DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating Strategic
Environmental Assessment) of the Dartmoor National Park
Development Management and Delivery
Development Plan Document
Non-technical summary of the Sustainability Appraisal /
Strategic Environmental Assessment of the DMD
Dartmoor National Park Authority
July 2012
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1.1
Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SA/SEA)
1.5
Local planning background
1.6
What is Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic
Environmental Assessment?
1.7
What are the main SA/SEA Stages?
1.8
Who was involved and consulted?
1.10 What does the SA/SEA Report contain?
1.11 Other plans and programmes
Page
3
2. Characterisation of Dartmoor National Park (Stage A)
5
3. SA/SEA Objectives (Stage A)
9
4. Formulating and appraising development management
options (Stage B)
4.1
Formulating options
4.3
Policy options and reasonable alternatives
4.10 Appraising options
4.13 SA/SEA options and alternatives – DMD policies
and proposals
4.14 Sites assessed for housing and other community
Needs
5. Conclusions
4
4
4
4
5
5
10
11
13
14
52
63
Tables
Table 1: SA/SEA stages and DMD preparation
Table 2: Key Dartmoor statistics
Table 3: SA/SEA Objectives
Table 4: SA/SEA options and alternatives and DMD policies and
proposals
Table 5: DMD site assessments
Dartmoor National Park Authority
Parke
Bovey Tracey
NEWTON ABBOT
Devon
TQ13 9JQ
Tel: 01626 832093 Fax: 01626 834684
Email: [email protected]
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1
Introduction
Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA)
1.1. This report is the non-technical summary of the Sustainability Appraisal /
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA) of the submission version of the
Dartmoor National Park Development Management and Delivery Development
Plan Document (DMD). It provides an overview of the content, issues, options
and conclusions relating to SA/SEA and describes the way in which the
appraisal/assessment was undertaken. A full version of the SA/SEA is available
to download from the Dartmoor National Park Authority website at:
http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk.
The full SA/SEA is split into three volumes:
Consultation on the scope of the sustainability appraisal (July 2010)
SA/SEA report on the consultation (‘preferred options’) version of the
DMD (July 2011)
SA/SEA update report on the publication version of the DMD (December
2011).
1.2. Other related Development Plan Documents (DPDs) that are within
Dartmoor National Park's Local Development Framework (LDF) include the
Core Strategy DPD (CS), which was adopted in April 20081, a Design Guidance
Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), which was adopted in November
2011; and a Minerals and Waste DPD, which is yet to be prepared. A
Statement of Community Involvement, which sets out how the public will be
engaged on spatial plan preparation and planning applications, was adopted in
January 2007. Amendments to the local development Regulations2 in 2008
promoted more of continuous process of testing and refining options before
drafting the final versionof a planning document.
1.3
The Core Strategy was subject to SA/SEA, and the approach adopted in
that appraisal/assessment process are applicable to SA/SEA work on the DMD.
A scoping assessment indicated that SA/SEA was not needed for the Design
Guidance SPD.
1.4
A review of development planning followed the election of the Coalition
Government in May 2010. There was increased focus on local planning and
community empowerment. The Localism Act 2011 opened the way, among
other things, for neighbourhood plans and neighbourhood development orders.
Another change was the promotion of a single local plan, with a shift away from
multiple local planning documents ( the local development framework).
Regional level planning, through the production of regional spatial strategies,
was revoked in the early days3 of the new Government.
1
The policies of the Core Strategy came into effect in June 2008.
The Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) (Amendment) Regulations (2008 No.
1371)
3
Announcement by Secretary of State on 6 July 2010
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3
Local planning background
1.5. The DMD provides the more detailed development management policies
needed to supplement and add necessary detail to core strategic policies. It is
also the document that identifies the sites and areas to provide for the
development needs of local communities. The DMD must conform to the vision,
objectives and policies of the Core Strategy DPD. This means that the policies
and proposals of the DMD should provide detailed guidance that supports the
vision and core strategic objectives of the Core Strategy. The Core Strategy
also informs the options and alternatives that may be considered within the
SA/SEA process.
What is Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment?
1.6. The DMD is subject to sustainability appraisal (SA) under the Planning
and Compulsory Purchase Act 20044, and must be prepared in accordance with
the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 5.
The difference between SEA and SA is that SEA is primarily focused on
environmental impacts, whilst SA includes a wider range of considerations,
extending to the social and economic impacts of the planning document as well
as environmental impacts.
What are the main SA/SEA Stages?
1.7. The main stages of the SEA/SA process and how they relate to the
process of preparing the DMD are summarised in Table 1, below:
Table 1: SA/SEA Stages and DMD preparation
Stage A Setting the context and objectives,
establishing the baseline and deciding on
the scope
Stage B Developing and refining the options
Stage C Appraising the effects of the plan
Stage D Consulting on the SA/SEA report
Stage E: Monitoring the significant effects of
implementing the plan
Who was involved and consulted?
1.8. The SA/SEA work on the Core Strategy was undertaken by consultants6.
The SA/SEA work on the DMD was undertaken by National Park Authority
officers, and the outcomes informed the consideration of generic policy and site
options. The public was informed of the availability of SA/SEA documents,
starting with the Scoping Report, published in July 2010, and they were able to
submit comments. Public involvement through consultation is a key element of
SA/SEA.
4
S19 (5) Planning and Complulsory Purchase Act 2004
The local planning authority must also—
(a)carry out an appraisal of the sustainability of the proposals in each document;
(b)prepare a report of the findings of the appraisal.
5
European Directive 2001/42/EC
6
Land Use Consultants – LUC. Bristol
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1.9
The SEA Regulations also set out specific requirements for consultation
with the ‘statutory environmental bodies’, as well as the public and other
'interested parties'. The Statutory Environmental Bodies are:
Natural England;
English Heritage;
The Environment Agency.
All other statutory and general consultees were also informed of the published
environmental reports and invited to submit view and comments. Only Natural
England submitted comments at Stage A, saying that it agreed with the scope
of the appraisal/assessment. Natural England also commented on the
Publication update of the SA/SEA, noting “the generally positive conclusions
that were reached in the Publication version update of the SA/SEA (December
2011”.
What does the SA/SEA Report contain?
1.10. The SEA/SA report contains the following elements:
An outline of contents, the methodology and description of the SA/SEA
process and the specific SA/SEA tasks undertaken;
A review of other plans and programmes and relationship to the
Dartmoor National Park DMD;
A description of the environmental and sustainability context;
A summary of key sustainability issues, including ‘critical emerging
issues’ which have arisen since the Core Strategy was prepared;
The SA/SEA framework which sets out the SA/SEA objectives for
assessing the DMD;
An assessment of the policies and proposals of the DMD consultation
draft;
An assessment of the policies and proposals of the DMD publication
draft.
Other plans and programmes
1.11. The DMD is affected by and has to respond to a wide range of other
plans and programmes at a national and local level. The Scoping Report
contains a full review of relevant planning guidance and other material. Many of
those documents will have informed the preparation of the DMD and the way in
which the SA/SEA process progressed.
2
Characterisation of Dartmoor National Park (Stage A)
2.1
The following sections set out a brief characterisation of Dartmoor
National Park. A more complete picture is provided in the Scoping document
(Stage A, June 2010), which updates the baseline information given in the CS
Scoping Report (Sept. 2005). Key Dartmoor statistics, taken Dartmoor State of
the Park Report 2010 (DNPA Jan 2011), are included at the end of this section.
2.2
Landscape character. The principal feature of Dartmoor National Park
is its moorland, which covers 50% (46,000 ha) of the total area (95,573 ha) of
the Park and provides a unique landscape and wildlife habitat. In land use
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terms the area is predominately rural in character, with a dispersed settlement
pattern.
2.3
Biodiversity & geodiversity. Dartmoor is internationally important for its
unique and rich wildlife heritage, as well as being an area of very high
geological and geomorphological importance. There are a total of 42 Sites of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in the National Park covering an area of
26,267 ha. Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) cover 25,346 ha (26.5%) of
the National Park under the EC Habitats Directive.
2.4
Dartmoor is one of the largest expanses of unglaciated upland in Great
Britain, and no less than 22 sites have been recognised as being of national
importance and are included in the Geological Conservation Review, spread
over 21 proposed or notified SSSIs.
2.5
Only a few ancient woodlands remain of the oak/birch forest that once
covered the high moorlands at Black Tor Beare, above Meldon Reservoir, Piles
Copse on the River Erme and Wistman's Wood on the West Dart. The
remaining areas of broadleaved woodlands still existing are situated in the
valleys towards the edge of the moorland. The Dartmoor oakwoods are
statutorily protected. Five are National Nature Reserves (Yarner Woods, Bovey
Valley Woodlands, Dendles Wood, Wistman's Wood and Black Tor Copse) and
seventeen woods have been notified as SSSIs.
2.6
Archaeology. Dartmoor's moorland is considered to be one of the
richest archaeological landscapes in Europe dating back over 10,000 years. It
includes relict archaeological features, settlement patterns, routeways and
historic buildings. Over 10,000 ha of prehistoric field systems have survived,
and much of the archaeological heritage has remained undisturbed because
there has been so little intensive farming. There are 1,208 Scheduled
Monuments within the National Park.
2.7
Farming & the Dartmoor Commons. Farming is the main land use in
the Dartmoor National Park covering some 49,500ha, and is characterised by
fields, wet valleys, and small woods bounded by hedgerows and stone walls.
Farmland stretches from the edge of the moorland to the eastern borders of the
Park, with the main land use being livestock farming predominantly of sheep,
beef, cattle and some dairy herds. There are 1,300 agricultural holdings within
the Park, of which 48% are less than 5ha in size.
2.8
A total of 35,310ha of the National Park (37%) is common land
designated under the Dartmoor Commons Act, 1985 and managed by the
Dartmoor Commoners’ Council. Many of Dartmoor’s farms have rights over the
commons, which are used principally for the extensive grazing of sheep, cattle
and ponies. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) uses, by freehold, lease or license,
about 12,760ha of the Park, 9,187 ha of which is used for live firing. A high
proportion of the land is licensed to the MOD by the Duchy of Cornwall, itself a
major landowner owning 28,300ha of high moorland.
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2.9
Dartmoor’s communities. Census data in 2001 showed that there were
around 33,550 residents living in the Park. A 2008 Office for National Statistics
update showed a rise to 34,977 residents. There is an under-representation of
people in the 20-34 age group within Dartmoor, with the highest representation
being in the 50-54 age group; around 20% of the population is over 65, which is
typical of rural areas in the UK.
2.10 There are approximately 14,500 dwellings within the National Park, of
which around 3% are second or holiday homes. The level of owner occupation
is very high compared with Devon as a whole, but similar to other rural areas.
House prices have risen substantially during the period 2001 to 2008. The price
of an average terraced house has risen by 45%, making much of the housing
stock on Dartmoor unaffordable for local people on average household
incomes. However, the period 2007 to 2008 saw a fall in prices of 4.2%, with a
further 3.1% decrease between 2008 and 2009. Those price falls have however
done little to make housing on Dartmoor more affordable.
2.11 Not all Dartmoor residents will be able to find suitable employment within
the National Park, or will want to, and it would be unreasonable to expect
Dartmoor to cater for the employment needs of all its residents . A number of
people commute from the National Park to the urban centres of Exeter,
Plymouth and Torbay and other market towns close by. It is also the case that
many people commute into Dartmoor, to undertake professional, business or
service work of various types.
2.12 Access. Dartmoor is flanked by the A38 to the south, the A30 to the
north and the A386 runs along its western boundary. The London to Penzance
rail line runs along part of the Park's southern edge. The road infrastructure
plus the M5 motorway, all form part of the Trans European Networks (TENs)
and meet key strategic travel needs. Roads within the Park have been defined
according to the Dartmoor Route Network, which assists with both traffic and
transport management and planning. An advisory Coach Route Network has
also been produced.
2.13 Tourism. Providing the services and facilities for tourists forms an
important part of Dartmoor's economy, and the Park has a number of important
tourist attractions. Dartmoor is an attractive destination not only for staying
visitors but also day visitors, drawn from surrounding urban centres.
2.14 Table 2 provides a thumbnail sketch of Dartmoor through key statistics,
drawn from the 2010 State of the Park Report. That report is produced
periodically as part of the process of monitoring the Dartmoor National Park
Management Plan.
Table 2: Key Dartmoor Statistics
Sense of Place
Area of the National Park
Total area of Sites of Special Scientific
95,573 ha
26,267 ha
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Interest (SSSI)
Total area of Special Areas of Conservation
(SAC)
Total area of County Wildlife Sites (CWS)
Total area of common land
Total area of Section 3 Moorland
Woodland
Total length of principal rivers
Number of Conservation Areas
Number of Listed Buildings Grade I
Grade II*
Grade II
Scheduled Monuments
25,346 ha
1,636 ha
35,310 ha
44,910 ha
6,095 ha
533 km
23
50
177
2,336
1,208
Access for All
Length of Public Rights of Way Footpaths
Bridleways
Byways
Area of land open to public access
Number of tourist visitors Day visitors
Staying visitors
Average 24hr traffic flow across main
Dartmoor roads in August (7 cordon roads)
Area of the National Park used for live firing
(military training)
Communities and Business
Number of parishes partly or wholly within
the National Park
Total population of National Park (2008)
Population by age group (Census 2001):
School and pre-school age (0-15)
Working age (16-64)
Pensionable age (65+)
Housing stock (Census 2001)
Total households
Owner occupied
Private rented
Social housing
Second homes/holiday lets
Total GVA/GDP for National Park
Average household income (and Devon)
Average house price
Source: Dartmoor State of the Park Report 2010. DNPA
354 km
360 km
20 km
46,663 ha
2.16m (2009)
378,000 (2009)
21,416 vehicles
9,187 ha
51
34,977
6,124 (17.5%)
20,271 (58.0%)
8,582 (24.5%)
14,677
10,075 (71%)
2,180 (15%)
1,502 (11%)
431 (3%)
£513.1m (2008)
£28,400 (£27,000)
£234,556 (2009)
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3
SA/SEA Objectives (Stage A)
3.1
The SA/SEA approach adopted for the DMD was founded on the
objective led approach used to assess the Core Strategy. Although not a
requirement of the SEA Directive, SA/SEA objectives are a recognised way of
considering environmental, social and economic effects of a plan and
comparing alternatives. The DMD seeks to add detail to the general planning
principles set out in the Core Strategy; it is appropriate that the procedures
used to undertake SA/SEA on the Core Strategy should be applied to the
SA/SEA on the DMD.
3.2
The SA/SEA objectives used for the Core Strategy SA/SEA are set out
in Table 2 below:
Table 3: SA/SEA Objectives
1 Landscape and
environment:
2 Sustainable
management of flood risk:
3 Biodiversity:
4 Built environment:
5 Historic environment:
6 Land resources:
7 Sustainable resource
use:
8 Water quality:
9 Waste:
10 Sustainable transport:
11 Economy:
12 Education and
employment:
To protect the special qualities and natural
beauty of the Dartmoor National Park.
To manage flood risks sustainably, recognising
the role of land use in reducing flood risks.
To conserve, protect and enhance the habitats
and aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity.
To enhance the attractiveness and local
distinctiveness of the built environment by
raising the quality of design and sustainable
construction.
To conserve, protect and enhance sites, areas
and buildings and landmarks of archaeological,
historic, cultural and/or architectural interest.
To concentrate and diversify development by
optimising the use of previously developed land,
infrastructure, under-used land and vacant
properties.
To reduce the consumption of non-renewable
sources of energy, water and minerals
To protect and improve water quality.
To reduce the amount of waste generated
within the National Park and to minimise the
environmental effects of waste disposal.
To reduce traffic congestion and noise, and
improve safety, health and air quality by
reducing the need to travel, especially by car.
To promote sustainable economic growth,
particularly of key business sectors, and to
utilise employment land and premises
effectively and efficiently.
To enable all residents to share in growing
prosperity by improving access to training,
education and job opportunities.
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13 Housing:
14 Community health,
safety and well-being:
15 Village Centres:
16 Inclusiveness and
participation:
To ensure that all of the National Park’s
residents have access to good quality,
affordable housing.
To safeguard and improve community health,
safety and well-being.
To strengthen the role of village centres to
reduce the amount that people need to travel.
To take account of the needs of all sectors of
the community in the planning and design of
new development.
3.3 These objectives were used to assess issues and options and the DMD
policies as they evolved during the preparation process.
4
Formulating and appraising options (Stage B)
Formulating options
4.1
Amendments to the 2004 local planning regulations introduced in 2008,
stated that a local planning authority was required to notify a number of
consultation bodies of the subject of a DPD that they proposed to prepare, and
should invite them to make representations to the LPA about what a DPD with
that subject tought to contain7. The National Park Authority complied with that
requirement by preparing and publishing a set of issues papers in March 2009,
by undertaking community consultation on site specific matters in the period
March – July 2010, and by publishing and providing wide publicity for a
consolidated consultation draft DMD in July 2011. The representations that
were submitted to the Authority formed the basis for the subsequent
assessment of the options and alternative approaches that were available and
appropriate for the plan.
4.2
that:
The National Planning Policy Framework published in March 2012 stated
“Local planning authorities should seek opportunities to achieve each of
the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable
development, and net gains across all three. Significant adverse impacts
on any of these dimensions should be avoided and, wherever possible,
alternative options which reduce or eliminate such impacts should be
pursued. Where adverse impacts are unavoidable, measures to mitigate
the impact shouild be considered. Where adequate mitigation measures
are not possible, compensatory measures may be appropriate”
(NPPF, paragraph 152)
That guidance goes on to say, with regard to the factors to be considered in
assessing the soundness of a plan:
“Justified – the plan should be the most appropriate strategy, when
considered against the reasonable alternatives, based on proportionate
evidence.” (NPPF, paragraph 182)
7
Reg 25 (1)(b). Ibid
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Policy options and reasonable alternatives
4.3
The discretion to set options and propose alternative approaches is
limited because an adopted higher level plan, the Core Strategy, is in place.
The overarching options were considered to be:
(1) Do nothing; or
(2) Introduce more detailed policy criteria and specific site allocations.
With the experience of applying the policies of the Core Strategy along with a
range of saved Local Plan and Devon Structure Plan policies, it was the
considered view of the Authority that the second option was more appropriate.
While the strategic policies set overarching approaches and principles, there
was clearly a need for more detailed policies to properly guide development
management decision making.
4.4
Additional matters needed to be considered in order to come to soundly
based conclusions, viz:
Does the planning issue need to be addressed in the development plan?
Does the Core Strategy cover the planning issue adequately?
Do the saved Local Plan or saved Devon Structure Plan policies provide
a basis for appropriate and up to date planning guidance?
Does national planning policy guidance cover the planning issue
adequately?
Does national planning policy guidance provide a framework for
preparing more locally focused guidance?
The public response to the Issues Papers published in early 2009 was very
helpful to the Authority in coming to its conclusions on those questions.
4.5
In considering whether policy guidance was needed and in preparing
those policies and proposals that were considered necessary, the Authority
applied the following principles:
To avoid overly complex and elaborate polices;
To avoid policy duplication with current local and national guidance;
To make the substance of policy clear;
To focus on priority subjects;
Not to draft policies for issues that do not arise regularly.
4.6
Saved policies. The saved policies of the Dartmoor National Park Local
Plan First Review 1995-20118 will lapse with either the adoption of the DMD or
one year on from the publication (27 March 2012) of the National Planning
Policy Framework, whichever is the earlier. Any saved policies that are
considered necessary to assist in delivering the planning strategy for Dartmoor
NP would therefore have to be brought within the scope of the DMD. The saved
policies of the Devon Structure Plan 2001-2016 (DSP) will lapse following the
publication of the environmental report on the South West Regional Spatial
Strategy, which is expected soon. As with saved Local Plan policies, any saved
8
The saved (and superseded) Local Plan policies are set out in Annex 1: Regulation 13(5) Statement in
the Core Strategy DPD
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DSP policies that are needed to assist in delivering the planning strategy for
Dartmoor NP would have to be brought within the scope of the DMD.
4.6
Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment. As for the
designation of sites to deliver community needs, the selection process focused
principally on (housing) sites known to be deliverable and developable through
the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) process (CD5/14
SHLAA April 2011) or, where not a SHLAA site or a site for a non-residential
use was concerned, the Authority had reasonable assurance that the site was
available and developable. This approach resulted in limited numbers of sites
being available for assessment for community uses.
4.7
Formulating options. The options relating to the provision of
community infrastructure were considered to be:
(1) Do nothing proactive; or
(2) Provide detailed and focused policies; allocate sites for specific land
uses.
Option 1 would mean that any provision would be dependent on windfall or
opportunistic development, with no certainty that the best areas would come
forward for development. Consequently, option 1 was ruled out, as not being a
reasonable alternative in that it did not positively seek opportunities to meet the
needs of communities and businesses in the National Park and would not
provide adequate protection for the Park’s special qualities.
Option 2 was selected, which meant further alternative approaches needed to
be considered:
Should sites only be allocated where there is a reasonable degree of
confidence that the site is available and the development deliverable; or
Should sites be allocated where they appear to be appropriate locations,
irrespective of other considerations.
The first alternative was selected as being the approach most likely to confer
predictability and certainty for the future planning of Dartmoor’s communities.
4.8
Community input. In a community consultation programme, which was
undertaken over the period March – July 2010, all the agreed SHLAA sites
related to particular settlements were brought forward for comment. The public
was also invited to propose other appropriate local sites that were known to be
available for development. All SHLAA sites and other potential sites that were
known to be available were assessed using the sustainability matrix, as set out
in Annex 4 of the SA/SEA scoping report. That assessment led to conclusions
on the suitablity of the site and played a major role in the assembly of a
portfolio of local sites.
4.9
Public feedback on sites for development in settlements was also a
major factor in site assessment. This inclusive approach was a significant factor
in assessment work; there were instances where the Authority returned to
communities, generally the parish or town council, to engage further in
examining options. This was the case with development options at
Moretonhampstead. At Ashburton, the Authority responded to clear local calls
that further options for the development and regeneration of the town should be
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examined, and a focused consultation with the community was held in
November / December 2011.
4.10 Along with the public response, National Park Authority Officers and
Members considered the topics and issues taking into account the SA/SEA
objectives and the statutory purposes and duties of National Park designation,
and came to conclusions on whether generic policy or development advice was
needed in the DMD.
Appraising options
4.11 The issues and topics were set out in the Issues Papers (March 2009).
The Authority’s response to each one is based on consultation responses from
the public and other bodies, and through internal consideration that took place
through a number of officer and member working groups and panels. The way
in which that response was reflected in the DMD is also set out below. The
publication of the consultation version of the DMD in July 2011 represented the
Authority’s ‘preferred options’. The detail of and reason for any change between
the consultation version of the DMD and the publication version (February
2012) is also described. The SA/SEA appraisal of changes between the
consultation version and publication version is set out in the December 2011
environmental report (CD7/20b).
4.12 With regard to site options, the full set of those considered over the
course of preparing the DMD, including two sites brought to the Authority’s
attention during the consultation on the publication version of the DMD, is set
out in Site Appraisals (DMD Environmental Report 2012) (CD8/1).
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SA/SEA options and alternatives - DMD policies and proposals
4.13 Annex 1 of the Core Strategy Development Plan Document (CS) indicates which Local Plan (LP) policies are superseded by
CS policies. Those LP policies that are ‘saved’ are still in force and along with the CS currently form the development plan for
Dartmoor National Park.
One of the aims of the DMD is to review and take forward the saved LP policies, as well as introducing new development
management policies where that is necessary to support the objectives of the Core Strategy.
The table below shows the DMD policies that replace saved LP policies. In preparing the draft DMD, including considering the
public response on the topics raised in March 2009, it was considered that it would be helpful if some of the superseded LP policies
were also re-assessed and redrafted in the light of the strategic framework set out in the CS.
Additionally, some entirely new policies are included in the draft DMD, e.g. covering landscape character, and gypsy and traveller
site provision. An overview of the DMD policy/proposal base will help inform a critical assessment of their value.
Table 3: SA/SEA assessment of DMD policies and proposals
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD1 - Delivering
National Park
purposes and
protecting Dartmoor’s
special qualities
DMD1
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
The option of introducing a policy
such as this was not raised at Issues
stage as an overarching National
Parks’ and Areas of Outstanding
Natural Beauty policy was contained
in the draft SW Regional Spatial
Strategy – policy ENV3. That policy
passed through the examination in
public with no challenge and was
supported by the SA/SEA of the draft
RSS.
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
Restates Devon Structure Plan 2001-2016
Policy CO2 and captures the principles of
policy ENV3 of the draft SW Regional Strategy.
Policy DMD1 sets out the spatial planning
considerations of the statutory purposes and
object of duty of National Park designation.
The policy supports Sustainability Objectives
(S.O.s) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13,14 & 15.
There were unknown outcomes relating to
S.O.s 11 & 16.
Cumulative and secondary effects related to
the economic and inclusiveness impact of
National Park designation and how that might
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
14
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
DMD2 - Major
development
DMD2
MD1 [Saved]
The public and Authority’s view was
that a specific policy on major
development should be included in
the plan. It was considered that saved
policy MD1 provided a good basis for
such a policy but that it should be
redrafted to align it more closely with
national guidance.
The S62 duty (the duty of relevant
authorities to have regard to NP
purposes) applies by virtue of the
Environment Act 1995, and it was not
considered necessary to have a
reference within the policy. The
written statement should however
refer to it.
DMD3 - Military
related development
MD2 [Saved]
The issue of MOD related
development was raised in Topic 1.
The public and Authority’s view was
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
be reflected in planning decisions. It was
considered that a sensitive and proportionate
application of the policy, which covered both
NP purposes and the socio-economic object of
duty should ensure that sustainable outcomes
were achieved.
Policy DMD2 was included in the DMD to
provide guidance on this topic, reflecting the
principles set out in PPS7 (and now paragraph
116 of the NPPF).
The policy supports S.O.s 1,3,4,5,6,7,8 & 15. It
was not possible to determine the effect on
S.O.s 10, 11,12,13,14 & 16, but the
exceptional nature of such proposals and the
rigour of the tests should ensure that the
overall benefits are positive. Any cumulative or
secondary detrimental effects will be
dependent on the nature of the proposal. The
scope for mitigation would be carefully
assessed as part of the determination process.
Reference to the s62 duty was included in the
introductory part of the DMD (‘1.2 Planning
contexts’).
A policy on military related development was
included in the consultation version (July 2011)
of the DMD. The policy supports S.O.s 1, 5, 6
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
15
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
that with the potential for significant
impacts on environmental qualities
and open air recreation from MOD
related development activity, a policy
such as saved Local Plan policy MD2
would be helpful.
DMD4 - Sustaining the Pt GP2
quality of places in
[Superseded]
Dartmoor National
Park
DMD3
The Issues Papers raised this in part
under Topic 8, where it queried
whether there should be policy
guidance on public art and other
enhancement works in the public
realm. The public and the Authority
considered that this topic should be
addressed in the plan, in view of the
environmental impact that this kind of
development can have. Although CS
policy COR4 addresses design and
sustainable development, it was
considered that the extension of
design appreciation to cover the
public as well as private realms would
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
& 11, and is neutral in respect of all the others.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
However, on further consideration, and bearing
in mind that Crown compliance with the
planning acts now applies, it was concluded
that such a policy was not necessary. Deletion
of a specific MOD policy would reinforce the
understanding that all relevant development
plan policies would apply to any military related
development proposals.
Policy DMD4 introduces comprehensive
criteria covering high quality and inclusive
design covering both public and private realms,
including green infrastructure, sustainable
drainage, accessibility, flexibility, public safety
and adaptability.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,3,4,5,6,7,13,14,15
and16.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
16
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD5 - Protecting
local amenity
DMD4
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
Pt GP2
[Superseded]
create a more complete approach.
Local Plan policy GP2, which covered
this topic in part, was considered to
have been superseded by CS policy
COR1. However, bearing in mind the
limitations of CS policies COR1 and
COR4, the Authority took the view that
there would be value in having a
detailed policy on place-making and
design in the plan. Such a policy
would help emphasize the
requirement for good design as a key
aspect of sustainable development
and could provide a policy link to the
recently adopted Design Guide
Supplementary Planning Document.
The issue of protecting local amenity
was not raised in the Issues papers.
Although a Local Plan amenity policy,
GP2, was considered to have been
superseded by CS policy COR1, on
the basis of experience of application
of CS policies since June 2008, the
Authority took the view that there
would be value in having a specific
local amenity policy. Such a policy
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
A new policy was drafted which incorporated
some of the elements of LP policy GP2,
extending control over a wider range of factors
affecting local amenity.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,3,4,5,6,13,14,15
and16.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
17
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
DMD6 - National Park
landscape
DMD5
DMD7 - Dartmoor’s
moorland and
woodland
ML1 & WL1
[Both
superseded]
could help safeguard the health and
well-being of households when
adjoining development was proposed.
A Landscape Character Assessment
(LCA) for DNP was published in June
2010. While the LCA provided
evidence on the specific ‘valued
characteristics’ and other qualities of
each landscape type and which
needed to be considered in
determining development proposals,
the Authority concluded that detailed
development management guidance
for development that could affect the
National Park’s landscape was
required.
A policy was drafted aligned to the
landscape appreciation and protection
strategy set out in the LCA. The policy
also seeks to protect the less tangible
aspects of NP landscape, viz. its
relative tranquillity and absence of
light pollution.
Topics 2 & 13 refer. The public
feedback was that there was no need
for a specific policy, but that anything
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
Policy DMD5 adds detail related to the
protection of landscape character to the CS
policy on National Park landscape, COR3.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,3,4,5,6 & 7.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
Policy DMD7 reflects the policy principles of LP
policies ML1 and WL1.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,2,3,5,6,7 & 8.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
18
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD6
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
that related specifically to actions
concerned with realising the ‘Vision
for Dartmoor’s Moorland’ should be
contained in a generic moorland
policy. Effective and integrated
management involving farmers,
commoners, commons owners and
other stakeholders was the preferred
approach.
Although LP policies ML1
(development affecting moorland) and
WL1 (development affecting
woodland) have been superseded by
CS policies COR3 [protecting
Dartmoor’s special environmental
qualities] and COR7 [protecting
biodiversity & geodiversity], the
Authority considered that a policy
which set out the specific criteria to
determine proposals affecting such
important land types on Dartmoor
would be valuable.
Policy, DMD7 was drafted based on
LP policies ML1 and WL1. Those
policies had been found to be
appropriate and effective over the
course of their implementation and no
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
The policy would be applicable with proposals
affecting Dartmoor’s moorland peat deposits
(upland mires).
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
19
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
DMD8 - Dartmoor’s
built environment
DMD7
Pt BL1, BL2
& BL3 [All
superseded]
substantive changes were introduced.
Although LP policies to manage
development affecting the character of
the built environment have been
superseded by CS policies, i.e.
COR3, COR4, and COR5, the
Authority considered that conserving
the quality and character of
Dartmoor’s built environment was of
such importance that a focused policy
was required. The policy would have
to be comprehensive, covering the
built environment on a Park-wide
basis and addressing all types of
structures and spaces.
The Authority considered that no
specific policy on carbon reduction
was required in the DMD as CS policy
COR8 covered this issue adequately.
The public response on C reduction
(topic 8) noted that this was a
particularly sensitive issue where
heritage buildings were concerned.
The Authority agrees, but considers
that existing and proposed policies
and the Design Guide SPD will
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
Policy DMD8 was drafted based on principles
set out in LP policies BL1, BL2 and BL3.
However, more positive terms were employed e.g. ‘conserve and enhance’, ‘reinforce’,
respect the integrity’, ‘have particular regard to
the quality’ – and new definitions were drawn
in, such as ‘heritage assets’ and ‘Areas of
Historic Setting’. Opportunity was also taken to
create a link to the Design Guide
Supplementary Planning Document.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,2,4,5,6,7,14 & 15.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
20
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD9 - The historic
built environment –
Conservation Areas
DMD12
DMD10 - The historic
built environment –
Enabling development
DMD10
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
BL4 [Saved]
provide the necessary guidance.
The public feedback was that there
was a need for a specific policy to
manage proposals that affected
conservation areas. The Authority
agreed.
There are 23 conservation areas in
DNP, covering the most important
historic built environments in the Park.
It was considered vital that such areas
have a policy framework to help
manage development within them and
to protect their character, appearance
and distinctive qualities.
Although the approach to enabling
development was not raised explicitly,
the public feedback on listed buildings
and designated heritage assets was
that a specific policy was needed to
manage development affecting them.
The point was also made that the
policy should not replicate existing
national guidance. The Authority
considered that development
management policy guidance on this
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
Policy DMD9 is founded on LP policy BL4, but
was drafted to reflect the current
understanding of the historic built environment
(i.e. reference to ‘heritage assets’ and
‘statements of significance’). There is now
reference to ‘good quality contemporary
design’, along with a requirement that detailed
applications should be submitted.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,4,5,6,7 & 15.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
There is no enabling policy in the LP, nor is
there one in the CS. Policy DMD10 was
drafted having regard to the principles set out
in policy HE11 (Enabling Development) of
PPS5 (Planning and the Historic Environment
2010). It is considered that the policy as
drafted adds helpful detail to the guidance on
enabling development set out in the NPPF
(paragraph 140).
The policy supports S.O.s 4,5,6, & 7.
There were unknown outcomes relating to
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
21
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
type of development was essential,
because of the importance of
conserving and enhancing cultural
heritage assets as part of the pursuit
National Park purposes and
promoting the social and economic
well-being of local communities.
DMD11 - The historic
built environment –
Change of use of
historic buildings
DMD8
BL6 [Saved]
The public feedback was that a
specific policy was needed to address
proposals involving the change of use
of historic buildings, but with the
caveat that the policy should not
replicate any existing national
guidance. The Authority also
considered that development
management policy guidance on this
type of development was essential.
Saved LP policy BL6 provided a good
basis for preparing a policy.
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
S.O.s 1, 8,9,11,12,13,14,15, & 16. Cumulative
and secondary effects related to the significant
impact that enabling development could have
on the quality and setting of heritage assets.
However, such development is viewed as likely
to arise only infrequently and that statements
of significance should set out any threats
clearly and propose suitable mitigation
measures. Any mitigation would need to be
incorporated into the permission.
Policy DMD11 is similar to LP policy BL6, but
adds reference to need to protect structures
that have ‘cultural significance’ for the local
community, and the need for a ‘statement of
significance’ to accompany a submission.
Although LP policy BL7 (Development
involving non-listed buildings of conservation
merit) has been superseded by CS policies
COR3, COR4 & COR5, the opportunity was
taken to ensure that policy DMD11 also applies
to non-listed heritage assets.
The policy supports S.O.s 4 & 15, with the
potential to support S.O.s 7,11,13 & 14.
There were unknown outcomes relating to
S.O.s 1 & 5. Cumulative and secondary effects
were seen as dependent on the location and
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
22
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD12 - The historic
built environment –
Demolition of listed
buildings or local
heritage asset
DMD11
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
BL5 [Saved]
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
type of heritage asset concerned and the
extent of any structural changes. Particular
care will be needed to ensure that setting and
appearance are not adversely affected.
Mitigation of harmful effects demands good
understanding of the historic context and good
management of any development.
The public feedback was that a
DMD12 expands on saved LP policy BL5.
specific policy was needed to address More detailed criteria are provided on when
proposals involving the demolition of a demolition may be acceptable. Deliberate
listed building or local heritage asset.
neglect or damage in the hope of obtaining PP
The Authority also considered that
or LBC is to be disregarded. It retains the
development management policy
requirement for records to be made and kept
guidance on this type of proposal was where demolition is approved.
essential. Saved LP policy BL5
The policy shows adverse effects on S.O.s 5 &
provided a good basis for preparing a 7, and unknown outcomes on S.O.s 1, 4, 14 &
policy. Although restating certain parts 15. The possibility of a positive economic
of the guidance in the NPPF
outcome is recognised.
(paragraphs 132, 133 & 134), it adds
Cumulative and secondary effects are seen as
detail regarding partial removal and,
being unlikely. However, once lost, a heritage
where demolition is approved,
asset is lost forever and the justification for any
conditions on recording.
proposal involving demolition will have to be
thorough and convincing. The criteria set out in
the NPPF (substantial harm or loss of a grade
II listed building, park or garden should be
exceptional, and substantial harm to or loss of
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
23
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD13 - The historic
built environment –
The re-use and
adaptation of
traditional buildings
outside classified
settlements
DMD9
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
BL8 & BL9
[Both
superseded]
The public feedback (topic 7) was that
it was important to have policy
guidance on the reuse and adaptation
of traditional buildings, but that it
should be flexible and not replicate
national guidance.
The Authority considered that advice
and guidance on proposals affecting
traditional buildings was necessary as
such development can have a
significant impact on the National
Park’s countryside. Although LP
policies BL8 and BL9 were deemed to
have been superseded by CS policies
COR2, COR3, COR4, COR5 &
COR15 it was considered that the
nature of such development was often
critical to sustaining the character and
distinctiveness of Dartmoor’s built
environment and that a more detailed
framework for considering such
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
designated heritage assets of the highest
significance – grade I & II* listed buildings,
grade I & II* registered parks and gardens –
should be wholly exceptional) would also
apply.
DMD13 incorporates the overarching policy
principles of LP policies BL8 and BL9, but
excluding the option for a heritage asset at risk
to be converted to open market residential.
The opportunity to change the use to
residential is restricted to affordable housing
for local needs or housing for an agricultural or
other rural business based enterprise. The
policy removes the reference in BL8 to ‘..form,
bulk and general design..’, and introduces
need to demonstrate ‘..a form, structure or
history that is traditional within the context of
Dartmoor’s built heritage..’.
The policy supports S.O.s 4,6,711 & 13, with
the potential to support S.O. 1.
There were unknown outcomes relating to
S.O.s 3,5,10 and 12.
Cumulative and secondary effects were seen
to relate principally to potential adverse effects
on character and appearance, and the effect
on additional traffic generation in the
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
24
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
proposals was justified.
DMD14 - Archaeology
DMD13
AH4 & AH5
[Both saved
policies]
DMD15 - Biodiversity
and geological
conservation
NC1 – NC6
[All
superseded
The public feedback (topic 11) was
that it was important to have policy
guidance on the protection of
archaeological artefacts and predevelopment archaeological
evaluation. The latter was thought to
be especially important. The Authority
also considered that policy guidance
was needed, in view of the richness of
the archaeological heritage of
Dartmoor and the potential harm that
could be caused by loss of artefacts
or the absence of pre-development
evaluation.
The public view was that a specific
policy for the ‘Premier Archaeological
Landscapes’ was not needed. The
Authority agreed.
There were a number of topics
(12,13,14,15 & 16) that covered
biodiversity issues. The public view
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
countryside. Mitigation would involve good
design (making use of the Design Guide SPD),
ensuring good build quality and detailing, and
ensuring that biodiversity qualities are
sustained.
No substantial changes to saved LP policies
AH4 and AH5. The policy sees the preparation
of a method statement of whatever form is
deemed necessary to set out the protection
that will be offered to archaeological assets.
It is considered that this approach, taken
together with CS policy COR6, provides a
robust and effective mechanism for the
protection of Dartmoor’s archaeological
heritage assets.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,4,5,6,7 & 15, with
the potential to support S.O. 3.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
DMD15 sets a comprehensive requirement to
‘conserve, enhance and/or restore’ all
biodiversity and geodiversity assets. It covers
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
25
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD14
DMD16 - Renewable
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
policies]
UT7
was that a specific policy on Special
Areas of Conservation was needed
only if existing statutory protection
was considered insufficient; that a
policy on the protection of moorland
peat deposits was needed, but that it
could be incorporated into a generic
moorland policy; that ‘Strategic Nature
Areas’ should have policy protection;
that the core strategic policy COR7
was adequate to provide guidance on
proposals involving species or
habitats in the Dartmoor Biodiversity
Action Plan; and that county wildlife
sites and regionally important
geodiversity sites should have policy
protection.
Although the suite of LP policies have
been shown as superseded by CS
policy COR7, the Authority considered
that the case for providing further
guidance on the treatment of
biodiversity and geodiversity interests
in Dartmoor was so compelling that
further guidance was justified.
Consideration of the approach to
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
all types and levels of biodiversity and
geodiversity conservation, including ecological
networks at local and larger than local scales.
SACs are given specific reference, requiring
the ‘highest level of protection and
enhancement’. The policy also introduces a
requirement to ensure that effective avoidance
measures or on-site mitigation measures are
put in place, with off-site compensation only
allowed in rare cases.
No specific policy on peat deposits or upland
mires has been included in the DMD.
Reference to the SW Nature Map is set out in
paragraph 2.12.2. The map is also shown as
Figure 2.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,3,5,6,7 & 8.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
DMD16 sets out specific criteria within the
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
26
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
energy
DMD15
DMD17 - Hazardous
installations and
potentially polluting
activity
DMD16
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
[Superseded]
UT8 [Saved]
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
development involving renewable
energy was taken under Topic1. The
public view was that policy guidance
on this type of development was
clearly needed. The Authority also
considered that renewable energy
development demanded guidance in
its own right and should not be
considered solely under landscape
policies. While CS policy COR10
provides the overarching framework
for RE development, it was
considered that detailed development
management guidance was also
needed to ensure that critical factors
involved in this type of development
were considered thoroughly.
policy rather than devolving to another policy
as is the case with LP policy UT7. The criteria
in DMD16 are specific and clear and applicable
to all forms of RE development.
The policy supports S.O.s 6 &7 and has the
potential to support S.O.s 5,11 and 12.
There were unknown outcomes relating to
S.O.s 1,3,14 & 15.
CS policy indicates that large scale RE
infrastructure would be inappropriate in
Dartmoor.
Cumulative or secondary effects were noted,
which would be the case with incremental
development at local scale, with the potential
for adverse impacts on protected species and
habitats. Appropriate types of assessment
would be required to understand any threats
and remove or mitigate effectively any
biodiversity, geodiversity or landscape harm.
In the Issues Papers, topic 23 covered DMD17 is essentially the same as saved LP
this issue (and those under DMD18 & policy UT8.
DMD19, below).
The policy supports S.O.s 1,6 &7 and has the
(The public did not consider it
potential to support S.O.s 9 &11.
necessary to provide policy guidance
There were unknown outcomes relating to
on waste water disposal in built up
S.O.s 14 & 15.
areas. Saved LP policy UT4
Cumulative or secondary effects are clearly
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
27
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD18 Development on
contaminated land
DMD17
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
UT9 [Saved]
constrained against drainage to septic
tanks, etc. in built up areas. The
Authority agreed that this was no
longer as pressing an issue as it had
been in the past and effective
guidance could be provided under CS
policies COR1 & COR24.)
The public view was that policy
guidance on the other matters
(contaminated land, hazardous waste)
would only be needed if national
planning guidance was insufficient.
The Authority considered that it would
be helpful to provide guidance on
hazardous development and
contaminated land.
See DMD17, above.
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
possible with development involving this type
of activity. Mitigation will involve thorough
predevelopment investigation and assessment
along with input from the Health & Safety
Executive.
Policy DMD18 builds on saved LP policy UT9.
It requires evidence to be submitted that
effective remediation can be undertaken to
deliver a site that is suitable for its proposed
use. Reference to imposition of conditions to
ensure that remediation is completed before
any development commences.
The policy supports S.O. 4 and has the
potential to support S.O.s 6 & 7.
There were unknown outcomes relating to
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
28
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD19 Development on
unstable land
DMD18
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
Although development on unstable
land was not raised as an issue, with
so much land in Dartmoor being
affected by historic mining activity and
many development sites being on
sloping and potentially unstable land,
it was felt that guidance on
development on unstable land would
be helpful.
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
S.O.s 1,2,3,5,8,9,11 & 14.
Cumulative or secondary effects are possible
with proposals involving contaminated land,
relating to the release of contaminants and offsite pollution. Mitigation would involve use of
the correct decontamination procedures and
monitoring. There would however be net
benefits to the community resulting from the
proper decontamination of sites.
There is no corresponding policy in the Local
Plan. This new policy was drafted to minimise
the risks and effects of land instability on
property, infra-structure and the public; and to
help ensure that development does not take
place in unstable locations without appropriate
precautions.
The policy supports S.O.s 6,7 and 14 and has
the potential to support S.O.s 1,3,4,5 and 9.
There was an unknown outcome relating to
S.O. 2.
Cumulative or secondary effects are related to
the possibility of exacerbating flood risks.
Mitigation would involve good survey and site
investigation, including a site specific flood risk
assessment if it was thought to be necessary.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
29
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD20 - Sustainable
communities
DMD19
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
CS1
[Superseded]
& CS2
[Saved]
Topics 18, 19, 20 and 21 covered
issues concerning shops and services
within the National Park. The public
view was that detailed policy on the
types of shop or service to be
permitted, including such uses as hot
food takeaways, was not needed, but
that policy protection for the last
general store/P.O. was necessary.
The Authority agreed with those
views. There were mixed views on
whether the definition of ‘primary
shopping areas’ would be useful.
The Authority considered that it was
not appropriate to formally define
‘primary shopping areas’ for the
Park’s Local Centres. However, in
order to focus attention on the need
wherever possible to locate new
shops and services in village centres,
it was decided to indicate the general
extent of ‘central shopping areas’ for
the Local Centres. Those definitions
are set out in the written statement for
each of the eight Local Centres in the
National Park.
The Authority considered that for
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
DMD20 embraces the main principles of LP
policies CS1 and CS2, with an added
reference to farm diversification schemes.
There is a requirement for the local community
to be given an opportunity to bid for the store
or service where closure is threatened. Allows
opportunity to request an independent report
on viability and/or valuation. Retention of
physical shop elements of the building, on
conversion, is no longer required. The policy
which was set out in the consultation draft was
added to in the publication version of the plan.
The change was to add reference to services
and facilities needing to be aimed at
contributing to the well-being of the local
community and well related to the built form of
the settlement it served. The change was
intended to prevent the development of large
scale services with clearly larger than local
catchments on the edges of Dartmoor
settlements.
The policy supports S.O.s 6,7,11,14,15 & 16,
and has the potential to support S.O.s 4,5 and
9.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
30
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
sustainability reasons the policy steer
should be for shops and services to
be located within settlements, except
where they were linked with farm
diversification or recreation or tourism
enterprises.
The public considered, and the
Authority agreed, that it was not
necessary to have a specific policy to
protect the characteristic features of
shops (e.g. display windows) where
changes of use were proposed. Other
built environment policies and Design
Guidance SPD could address the
matter.
DMD21 Telecommunications
development
DMD20
UT6 [Saved]
Consideration of the approach to
telecommunications development
came under Topic1. The public view
was that policy guidance on this type
of development was needed. Although
the number of such developments has
abated slightly over recent years, the
Authority considered that saved LP
policy UT6 was helpful and should be
retained. There is the possibility that
DMD21 has a much more robust set of criteria
than LP policy UT6. In addition, it adds a
condition requiring removal of redundant
structures.
The policy supports S.O.s 4,11,12,14,15 & 16.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1,3 & 5.
Cumulative and secondary effects were seen
as being unlikely as the impetus is to
encourage mast sharing wherever possible,
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
31
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
with the roll outs of new operating
and to remove redundant structures. Good
systems, including those involved in
setting within the landscape is always
rural broadband delivery, new masts
necessary, and where appropriate camouflage
and other infrastructure will be
techniques can be used.
required. Protecting the landscape
and special qualities of the National
Park is vital to pursuit of National Park
purposes.
The Issues Papers raised a number of housing topics. Those topics, the public response and the Authority’s response are set
out below.
There were mixed views from consultees on the issue of the feasibility of delivering 50 units of affordable housing without an
element of open market co-provision. Some open market housing was seen as essential to affordable housing delivery, as well
as mixed communities. Some consultees felt that 50 units per year were too much and that no open market housing should be
permitted at all. Concentrating housing development in the Local Centres was favoured. The Authority considered that the level
of 50 units per year, as set out in the draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the SW, was reasonable and appropriate and could be
delivered by allocating land for residential development, and in certain locations allowing an element of open market
development. Registered providers had access to funding streams to deliver new affordable housing, and the Authority’s
‘intermediate model’ of provision could also assist in delivering new affordable housing.
Regarding the best ways of delivering a flexible and responsive supply of land for housing, the work of Joint Advisory Committee
on Affordable Housing and the Rural Housing Enabler were seen as being particularly helpful. The exceptions policy has also
been very successful in delivering affordable housing. It was proposed that land should be allocated specifically for 100%
affordable housing as well as some mixed developments including an element of open market housing. The Authority agreed
with those views.
SHLAA (and its regular review) will assist the identification and delivery of land. Good contact with the local housing market and
estate agents should be maintained. Minor infill should be allowed - windfall sites shouldn’t be undervalued in Dartmoor. The
community land trust model also offered a promising way forward. The Authority agreed with those views. Policy for settlements
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
32
Policy number & title
Policy link to
(Consultation draft
Local Plan
SA/SEA Assessment
number. Publication
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
Other information
version number
status)
below.)
has been amended to allow for small infill development. This is particularly relevant in that garden land is now no longer
regarded as being ‘previously developed land’.
Although 15 year indicative housing provisions for Local Centres could be informative, the Authority felt that this would be too
prescriptive, and that some flexibility should be retained. Housing needs surveys would indicate levels of need over five year
periods. The DMD should set out the overall approach to design and sustainability matters, but the detail should be in the Design
Guide SPD.
With regard to the Authority’s ‘intermediate housing model’, the public considered that the 25% price/rent deflation was too little
and the 80sq m size restriction too restrictive. A linkage between average house price and average local household income was
requested. The Authority considers that the 25% price/rent deflation still represents an appropriate and acceptable figure for
Dartmoor, and that the 80sqm limit on building size should still apply. A modest amount of such housing has been delivered in
Dartmoor in recent years. However, it recognised that there would be instances where those two prescriptions were not in the
best interests of identified needs and the scope for provision and that a degree of flexibility would be needed. Although in the
current economic situation it was difficult to obtain mortgage finance, especially for shared equity/ownership types of provision,
the intermediate model type of housing was still considered appropriate for Dartmoor National Park.
The public believed that there should there be a clear linkage between house price / rent and local household income, and with
upper limits. Whilst this appears to be a direct way in which to maintain a supply of truly affordable housing it is difficult to
implement, monitor and control. It is even more difficult now that a new definition of ‘affordable rent’ has been introduced (i.e.
80% of open market rents). Setting upper limits for rent or sale price is also a difficult area to control through spatial planning
policy. While this is a difficult and complex issue, it may be helpful to provide advice and guidance in the form of a supplementary
planning document (SPD). The Authority has indicated that it will consider the preparation of SPD on the provision of affordable
housing (Minute 2775, 6 January 2012).
The public feedback on the definitions of housing need and ‘local people’ (for social rented and privately provided intermediate
housing) was that the definitions were still appropriate. One local housing authority considered that the residency/work
connection should be reduced from five years to three years. The Authority considered that it was appropriate to stick with the
current definitions. The Authority also did not feel it could support another suggestion that all new housing delivered in DNP
should have a residency condition attached (such as applies in the Channel Islands).
The public considered that there should be a flexible and responsive approach to the provision of affordable housing for specific
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
33
Policy number & title
Policy link to
(Consultation draft
Local Plan
SA/SEA Assessment
number. Publication
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
Other information
version number
status)
below.)
needs, e.g. elderly persons’ housing (including ‘Lifetime’ homes), accommodation for younger people. The overall aim should be
the promotion of mixed communities, but with priority for families and young people. The Authority was in general agreement
with those views. Reference to ‘Lifetime Homes’ is included in the written statement (2.19.11). In developments of more than five
dwellings, the Authority will require that half the units are constructed to Lifetime Homes Standards. The written statement also
includes reference to the role of open market provision in delivering housing for specific needs identified in the locality (2.19.7),
including housing for the elderly who may wish to ‘downsize’. The proposed housing delivery SPD could also offer guidance on
these matters.
The public view was that self build initiatives are an attractive concept with a role in housing delivery but that they were unlikely
to provide significant amounts of affordable housing. Hence, there was no strong feeling that the initiative should be promoted.
The Authority considers that the self build approach could be promoted where there are clear arrangements in place to protect
the affordability of such properties. The community land trust model or ‘community right to build’ initiatives may also offer
opportunities. This would be acceptable under the current policies.
Topic 22 in the Issues Papers asked whether policy guidance was needed on the extension/alteration of residential homes,
nursing & care homes. The public had mixed views but it was noted that the proportion of the elderly people in the population
was rising, so this could become an issue. The Authority took the view that with a low level of such development in Dartmoor and
with no certainty that such forms of institutional care would increase it was not necessary to provide specific policy guidance.
Built environment and housing policies would be capable of managing any such proposals.
DMD22 - Residential
development in Local
Centres
DMD21
HS1
[Superseded]
Policy DMD22 is based on CS policies
COR2 and COR15. It extracts and
presents the criteria that are relevant
to residential development within the
Local Centres for clarity and certainty
reasons. It explains the approach to
be taken to infill sites resulting from
the change in national guidance on
Policy DMD22 supports S.O.s 7,13,14,15 & 16,
and has the potential to support 2,4,8,10,11 &
12.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1,5 & 6.
Cumulative or secondary effects are related to
the possibility of environmental damage
associated with incremental development.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
34
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
DMD23 - Residential
development in Rural
Settlements
DMD22
HS1
[Superseded]
DMD24 - Residential
development outside
Local Centres and
Rural Settlements
DMD23
HS4
[Superseded]
the treatment of garden land (viz. no
longer to be considered previously
developed land). It includes the
‘exceptions’ policy.
Policy DMD23 is based on CS policies
COR2 and COR15. It extracts and
presents the criteria that are relevant
to residential development within the
Rural Settlements for clarity and
certainty reasons. It includes the
‘exceptions’ policy.
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
Mitigation would involve good design and
location, with development only at those levels
needed to provide for local needs.
Policy DMD23 supports S.O.s 4,7,13,14,15 &
16, and has the potential to support 2,8,10,11
& 12.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1,5 & 6.
Cumulative and secondary effects, and
mitigation, are as set out above, in DMD22.
.
Policy DMD24 is based on CS policies DMD24 removes the reference, which used to
COR2 and COR15. It extracts and
be in LP policy HS4, to the ‘conversion of large
presents the criteria that are relevant
houses or other large residential buildings..’
to residential development within the
This could have resulted in a number of open
open countryside of Dartmoor NP for
market dwellings in the countryside.
clarity and certainty reasons.
Reference is also made to low impact
dwellings.
The policy supports S.O.s 4,6,7 & 13, and has
the potential to support 2,8,11 & 14.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1,3,10 & 16.
Cumulative and secondary effects, and
mitigation, are as set out above, in DMD22. It
will be particularly important that assessments
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
35
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
of need for dwellings in the countryside are
rigorous and relate only to those needs
specified in the policy. Cumulative and
secondary effect,and mitigation, related to
policy DMD13 (Conversion or re-use of nonresidential buildings outside classified
settlements) would also apply.
DMD25 - Extensions
and alterations to
dwellings
DMD24
HS9
[Superseded]
The public feedback (topic 25) was
that policy guidance was needed but
that some flexibility was needed to
respond to the requirements of
different households.
This is a type of development which is
very common and which has the
potential to impact adversely on the
local built environment and
neighbours’ amenity. A balance must
be struck between household
requirements and environmental
protection. The Authority considered
that a generic policy to provide
guidance was necessary.
Policy DMD25 sets out criteria based on good
design, the protection of amenity, and
protection of the local environment. An
additional clause places a limit on the increase
in total habitable floorspace – i.e. not more
than 30% of the existing floospace. DMD25
links to the local amenity policy (DMD5) and
the Design Guide SPD. It also clarifies those
circumstances in which extensions will not be
permitted.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,6,7,13,14 & 16
and has the potential to support 4,5 & 15.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
3,9 & 11.
Cumulative and secondary effects relate to the
impact on the amenity of neighbours and the
street scene. Good design is important in
mitigation, and the Design Guide SPD will be
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
36
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
DMD26 - Ancillary
residential
development
DMD25
HS6
[Superseded]
DMD27 - Agricultural
& holiday occupancy
conditions
DMD26
HS5 [Saved]
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
helpful as it contains a section on domestic
extensions.
The public had mixed views on this
Policy DMD26 looks at the capability of the
issue (topic 24), but tending to the
main dwelling or separate structures to
view that policy guidance was
function in the ancillary use. A legal agreement
necessary. For the Authority, the main is now required, rather than condition, where
issue of concern was identified as
the ancillary accommodation is in a separate
those cases where ancillary
structure, to tie the use to the principal
accommodation was in a separate
dwelling.
structure within a curtilage and where The policy supports S.O.s 13 & 14 and has the
the use might subsequently be argued potential to support 1,4,6,7,11,15 & 16.
to be a lawful separate residential
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
use. It was considered important to
3,9 & 11.
prevent that happening. Although CS
No cumulative or secondary effects were
policies COR4 (design and
noted.
sustainable development) and COR15
(housing) could address the issue, it
was felt that further guidance would
be helpful.
The public considered that saved LP
There is no substantial difference between
policy HS5 was still the correct
DMD27 and saved LP policy HS5.
approach, and that the policy was
The policy supports S.O.s 13 & 14 and has the
relevant and appropriate for the DMD. potential to support 7 and 11.
The Authority agrees that such a
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
policy on the removal of agricultural
11 & 15.
and holiday occupancy conditions
Cumulative and secondary effects relate to the
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
37
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
ensures that some of the benefits of
this form of provision still endure for
local people.
DMD28 Replacement
dwellings in the
countryside
DMD27
HS7 [Saved]
The public view was that conservation
of local character and distinctiveness
was very important, but that it was not
appropriate to have a policy objective
that seeks to constrain development
opportunities purely to sustain the
availability of ‘more affordable’
property.
Constraint on subsequent extension
and alteration following replacement
of an existing structure was
considered necessary.
The Authority is in agreement with
those views, considering also that
conserving embodied energy is a
factor that needs to be reflected in the
policy principles.
DMD29 - Residential
HS8 [Saved]
The public considered that it was still
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
impact on the availability of agricultural
workers’ dwellings where ties are lifted. It is
important therefore that the justification for
such proposals is carefully assessed.
Policy DMD28 addresses this type of
development. It introduces a presumption in
favour of retention of an existing building to
help protect the distinctiveness of localities in
the Park and to conserve the embodied energy
of existing buildings. The latter factor adds to
the approach set out in saved LP policy HS7.
Permission may be given where environmental
enhancement or a major improvement in
energy efficiency would be demonstrable
outcomes.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,4,5,6, & 7 and has
the potential to support 13 & 15.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
9, 10,11 & 12.
No cumulative and secondary effects were
noted; however the assessment was seen as
important element as it would have to
demonstrate that the overall effects were
positive. Good design, location and build
quality were also noted as important factors.
Policy DMD29 is founded on the principles of
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
38
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
caravans
DMD28
DMD30 - The
accommodation needs
of gypsies and
travellers
DMD29
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
correct to discourage residential
caravans in the National Park (topic
28). Furthermore, Park home estates
were not seen to be part of the
solution to the need for low cost
housing in a nationally designated
landscape.
The Authority also considers that
policy constraint is needed, while
providing scope for those
circumstances where there is a valid
reason for allowing such
development. Saved LP policy HS8
has been applied successfully over
many years and was considered to
provide the correct planning
principles.
saved LP policy HS8. The ‘special
circumstances’ when caravans will be
permitted are now spelled out in DMD29.
Evidence is also required of a functional need
where the proposal is linked with a new
business.
The policy supports S.O.s 13 & 14 and has the
potential to support 6,7,11,12 & 16.
The policy shows an unknown outcome on
S.O. 8.
No cumulative and secondary effects were
noted. However, where such provision is
permitted it is important to mitigate any
adverse impacts through careful location,
screening, landscaping and with good
monitoring and enforcement.
The public response on the provision
of accommodation for gypsies and
travellers was that is should be
viewed as part of the total spectrum of
local housing need. Policy guidance
and advice was considered
necessary.
To help the Authority in its planning
There is no policy on provision for gypsy and
traveller accommodation in the Local Plan. The
Core Strategy states that the “accommodation
needs of gypsies and travellers are also
recognised as local housing needs and a
survey has been carried out in Devon to
assess the level of need” (paragraph 5.9.10).
The survey was undertaken as part of research
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
39
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD31 - Low impact
dwellings in the
countryside
DMD30
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
work, a study (CD10/36) was
commissioned in 2010 to look at the
potential for transit pitches along the
A38 / A30 trunk roads. Some sites
were identified but ownership and
other planning problems made
definition of sites very difficult. The
consultant’s work did however lead to
the development of a site assessment
matrix to be applied to consider any
sites that are proposed. The Authority
attempted to encourage gypsy and
traveller sites to be brought forward by
advertising as part of the SHLAA
review work in 2010, but without
success. It has not been possible to
allocate sites for gypsy and traveller
needs. The policy framework will
however enable proposals to be
determined in a thorough way as they
are brought forward.
This issue was set out in topic 1:
views were sought on ‘permaculture’
type development and leisure plots.
The public considered that planning
guidance was needed on
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
to inform the preparation of the SW Regional
Spatial Strategy. There was no demonstrable
need for permanent pitches but a need for
transit sites was shown.
The policy framework for permanent sites is
based around CS policies COR1 (Sustainable
development) and COR15 (housing provision).
For transit sites, the three stage matrix filter is
applied to assess the suitability of sites in a
rigorous manner.
The policy supports S.O.s 13,14 & 16 and has
the potential to support 6,7 &11.
The policy shows an unknown outcome on
S.O. 8.
No cumulative effects were noted. However, it
was noted that there could be secondary
effects on the local environment depending on
how carefully sites were managed. Mitigation
was seen to involve good location and layout,
quality construction along with good site
management.
This is a new policy covering this specific form
of development. The LP treated such
proposals under the generic policy relating to
residential development in the open
countryside.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
40
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD32 - Provision of
new recreational and
leisure facilities
DMD31
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
RC1, RC3
[both saved]
and CS4
[Superseded]
.
permaculture type development and
that it should be treated principally as
a housing matter. The Authority
agreed with that approach. Policy
guidance developed by
Pembrokeshire Coast NP was used
as a basis for preparing a policy for
Dartmoor.
Leisure plots have not been a problem
in Dartmoor NP and it was felt that
guidance on that matter was not
needed.
The public considered that saved LP
policy RC1 provided appropriate
scope for considering recreational and
leisure development in Dartmoor. The
Authority also considered that the
thrust of LP policy RC1 was correct,
and that a generic policy on sports,
recreation and leisure provision
should reflect the needs of local
communities (as was set out
specifically in LP policy CS4). Linear
routes are an important part of
Dartmoor’s recreational opportunities
and guidance should be provided on
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
The policy supports S.O.s 13,14 & 16 and has
the potential to support 6,7,11 &12.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1,3,4 & 10.
Cumulative and secondary effects relate to the
potential for adverse impacts on biodiversity,
landscape character and traffic generation.
Mitigation would require limitation of numbers
of structures, good location and appropriate
landscaping.
DMD32 provides more detailed guidance on
what constitutes acceptable recreational
development than is contained in LP policy
RC1, including provision for the needs of local
communities. It also covers the provisions of
LP policy RC3 on linear routes.
The policy has been drafted to refer to indicate
that large scale enterprises would not be
appropriate in Dartmoor. The major
development policy, MD2, would apply to very
large scale recreational or leisure proposals.
The policy supports S.O.s 10,11,12,14 & 16
and has the potential to support 4 &15.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
41
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
that type of development.
topic 33 asked about the need for
guidance on ‘green infrastructure’ (GI)
approaches to recreation
development and the precautions
needed to avoid or mitigate adverse
effects of recreational activities on the
internationally important wildlife sites
in the National Park. The public felt
that guidance would be helpful. The
Authority decided that references to
GI should be encompassed in
relevant policies (e.g. DMD4) and
referred to in the written statement.
Protection of important wildlife sites
was an issue of management, and in
that regard the Recreation and
Access Strategy 2011-2017 was very
helpful.
Topic 34 queried whether noisy and
disturbing recreational activities
should be managed by specific
planning policies, or whether other
more general policies, e.g. on
tranquillity, should be applied. The
Authority concluded that it would be
better to address this issue through
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
1 & 3.
Cumulative and secondary effects relate
principally to traffic generation caused by new
or expanded enterprises or activities.
Application of principles in the Dartmoor Route
Network and Coach Route Network will help,
as will green transport plans.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
42
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD33 - Protection of
recreational and
amenity open space
DMD32
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
CS4
[Superseded]
other policies, and particularly CS
policy COR11.
Topic 4 in the Issues Papers on
settlements asked the public if they
considered that areas of public open
space (including sports, recreation
areas and allotments) in settlements
should be defined and protected from
development. The view was that such
protection should be given. The
Authority did not agree that open
space should be formally defined,
considering that existing safeguards
would be adequate. There is currently
protection afforded to open space in
the CS policies COR12 and COR17.
Additionally, policy DMD33 will
provide further safeguarding.
The public was asked in the Issues
Papers covering settlements (topic 4)
if development of public open space
were to be permitted, should there be
a requirement to replace any lost
areas with appropriate replacement
land and resources. The response
was that there should be policy
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
Policy DMD33 offers stronger protection for the
retention of recreational and amenity space,
with provision of compensatory facilities where
areas are lost.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,6,7,14 & 16 and
has the potential to support 3,4,5,12 &15.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1 & 3.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
43
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD34 - Horse
related development
DMD33
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
FD3 [Saved]
guidance on that issue to ensure that
such replacement took place.
The Authority agrees with the public’s
view that the protection of existing
areas of recreational space and open
amenity areas for public use is a an
important consideration. Loss of a
recreation or sports facility was
addressed in LP policy CS4. It was
considered that CS policies COR12
and COR17 should be supported by a
more detailed policy. The Authority
has decided not to formally identify
areas of public open space in the
plan. There is scope, flowing from
national policy, to designate ‘local
green space’ should that be
considered necessary in the future.
Planning issues related to recreational
horse keeping were considered under
topic 1. The public recognised it as a
land use that could have a significant
effect on the quality and
distinctiveness of local landscapes
and policy to control this form of
development was considered
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
No cumulative or secondary effects are noted.
Policy DMD34 adopts the principles of saved
LP policy FD3, while adding more detail. It
promotes the use of existing buildings, and
protects against the adverse effects of
cumulative development. It also creates a link
with relevant guidance set out in the Design
Guide SPD.
The policy supports S.O.s 4,6,7 & 14 and has
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
44
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
essential. The Authority agreed,
considering that this type of
development demanded guidance in
its own right and should not be
considered solely under landscape
policies.
DMD35 - Agriculture
and forestry related
development
DMD34
FD2 [Saved]
the potential to support 2,5,9,10 & 11.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1 & 3.
Cumulative and secondary effects relate to the
potential for adverse impacts on landscape
character and biodiversity. Mitigation would
require limits on the number of structures,
good location and appropriate landscaping.
Use of the SW Protected Landscape
Forum/British Horse Society good practice
guidance notes would help.
The need for policy guidance for the
Policy DMD35 is a more detailed policy than
development needed to support the
saved LP policy FD2. It includes requirements
agricultural and forestry industries
to demonstrate proportionality of provision, and
was not raised as a topic. It is clear
that efficient use of existing traditional
that guidance is needed to manage
structures has been considered.
development for the benefit of
The policy supports S.O.s 4,6,7 and has the
important industries in Dartmoor and
potential to support 2,5,8,9,11 & 12.
to protect the landscape and natural
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
beauty of the Park. Saved LP policy
1 & 3.
FD2 has proved to be an effective
Cumulative and secondary effects relate
policy and there is now scope to make principally to adverse effects on landscape and
it more comprehensive for the DMD.
the character of the built environment of the
farmstead. The agricultural prior notification
system is an effective way of considering the
impact of proposals.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
45
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
DMD36 - Farm
diversification
DMD35
FD1
[Superseded]
DMD37 - Signs and
advertisements
DMD36
AD1, AD2 &
AD4 [All
saved]
Topic 40 refers. The public considered
that farm diversification was an
important component in the Dartmoor
farming economy with the potential to
support enterprises that have limited
production opportunities. However,
there should be no overriding
sustainability concerns and traffic
generation should not be excessive.
The Authority’s view is that the need
to protect the natural beauty and
distinctive qualities of Dartmoor’s
open countryside means that clear
guidance on appropriate forms of
diversified development is required.
While CS policy COR20 provides the
overarching policy aims, it is
considered that it would be helpful to
provide more detailed guidance.
The public response on topic 41 was
that advertisement policies are still
needed. The Authority agreed. The
suite of saved LP policies has been
used over many years and has been
shown to be robust and relevant.
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
Policy DMD36 is clearly focused on the
opportunities and resources presented by the
agricultural holding itself. There is also the
requirement that the enterprise be on the
holding or associated land.
The policy supports S.O.s 4,5,6,7,11 & 12 and
has the potential to support 8 & 9.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1 & 3.
Cumulative and secondary effects relate
principally to traffic generation caused by new
diversification enterprises, which will need
careful management. Increased local revenues
and encouragement of local food chains are
seen as positive outcomes.
Policy DMD37 is essentially a conflation of LP
policies AD1, AD2 and AD4.
The policy supports S.O.s 11 & 15 and has the
potential to support 4,5,12 &14.
The policy shows an unknown outcome on
S.O. 1.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
46
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
DMD38 - Advance
signs
DMD37
AD3 [Saved]
DMD39 - Access onto
the highway
DMD38
TF2 [Saved]
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
The public did not consider that the
Buckfastleigh Area of Special Control
of Advertisements should be
reviewed. The Authority will address
that issue outside of this current policy
planning process.
The public considered that
advertisement control was needed for
advance signs. The Authority agreed..
Cumulative and secondary effects relate
principally to adverse effects on the local
environment of numbers of such signs, but
sensitivity will be needed so that local
businesses can promote themselves
adequately.
Policy DMD38 is essentially LP policy AD3,
with the additional scope to permit signs for
non-commercial or charitable organisations.
The policy gives clear guidance on where and
under what circumstances advance signing will
be permitted.
The policy supports S.O.s 11 & 15 and has the
potential to support 4,5,12 &14.
The policy shows an unknown outcome on
S.O. 1.
Cumulative and secondary effects relate
principally to adverse effects on the local
environment. Road safety considerations come
into the picture, particularly where there are
numbers of signs in close proximity on the road
network.
The public considered that policy
guidance was needed on accesses
onto the highway. The Authority
Policy DMD39 is essentially LP policy TF2 with
the additional scope to require the closing up
of sub-standard accesses.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
47
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
DMD40 - Provision of
new car parks
DMD39
TF3 [Saved]
DMD41- Parking
provision for new
development –
residential
DMD40
TF5 [Saved]
agrees; such proposals not only
impact on highway safety but can
affect important items such as
hedgebanks, trees and verges. Saved
policy TF2 is much used in
development management and has
proved its value in determining such
proposals.
The public supported the provision of
guidance on car park development.
Although such proposals are
infrequent, such forms of development
can have a big impact, on the
character and appearance of the built
environment and the open
countryside. The Authority considers
therefore that policy guidance should
be provided. That guidance is
currently provided by saved LP policy
TF3, which provides a good basis for
a DMD policy.
The public supported the provision of
guidance on car parking standards.
The guidance currently set out in
saved LP policy TF5 has proved to be
very helpful.The scope for using a
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
The policy supports S.O.s 3 & 4 and has the
potential to support 5,6,10,11,14 & 15.
The policy shows no cumulative or secondary
effects. Mitigation of any adverse effects will
involve seeking to minimise environmental
losses (e.g. of structures such as Devon
hedges) and damage to biodiversity interests.
Policy DMD40 is based on saved LP policy
TF3. However, additional scope is given for
provision for tourist demand. More precise
criteria governing car parks development in the
open countryside is provided.
The policy supports S.O.s 4 & 5 and has the
potential to support 6,7,11,13,14,15 & 16.
Any cumulative or secondary effects would be
countered by good design and including
sustainable drainage features. Car parks in the
open countryside would need particular
attention to location and design matters.
While taking on the criteria in saved LP policy
TF5, policy DMD41 provides opportunity for car
free development. It also seeks to protect the
spaces provided in a residential development
where loss would exacerbate local traffic
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
48
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
parking provision assesment where
variations are sought provides
flexibility. The Authority considers that
such a policy should be set out in the
plan.
DMD42 - Parking
provision for new
development – nonresidential
DMD41
TF4 [Saved]
DMD43 - Public
Rights of Way
DMD42
TF6 [Saved]
circulation problems.
The policy supports S.O.s 13 & 14 and has the
potential to support 15 & 16.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted. Mitigation of any adverse effects would
depend on good design. The Design Guide
SPD offers guidance on parking.
The public supported the provision of
Policy DMD42 restates LP policy TF4.
guidance on car parking standards.
The policy supports S.O.s 11 & 15 and has the
The guidance currently set out in
potential to support 7, 12 & 14.
saved LP policy TF4 has been helpful. The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
The Authority considers that such a
4,5 & 7.
policy should be set out in the plan.
The policy is intended to allow the parking
No changes have been introduced to
needed to support non-residential develoment
the parking provision guidelines; those while not over-providing, to the detriment of
standards are well regarded, and
townscape, traffic circulation. Mitigation of any
there is scope for variation where
adverse effects would require good location
appropriate through the preparation
and design along with an understanding of the
and approval of a Transport
broader transportation characteristics of
Assessment.
settlements.
The public view was that a policy was PolicyDMD43 restates LP policy TF6.
needed to protect public rights of way. The policy supports S.O.s 5,6,7,10,14,15 & 16
The Authority agrees. Saved LP policy and has the potential to support 1,3,4, & 11.
TF6 sets out the current safeguards
No cumulative or secondary effects were
and it is considered that this robust
noted.
policy should be restated in the DMD.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
49
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD44 - Provision of
tourist accommodation
DMD43
DMD45 - Settlement
boundaries and site
development
DMD44
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
TM2
[Superseded]
& TM3-TM6
[All saved]
The public considered that policy
guidance on tourism was needed,
particularly to cover traffic and
environmental implications. It was felt
that it was important to protect hotels
from being converted to housing. The
Authority agrees with those
sentiments. Policy must strike the
right balance between enabling the
local tourism economy to thrive while
protecting the special qualities of
Dartmoor that attract tourists in the
first plave.
The saved LP policies provide a good
basis for compiling a unified policy to
cover the range of tourism related
development.
Although there were mixed views in
consultation responses, the Authority
considered that the clarity introduced
by such a definition would be helpful.
It would distinguish the built up areas
of the main settlments – the eight
Local Centres - from the surrounding
open countryside.
A protocol was established to assist
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
Policy DMD44 gathers together in one policy
all appropriate tourism development, and
includes important caveats on occupation and
the maintenance of user lists. Reference to
motor caravan sites is deleted; tented sites
must be linked to a farm diversification
enterprises.
The policy supports S.O.s 1,7,11 & 12 and has
the potential to support 4,6 & 15.
No cumulative or secondary effects were noted
This is a new policy factor. Settlement
boundaries were not applied in the Local Plan.
The policy supports S.O.s 4,5,7,13,15 & 16
and has the potential to support 2,10,11 & 12.
The policy shows unknown outcomes on S.O.s
1,3,6 & 14.
Cumulative and secondary effects would
centre on ‘town cramming’ and adverse effects
on open space and heritage sites. Mitigation
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
50
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
DMD46 - Parish Plans
and development
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
the definition of settlement boundaries
and this was used consistently across
the eight Local Centres.
It was considered that settlement
boundaries were not needed for the
Rural Settlements. Levels of
development would be very low,
focusing only on the needs of the
settlement and surrounding rural
parish. Flexibility for scope to provide
for local needs in the most appropriate
way and in the most appropriate
places was considered the principal
objective.
In order to promote development that
helps deliver the community vision
and which has community support,
the policy sees the role of
masterplans and development briefs
as being particularly important. In the
first instance, such approaches will
apply to the allocated sites, but it
could be applied to any appropriately
sized windfall site.
This topic was not included in the
Issues Papers. The Authority
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
requires careful application of design and
place-making policies, among others. The
exceptions policy would allow residential
development for local needs outside and
adjoining the settlement envelope.
No such policy was included in the Local Plan.
The policy supports S.O.s 13,14,15 & 16 and
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
51
Policy number & title
(Consultation draft
number. Publication
version number
below.)
management
DMD45
Policy link to
Local Plan
Options and alternative approaches
(Policy no. &
status)
considered that it would be helpful if
the weight that was to be accorded to
parish plans, appraisals and design
statements in considering local
development proposals was made
clear.
SA/SEA Assessment
Other information
has the potential to support
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 & 12.
No cumulative or secondary effects were
noted.
Sites assessed for housing and other community needs
4.14 Table 5, below, sets out the sites that were appraised to provide for the range of housing and other community related needs
in Dartmoor. The sites were assessed for their deliverability and developability using the assessment matrix st out in Annex 4 of the
SA/SEA Scoping Report (July 2010). Detailed site assessments are set out in Site Appraisals (DMD Environmental Report 2012)
(CD8/1). That document contains site appraisals for all key sites in Local Centres considered as potential options in the preparation
of the DMD. The table describes how those sites were subsequently treated in the consultation and publication versions of the
DMD. SA/SEA assessments of the sites included in consultation draft (July 2011) and the publication version (February 2012) are
set out in the SA/SEA environmental reports published in July 2011 and December 2011 (CD7/20, July 2011 & December 2011
update).
4.15 As might be expected, housing sites show similar patterns with regard to promotion of and adverse effects on the
sustainability objectives. Positive impacts are seen on:
Built environment (5);
Sustainable transport (10);
Economy (generally) (11);
Housing (13);
Community health, safety and well-being (14); and
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
52
Village centres (15).
Those sustainability objectives for which there was more variability included:
Flood risk (2); and
Sustainable resource use (7).
Sustainability objectives for landscape and environment (1), biodiversity (3), and land resources (6) were generally seen to be
impacted in an adverse way. The following settlement proposals show one or more adverse impacts on the S.O.s:
Proposal
ASH1 Housing land at Longstone Cross, Ashburton
BCK1 Housing land at Barn Park, Buckfastleigh
BCK2 Housing at Holne Road, Buckfastleigh
CHG1 Housing land north of Lamb Park, Chagford
CHG2 Mixed use development – east of Bretteville
Close, Chagford
HOR1 Housing land at Walkham Meadows,
Horrabridge
HOR2 Housing land adjacent to New Park,
Horrabridge
MTN1 Housing land at Forder Farm,
Moretonhampstead
MTN3Housing land west of Betton Way,
Moretonhampstead
SBR1 Housing land adjacent to Fairfield, South Brent
YEL1 Housing land adjacent to Briar Tor, Yelverton
MTV1 New primary school, Mary Tavy
Sustainability objectives
adversely affected
3&6
3&6
1,3 & 6
3&6
1,3 & 6
1&3
1&3
3
1,3 & 6
1,3 & 6
1,3 & 6
3&6
4.16 The cumulative and secondary effects of residential development are seen as acting principally on natural networks. There is
also the possibility that existing pressures on biodiversity interests and landscape character at settlement boundaries could be
exacerbated. Mitigation depends on thorough survey work and assessment and applying CS and DMD biodiversity policies. The
development of most of the allocated sites will need to be undertaken with the benefit of a development brief or masterplan, which
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
53
should set out clear and effective environmental procedures. Some of the allocated sites also contain important historic and cultural
heritage features which the development brief or masterplan will have to cover.
Table 5: DMD site assessments
Settlement
Site name
Use/potential
use
Affordable
housing
Ashburton
Longstone
Cross
Ashburton
Land at Chuley
Road
Mixed use
commercial/ho
using/car park
Ashburton
Land adjacent
to Peartree
Cross
Summary
Status
SHLAA site.
Suitable, available
& achievable.
Allocated
(ASH1)
Suitable, available
& achievable.
Flood risk zone.
Two parcels within
the area are
SHLAA sites.
Allocated
(ASH2)
Commercial/Re Access,
tail
landscape, SAC,
flood zone issues.
Not a SHLAA site.
Not
allocated
Reason for status
Low likelihood of adverse landscape
impact. Land is available. Well related to
built up area of town. Has the support of
the community affordable housing group.
Redevelopment could achieve a number
of community benefits. Environmental
improvement and economic benefits
would result.
This site came into the picture late in the
plan preparation process and was not
included in the consultation version of the
DMD. Extra consultation carried out
(Nov/Dec 2011) and site received
community support. Flood risk at this
location will be key factor in allocating
land uses.
This is a significant site in landscape
terms at the boundary of the National Park
and on a key tourist route to the high
moor. There are flood plain issues &
concern about impact on protected
species (Greater Horseshoe Bats).
Vehicular access issues compound the
planning problems.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
54
Settlement
Site name
Ashburton
St Andrew’s
House
Ashburton
Land at Old
Totnes Road
Use/potential
use
Housing
Housing
Buckfastleigh Barn Park
50% affordable
(Land adjoining housing
Wallaford
Road)
Summary
Status
SHLAA site. Not
suitable or
achievable.
Not
allocated
Not suitable or
achievable. flood
zone issues.
Not a SHLAA site.
SHLAA site
Suitable, available
& achievable.
.
Not
allocated
Allocated
(BCK 1)
Buckfastleigh Land at Holne
Road
Housing 50%
affordable,
open space
SHLAA site.
Suitable, available
& achievable.
.
Allocated
(BCK 2)
Buckfastleigh Land at
Housing
SHLAA site.
Not
Reason for status
Not a suitable or achievable site. It is
currently in use as a residential home.
There is poor vehicular access. Potential
impact on conservation area and the
adjacent listed church.
Functional flood plain. Biodiversity and
landscape qualities also constrain against
development.
Can provide a well integrated extension to
the built up area of Buckfastleigh. Site
reduced significantly from SHLAA
submission due to potential landscape
impact on upper part of field. Opportunity
for a high quality development.
Although there are potential adverse
effects under Sustainability Objectives 1,
3 & 6, it is felt that this area would provide
a suitable extension to the built up area of
Buckfastleigh with minor impact on the the
wider Park landscape. An application here
would require detailed appropriate
assessment. Proposal amended through
the Habitat Regulations Assessment
process. The site is the preferred option of
the Town Council. Need for open space
could link with Appropriate Assessment
mitigation.
This site is poorly accessed and
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
55
Settlement
Site name
Use/potential
use
Oaklands
Road
Summary
Suitable, available
& achievable.
Access issues.
Needs may be met
through other site.
.
Status
allocated
Buckfastleigh Devonia
Products
(Axminster
Carpets)
Employment/mi Suitable and
xed uses
available. Noted
already in DMD
but not allocated.
Flood risk, SAC
nearby, partly in
Conservation
Area.
Not a SHLAA site.
Not
allocated
(subject to
additional
consultatio
n)
Chagford
Affordable
housing, open
space
Allocated
(CHG1)
Land at Lamb
Park
Suitable, available.
Not a SHLAA site.
Reason for status
development at this location would have a
significant impact on the wider National
Park landscape. Consideration was given
to accessing this site via land at Holne
Road (above) however the Habitat
Regulations Assessment indicated this
could impact upon the integrity of the
South Hams SAC. Not the preferred
option of the Town Council.
This site came forward at Publication
Stage thus has not been considered as
available or assessed at earlier stage. Site
referred to in DMD as having potential. It
was subject to a separate round of
consultation following submission. It has
received significant levels of community
support for mixed use redevelopment.
Could offer significant improvements to
character and appearance, conservation
area. Flood risk issues, SAC nearby,
impact could be mitigated. Could result in
more effective use of employment site.
Good access, with limited impact on
landscape and biodiversity qualities. The
site is well related to the existing
residential estate and supporting
infrastructure. Meets the need on site for
open space. Has the support of the local
affordable housing group.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
56
Settlement
Site name
Chagford
Bretteville
Field/
Bellacouch
Meadow
Chagford
Land at
Cranley
Meadow
Horrabridge
Use/potential
use
Housing (inc
elderly), car
park, open
space
Summary
Status
Comprises
twoSHLAA sites.
Suitable, available.
& achievable.
Allocated
(CHG2)
Housing
SHLAA site.
Access issues,
needs may be met
through other
sites.
Not
allocated
Walkham
Meadows
50% affordable
housing
SHLAA site.
Suitable, available
& achievable.
Allocated
(HOR1)
Horrabridge
New Park
Housing with
50%
affordable,
open space
Suitable, available.
Allocated
(HOR2)
Horrabridge
Land at
Chichester
Housing
Issues with access
to site and
Not
allocated
Reason for status
Although there are heritage assets
present, development of this site would be
able to integrate those assets as green
infrastructure. There is good access to the
site, and to the village centre. This site
was identified by the community as a site
for future housing/community facilities in
the village design statement.
There are access problems for this site
with no certainty that they can be
overcome. The site contributes more than
the allocated sites to the town’s green
setting. Potential access to site is
protected in the plan. Has been identified
as a potential long term site in the Village
Design Statement.
The land is available and in public
ownership. It is easily accessed through
an existing development. It would
integrate well with existing development to
form a reasonable extension to the village.
Known availability and adjacent to existing
residential areas. The site has been
defined to exclude the flood plain and
providing scope for sustaining riverside
green infrastructure. Potential heritage
assets present.
Access and site availability concerns rule
this site out.
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
57
Settlement
Site name
Use/potential
use
Court
Summary
settlement,
availability
unknown
Not a SHLAA site.
Suitable, available.
Community
benefit.
Status
Mary Tavy
Warren Road
Site for new
primary school
Allocated
(MTV2)
Mary Tavy
Garage sites
Housing with
small
proportion of
affordable,
parking, open
space
Suitable, available,
deliverability
issues within
policy. Community
benefit.
Not a SHLAA site.
Allocated
(MTV1)
M’hampstead Thompson's
Housing with
50% affordable
SHLAA site.
Suitable, available
& achievable.
Allocated
(MTN1)
M’hampstead Land at Forder
Housing with
Suitable, available
Allocated
Reason for status
While this site has been allocated for
many years, the LEA still considers that it
needs this development opportunity as
school rolls rise countywide. It is not
currently in a programme.
A resolution to approve covers part of the
site, and development is likely to
commence with rising confidence in the
housing market. It is a saved proposal in
the Local Plan (MTV2). Development
would bring a variety of environmental,
traffic management and community
infrastructure provision benefits.
Development of this site could bring
enhancement of cultural heritage,
improvement of the built environment and
the setting of the approach to the town via
the road and the Wrey Valley Trail. It
provides an opportunity to reduce the
number of HGVs on the local roads
without the loss of the employer. This is
previously developed land (PDL). Flood
risk – requires level 2 flood risk
assessment.
The area represents a parcel of land that
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
58
Settlement
Site name
Farm
Use/potential
use
50% affordable
Summary
Status
& achievable.
Part of a larger
SHLAA site.
SHLAA site.
Small site, needs
may be met
through other
sites.
(MTN2)
M’hampstead Court Street
Garage
Housing
M’hampstead Old School
Housing
Small site, needs
may be met
through other
sites.
Not a SHLAA site.
Not
allocated
M’hampstead Land west of
Betton Way
50% affordable
housing, open
space
This site was
allocated as
proposal MTN3 in
the consultation
draft of the DMD.
Deliverability
issues, needs may
be met through
other sites.
Part of the area is
not an approved
Not
allocated
Not
allocated
Reason for status
would be bounded by the new link road. It
would form a reasonable extension to the
built form of the village.
PDL and could be readily redeveloped to
enhance the built environment. Old bus
garage side of the site may be considered
to have heritage asset significance.
Development for non-residential use
would result in loss of employment site.
Not of a strategic scale and could be
addressed through development
management process.
Already the subject of discussion with the
LEA. Not of a strategic scale and could be
addressed through development
management process. In conservation
area and adjacent to listed church. Limited
vehicular access. No need to allocate.
Site was considered deliverable and
developable at consultation draft stage, to
provide housing and other community
benefits. Community concern about
overall levels of housing allocation in the
village led to reconsideration of all the
Moretonhampstead sites. This site was
subsequently discounted because there
was doubt over the deliverability of the
community infrastucture elements and
because of greater landscape and
Dartmoor National Park Authority
DMD Non-technical Summary of the SA/SEA
July 2012
59
Settlement
Site name
Use/potential
use
Summary
Status
SHLAA.
Reason for status
environmental concerns compared to the
other two allocated sites.
This site was discounted because of the
impact development would have on the
character of the settlement and because
of concerns about the safety and impact
of any access onto Station Road.
Development of the site could impact
upon the setting of the adjacent listed
buildings and popular PRoW through the
centre of the site.
Development of this site would require
access along a narrow and poorly aligned
lane. There is also poor footway provision
and there are landscape character
considerations.
M’hampstead Courtenay
Park
Housing
SHLAA site.
Access issues,
landscape impact.
Not
allocated
M’hampstead Land between
Court Street
and North
Bovey Rd
Housing
Not
allocated
Princetown
Land at
Moorland View
Housing
Access issues,
landscape impact.
Submitted under
SHLAA (2010) but
not considered
deliverable or
developable.
Comprises two
SHLAA sites.
Suitable, available
& achievable, but
no current need.
Not
allocated
This land is in public ownership and could
readily be brought forward as needed.
There is currently no local need identified
and little community will for further
development. Not allocated.
South Brent
Fairfield
50% affordable
housing
Comprises two
SHLAA sites.
Suitable, available
& achievable.
Allocated
(SBR1)
This site is formed of two separate SHLAA
sites but which could be brought forward
and developed in an integrated manner.
There is good access to the villlage, and
limited landscape or biodiversity impact.
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Settlement
Site name
Use/potential
use
Summary
Status
South Brent
South Brent
Station
South Brent
Station
Suitable,
Community benefit
Allocated
(SBR2)
South Brent
Public Car
Park
Station Car
Park
Suitable,
Community benefit
Allocated
(SBR3)
South Brent
Land at Brent
Mill
Employment
land
Flood zone. Not
currently required.
Not
allocated
Yelverton
Land at Briar
Tor
50% affordable
housing
SHLAA site.
Suitable, available
& achievable.
Allocated
(YEL1)
Yelverton
Land at
Gratton Lane
Housing
Vehicular access
issues, pedestrian
safety issues.
Landscape impact.
Adjoining parish.
Submitted under
SHLAA (2010) but
not considered
Not
allocated
Reason for status
Adjacent to existing residential areas.
Surface water drainage will need
sustainable management.
A saved policy in the Local Plan (SBR1)
and included in transport section of Devon
Structure Plan (TR17B). Development
would bring public transport benefits with
minimal adverse effects.
This is saved proposal SBR2 in the Local
Plan. It is needed to support facilities
linked to the reopening of the nearby
station.
Because of existing underused
employment land in the village and the
area being located in the functional flood
plain, this site was discounted.
The site is readily accessed with
infrastructure from the adjoining recent
development. There is a good connection
with the heart of the village. Availability
has been confirmed.
Beyond the extent of the built up area of
the village and in adjoining parish, with
very poor vehicular access. Lack of a
footway to the centre of Yelverton is also
a problem.
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Settlement
Site name
Use/potential
use
Summary
deliverable or
developable.
Vehicular access
issues, pedestrian
safety issues.
Adjoining parish.
Not a SHLAA site.
Status
Reason for status
Not
allocated
(Subject to
post
submission
consultatio
n)
This site came forward at Publication
Stage thus has not been considered as
available or assessed at earlier stages. It
lies beyond the extent of the built up area
of the village and is in an adjoining parish.
There is very poor vehicular access. Lack
of a footway to the centre of Yelverton
poses more problems. Community does
not support allocating this site.
There is poor access at the junction with
Meavy Lane. Close to centre of the
village. Availability uncertain. Adequate
land has already been identified in
Yelverton to meet local needs.
Development at this location would have
significant landscape impact. Availability
uncertain. No vehicular access to the site.
Yelverton
Land at
Gratton Cross
Housing
Yelverton
Land at Elford
Park
Housing
Access issues.
Not a SHLAA site.
Not
allocated
Yelverton
Land at
Dousland
Road
Housing
Access issues,
landscape issues,
availability
unknown.
Not a SHLAA site.
Not
allocated
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5
Conclusions
5.1
Defra’s English National Parks and the Broads - UK Government Vision and
Circular 2010 see National Parks as places where:
“Sustainable development can be seen in action. The communities of the Parks
take an active part in decisions about their future. They are known for having
been pivotal in the transformation to a low carbon society and sustainable
living.”
The preparation of the DMD has been part of that process of sustainability in action.
Dartmoor’s communities, as well as a wide range of other bodies, have played a vital
role in putting together the guidelines that will help the development in the Park
become even more sustainable. SA/SEA has guided and assisted the process, from
the consideration of issues right through to the drafting of policies.
5.2
However, it has to be accepted that land use planning often has to make
difficult decisions on competing aims. One of the objectives of SA/SEA is to look at the
issues that can arise, to examine the options that are available to resolve problems,
and to come to conclusions on the best way forward. SA/SEA can propose different
approaches or mitigation measures to support sustainability.
5.3
The Environmental Report published in December 2011 (CD7/20) set out how a
range of key issues flagged up in the Scoping Report (CD7/19) had been addressed in
the DMD. It was considered that the majority of key issues raised in the Scoping
Report have been addressed, mainly through additions or changes to the written
statement and/or policies and proposals of the document.
5.4
The key issues that have not been addressed through the DMD relate to
macro-economic, business management, and emerging national themes, e.g.
promotion of e-commerce, vocational training, managing the effects of the current
recession, and initiatives flowing from the Localism Act, such as the community right
to build and the community right to acquire.
5.5
There were two major issues raised by the SA/SEA environmental report:
(i) no sites had been allocated for use as transit sites for gypsies and travellers;
and
(ii) no sites had been allocated for strategic employment uses.
5.6
At this stage, not enough is known of the opportunities for and availability of
transit sites for gypsies and travellers along the A38 and A30 routes. The ‘call for sites’
that preceded the 2010 SHLAA review did not bring any potential transit sites forward.
The consultant’s report9 on transit sites provided some useful data and a site
assessment methodology, but more work is needed to enable the Authority to be in a
position to propose sites. One site near South Brent, which is subject to enforcement
action, currently hosts a number of permanent gypsy and traveller caravans and could
provide a potential transit site close to the A38 if the enforcement issues can be
resolved. That situation is still being addressed.
9
Lpc Town & Country Planning Consultants (2010) Gypsy & Traveller Transit Site Identification Study
within the Dartmoor National Park
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5.7
With regard to strategic employment sites, it is considered that Core Strategy
policy COR18 provides the scope and flexibility enable new appropriate sites to come
forward. It is also considered that it would be more sustainable if the potential of
existing employment sites to provide for additional economic development, through
redevelopment and regeneration, were to be investigated rather than identifying new
greenfield sites. With regard specifically to the provision of employment land at
Ashburton, a large site (1.48ha) on the eastern side of the town at Linhay Fields now
has planning permission for industrial uses, and scope for new development still exists
on approved employment land at Dolbeare Meadow, Ashburton. Further along the
A38 at Buckfastleigh, the proposal which came forward late in the plan preparation
process for redevelopment of the Devonia Woollen Mills site provides additional scope
for employment development at that location.
5.8
The environmental report also raised issues regarding the allocation of housing
sites in the Local Centres. It advised that further investigations should be undertaken
to provide evidence that what was allocated in the publication version of the DMD was
the best portfolio of sites, to provide for both for the needs of Dartmoor National Park’s
communities and to ensure that no harm would be caused to important cultural or
environmental/biodiversity assets. That further investigation was undertaken by means
of a review and re-evaluation of the sustainability qualities of all the potential
development sites set out in the document DNP Site Appraisals, DMD Environmental
Report 2012 (CD8/1). That re-evaluation supported the sites that were allocated in the
publication version of the DMD, and additionally provided support for the allocation of
the submitted Devonia Woollen Mills site, as a mixed development, at Buckfastleigh.
5.9
The SEA Directive requires that the significant environmental effects of
implementing a plan or programme should be monitored in order to identify at an early
stage any unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate
remedial action. The suggested monitoring regime includes:
Determination of the scope of monitoring;
Identification of the necessary information;
Identification of existing sources of information;
- Data at project level;
- General environmental monitoring; and
- Other data;
Filling the gaps;
Procedural integration of monitoring into the planning system; and
Taking remedial action.
5.10 There is already a monitoring regime that was developed when the Core
Strategy was prepared, and which is based around the sustainability objectives of the
SA/SEA. That monitoring is progressively refined to capture and monitor relevant
information on development and the implementation of planning policy in Dartmoor
National Park. Reporting is done through the Annual Monitoring Report. There are
proposals to introduce additional indicators to that regime to reflect new factors that
have come to the fore recently, such as the output of renewable energy within the
National Park, the number of development proposals involving designated and nondesignated heritage assets, and design quality and impacts on the built environment.
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