Planning Future
Cornwall: Cornwall
Local Plan Strategic
Policies 2010 - 2030
Addendum to Sustainability
Appraisal (B)
Proposed Submission Document
Report – Post Consultation and
with Revised Housing Number
and Distribution (47,500)
March 2014
Cornwall Council
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
3
2. Methodology
3
3. Limitations
3
4. Policy Evolution and Sustainability Appraisal Implications
4
5. Sustainability Appraisal – Summary
35
4. Spatial and Temporal, Permanent or Temporary and Secondary and
Indirect Effects
36
5. Significant Effects
36
Appendix 1. SA Assessment of Total Plan Impacts
38
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Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
1. Introduction
This document (Sustainability Appraisal submission draft – post
consultation and revised housing number and distribution) has been
prepared in December 2013. It forms Part B of the 3rd addendum
Sustainability Appraisal (SA) report published and supersedes the
Addendum Sustainability Appraisal Report prepared by Cornwall
Council (February 2013) and the Addendum Sustainability Appraisal
report (January 2013).
The purpose of this particular SA report (December 2013 SA) is to
assess and highlight any significant changes to the sustainability
appraisal arising from changes to the Local Plan that have been made
following the consultation on the pre-submission draft which ran from
11th March to the 22nd April 2013 and from discussion with Council
Members on the consultation responses.
This SA document will be reported to Full Council along with the Local
Plan on the 14th January 2014. Any policy amendments that are
required by Full Council will be re-assessed and reported as a further
addendum.
This report should also be read in conjunction with the previous full,
two additional SA addendum reports and the Sustainability Appraisal
Scoping Report which was published in June 2010 and updated in
May 2012.
2. Methodology
This Sustainability Appraisal Addendum Report was carried out by
Sustainability and Climate Change Policy Officers in direct liaison with
Planning Officers through mid December 2013.
3. Limitations
There are vast amounts of social, environmental and economic
information available however, this SA attempts to present that which
is either influenced or affected by the Local Plan and therefore some
SA criteria have been scoped out of the assessment.
The information presented in this report is the result of a desk top
review and no formal requests for records have been made.
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Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
4. Policy Evolution and Sustainability Appraisal
Implications
Since publication of the SA Addendum report (February 2013) a
number of changes have been made to the Local Plan. These changes
are summarised in the following table along with a narrative
assessment of the likely implications arising for the Sustainability
Appraisal as result of the changes.
Table 1: Policy Changes which have been added or significantly
amended since the earlier appraisal.
Local Plan Policy
& Context
Changes
Policy Changes Local
Plan December 2013
Implications of policy
change
General wording
changes to the
soft text and
paragraph sections
1.2, 1.5 &
objectives 1, 2 and
9.
The Local Plan now
states that it will take a
plan, monitor and
manage approach to
ensure the right policies
are in place to reflect
changing circumstances.
This should provide more
flexibility to address
changing social,
environmental and
economic issues that arise
from either the
implementation of the
Local Plan Policies or
national legislative changes
as well as ongoing
unforeseen circumstances
such as climate change
trends, ongoing economic
uncertainty and migration
patterns.
Planning response:
The plan, monitor, manage approach is a requirement in any case – there is no
real change here from previous versions, just the inclusion of a statement
about a statutory requirement.
The policy now refers to
The changes to the policy
working with applicants,
wording should result in
 That some
infrastructure providers
more rounded decision
more detail is
and the community to
taking. However, there is a
included in the
approve development
requirement to make sure
local plan on
proposals.
that social and
the assessment
environmental
process to
infrastructure providers are
demonstrate
Policy 1 –
Presumption in
Favour of
Sustainable
Development
Policy Changes
4
Recommendations
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
included in the discussion
to ensure that full
consideration is given to
meet sustainable
development principles.
The policy has also been
amended to contain a
paragraph which states
that ‘when considering
whether a development
proposal is sustainable or
not, account will be
taken of its location,
layout, design and use
against the three pillars
of economic
development, social
development and
environmental protection
and improvement’.
Whilst on paper this is a
welcome addition to the
policy within the Local Plan
as it should ensure more
balanced decision taking, it
is unclear how the process
of assessment will be
undertaken against the
three pillars of sustainable
development. These must
be considered together and
not in isolation in order to
avoid overriding weight
being given to any one
pillar.
how the
decision taking
process will be
used in relation
to the three
pillars of
sustainable
development.

That changes
are made to
the text
wording to
state “social
equity” rather
than social
development
These policy changes will
not result in any significant
change to the previous
Sustainability Appraisal
findings and therefore has
not required reassessment.
Planning response
The Local Plan: Strategic Policies document is not the place for detailed
guidance about the development management process (which is the process
by which proposals are assessed, by determining planning applications.) These
are minor changes for clarification and will not change the significant affects of
the plan.
Policy 2 – Key
Targets and
Spatial Strategy
The policy now includes
additional wording that
infers that development
overall should respect
the ‘natural’ and ‘historic’
character of Cornwall.
Text changes have
been made in
paragraphs 1.19,
1.23.
Policy changes
including the
removal of the
The job’s target has been
removed from the policy
and now states that ‘jobs
This gives additional
emphasis to the
importance of the natural
and historic character of
Cornwall
The removal of the jobs
target has not changed
the emphasis of the policy
to support economic
5

That there is a
definition of
High Quality
Design in the
glossary.

Confirmation
is requested
as to whether
High Quality
Design
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
jobs target from
paragraph 1a.
An increase to the
housing numbers.
A restructure of
paragraph 5 and 6
and additional
policy intent in
paragraph 8.
supporting the provision
of better paid full-time
employment
opportunities to drive an
increase in the Gross
Domestic Product to rise
above 75% of the EU’s
average’ will be
supported.
Paragraph 4 has been
altered and a new
housing target has been
added of 47, 500.
growth in Cornwall
through supporting job
creation. However, it does
now refer to driving an
increase in GDP above the
EU average. The impact of
this in terms of
sustainability will rely on
whether the drive to
increase GDP will result in
using less resources more
efficiently or creating new
products without any
consideration of the
impact on resource use
(as there is no allowance in
GDP calculations for
depletion of natural
resources).
The previous version of
the Local Plan stated a
figure of housing
provision up to 2030 of
42,500. The new version
refers to providing 47,
500 new dwellings over
the plan period. Although
this is significant in
relation to the previous
SA addendum reports
prepared in January and
February 2013) the
implications from
increased housing figures
between 35,000 and 79,
360 have already been
appraised. Therefore the
change to housing
numbers has not
triggered a reassessment. Although
where applicable the
narrative in the SA
assessment for the place
based policies has been
amended.
6
includes
sustainability
principles to
cover
environmental
impact and
material use
as well as the
listed cultural,
physical and
aesthetic
principles.

A change of
wording to use
of the term
“natural
assets” from
environmental
assets in line
with the
definition of
the Cornwall
and Isles of
Scilly Local
Nature
Partnership.
Please note:
we are just
asking for a
change in
wording and
not the
existing
associated
definition.

It would be
helpful to
provide some
context as to
what a green
industry might
be.

Clarity about
whether
paragraph has
an ‘and / or’
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
meaning.

Paragraph 5 has been
completely restructured
and broken up into bullet
points.
Paragraph 6 has been
reworded and
restructured to make it
clear that all landscapes
are important in
determining the spatial
strategy for development
overall. However, the
references to SSSi’s and
Heritage Coast has been
removed.
Paragraph 8 of the policy
has been amended to
state that additionally
overall development
should seek to “iii.
supporting the economic
regeneration of St Austell
as a centre for retail,
business and leisure with
a focus on promoting
‘green’ industries;
This change has not
affected policy wording
but it is unclear if these
changes to the structure
will result in an either/or
(or) an and/all decision
making process in the
determination of planning
applications.
Overall the change to make
it clear that all landscapes
are important is welcomed
and should result in slightly
more positive effects for
the landscape and the
historic environment than
the previous version of the
Local Plan and therefore
the scoring for these two
SA criteria have been
revised. Please see
Appendix 1 for information
on the new assessment.
The policy now identifies
two additional
regeneration areas which
reflect the strength and
contribution of these
areas to Cornwall’s
economy as a whole.
These are:

g. supporting the
economic regeneration of
Penzance as a retail,
business and leisure
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St Austell (for
retail, business and
leisure – with a
focus on green
industries) and;
Clarification is
requested that
any
designated
sites
previously
referred to
such as SSSI’s
are included
within either
the scope of
‘environmental
assets’ or
paragraph 6b
on valuing all
landscapes.
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Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan

centre, and travel
interchange, including
the improvement of
Penzance Harbour, and
retention of a main line
rail link to Penzance as a
strategic link for Cornwall
and the UK;”
Penzance (for retail,
business and
leisure) as well as a
travel interchange
(rail and harbour).
These changes are
unlikely to have any
significance on the
existing SA scores for this
policy and therefore do
not require any further
sustainability assessment.
Planning response
High quality design does require account to be taken of environmental
impacts. There is SPD in production which will provide further detail and
guidance about design quality, including the Cornwall Design Guide which is
already published as a Council Document and will be reviewed and
published as SPD after the adoption of the Local Plan. A Design Standards
SPD is also in production.
Change of wording to use of the term “natural assets” from environmental
assets in line with the definition of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local
Nature Partnership…?
Paragraph 5 is not an either/or option although the requirement for
adaptation to climate change is qualified ‘where possible.’
The requirement to take account of all environmental assets necessarily
includes SSSIs. NPPF para 118 gives a presumption against development
within or outside an SSSI that would adversely affect its integrity.
We agree that these wording alterations will not affect significant impacts of
the plan.
Policy 3 Role and
Function of Places
Text changes have
been made to
paragraphs 1.27
1.29, 1.33, 1.36
and 1.37.
The policy has also
been amended.
A paragraph has been
inserted into the soft text
which states that the reuse of empty homes and
buildings for residential
purposes is encouraged
via other Council plans
and strategies. It also
now states that the
adequacy of a 5 year
land supply will be
assessed on a Cornwall
It is noted and welcomed
that the previous SA
comments have been taken
on board in relation to
empty homes.
Clarification on the
assessment process of the
5 year land supply is
welcomed as it specifies
the approach.
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Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
wide basis.
Additionally this policy
now refers to the
delivery of housing
provision being managed
through a site allocation
DPD for certain towns.
Planning response:
Policy 4 Shopping,
Services and
Community
Facilities
Text changes have
been made to
paragraphs 1.40
and 1.42.
Wording changes
have also been
made to the
policy.
Overall, these changes are
not thought to significantly
affect the previous SA
assessment and therefore
do not require re-appraisal.
However, where individual
site allocations is made at
the place based level,
these will require a
sustainability appraisal and
where areas are connected
to sensitive receptors they
are also likely to require a
Habitats Regulations
Screening Assessment to
scope any significant
impacts.
Agree that these minor changes for clarification will not alter the significant
effects of the plan and therefore do not require appraisal although future
development plan documents will require SA and HRA.
The soft text now refers
The policy seems a little
 Clarification is
to the requirement for
unclear as to what “an
requested as to
the use of sequential
acceptable level of adverse
what
tests to assess the
impact” on the viability and
mechanism
potential for edge and
vitality of existing town
would be used
out of town
centres.
to determine
developments and the
small scale
inclusion of a threshold
In addition there is a
rural
for impact testing within
concern that viability
development
the site allocations DPD.
assessments do not take
and how would
regard of social or
adverse
It also includes an
environmental factors.
impacts be
exceptions clause for
These are necessary
calculated?
small scale rural
factors in considering edge
development. This could
of town and out of town
 A definition is
have impacts on
developments and there is
provided of
environmental factors in
a potential for the plan to
what
particular (landscape and result in unintended
constitutes a
historic environment and consequences if social and
‘public
biodiversity).
economic factors are not
transport
considered. Potentially
interchange’
The policy also seems
there is scope for viability
within the
rather unclear as to what assessments to be in
glossary
constitutes out of town
contradiction with Policy 1
definition for
and edge of town
(Sustainable Development)
edge of town
development and
which states that location
development.
therefore what would be
will be assessed against
permitted.
the three pillars of social
 That the scope
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Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
development,
environmental protection &
improvement, and
economic development.
Provision for delivering
accommodation for elderly
residents is welcomed
within this policy where it
will not impact on town
centre viability and vitality.
of viability is
broadened to
cover both
social and
environmental
factors and
that the
glossary is
updated in light
of this.
Overall, however, these
policy changes will not
result in any significant
change to the previous
Sustainability Appraisal
findings and therefore has
not required reassessment.
Planning response
Policy 5 Jobs and
Skills
Text changes have
been made to
paragraphs 2.3,
2.5 and 2.6.
Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not require
further appraisal.
The supporting soft text
Although the soft text has
has been amended to
been amended none of the
clarify the role of the
changes have been
Local Plan policies in
translated into policy
supporting the Cornwall
changes and therefore
& Isles of Scilly Local
there is no requirement to
Enterprise Partnership
re-assess the previous SA
and recognition is given
assessment.
to the role that Plymouth
has in Cornwall especially
in relation to
employment and retail
provision.
It also now refers to
supporting jobs but has
removed the target
figure of over 50,000.
Finally it recognises how
important the qualities of
Cornwall’s natural and
cultural assets are in
supporting the tourism
industry.
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Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Planning response:
Policy 6 – Housing
Mix
Text changes have
been made to
paragraphs 2.12,
2.13 and 2.14.
New policy text
has been added.
Planning response:
Noted. Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not
require further appraisal.
This policy now provides
Although there is policy
 That
guidance to developers
intent relating to
confirmation is
on achieving an
imaginative design
provided that
appropriate design mix.
solutions being employed it
the removal of
This states that
is unclear if this relates to
policy intent
‘development should aim trying to push for higher
requiring a
to:
design standards that
contribution for
 Address affordable would deliver
special care or
housing need and
environmental gains or
shelter needs
housing demand
whether it is more related
will not
 Contribute to the
to aesthetic values or
compromise
diversity of
indeed a combination of
the delivery of
housing in the
the two.
this type of
local area and help
housing for
to redress any
In addition there are
vulnerable
housing imbalance questions as to why
people where it
that exists
employing imaginative
is needed.
 Respond to the
design solutions only relate
requirements of a
to developments of 10+
changing
dwellings.
population; and
 Employ
As the plan is trying to
imaginative design avoid duplication across
solutions’.
policies there are questions
as to why this has not been
However, the reference
incorporated into the
to housing development
design policy.
to contribute towards
special care or shelter
This policy change will not
needs has been
result in any significant
removed.
change to the previous
Sustainability Appraisal
findings and therefore has
not required reassessment.
The wording of the policy is intended to allow flexibility to allow the best
solution to be found for each individual case.
The reference to ‘special care’ has been removed following objections from
the healthcare sector, as this is a term for a very narrow and specialist
form of provision in their sector, whereas the intention of the policy was to
encourage consideration of provision for a variety of differing needs.
The reference to 10+ houses is requiring a mix of housing on sites of this
size. Imaginative solutions can be applied to sites of any size. Design
standards will be required through Design Policies 13 and 14 and through
SPD.
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Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Policy 7 – Housing
in the Countryside
Text changes have
been made to
paragraphs 2.17
and 2.18.
New text has been
added to the policy
in paragraphs 1
and 4.
Planning response:
Policy 8 Affordable
Housing
Text changes have
been made to
paragraphs 2.21,
2.27 and 2.28.
New text has been
added to the
policy.
Agree that these are minor wording changes and will not have an impact on
significant effects.
The soft text supporting
Although changes have
this policy has been
been made that attempt to
amended and there is
clarify what would be
new text to support
acceptable in terms of
where and in what
housing in the countryside
context new housing is
the policy seems a little
acceptable in the open
unclear if affordable
countryside.
housing can be delivered in
areas which will extend the
The policy has been
physical edge.
clarified to stipulate that
caravans and chalets will The inclusion of the clause
not be considered
to exclude chalets and
applicable as
caravans from being
replacement buildings
considered in development
under this policy.
proposals as replacement
dwellings is supported as
this could have impacts on
a variety of environmental
factors particularly
landscape and biodiversity,
sustainable travel.
Overall, however these
policy changes will not
result in any significant
change to the previous
Sustainability Appraisal
findings and therefore has
not required a reassessment.
Noted. Agree that these are minor wording changes and will not have an
impact on significant effects.
The policy now looks to
It is unclear as to why
 It would be
seek affordable housing
replacement dwellings are
helpful to
contributions from
exempt from providing any
include a
developments of 2 or
contribution to affordable
definition of
more dwellings or on
housing as in some
replacement
sites of 0.2 hectares and circumstances the
dwellings to
above. However it is
replacement of dwellings
provide a
stated that there is an
could provide some forms
rationale for
exception to this which
of affordable housing
their blanket
exempts affordable
tenure which could provide
exemption.
housing contributions
both social and
being levied on
environmental benefits e.g.
 Information
‘replacement dwellings’.
hotel to flat replacements
should be
etc.
provided on the
Contributions will be
zones and
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Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
based on requirements
set out in an affordable
housing DPD.
In addition the provision
of affordable housing
being sought on site
within zones remains at
40 & 50% respectively.
In terms of the percentage
of affordable housing being
delivered on site whilst
extremely positive for
delivering against the
social inclusion and
housing SA objectives,
could result in negative
effects for other SA
objectives relating to
infrastructure
improvements which sit
under energy, transport
and accessibility, health,
sport and recreation,
biodiversity and design as
the opportunity for
delivering these via CIL
levy will be undermined by
the amount of affordable
housing.
This policy and the CIL
Policy (28 Infrastructure)
present a potential conflict
in the Local Plan.
The text in paragraph
2.29 implies that the
majority of housing
proposals are relatively
small size.
It is unclear how the text in
paragraph 2.29 which
implies flexibility to
negotiate delivery of
affordable housing on
these smaller sites
interplay with the policy
which states that
affordable housing will be
sought on sites of 0.2
hectares and above or an
increase in net dwellings of
two.
Overall, these policy
changes will not result in
any significant change to
the previous Sustainability
13
where they are
in the soft text
to give greater
clarity on what
and how they
are derived.

It is requested
that the
situation
outlined in
paragraph 2.29
which implies
the Council will
apply
affordable
housing
requirements
more flexibly
on smaller sites
is clarified as
there seems to
be a potential
conflict
between this
statement in
the soft text
and the policy
itself.
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Appraisal findings and
therefore has not required
re-assessment.
Planning response:
Policy 9 –
Affordable Housing
Led Schemes
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph
2.32.
A number of
changes have
been made to the
policy text.
Replacement dwellings don’t create a net increase in dwellings and are
therefore not liable for affordable housing or other contributions.
The comments on CIL are noted and a higher requirement for affordable
housing will affect development viability and require a recalculation of the CIL
charging schedule.
There is a glossary note to paragraph 2.39 to define ‘unrealistic burdens.’
Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not require
further appraisal.
The amendments to both
Changes have been
 Confirmation is
the supporting text and the
made to the supporting
provided that
policy have resulted in
text and the policy to
the affordable
provide an explanation of greater clarity as to what
housing DPD
type of development
what constitutes an
contains
proposals would be
“affordable housing led
information
considered as affordable
scheme”.
and guidance
housing led schemes which
in relation to
is positive.
The policy now also
sustainability
provides more clarity on
issues which
In addition the policy now
what would be expected
were previously
includes intent to ensure
of any development
included in the
that development
proposals in terms of
Code for
proposals for any
“scale, character and
Sustainable
affordable housing led
appearance”.
Homes to
schemes conform to the
ensure that
scale, character and
In addition the policy
any
also states that “schemes appearance of the areas in
development
which they are proposed.
should be developed in
coming forward
This should be slightly
accordance with a new
conforms to
affordable housing SPD”. more positive in terms of
high design,
the Design SA criterion
build standards
objectives around setting,
and are
local character and
affordable to
distinctiveness.
run and
maintain by the
Overall, these policy
occupants.
changes will not result in
any significant effects on
 That clarity is
the previous Sustainability
provided as to
Appraisal findings and
whether the
therefore has not required
inclusion of
re-assessment.
market housing
in these types
of schemes
negates the
need to deliver
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Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
higher
standards as
per the
previous
requirements
set out in the
Code for
Sustainable
Homes.
Planning response:
Policy 11 –
Managing Viability
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 2.40
A wording change
has been made to
the policy in bullet
point 1.
The primary purpose of this policy is to restrict development outside/on the
edge of existing settlements to affordable led schemes. For design standards
developers should refer to the design policies 23 and 13 and to the affordable
housing SPD which has been published for consultation.
Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not require
further appraisal.
The main change to the
The change to the policy
That the policy
soft text has been the
which now implies that the includes a reference
addition of a reference to council will consider
to the Affordable
the Affordable Housing
alterations solely on the
Housing SPD to
SPD in terms of
mix of the housing
ensure conformity on
managing viability.
development to reduce
viability.
scheme costs could result
The policy wording has
in positive effects for the
slightly changed to
Design SA criterion as it
remove the reference to
appears that the Council
alter the design of a
will not enable design
scheme to reduce costs.
standards to be
compromised.
However, as viability of
schemes will be assessed
against guidance in the
Affordable Housing DPD,
and without seeing the
specific details of this along
with receiving greater
clarity on the impact of the
removal of public subsidy,
it is difficult to assess how
positive this change might
be.
In consideration of these
changes to the policy, this
has triggered a
reassessment and a
revised score. Please see
Appendix 1 for information
on the new assessment.
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Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Planning response:
Policy 13 – Design
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph
2.47
A number of
changes have
been made to the
policy text.
The SPD will be specifically linked to affordable housing policies in the Local
Plan through its adoption process.
The addition of wording in
The soft text has been
 It is suggested
both the soft text and the
amended to include a
that the first
policy in relation to
reference to the
paragraph of
resilience and climate
importance of good
the policy is
change as per the previous
quality design in being
reworded to
SA assessment is
able to ‘respond to
provide clarity
welcomed and should
climate change and
as to whether
result in positive effects for
assist in its mitigation
the statement
the Climate Change and
and adaptation’.
that the
Design SA criterion.
“Council is
There have been a
committed to
number of amendments
In addition the other policy
achieving high
to the policy wording.
changes have provided
quality safe,
These include;
greater clarity and slightly
sustainable and
broadened the scope of the
inclusive design
 A change in
design policy to ensure
in all
wording from the
consideration of a wider
developments
council being
range of issues in
across Cornwall
committed to
development proposals.
and ensuring
achieving “high
In consideration of these
its distinctive
quality buildings
changes to the policy, this
character is
and places” to
has triggered a
maintained and
being committed
reassessment and a
enhanced” is
to achieving “safe, revised score. Please see
related to the
sustainable and
Appendix 1 for information
character of
inclusive design
on the new assessment.
Cornwall or the
and ensuring that
developments
distinctive
themselves.
character is
maintained and
 It is important
enhanced”.
that the policy
includes a
 That not just
requirement for
places but
development
“buildings” must
proposals to
show high quality
comply with
design and layout.
the Design SPD
and the
 In terms of
sustainability
character and local
checklist,
distinctiveness a
rather than just
reference to
referring to it
achieving this
in the soft text,
through the use of
to ensure the
materials has been
intention of
removed and it
achieving high
now states that
quality design
16
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
local character and
distinctiveness
should not
“prevent or
discourage
appropriate
innovation”.
Planning response:

That the layout of
development
should respect and
work with the
natural
environment; in
providing high
quality, safe
private and public
spaces.

That in terms of
adaptability
wording has been
added on
“resilience” and
that building
structures are able
to respond to
climate change.
as promoted
through this
policy is
upheld.
The first paragraph refers to the distinctive character of Cornwall.
The Design SPDs (Cornwall Design Guide and Residential Standards) will be
specifically linked to Local Plan policies through its adoption process.
Policy 15 Renewable & Low
Carbon Energy
Whilst neither the soft text
nor the policy has changed
the soft text refers to the
development of a
Supplementary Planning
Document.

It would be
useful to
include the title
of the relevant
SPD e.g. Low
Carbon &
Renewables in
paragraph 2.58
of the soft text.
Planning response:
It is not possible to alter the text of the document at this stage. However the
SPD are listed in the LDS.
Policy 17 – Health
& Wellbeing
The policy now includes
reference to
development protecting
The changes to the Health
and Well-being policy are
17
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
A number of
changes have
been made to the
policy text
and alleviating the risk to
people and the
environment from the
potential hazards
afforded from future
climate change impacts.
The Policy also now
refers to indoor and
outdoor sports and
leisure facilities and adds
in a reference to
supporting networks for
riding as well as walking
and cycling.
Planning response:
Noted
Policy 18 –
Minerals (General
Principles)
The soft text has
changed to include more
up to date facts and
figures in relation to
mineral production and
supply in Cornwall.
Text changes have
been made to
paragraphs
2.66, 2.67, 2.69,
2.71 and 2.72.
welcomed.
Overall, these policy
changes will not result in
any significant effects on
the previous Sustainability
Appraisal findings and
therefore has not required
re-assessment.
Overall, these policy
changes will not result in
any significant effects on
the previous Sustainability
Appraisal findings and
therefore has not required
re-assessment.
A couple of minor
changes have
been made to the
policy text.
Planning response:
Noted
Policy 20 Strategic Waste
Management
Principles
The soft text has
changed to include more
up to date facts and
figures about how waste
will be managed during
the plan period.
Text changes have
been made in
paragraph 2.77,
2.78, 2.79, 2.82,
2.84 and 2.85.
A couple of minor
changes have
been made to the
policy text.
Overall, these policy
changes will not result in
any significant effects on
the previous Sustainability
Appraisal findings and
therefore has not required
re-assessment.
The policy wording has
changed slightly to
broaden the scope of
markets for recycled /
recovered material to
include communities and
composting.
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Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Planning response:
Policy 21 –
Managing the
Provision of Waste
Management
Facilities
Text changes have
been made in
paragraph 2.77,
2.78, 2.79, 2.82,
2.84 and 2.85.
Some changes
have been made
to the policy text.
Planning response:
Policy 22 – Best
Use of Land and
Existing Buildings
Text changes have
been made in
paragraph 2.87.
A number of
changes have
been made to the
policy text.
Noted. Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not
require further appraisal.
The policy wording has
Development proposals are
changed to remove the
now required to meet all
‘and/or’ option.
the policy conditions from
2a-2h and this has helped
to strengthen the policy by
requiring development
proposals to meet all the
policy requirements.
Overall, these policy
changes will not result in
any significant effects on
the previous Sustainability
Appraisal findings and
therefore has not required
re-assessment.
Noted. Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not
require further appraisal.
The policy has changed
The policy wording change
 That a
to include a clause to
is a welcome addition as it
definition of
guide development
should help to ensure that
‘high
proposals towards using
land which has been
environmental
previously developed,
classified as previously
value’ is added
despoiled, degraded,
developed, despoiled,
to the glossary.
derelict and
degraded, derelict and
contaminated land
contaminated, which in
‘provided that it is not of some cases provides high
a high environmental
biological value and acts as
value’.
important environmental
features, are protected.
The policy now includes
an additional aspect
The inclusion of additional
(bullet point e) to
policy intent related to
‘safeguard land to make
safeguarding of land to
space for water at times
ensure that space is made
of flood’.
available for water is
positive for a number of
social and environmental
SA Criteria including:




Climate factors
Soil
Water
Biodiversity
It also has an indirect
effect on the Health, Sport
and Recreation SA criterion
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Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
as it will reduce peoples
mental stress through
reducing their potential
flood risk.
In consideration of these
changes to the policy, this
has triggered a
reassessment and a
revised score. Please see
Appendix 1 for information
on the new assessment.
Planning response:
Policy 23 - Natural
Environment
Text changes have
been made in
paragraph 2.98.
A number of
changes have
been made to the
policy text.
Noted
There is a change to the
soft text which now
states a requirement for
a Habitats Regulations
Assessment (HRA) for
proposals near to or
affecting a SAC.
There are changes to the
policy wording that
strengthen the
requirement for all
development proposals
to demonstrate that they
“must take into account
and respect” the
sensitivity and capacity
of the landscape asset,
“considering” cumulative
impact and “using
guidance” from the
Landscape Character
Assessment.
The additional wording in
the soft text is welcomed.
Although the local plan
doesn’t seek to allocate
sites, it does refer to the
development of a site
allocations document.
Habitats Regulations
Assessment screening
should be an integral
element in the
development of any site
allocations document to
ensure that no areas are
allocated that will then
result in development
coming forward that is
near to, or likely to affect
SSSIs.
The changes to the policy
wording are welcomed and
in line with previous SA
recommendations.
Soil has been added to
the list of issues that
have been identified in
the policy as being areas
requiring consideration
for conservation,
protection and
enhancement.
These changes which result
in strengthening the
requirement to consider
the natural environment,
soils and the use of
existing guidance are likely
to result in positive effects
for the SA criterion on Soil.
Finally in relation to this
In consideration of these
20

It is suggested
that the Local
Plan includes a
requirement to
consider the
impacts of
development
proposals near
to, or likely to
affect SSSIs.
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
policy the mitigation
element of the policy has
been strengthened from
changing the emphasis of
the wording from
“seeking” to “requiring”.
Planning Policy:
Policy 24 Historic
Environment
A couple of
changes have
been made to the
policy text.
Policy response:
Policy 25 – Green
Infrastructure
There has been a
change to the
policy wording.
changes to the policy, this
has triggered a
reassessment and a
revised score. Please see
Appendix 1 for information
on the new assessment.
NPPF para 118 gives a presumption against development within or outside an
SSSI that would adversely affect its integrity. Agree that HRA screening will
be carried out for future DPDs.
It is difficult to assess
The policy now refers to
whether the wording
development proposals
changes to remove the
needing to protect “or”
requirement for protection
enhance Cornwall’s
historic environment and “and” enhancement will
have any positive or
assets rather than
negative impacts as it
protect “and” enhance
implies that they will either
them.
be protected or enhanced
In addition there have
both of which require
been some slight
positive intervention.
changes to the mitigation
and assessment element The policy has been
of the policy where it
strengthened slightly by
now refers to where
the inclusion of the words
development proposals
‘significant impact’ and
will result in loss or
changing the wording from
“significant damage” of a ‘seek’ to ‘require’. These
heritage asset, the
changes to the policy
council will “require”
wording are welcomed.
appropriate and
proportionate mitigation. However, in overall terms
these policy changes will
not result in any significant
effects on the previous
Sustainability Appraisal
findings and therefore has
not required reassessment.
The wording change brings the policy in line with the NPPF and is made in
response to consultation responses. Agree that these are not significant
changes and therefore do not require further appraisal.
The policy wording has
The inclusion of the new
been changed slightly to
wording to the policy is
ensure that any
welcomed and should
mitigation required is
result in positive effects for
delivered in a suitable
the Biodiversity and
location.
Landscape SA criteria.
21
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
However, this policy
change will not result in
any significant effects on
the previous Sustainability
Appraisal findings and
therefore has not required
re-assessment.
Policy response:
Policy 26 – Flood
Risk Management
& Coastal Change
A couple of
changes have
been made to the
policy text.
Policy response:
Policy 27 –
Transport &
Accessibility
Text changes have
Noted. Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not
require further appraisal.
There have been some
The policy wording
general wording changes regarding marine planning
to ensure better
is welcomed as it provides
readability.
greater clarity on how
decisions affecting the
In addition the policy
marine environment will be
wording has changed in
taken. This should ensure
paragraph 2d to set out
that SA scoping report
how development
issues for the maritime
proposals that may effect environment are
the marine environment
considered when
are determined.
determining development
proposals.
Finally in relation to this
policy the size of
The rationale for changes
development proposals
to the size of hectarage for
required to submit a
development proposals
long term water
which are required to
management plan has
submit long term water
changed and now states
management plans is to
that this policy intent is
bring the scales closer as
applicable to
development on 0.1
developments of 10
hectares is likely to only
dwellings or more and
deliver 1 dwelling.
those of 0.5 hectares and
above rather than as
However, in overall terms
originally stated 10
these policy changes will
dwellings and 0.1
not result in any significant
hectares and above.
effects on the previous
Sustainability Appraisal
findings and therefore has
not required reassessment.
Noted. Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not
require further appraisal.
The supporting text for
These changes are
the Transport and
welcomed and will result in
Accessibility Policy has
enabling future
been amended and new
improvements to the link
information has been
with the Isles of Scilly to be
22
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
been made in
paragraph 2.111.
There has been a
change to the
policy wording.
included that states the
importance of
maintaining the key
transport network as well
as “associated
infrastructure” and it also
refers to the importance
of safeguarding future
opportunities to improve
and maintain links with
the Isles of Scilly and
other areas in the UK.
maintained for the duration
of the plan period which is
positive.
However, in overall terms
these policy changes will
not result in any significant
effects on the previous
Sustainability Appraisal
findings and therefore has
not required reassessment.
The policy wording now
includes a reference to
safeguarding links to the
Isles of Scilly.
Policy Response:
Policy 28 –
Infrastructure
There has been a
change to the
policy wording.
Policy response:
Noted. Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not
require further appraisal.
The changes to the policy
The policy now states
wording will now enable
that developer
contributions collected as developer contributions
sought through the CIL to
a community
be used in other areas than
infrastructure levy and
the actual development
based on the strategic
itself.
viability assessment will
be sought to ensure that
The policy wording is
the necessary physical,
welcomed as it will mean
social, economic and
green infrastructure is in that key infrastructure to
address social and
place to deliver
economic issues is
development.
prioritised.
Contributions will be
However, the changes to
used to “provide or
the policy will not result in
enhance local
any significant effects on
infrastructure that is
adversely affected by the the previous Sustainability
development of a site but Appraisal findings and
therefore has not required
which will not be
re-assessment.
delivered on that site”
rather than to mitigate
adverse impacts of
development (including
any cumulative impacts).
Noted. Agree that these are not significant changes and therefore do not
require further appraisal.
Policy Messages
23
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
for Places – Local
Objectives.
PP1 West Penwith
CNA
Text changes have
been made to
Objective 3 and 4
and paragraphs
4.17 and 4.21.
The supporting soft text
has been amended to
reflect the vulnerability
of the community and
key infrastructure to
flood risk (objective 4
and paragraph 4.21) and
the policy itself (1.g).
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point 1g).
Additional information
has been provided in the
soft text (paragraph
4.17) on retail capacity.
Policy Response:
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
Both the soft text and
The change to the policy is
 It is requested
the policy have been
welcomed as it recognises
that changes to
amended to include
previous SA comments
this place based
recognition of the
about the need to reflect
policy is in line
ongoing impacts
vulnerability and resilience
with national and
(particularly to
to current and future flood
local policies on
regeneration) of coastal
risk. This is particularly
protecting
flooding in Hayle.
positive for the SA criterion
viability of town
on water and climatic
centres.
The soft text contains
factors.
additional information on
retail capacity.
The inclusion of data on
retail capacity seems to
imply that there is scope
for delivering edge and out
of town facilities which is in
contravention to the main
local plan policies.
PP2 Hayle and St
Ives CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 5.5 and
5.7.
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point 1g).
Planning response:
The change to the policy is
welcomed as it recognises
previous SA comments
about the need to reflect
vulnerability and resilience
to current and future flood
risk. This is particularly
positive for the SA criterion
on water, climatic factors,
and transport and
accessibility.

It is requested
that changes to
this place based
policy is in line
with national and
local policies on
protecting
viability of town
centres.
The inclusion of data on
retail capacity seems to
imply that there is scope
for delivering edge and out
of town facilities which is in
contravention to the main
local plan policies.
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
24
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
PP3 Helston and
the Lizard CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 6.4.
Planning response:
PP4 Camborne,
Pool & Redruth
CNA
The CPIR CNA has
now been
renamed as
Camborne, Pool
and Redruth CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 7.9 and
7.10.
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point 1i).
Planning response:
PP5 Falmouth &
Penryn CNA
The soft text contains
additional information on
retail capacity.
The inclusion of data on
retail capacity seems to
imply that there is scope
for delivering edge and out
of town facilities which is in
contravention to the main
local plan policies.
It is requested
that changes to
this place based
policy is in line
with national and
local policies on
protecting
viability of town
centres.
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
Additional information
The inclusion of data on
 It is requested
has been provided in the retail capacity seems to
that changes to
soft text (paragraph 7.9) imply that there is scope
this place based
on retail capacity and on for delivering edge and out
policy is in line
reducing flood risk with
of town facilities which is in
with national and
the implementation of a
contravention to the main
local policies on
Surface Water
local plan policies.
protecting
Management Plan
viability of town
(paragraph 7.10) with
The inclusion of soft text
centres.
supporting text added to and policy wording which
the policy (1i).
recognises the vulnerability
to flooding in the area and
directs all development
proposals to comply with
the surface water
management plan for the
area is very welcome. It
also recognises the links
between managing surface
water and water quality
which is positive in terms
of the following SA criteria:
 Climatic factors
 Water
 Social inclusion
 Biodiversity
 Maritime
 Health, sport and
recreation
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
Additional information
Whilst the recognition of
 Include this policy
has been provided in the this issue is welcomed the
intent in the
soft text (paragraph
actual place policy (PP5
policy.
25

Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 8.16.
8.16) which refers to
developing a flood risk
management strategy for
the area.
Planning response:
PP6 Truro &
Roseland CNA
This requirement is in Policy 26 – Flood Risk Management
Additional information
The inclusion of data on

has been provided in the retail capacity seems to
soft text (paragraph 9.6) imply that there is scope
on retail capacity and on for delivering edge and out
reducing surface water
of town facilities which is in
flooding with the
contravention to the main
implementation of a
local plan policies. It is
Surface Water
unlikely that the scale of
Management Plan
retail space (61, 200 sqm
(paragraph 9.11) with
of comparison A1 net sales
supporting text added to floor space) in edge or out

the policy (1g).
of town locations will not
impact on town centre
viability and function.
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 9.6 and
9.11.
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point 1g).
Planning response:
PP7 St Agnes &
Perranporth CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 10.1.
Falmouth and Penryn) does
not reflect this.
It is requested
that changes to
this place based
policy is in line
with national and
local policies on
protecting
viability of town
centres
It is requested
that information
is provided the
percentage of
existing retail
space currently
provided in town
centre, edge of
town and out of
town locations to
enable
comparison with
the proposed
retail space.
The inclusion of policy
wording around the
requirement for
development proposals to
improve flow routes for
surface water towards the
natural flood plain, to
reduce the risk of surface
water flooding is positive.
In particular this should
have positive impacts in
relation to the following SA
criteria:
 Climatic factors
 Water
 Biodiversity
 Maritime
The retail study and AMR contain the evidence for existing retail provision.
Although the text has been
 The policy is
Additional information
updated to reflect
has been provided in the amended to reflect the
need to maintain and
this objective.
soft text (paragraph
enhance the natural and
10.1, Objective 8) on
historic environment of the
maintaining and
area for both the local
enhancing the area’s
community and in relation
heritage and
to the areas tourism offer,
environmental assets.
this objective has not been
translated into the actual
policy (PP7 St Agnes and
26
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Planning response:
PP8 Newquay & St
Columb CNA.
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 11.4
and 11.6.
Planning response:
PP9 St Austell,
China Clay, St
Blazey, Fowey and
Lostiwthiel
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 12.24,
12.33 and 12.35.
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point 2c).
Perranporth).
This requirement is in strategic policy 23.
Additional information
The inclusion of data on
has been provided in the retail capacity seems to
soft text on retail
imply that there is scope
capacity (paragraph
for delivering edge and out
11.4) and in supporting
of town facilities which is in
the role of Newquay
contravention to the main
airport as a strategic
local plan policies.
transport facility
(paragraph 11.6).

It is requested
that changes to
this place based
policy is in line
with national and
local policies on
protecting
viability of town
centres.
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
The soft text refers to
The proximities of these
 It is requested
capacity for an additional
areas have led these
that changes to
16,000sqm of comparison
individual CNA’s to be
this place based
A1 net sales floorspace in
looked at as a whole in
policy is in line
these areas. Significant out
terms of the policy.
with national and
of town developments have
However, individual
local policies on
already been identified for
background information
protecting
the area which have a
is provided for each of
viability of town
potential to affect town
the areas.
centres.
centre viability.
St Austell &
Megavissey - The retail
In addition the inclusion of
role of St Austell has
data on retail capacity
been recognised and the
seems to imply that there
soft text amended to
is scope for delivering edge
include additional
and out of town facilities
information on retail
which is in contravention to
capacity (paragraph
the main and place based
12.24).
policies in the local plan.
St Austell, St Blazey
and China Clay
Regeneration Area The soft text alludes to
an aspiration for this
area to be recognised as
a “Green Capital of
Cornwall” in line with
principles of the Garden
City Movement and a
need to develop an area
wide flood risk
management strategy
The place based
information alludes to the
area moving towards being
seen as the “Green Capital
of Cornwall” through the
delivery of the eco
community which will
require development
proposals to achieve high
environmental standards
and delivery of the eco
community. Whilst these
provide positive policy in
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Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
(paragraph 12.33 and
12.35).
Planning response:
PP10 Wadebridge
& Padstow CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 13.2,
13.6 and 13.11.
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point 1d).
two areas, achieving the
status of being a “Green
Capital” will require other
issues to be addressed.
The policy has been
updated to include
reference to a requirement
for the regeneration of
Fowey, Lostwithiel and St
Blazey and Par Town
Centres which will
incorporate measures to
reduce the occurrence and
impact of flooding. This
policy intent is positive in
terms of
 Economic
development and
regeneration
 Water
 Social inclusion
 Health, sport and
recreation.

Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
The soft text contains
The inclusion of data on
 It is requested
additional information on retail capacity seems to
that changes to
retail capacity
imply that there is scope
this place based
(paragraph 13.6).
for delivering edge and out
policy is in line
of town facilities which is in
with national and
The soft text refers to
contravention to the main
local policies on
the susceptibility of the
local plan policies. It is
protecting
town centre to tidal and
unlikely that the scale of
viability of town
river flooding and the
retail space in edge or out
centres.
limited life expectancy of of town locations will not
current flood defences
impact on town centre
(paragraph 13.11).
viability and function. And
this approach appears to
be in contradiction to the
main and place based
policies in the local plan.
The policy has been
updated in light of previous
SA comments to enable
development proposals
28
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
coming forward that will
result in the regeneration
of the town centre as well
as incorporating measures
to improve flood defences
and the risk of flooding.
Planning response:
PP11 Bodmin CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 14.4
and 14.8.
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point 1g).
Planning response:
PP13 – Bude CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 16.3.
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
The soft text contains
The inclusion of data on
 It is requested
additional information on retail capacity seems to
that changes to
retail capacity
imply that there is scope
this place based
(paragraph 14.4) and
for delivering edge and out
policy is in line
refers to the vulnerability of town facilities which is in
with national and
of Bodmin’s flood
contravention to the main
local policies on
infrastructure (paragraph local plan policies. It is
protecting
14.8).
unlikely that the scale of
viability of town
retail space in edge or out
centres.
of town locations will not
impact on town centre
viability and function. And
this approach appears to
be in contradiction to the
main and place based
policies in the local plan.
The policy now contains
information requiring
improvements to overland
flow routes for flood water
and de-culverting of the
town leat where possible.
These policy changes are
welcome and should result
in positive outcomes for
the following SA criteria:
 Water
 Climatic factors
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
The soft text contains
The inclusion of data on
 It is requested
additional information on retail capacity seems to
that changes to
retail capacity
imply that there is scope
this place based
(paragraph 16.3).
for delivering edge and out
policy is in line
of town facilities which is in
with national and
29
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
contravention to the main
local plan policies. It is
unlikely that the scale of
retail space in edge or out
of town locations will not
impact on town centre
viability and function. And
this approach appears to
be in contradiction to the
main and place based
policies in the local plan.
Planning response:
PP14 – Launceston
CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 17.5.
Planning response:
PP15 – Liskeard
CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 18.6.
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point 2b).
local policies on
protecting
viability of town
centres.
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
The soft text contains
The inclusion of data on
 It is requested
additional information on retail capacity seems to
that changes to
retail capacity
imply that there is scope
this place based
(paragraph 17.5).
for delivering edge and out
policy is in line
of town facilities which is in
with national and
contravention to the main
local policies on
local plan policies. It is
protecting
unlikely that the scale of
viability of town
retail space in edge or out
centres.
of town locations will not
impact on town centre
viability and function. And
this approach appears to
be in contradiction to the
main and place based
policies in the local plan.
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
The soft text contains
The inclusion of data on
 It is requested
additional information on retail capacity seems to
that changes to
retail capacity
imply that there is scope
this place based
(paragraph 18.6).
for delivering edge and out
policy is in line
of town facilities which is in
with national and
The policy wording has
contravention to the main
local policies on
changed to include
local plan policies. It is
protecting
support for coastal
unlikely that the scale of
viability of town
defence and the
retail space in edge or out
centres.
implementation of a flood of town locations will not
risk strategy for Looe.
impact on town centre
 Suggest inclusion
However, this is not
viability and function. And
of a reference to
30
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
mentioned in the soft
text (bullet point 2b).
this approach appears to
be in contradiction to the
main and place based
policies in the local plan.
flood risk strategy
for Looe in the
soft text to link to
the policy
wording.
The policy now contains
information requiring
improvements to coastal
defence and
implementation of a flood
risk strategy for Looe. This
policy changes is welcome
and should result in
positive outcomes for the
following SA criteria:
Policy Response:
PP16 – Caradon
CNA
Wording changes
have also been
made to the policy
(bullet point b).
Planning response:
PP17 – Cornwall
Gateway CNA
Text changes have
been made to
paragraph 20.5.
 Water
 Climatic factors
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
The policy wording has
changed to highlight that
settlements outside
Callington will be
‘Calstock’ as well as
Gunnislake.
The soft text contains
additional information on
retail capacity
(paragraph 20.5).
The inclusion of data on
retail capacity seems to
imply that there is scope
for delivering edge and out
of town facilities which is in
contravention to the main
local plan policies. It is
unlikely that the scale of
retail space in edge or out
of town locations will not
impact on town centre
viability and function. And
this approach appears to
be in contradiction to the
main and place based
policies in the local plan.

It is requested
that changes to
this place based
policy is in line
with national and
local policies on
protecting
viability of town
centres.
Para 24 of the NPPF sets out the sequential test for town centre uses. Edge of
centre and out of centre sites will only be considered if town centre sites are
31
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Policy messages
for Places – Local
Objectives
Changes to
housing numbers.
not available. This therefore requires an assessment of the availability of town
centre sites; this doesn’t imply a preference for edge or out of centre sites,
which would be contrary to national policy.
This version of the Local
The previous version of the
Plan now contains a new
local plan sought to provide
housing figure to support 42,250 new homes in
the provision of 47,500
Cornwall over the plan
new homes during the
period.
plan period up to 2030.
This represents an increase
of 5, 250 new homes
compared to the previous
plan. The scale of this does
not represent a significant
change to the SA
assessment and therefore
has not resulted in
triggering a re-assessment.
Note: Previous SA
assessments have been
carried out on a range of
housing and distribution
options ranging from
35,000 to over 79,000.
These should be looked at
together.
Policy messages
for Places – Local
Objectives
Changes to
distribution
pattern of housing
figures
Changes have been
made to the distribution
pattern relating to the
housing figures. The new
distribution pattern was
derived from:

A review of
existing level of
completions and
commitments
across the board
in view of the pro
– rata approach

Environmental
constraints

Redistributing
housing provision
to areas with
capacity to grow
Since the previous SA
assessment in February
2013 where a simple pro
rata approach would be
taken to the distribution of
the new housing rather
than an evidence based
approach, a review of the
distribution pattern has
been undertaken. This has
resulted in changes to
32

Penzance and
Newlyn where
provisions in the
town have increased
by 750 dwellings and
reduced in the
remainder of the
CNA by 100.

Hayle where
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
during the plan
period in
discussion with
PAC Members

provisions in the
town has increased
by 100 dwellings and
by 250 in St. Ives /
Carbis Bay dwellings
in the remainder of
the CNA.
Taking into
account
representations
from specific town
and parish
councils.
33

Helston where
provision in the CNA
area has increased
by 200 dwellings.

Camborne, Pool and
Redruth CNA where
provison of dwellings
in the town area has
increased by 500
and provisions in the
remainder of the
CNA have increased
by 300 dwellings.

Falmouth and
Penryn where
provisions in the
town has reduced by
600 dwellings and
reduced by 300
dwellings in the
remainder of the
CNA.

Truro where
provisions of
dwellings have
increased by 800 in
the town area and
increased by 100
dwellings in the
remainder of the
CNA.

Newquay where
provisions for
dwellings has
increased by 550 in
the town area.

St Austell where
provisions for
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
dwellings has
increased by 300 in
the town area.
34

The China Clay CNA
where provisions for
dwellings as a whole
has increased by
100.

Wadebridge where
provisions for
dwellings has
increased by 200 in
the town area and
100 dwellings in the
remainder of the
CNA.

Camelford CNA
where provision of
dwellings as whole
has increased by
300.

Bude/Stratton/Pough
ill has increased by
100 and the
remainder of the
CNA has increased
by 150 dwellings

Launceston town
where provision of
dwellings has
increased by 400 in
the town.

Liskeard where
provision of
dwellings has
increased by 250 in
the town and 400
dwellings in the
remainder of the
CNA area.

Saltash where
provision of
dwellings in the town
has increased by 250
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
in the town, Torpoint
where provision of
dwellings has
increased by 50 and
the Cornwall
Gateway CNA area
has increased by 100
dwellings.
These changes to the
housing numbers (47,500)
and the distribution pattern
of housing are fairly
insignificant and therefore
have not resulted in any
significant changes to the
previous SA findings.
However in areas where
there are significant
environmental constraints
and areas with high levels
of designations a slightly
more concentrated
distribution pattern in the
towns should result in
slightly more positive
effects for landscape,
historic environment and
Biodiversity SA criteria e.g.
West Penwith CNA.
5. Sustainability Appraisal – Summary
This SA addendum report takes a whole plan approach as to how the
plan performs socially, economically and environmentally and
whether it achieves a balance between the three different
components (environment, social, economic) that make up
Sustainable Development.
Since the last appraisal the Local Plan has changed significantly and
has triggered a re-assessment which has resulted in revised scores
for the following policies:
35
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan





Policy
Policy
Policy
Policy
Policy
2 – Key Targets and Spatial Strategy
11 – Managing Viability
13 - Design
22 – Best Use of Land & Existing Buildings
23 – Natural Environment
In terms of other changes to the Local Plan related to Policy Messages
for Places – Local objectives this Sustainability Appraisal assessment
has considered and provided a narrative on the changes to the
housing numbers and identified that there might be a contradiction in
the policy intent and the main Local Plan Policy which aims to support
Town Centre viability and vitality.
Finally in relation to the revised housing number and distribution
pattern this SA assessment has not identified any significant changes.
In conclusion when considering the impacts of the plan as a whole the
plan performs positively overall as the negative effects are
outweighed by the positive effects. However, there are still
differences in how well the Local Plan performs in relation to the
strands of sustainability as although this version of the Local Plan
performs slightly better in terms of the environmental criteria than
the previous SA Addendum report in overall terms it is still negative
for the environment. It performs best in terms of meeting the
sustainability appraisal objectives for social and economic criteria.
These changes have also been presented in a visual format and have
been attached as Appendix 1.
4. Spatial and Temporal, Permanent or Temporary
and Secondary and Indirect Effects
Having re-appraised policies where necessary, the re-assessment has
not resulted in any particular significant changes to the previous SA
assessment in terms of spatial, temporal, secondary, cumulative and
synergistic impacts.
5. Significant Effects
The changes to policies within the Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall
Local Plan is unlikely to result in any changes to the significant effects
identified and contained within the Authority Monitoring Report.
36
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
If you would like this information
in another format please contact:
Cornwall Council
County Hall
Treyew Road
Truro TR1 3AY
Telephone: 0300 1234 100
Email: [email protected]
www.cornwall.gov.uk
37
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
Appendix 1. SA Assessment of Total Plan Impacts
SA Criteria
Design
Social Inclusion
Health, Sport &
Recreation
Economic Development,
Regeneration & Tourism
Transport & Accessibility
Energy
-/+
-/+
-/+
+
-
-
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
-/+
-/+
-
-
-
--/+
-
--
--
-/+
-/+
+/-
+/-
+
+
Ind
+
Ind
-
Policy 3 - Role and Function of Places
+
N/A
N/A
+/-
?
-
--/+
-/+
+/-
-/+
++
+
+
+/-
++
Ind
+
Policy 4 - Shopping, Services and Community Facilities
+
N/A
N/A
+/-
N/A
-
-
-
+/-
++
+
N/A
+
+
N/A
+/-
--
+/-
+/-
-
-
--/+
-/+
+/-
+
+
N/A
Ind
-/+
Ind
Ind
-
Ind
+
Ind
Ind
N/A
0
N/A
N/A
?
+
+/-
N/A
+/?
-/+
Ind
-
N/A
?
?
Ind
+
Ind
-/+
Ind
+
Ind
-/+
?
+
?
?
++
+
+
++
Ind
N/A
Ind
N/A
++
+
+
+
Ind
Ind
Ind
Ind
Ind
Ind
Ind
Ind
++/
+/N/A
N/A
N/A
+/-
Policy 6 - Housing Mix
Policy 7 - Housing in the Countryside
Policy 8 - Affordable Housing
Policy 9 - Affordable Housing Led schemes supporting
Housing for Local Need
Policy 10 – Publicly owned sites
+/Ind
Ind
Ind
-
++/
+/-
N/A
Policy 5 - Jobs and Skills
++/
--
++/
+/-
++/
Ind
Ind
+/Ind
+
+/+/+/+/-
-
Ind
N/A
-/+
-
-
N/A
-
-
-
-
+/-
N/A
-
Ind
N/A
Ind
+/-
Policy 11 - Managing Viability
Policy 12 - Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling
Showpeople
Policy 13 - Design
Policy 14 - Development Standards
Ind
Ind
Ind
N/A
-
-/+
-
N/A
-
N/A
N/A
-
N/A
Ind
?
?
+/+
N/A
Ind
++/
+/++
Ind
Ind
Ind
Ind
N/A
+
Ind
+
+/+/-
-/+
+/-
N/A
N/A
N/A
+/?
+/+/-
+/+
+
+/-
+
N/A
+
N/A
+
+
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
+
+/-
N/A
++
N/A
N/A
+/N/A
?
N/A
N/A
N/A
-/+
N/A
--
+/++/
+
N/A
+
+
+/++
?
++/
+
N/A
--
Policy 15 - Renewable and Low Carbon Energy
Policy 16 - Safeguarding Renewable Energy
N/A
++/
N/A
N/A
+
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
-/+
N/A
+
Ind
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
+
++
-
38
Education & Skills
Historic Environment
--/+
Housing
Maritime
-/+
Crime & Anti-Social
Behaviour
Landscape
-/+
Biodiversity
-
Water
Air
Policy 1 - Presumption in Favour of Sustainable
Development
Policy 2 – Key Targets and Spatial Strategy
Policies
Climatic Factors
Soil
Economic
Minerals & Geodiversity
Social
Waste
Environment
Cornwall Council
Addendum to Sustainability Appraisal of Planning Future Cornwall: Cornwall Local Plan
SA Criteria
Housing
Health, Sport &
Recreation
Economic Development,
Regeneration & Tourism
Education & Skills
Transport & Accessibility
Energy
Green Infrastructure
Flood Risk Management and Coastal Change
Transport and Accessibility
Infrastructure
Crime & Anti-Social
Behaviour
N/A
N/A
N/A
+
-
Social Inclusion
+
++
++
+/-
25
26
27
28
+
--/+
N/A
++/
+/+
Ind
++
N/A
+
+
Ind
+/+/-
+
+/+/+/N/A
Ind
-/+
N/A
-
+/+/+/N/A
N/A
N/A
+/+
N/A
N/A
+
+
+
?
?
+
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
+
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Ind
Ind
N/A
N/A
++
+/N/A
Ind
Ind
Ind
++
Ind
+
++
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
+
+/+/+
Ind
+
+
N/A
N/A
N/A
+
+
N/A
+/-/++
+
+/+/+
N/A
+
+
+
+
++
+/+/+/-
N/A
Ind
N/A
Ind
N/A
N/A
+
-
Ind
+/+/-
+
+/+
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
-
+
+
-/+
+/-
+
N/A
+/+/-
+
++
-+/-
+
+/+/-
+
?
-
+
+/-/+
N/A
?
-
++
+/+
+
+
+
++
+/-
N/A
N/A
N/A
+/-
N/A
Ind
N/A
N/A
++
+
++
+/-
+
Ind
+
+
N/A
N/A
+
+
+
Ind
++
+/-
N/A
N/A
Ind
+
Design
Policy
Policy
Policy
Policy
+/+
++/
N/A
N/A
N/A
Historic Environment
N/A
N/A
N/A
Maritime
+
N/A
N/A
Landscape
+
++
++
-
Biodiversity
N/A
--/+
N/A
Ind
Water
Minerals & Geodiversity
+
--/+
N/A
+
Economic
Air
Waste
Policy 17 - Health and Wellbeing
Policy 18 - Minerals General Principles
Policy 19 - Minerals Safeguarding
Policy 20 - Strategic Waste Management Principles
Policy 21 - Managing the Provision of Waste
Management Facilities
Policy 22 - Best Use of Land and Existing Buildings
Policy 23 - Natural Environment
Policy 24 - Historic Environment
Policies
Social
Soil
Climatic Factors
Environment
Scoring
Very
Negative
Effect
Negative
Effect
--
-
Positive
and
Negative
Effects
+/-
Neutral
Uncertain
Effects
Positive
Effect
Very
Positive
Effect
o
?
+
++
39
Indirect
Scoped
Out
N/A
Ind