About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:
Policy background
- Relevant national policy or regulations
- National or regional trends
- Local situation and needs/li>
- How we have dealt with this issue in the past
- The thinking behind the policy
Policy options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest a variety of approaches:
- Keeping existing policy as it is
- Making small changes
- Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Policy option analysis
- A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.
Read the Pollution Contamination and Safety Topic Paper for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.
Explore the policy
Select a section below to read more.
9.456 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the following in relation to air quality:
‘Planning policies and decisions should sustain and contribute towards compliance with relevant limit values or national objectives for pollutants, taking into account the presence of Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones, and the cumulative impacts from individual sites in local areas. Opportunities to improve air quality or mitigate impacts should be identified, such as through traffic and travel management, and green infrastructure provision and enhancement. So far as possible these opportunities should be considered at the plan-making stage, to ensure a strategic approach and limit the need for issues to be reconsidered when determining individual applications. Planning decisions should ensure that any new development in Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones is consistent with the local air quality action plan.’
9.457 Placemaking Plan Policy PCS3 seeks to ensure that the effects of a development on the local air quality are properly considered. Local policy, latest Government regulations and guidelines are used to determine the suitability of any proposal as it relates to local air quality.
9.458 The detailed background and evidence relating to the following options is set out in the Pollution, Contamination, and Safety Topic Paper.
9.459 The policy remains fit for purpose. The current policy accords with national and local strategies, however, amendments could be incorporated to ensure the policy is clearer particularly regarding planning balance and judgement and strengthening the approach with regards to air quality.
Option A
Retain policy PCS3 with amendments as outlined above.
Advantages of Option A
- Adopted policy presents no significant issues or concerns arising from development management officers in its implementation.
- No evidence to suggest major changes are required.
- Minor amendments improve clarity.
Disadvantages of Option A
None identified.