Minerals Local Plan Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

Comment

Representation ID: 30629

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q1. We consider that the requirement for, and purpose of, SEA and SA, have been adequately explained in the report.

Comment

Representation ID: 30630

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q2. We consider that the methodology been adequately described and follows accepted methodologies and guidelines.

Comment

Representation ID: 30631

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q3. We are satisfied that the international, national and local policies, plans and programs identified within the report are relevant to the minerals plan. However we suggest that reference should be made to National Character Ares (NCAs) in the landscape section.

Comment

Representation ID: 30632

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q6. We acknowledge that the environmental baseline information included within the report generally provides sufficient information on the natural environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 30633

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q7. We acknowledge that the environmental baseline information included within the report generally provides sufficient information on the natural environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 30634

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q8. We acknowledge that the environmental baseline information included within the report generally provides sufficient information on the natural environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 30635

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q9. We acknowledge that the report satisfactorily identifies sustainability issues relevant to minerals development within Nottinghamshire. We particularly welcome the recognition in the section on Natural Environment & Biodiversity of the importance a positive planning framework to secure the protection of biodiversity and to provide opportunities for the enhancement and creation of new habitats.

Comment

Representation ID: 30636

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q10. & Q11. Include greater emphasis on green infrastructure in sections concerning sustainable communities and health. Minerals planning can provide valuable opportunities to create high quality, local accessible green infrastructure which could offer a range of benefits, including the following:
* Space and habitat for wildlife with access to nature for people
* Places for outdoor relaxation and play
* Climate change adaptation - for example flood alleviation and cooling urban heat islands
* Environmental education
* Local food production - allotments, gardens and through agriculture
* Improved health and well-being - lowering stress levels and providing opportunities for exercise.

Comment

Representation ID: 30637

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q12. We consider that the proposed SA objectives adequately cover our interests in the natural environment and welcome the SA framework.

Comment

Representation ID: 30638

Received: 12/01/2018

Respondent: Natural England

Q13. The decision-making criteria is generally welcome. It is important that indicators relate to the effects of the plan. Bespoke indicators should relate to outcomes of development management decisions. The following indicators may be appropriate:
Biodiversity:
* Number of planning approvals that generated any adverse impacts on sites of acknowledged biodiversity importance.
* Percentage of major developments generating overall biodiversity enhancement.
* Hectares of biodiversity habitat delivered through minerals site allocations.
Green infrastructure:
* Percentage of population having access to natural greenspace within 400 metres of homes.
* Length of greenways constructed.
* Accessible open space (Ha) per 1000 population