surrounding area;

d. The hard area covered by buildings (including outbuildings and garages) and hard surfacing for parking and manoeuvring should not exceed that appropriate to the character of the surrounding area;

e. Important trees, boundary walls and gateposts should be retained

f. Extensions and other external alterations (including shop fronts) should not result in the loss of significant architectural features and should be appropriate to the design of the building.

Justification

1. To safeguard the character and appearance of Conservation Areas. The Council has produced Planning Guide-lines for The Downs, The Devisdale, Bowdon, Ashley Heath and South Hale to give guidance to prospective developers.

Part II Proposal ENV24 – Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest

The Council will seek to preserve buildings of architectural or historical interest by: -

• Monitoring the condition of all such buildings;
• Exercising a general presumption in favour of the preservation of listed buildings, except where a convincing case has been made out for demolition and all possible means of retaining the building have been exhausted;
• Ensuring that all proposals for the alteration or extension of listed buildings are in keeping with the character and special interest of the building;
• Having special regard to the preservation of the setting of listed buildings when determining any applications for listed building consent, Conservation Area consent or planning permission;
• Encouraging new uses in listed buildings where existing uses are no longer appropriate or viable.

Where works of demolition, alteration or extension to a listed building are permitted, the Council will consider whether to require that a detailed record of the building is made before works commence.

Justification

1. There are almost 300 listed buildings in Trafford. These are an essential part of the Borough's heritage and should be conserved. A recent survey of all such buildings has revealed that a number are at risk and that many of these buildings need attention. There is constant pressure for change on many of these buildings and therefore it is important that the Council regularly monitor them to ensure that they do not seriously deteriorate nor are materially altered.

2. In certain cases the Council may be able to offer grants for works to listed buildings that enable the original character of the building to be retained. Funds are limited and in particular these will be targeted at buildings at risk. The Council are extremely concerned to retain the Borough's listed buildings which are relatively small in number and demolition will only be permitted where there is clearly no alternative and where it can be clearly shown that the costs of restoring the building are prohibitive. Partial demolition will only be allowed where it clearly results in an improvement to the listed building and other options have been thoroughly assessed. New uses, which do not harm the fabric of the listed building, will be encouraged in order to ensure the continuance of the building. The Council are concerned to retain the character of the listed buildings and therefore extensions and alterations will only be permitted where they do not change that essential character.

Part II Proposal ENV25 – New Uses for Listed Buildings and Buildings in Conservation Areas

In seeking to encourage new uses for listed buildings in accordance with Proposal ENV24(e) favourable consideration will generally be given to new uses which meet the following criteria: -

a) They respect the architectural and historic character and setting of the building;

b) They do not destroy or obscure any significant architectural or historic features. Details and

original openings should be retained;

c) They are compatible with surrounding land uses and are not detrimental to the environment and

quality of the surrounding area;

d) They do not conflict with other Policies and Proposals in the Plan.

Justification

1. The Council are concerned to ensure that new uses do not conflict with nor will harm the character of listed buildings, Conservation Areas or their surroundings.

Part II Proposal ENV26 – Archeological Sites

The Council will seek to protect, preserve and enhance sites and monuments of archaeological interest (and their settings) by the following means: -

a) Maintaining a Sites and Monuments Record;

b) Requiring an appropriate level of desk assessment and/or field evaluation of the archaeological implications of development proposals where these are likely to affect significant archaeological remains;

c) Normally requiring the preservation in situ of archaeological monuments and remains of national or major local importance - this provision applies also to the settings of such monuments and remains;

d) Requiring in any case where archaeological remains are expected to be present but preservation in situ is not required, that appropriate and satisfactory provision is made for a programme of excavation and recording of such remains prior to the commencement of development.

Justification

1. The Council has a duty to identify, evaluate and protect archaeological remains in the Borough. In addition to the identified sites and monuments that survive from the mediaeval and later periods, Trafford is likely to have evidence of settlements from the late pre-historic and Romano-British periods in the river valleys and moss lands. These remains need investigation to ensure the protection of important monuments, sites and their surroundings.

2. The scheduled Ancient Monuments are shown on the Proposals Map. The Sites and Monuments Record for Trafford and maps showing archaeological constraints are available for consultation at Trafford Town Hall.

Part II Proposal ENV27– Road Corridors

The Council will seek to improve the environment along major road corridors by: -

a) Requiring that developers of land in these corridors pay particular attention to the elevational

treatment of buildings fronting the major road(s), and,

b) Requiring, where appropriate, a complementary standard of planting, ground surfaces and

boundary treatment.

The relevant major road corridors are: -

• M60 Motorway;
• A56 Dunham Road, Manchester Road, Washway Road, Cross Street, Chester Road;
• A560 Shaftesbury Avenue, Stockport Road, Timperley;
• A538 Hale Road, Hale Barns;
• B5158 Carrington Road, B5213 Church Road, Stretford Road, Urmston, Urmston Lane, Stretford,
• B5215, Kingsway and A5145 Edge Lane, Stretford;
• A5081 Trafford Park Road, Parkway and Ashburton Road East in Trafford Park;
• B5211 Redclyffe Road, Trafford Park;
• A6144 Warburton and Carrington, and A6144 Carrington Lane, Harboro Road and Marsland Road and Old Hall Road, Sale.

Along the A56 corridor the Council will seek particularly to protect: -

a) The rural wooded and well landscaped views between the River Bollin and Altrincham town centre which collectively form the southern gateway to the Borough, and

b) The landscaped sites in Stretford identified on the Proposals Map.

Justification

1. To secure the improved appearance and wildlife interest along the existing and proposed road corridors in the Borough through encouraging development which presents the highest environmental standards and by upgrading and maintaining the existing environment for the benefit of residents, visitors and potential investors.

Part II Proposal ENV28 – Rail Corridors

The Council will in partnership with British Rail, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, Manchester, Salford and Trafford Groundwork Trust and the private sector to secure environmental improvements along rail corridors within the Borough, including: -

• The Manchester/Warrington British Rail line;
• The Altrincham/Stockport British Rail line;
• The Manchester/Altrincham Metrolink line;
• The proposed Trafford Park/Dumplington Metrolink line extension, and the proposed Metrolink

extension to Manchester Airport.

Initiatives will promote: -

i) Improvement of stations;

ii) Improvement of neglected, degraded or derelict sites;

iii) New tree planting, screening and landscape improvements;

iv) Improvement of bridges and other engineering features;

v) Opening up vistas to provide views of important landmarks;

vi) Protection and improvement of wildlife habitats;

vii) Appropriate new uses for redundant rail structures and land.

The Council will seek to improve the environment along rail corridors by: -

a) Requiring that developers of land adjacent to these corridors pay particular attention to the elevational treatment of buildings facing the rail lines, and

b) Requiring, where appropriate, a complementary standard of planting, ground surfaces and boundary treatment.

Justification

1. To secure the integrated and comprehensive improvement of land along, adjoining or adjacent to rail corridors where opportunities for new tree planting and other landscape schemes will enhance the appearance and image of the Borough for the benefit of rail users, residents, visitors and potential investors.

Part II Proposal ENV29 – Canal Corridors

The Council will seek to upgrade the environment and improve the appearance of land adjoining the Bridgewater and Manchester Ship Canals by: -

a) Promoting environmental improvements in partnership with Manchester, Salford and Trafford Groundwork Trust and the private sector;

b) Requiring that developers of land adjacent to one of the canals pay particular attention to the elevational treatment of buildings facing the waterway, while at the same time recognizing the commercial character prevailing along certain lengths of the canals;

c) Requiring, where appropriate, a complementary standard of planting, ground surfaces and boundary treatment, and,

d) Requiring that developers on land adjacent to the canals do not inhibit their use for navigation.

Justification

1. To protect and improve the environmental quality and use of the Borough's canals.

Part II Proposal ENV30 – Control of Pollution

The Council will seek to ensure that forms of development likely to cause significant levels of pollution (of air, water or ground), or of noise and/or vibration are not sited within areas where the predominant land uses would be incompatible with such sources of nuisance.

Where development is proposed close to existing sources of pollution, noise and/or vibration, the Council will require that it is sited and designed in such a way as to confine the impact of nuisance from these sources to acceptable levels appropriate to the use concerned.

Justification

1. The Borough generally possesses a good environment, which the Council intends to retain and improve wherever possible. Pollution of water, ground and air and unacceptable noise and vibration damage the environment and should be prevented. As the most effective way of controlling pollution is at source, the Council will use its development control powers to prevent or limit potential new sources of pollution. Proposals for development close to sources of pollution, noise or vibration will be required to ensure an acceptable environment for users of the development.

2. The role of the planning system in pollution control relates to the location of development that may pollute or of development near potential sources of pollution and should thus complement the agencies of direct control of pollution. Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) of industrial processes with the greatest pollution potential is undertaken by the Environment Agency. All pollution from other industrial processes is covered by Local Authority Air Pollution Control. Water quality is also protected by the Environment Agency that controls effluent from industrial processes not under IPC and all sewage discharges, including water and sewerage companies. The management of controlled waste is licensed by the Environment Agency.

3. The Council has produced Planning Guide-lines - Noise Standards to give advice to prospective developers. The Council will seek to establish an effective partnership with United Utilities in order to reduce the impact of sewage treatment works on their surroundings, particularly at Davyhulme.

Part II Proposal ENV31 – Wastewater Treatment

The development of new operational facilities for water and waste water treatment (including sludge disposal) on sites indicated on the Proposals Map will normally be supported where this is necessary to implement objectives of the Plan or to meet statutory obligations and environmental standards, provided that due regard is paid to the impact of the development on the local environment.

Justification

1. Large areas of land in Trafford are given over to water/waste water treatment and new operational facilities will be required as standards for water/waste water treatment become more stringent.

2. The identification of sites will be introduced by way of interim alteration or at First Review of the Plan.

Proposal ENV32 – Derelict Land Reclamation

The Council will seek to secure the reclamation or improvement of areas of derelict, neglected or unsightly land, and support measures which will bring them into productive use or to provide for amenity or nature conservation, taking into account existing recreation and nature conservation interests and other potential. The sites to be reclaimed in the current derelict land programme are listed under (a) and (b) below and identified on the Proposals Map.

Priority Sites for Reclamation for Development

• Land at Thompson Road/Twining Road, Trafford Park;
• Land at Carrington Power Station, Manchester Road, Carrington;
• The former BP Tank Farm and adjacent land adjoining Partington railway sidings, Manchester Road, Carrington.
• Land at Partington Gas Works, Common Lane, Carrington;
• Land at Stretford Road/Essex Way, Old Trafford;
• Land at Churchill Way (former Carborundum site), Trafford Park;
• The former railway land on the west side of Mellors Road, Trafford Park;
• The former railway land on the south side of Nash Road, Trafford Park;
• Land at Chapel Place/Redclyffe Road, Trafford Park;
• Land north of Nash Road, Trafford Park;
• The former Barton Power Station, Trafford Park;
• Land north of the Bridgewater Canal, Twining Road, Trafford Park;
• Land east of Sinderland Road, Carrington;

Priorities for Reclamation for Environmental Improvement

• Bethell’s Tip, Dane Road, Sale: Recreational use and nature conservation (see Proposal OSR12 (v));
• Manchester Road , Partington: Nature conservation and recreation (formerly Proposal MV63 Mersey Valley Local Plan);
• CKM Tip, Carrington Lane, Sale: Recreation;
• The former Altrincham Incinerator site, Sinderland Road, Broadheath: Nature conservation and informal recreation;
• Land south of Malijurs Covert, of Sinderland Road, Broadheath: Nature conservation and informal recreation.

Justification

1. To improve the environment and make the Borough as a whole more attractive for investment and as a place in which to live and work.

2. When progressing the implementation of this Proposal the Council, wherever practical, will seek to bring forward reclamation schemes on sites that adjoin the strategic development sites identified in Proposal E13.

Proposal ENV33 – Contaminated Land

Before determining planning applications concerning any site which is known or strongly suspected to be contaminated to an extent which would have an adverse effect on the proposed use, the Council will require applicants to: -

a) Carry out an investigation to assess the nature and degree of land contamination, and,

b) Where contamination is confirmed, prepare an agreed set of remedial measures to deal with the identified hazards before occupation of the site, taking account of the proposed use of the land.

In cases where there is only a suspicion of contamination or where the evidence suggests only slight contamination, planning permission may be granted prior to the implementation of the above steps but conditional upon their being carried out before work commences.

Justification

The re-use of contaminated land will contribute to the Council's objective of promoting urban regeneration and re-use of outworn land. However, the redevelopment of land formerly used as for example sewage treatment works or domestic and industrial landfill sites, may give rise to hazards which put at risk people working or living on the site, the buildings themselves and the water services.

It is recognised that there is likely to be a legacy of potential pollution derived from contaminated land associated with past and present industrial activity, for example in Trafford Park. If precautions are not taken, contaminants may escape from the site to cause air and water pollution.

The disturbance of contaminated land can mobilize pollutants and either cause first time pollution or worsen existing problems. Leachate and drainage from contaminated land sites pose serious risks to pollution to both watercourses and groundwater.

Government guidance in PPG23 advises that the split approach contained in the Proposal be followed. Where sites are known or strongly suspected to be contaminated the Council will wish to see remedial measures agreed as part of any application for development. Contaminated sites are not always known and where the Council believe there is a possibility that the land may be contaminated the Council would not wish to delay development but would wish to ensure that before development commences any possible contamination is identified and adequate remedial measures taken.