The risks to human health or the environment (for example, due to accidents) Not significant The policy is not considered likely to raise any risks to human health as it merely requires justification for the housing mix, types and tenures proposed. None The magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected) Not significant The policy does not allocate specific sites for development, it merely requires justification for the housing mix, types and tenures proposed. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to special natural characteristics or cultural heritage Not significant The policy does not allocate specific sites for development, it merely requires justification for the housing mix, types and tenures proposed. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values Not significant The policy does not allocate specific for development, it merely requires justification for the housing mix, types and tenures proposed. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use Not significant The policy does not allocate specific for development, it merely requires justification for the housing mix, types and tenures proposed. None The effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, community of international protection status. Not significant The policy does not allocate specific sites for development, it merely requires justification for the housing mix, types and tenures proposed. None HRA Assessment
Potential impact Assessment of significant effect Justification Amendments to Policy Impact on bat foraging areas Not significant The policy will not lead to the loss of any foraging areas for bats. None Air and dust pollution impact on SAC Not significant The policy is not considered to have any significant impact upon air and dust pollution levels. None Policy H3 – Building By Design: Quality of design is a key consideration for residential development. Proposals which fail to take opportunities available to enhance the local character and quality of the area and the way it functions or fails to comply with the Town Design Statement will be refused. Assessment Criteria Assessment of Significant Effect Justification Amendments to Policy Criteria 1 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – The characteristics of plans and programmes having regard, in particular, to: The degree to which the plan or programme sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources Not significant The policy supplements and supports the emerging Local Plan policies relating to design and requiring design to respond to local character. None The degree to which the plan or programme influences other plans and programmes including those in a hierarchy Not significant The policy supplements and supports the emerging Local Plan policies relating to design requiring design to respond to local character whilst also requiring compliance with the Town Design Statement. None
The relevance of the plan or programme for the integration of environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development Non significant The policy requires the enhancement and quality of the area with those that fail to do so liable for refusal. This is considered to be a positive impact but one that is in terms of likely environmental impacts. None Environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme Non significant The policy is not considered to have any impact upon environmental problems as it deals with the general principles of design. None The relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment Non significant Development proposals will have to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of Community Legislation. None Criteria 2 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, having regard, in particular, to: The probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects Non significant Good design will ensure greater longevity so the policy will have long term positive impacts. These are not however anticipated to be significant in terms of environmental impact. None The cumulative nature of the effects Not significant The cumulative impacts of good design be that it encourages increased levels of quality design in the longer term. Whilst positive, this is not considered to be a significant impact. None The transboundary nature of the effects Not significant There are not considered to be any transboundary impacts arising from the design policy. None
The degree to which the plan or programme sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources Not significant The policy provides a framework for large developments of 100 dwellings or more which supplements the policies of the emerging Local Plan and is not considered likely to lead to significant environmental impacts. None The degree to the plan or programme influences other plans and programmes including those in a hierarchy Not significant The policy provides a framework for large developments of 100 dwellings or more which supplements the policies of the emerging Local Plan. The requirement to adhere to ‘One Planet Living’ principles is considered to be appropriate in terms of reducing any potential environmental effects. None The relevance of the plan or programme for the integration of environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development Not significant The policy requires development to demonstrate how it will meet the Towns ‘One Planet Living’ principles which promote sustainable development objectives. None Environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme Not significant Sites of 100 dwellings or more would be required to mitigate against any environmental problems through the overarching policies of the emerging Local Plan. None The relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment Not significant The development of site of 100 dwellings or more will be required to take account of impacts on Community Environmental None
legislation anyway, and the self-build plots will also fall under this jurisdiction. Criteria 2 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, having regard, in particular, to: The probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects Not significant The policy is considered likely to deliver a longer term increase in the level of properties in Frome which will be a positive, albeit not significant impact. None The cumulative nature of the effects Not significant The cumulative nature of the policy could lead to an increased level of self-build properties in Frome which is considered to be a positive, yet not significant impact. None The transboundary nature of the effects Not significant There are not considered to be any trans boundary impacts arising from this policy. None The risks to human health or the environment (for example, due to accidents) Not significant is the potential for a greater degree of accidents on a self-build project where the owners are carrying out the work themselves, but this is not considered to be a significant impact as health and safety regulations will be applicable. None The magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected) Not significant Sites of 100 dwellings or more have the potential to have a significant impact upon a relatively large geographical area and segment of the population, however mitigatory requirements of the overarching policies of the emerging Local Plan mean that there are not anticipated to be significant effects. None
The and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to special natural characteristics or cultural heritage Not significant Sites of 100 dwellings or more would be required to mitigate against any effects upon special natural characteristics or cultural heritage through the overarching policies of the emerging Local Plan. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values Not significant Sites of 100 dwellings or more would be required to mitigate against any effects upon environmental quality standards or limit values through the overarching policies of the emerging Local Plan. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use Not significant Sites of 100 dwellings or more would be required to mitigate against any effects of intensification of land use through the overarching policies of the emerging Local Plan. None The effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, community of international protection status. Not significant Sites of 100 dwellings or more would be required to mitigate against any effects on protected areas or landscape through the overarching policies of the emerging Local Plan. None HRA Assessment Potential impact Assessment of significant effect Justification Amendments to Policy Impact on bat foraging Not significant The policy will not lead to the loss of any foraging areas for bats. None Air and dust pollution impact on SAC Not significant The policy is not considered to have any significant impact upon air and dust pollution levels. None
which whilst beneficial, is not considered to be significant. The relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment Not significant The policy is not considered relevant to Community Environmental legislation. None Criteria 2 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, having regard, in particular, to: The probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects Not significant The policy is intended to help to reduce the impacts of climate change over the longer term through improved energy efficiency which whilst beneficial, is not considered to be significant. None The cumulative nature of the effects Not significant The cumulative effects of the policy be an overall improvement in energy efficiency in Frome which whilst positive, is not considered to be significant in the overall context of the district. None The transboundary nature of the effects Not significant There are not considered to be any transboundary effects arising from this policy. None The risks to human health or the environment (for example, due to accidents) Not significant The policy does not have any impacts upon to human health or the environment. None The magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected) Not significant Whilst improvements in energy efficiency may contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change would be a positive impact over a wider geographic area, the None
safeguards will mean that the impacts are not significant. The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values Not Significant The policy to enable development outside of development boundary but are subject to criteria that will impact on what individual sites are suitable and it is those away from high landscape impact or impact on biodiversity/protected species that will be most suitable. Such safeguards will mean that the impacts are not significant. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use Not significant The will abut the settlement boundary where more intensive land use will be anticipated. Such sites will need to link to existing infrastructure. The full impacts will be dependent on the location in which such ‘exception site’ proposals come forward. The criteria of the policy will prevent significant impacts. None The effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, community of international protection status. Not Significant Sites outside of the settlement boundary are unlikely to impact upon the Conservation Area although development outside of the development boundary, much of which is identified as being good quality land, and therefore has the potential to impact upon important areas or landscapes subject to the location of such development however the criteria of the policy will direct such development
The probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects Not significant Effects would vary from site to site and reflect cycle of economic growth and demand, however the overall effect is not considered to be significant. None The cumulative nature of the effects Not significant It is difficult to predict how much of the additional employment land proposed will be taken up given that the emerging Local Plan already makes provision for a significant level of employment land across the Plan period. None The transboundary nature of the effects Not significant The policy should assist in reducing the need to commute to other towns for employment purposes, however given that travel behaviour is affected by a wide range of influences the effect is not considered significant. None The risks to human health or the environment (for example, due to accidents) Not significant The provision of more employment land could lead to increased levels of accidents at work, however given that health and safety legislation will cover the protection of workers this is not likely to be considered a significant risk. None The magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected) Not significant It is difficult to predict how much of the additional employment land proposed will be taken up given that the emerging Local Plan already makes provision for a significant level of employment land across the Plan period. None
to being about any increased air or dust pollution impacts on the SAC. Policy TC3 – Westway Centre: Redevelopment or expansion of Westway Shopping Centre will be permitted subject to: Public realm improvements including access to the Frome River and tree planting Sufficient car parking and space for buses being included within the redevelopment to ensure there is no detrimental impact on the viability of the town centre The design reflects the aims and objectives of the Town Design Statement and policy BE3 relating to any scheme in excess of 1000 sqm There will be no harmful or adverse impact on the biodiversity or protected species. Assessment Criteria Assessment of Significant Effect Justification Amendments to Policy Criteria 1 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – The characteristics of plans and programmes having regard, in particular, to: The degree to the plan or programme sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources Not significant Whilst the site is comparatively large in the context of Frome, the policy focus is upon improving the retail offer, public realm and access to the River Frome. The policy sets out a broad framework for the future redevelopment or expansion of the Westway Centre. The policy seeks to improve the setting of the Westway rather than alter the nature and operating conditions. The proposed effects of the policy are therefore not considered to be significant. None The degree to which the plan or programme influences Not significant Emerging Local Plan Core Policy 6 identifies overarching policy requirements for the delivery of an improved Westway None
(geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected) town centre, the policy does not intend to change the function of the site or its role within the town. The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to special natural characteristics or cultural heritage Not significant The area adjacent to the river would be improved through redevelopment of the centre and given that the buildings on the site are generally incongruous with the rest of the town centre and Conservation Area, sensitive redevelopment of this area is considered likely to have a positive impact on the conservation area. None The and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values Not significant Given that the site is currently largely hard standing there is unlikely to be an increased flood risk arising from redevelopment of the site. Air quality is not considered likely to be adversely affected and although there will be positive benefits to the river corridor, these are not considered to be significant in the context of SEA. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use Not significant The area is mainly hard standing at present and although the site may be more intensively used through its redevelopment, this is not considered to be a significant issue given the existing setting. None The effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, Not significant There are no known protected landscape areas relating to this site, although opening up access to the River Frome would be a community benefit this is not None
considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development which the policy seeks replacement training facilities for Somerset Skills and Learning. Failure to provide this replacement facility would lead to local people having to travel further for further education courses. Improved traffic management in Vicarage Street, Christchurch Street East and the surrounding road network could assist in improvements to air quality. Environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme Not significant The majority of the site is currently disused and any environmental problems be a matter for consideration through the normal planning process when applications for development of the site are brought forward. None The relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment Not significant An outline planning application has been submitted to Mendip Council for around 35,000 sqft of retail floorspace and leisure uses and is awaiting validation (November 2013). This application will have to have regard to the relevant Community Environmental legislation as will future phases of the Saxonvale scheme. None Criteria 2 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, having regard, in particular, to: The probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects Not significant The effects of development are irreversible and permanent but are considered to be positive impacts in terms of providing new employment space and dwellings, including None
the population. Positive benefits may be derived from the provision of new employment opportunities and new dwellings to help address housing need. The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to special natural characteristics or cultural heritage Not significant The site largely consists of disused buildings. The previous application on the site assessed the vulnerability of the site as being of low environmental value with the planning process sufficiently able to mitigate any effects. The Planning Brief encourages access to and improvement of the River Frome corridor which would have a positive impact but would not in itself be significant. None The and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values Not significant Development on the site is not considered likely to have a significant impacts upon air quality around Bath Street where there are existing areas of concern. The development is not anticipated to have any adverse impacts upon the water quality of the River Frome. The construction phase of development may have some impact on air quality, but this could be appropriately mitigated through building regulations. None The and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use Not significant The town centre is already an area of intensive land use and the site has previously been intensively used for employment uses. There may be an increase in usage of the River corridor but None
The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values Not significant The protection of existing open spaces and securing the future management of new open space are considered to have a beneficial impact upon air quality, although in the context of their overall impact within the district this is considered not to be significant. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use Not significant The policy largely to prevent intensification of land-use through preventing the redevelopment of open space, whilst it is acknowledged that the policy encourages increased access to open space and this in itself would lead to some intensification of use, this is not considered sufficient to be significant in the overall context. None The effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, community of international protection status. Not significant The protection of existing open space and securing the management of future open space is considered likely to have beneficial impacts on protected areas and landscapes although in the wider context these are unlikely to be significant. None HRA Assessment Potential impact Assessment of significant effect Justification Amendments to Policy Impact on bat foraging areas Not significant Protection of existing open spaces and securing the future management of new open space would be unlikely to have any significant impact upon bat foraging areas None
transport choices are dependent on a range of factors, the provision and enhancement of these facilities can only assist people to travel by means other than the private car. Consequently it can be said that the effects could be reversible and may fluctuate over time. Any environmental effects would not be specific to one area. The cumulative nature of the effects Not significant Cumulatively the provision of the enhancements proposed should have a positive impact, however this is not considered to be significant when viewed in the context of the of trips generated by the housing requirement for Frome. Consideration of the overall impact on bat foraging would also need to be covered through the Green Infrastructure SPD. None The transboundary nature of the effects Not significant The train station enhancements and bus and coach stop improvements could increase the number of trips by train and bus to other towns and districts, although this is not considered likely to have a significant impact. None The risks to human health or the environment (for example, due to accidents) Not significant may be small positive impacts through increased trips on safer means of transport, however this is not considered likely to be significant. None The magnitude and spatial extent of the effects Not significant It is difficult to quantify the effect of any increased level of sustainable transport None
be carefully considered. The policy contains criteria and the planning applications will r assess impacts upon bat foraging areas and avoidance of detrimental impacts. Air and dust pollution impact on SAC Not significant There is not considered likely to be any increase in air or dust pollution from this policy. None Policy T2 – Travel Plans: Residential schemes of more than 10 units, new employment and mixed use developments over 1 ha, schools and colleges, health centres, leisure centres and public buildings will be expected to provide a travel plan with their application explaining how their developments will encourage the use of integrated sustainable transport options and (where appropriate) safe routes to schools. Assessment Criteria Assessment of Significant Effect Justification Amendments to Policy Criteria 1 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – The characteristics of plans and programmes having regard, in particular, to: The degree to which the plan or programme sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources Not significant The policy seeks developments to justify how they will encourage sustainable modes of travel for occupants through Travel Plans. Whilst this should help to decrease the number of trips taken by car, the overall impact is not considered likely to be significant in the overall context of the town. None The degree to which the plan or programme influences other plans and programmes including those in a hierarchy Not significant The policy is broadly compliant with the emerging Local Plan policies and the Local Transport Plan in that it encourages sustainable transport alternatives. None
The relevance of the plan or programme for the integration of environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development Not significant The policy will promote sustainable transport through new development, however this is not considered likely to be significant in the overall context of the town both in terms of existing trips and the level of housing growth promoted. None Environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme Not significant The policy may assist in reducing the of carbon emissions by encouraging the use of other forms of transport than the private car. None The relevance of the plan or programme for the implementation of Community legislation on the environment Not significant The policy is not considered relevant in relation to any Community Environmental legislation. None Criteria 2 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – Characteristics of the effects and of the area likely to be affected, having regard, in particular, to: The probability, duration, frequency and reversibility of the effects Not significant Any reduction in as a result of the policy would occur over a long period of time as developments come forward and the policy is implemented. However transport choice depends on a range of factors and therefore the travel plan outcomes may fluctuate over time. None The cumulative nature of the effects Not significant Cumulatively the requirement for new developments to demonstrate how sustainable transport would be encouraged should have a beneficial effect in reducing the level of trip generation from new developments. However the overall None
Criteria 1 from Schedule 1 of 2004 SEA Regulations – The characteristics of and programmes having regard, in particular, to: The degree to the plan or programme sets a framework for projects and other activities, either with regard to the location, nature, size and operating conditions or by allocating resources Not significant The policy would affect all new development proposals as it seeks to implement the guidance in the Town Design Statement as a framework to what forms acceptable design standards in Frome. The policy does not propose the allocation of any sites, it merely seeks to ensure new development is of a high standard. None The degree to the plan or programme influences other plans and programmes including those in a hierarchy Not significant The policy requires compliance with the design recommendations of the Town Design Statement and Conservation Area Character Appraisal as well as complementing the policies of the emerging Plan. None The relevance of the plan or programme for the integration of environmental considerations in particular with a view to promoting sustainable development Not significant The policy requires development to reflect the principles of the Town Design Statement which is considered to broadly adhere to the principles of sustainable development. None Environmental problems relevant to the plan or programme Not significant The implementation of the policy should improve the overall standard of design of new development in Frome which whilst beneficial, is not considered to be a significant environmental impact. None
The risks to human health or the environment (for example, due to accidents) Not significant There are not considered to be any effects on human health likely to arise from this policy and all new development will still be required to accord with Building Regulations. None The magnitude and spatial extent of the effects (geographical area and size of the population likely to be affected) Not significant The policy is applicable to the entire town and therefore affect all schemes brought forward. Whilst development is expected in all areas of the town, the aim of the policy is to encourage a step change improvement in design without prescribing specific designs for each site/area so it is not considered to be significant in environmental impact terms. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to special natural characteristics or cultural heritage Not significant The policy could help to further improve the quality of design and enhance the setting of the Conservation Area through requiring conformity with the Town Design Statement. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values Not significant There are not considered to be any significant impacts upon environmental quality standards or limit values arising from this policy. None The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use Not significant The policy is considered likely to help ensure better quality design in more intensively used areas such as the town centre. None The effects on or landscapes which have a recognised national, Not significant The policy could help to further improve the quality of design and enhance the setting of None
due to exceeded environmental quality standards or limit values standards or limit values arising from this policy. The value and vulnerability of the area likely to be affected due to intensive land-use Not significant The policy aims to make aesthetic improvements to the quality of areas of land which are already intensively used as gateway sites by a large number of people and as a result no significant impacts are anticipated. None The effects on areas or landscapes which have a recognised national, community of international protection status. Not significant Improvement of key gateway sites would have beneficial impacts upon the character and setting of the Conservation Area in the centre of Frome, although this is not considered likely to be significant. None HRA Assessment Potential impact Assessment of significant effect Justification Amendments to Policy Impact on bat foraging areas Not significant The types of improvements and locations of these improvements are not considered likely to have a significant impact. None Air and dust pollution impact on SAC Not significant There are not considered to be any discernible impacts likely to arise from this policy. None Policy D3 – Visual Impact on Skyline: Applications for new buildings and highly visible extensions to existing properties in the identified area will be required to demonstrate there will be no detrimental impact on the skyline in this location. It is expected this will be achieved through the production of photomontages or elevations of any proposed buildings or tree works within the context of the skyline as viewed from locations A-F. Designs that are inappropriate for the area should be refused.