birmingham city council, bromsgrove district council and ... · 1.2 context longbridge is located...

�

Birmingham City Council, Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Longbridge Area Action Plan Scoping Report May 2006

Halcrow Group Limited

�

�

�

Halcrow Group Limited Red Hill House 227 London Road Worcester WR5 2JG Tel +44 (0)1905 361361 Fax +44 (0)1905 361362 www.halcrow.com Halcrow Group Limited has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of their client, for their sole and specific use. Any other persons who use any information contained herein do so at their own risk. © Halcrow Group Limited 2006

Birmingham City Council, Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Longbridge Area Action Plan Scoping Report May 2006


�

�

Halcrow Group Limited Red Hill House 227 London Road Worcester WR5 2JG Tel +44 (0)1905 361361 Fax +44 (0)1905 361362 www.halcrow.com

�

�

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Longbridge Area Action Plan Scoping Report �

Contents Amendment Record This report has been issued and amended as follows:

Issue Revision Description Date Signed

1 1 DRAFT Scoping Report 24/03/06 NP

1 2 DRAFT Scoping Report 13/04/06 NP

1 3 Scoping Report 22/05/06 NP

�

Contents

Non-Technical Summary 1.1 Introduction ii 1.2 Context ii 1.3 Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental

Assessment iii 1.4 Key Issues v 1.5 Consultation xi

1 Context 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Redevelopment of Longbridge: The Study Area 1 1.3 Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental

Assessment 2 1.4 Consultation 4

2 SA / SEA of the Area Action Plan 7 2.1 Guidance and Best Practice 7 2.2 The Combined SA / SEA Process 7 2.3 Stage A: Setting the context and objectives,

establishing the baseline and defining the scope 8

3 Relevant Policies, Plans, Programmes and Sustainability Objectives 11 3.1 Background 11 3.2 Reviewing relevant policies, plans, programmes and

legislation 11 3.3 Results of the review 12

4 Collecting Baseline Information 23 4.1 Background 23 4.2 Baseline Collection 23 4.3 Data Limitations 24 4.4 Baseline Summary 25

5 Identifying Sustainability Issues 29 5.1 Background 29 5.2 Identifying opportunities and constraints 29

�

6 Developing the Appraisal Framework 35 6.1 Why use objectives and indicators? 35 6.2 Methodology for identifying SA objectives 35 6.3 Compatibility of SA Objectives 38

7 Methodology for Completing the SA 43 7.1 Background 43 7.2 Stage B: Developing and refining options and

assessing effects 43 7.3 Stage C: Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal

Report 46 7.4 Stage D: Consulting on preferred options and the SA

Report 47 7.5 Stage E: Monitoring significant effects 48

8 Summary 49

Appendices

Appendix A Map of Site and Study Area

Appendix B Schedule Two of the SEA Regulations

Appendix C List of Policies, Plans and Programmes

Appendix D Baseline Information

Appendix E Sustainability Appraisal Framework

Appendix F Template Assessment Matrix

�

�

Doc No 1 Rev: 3 Date: May 2006 �C:\Documents and Settings\PincombeN\Desktop\Longbridge AAP SA-SEA Scoping220506np.doc ��

Non-Technical Summary

1.1 Introduction Birmingham City Council, Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council are preparing an Area Action Plan, in conjunction with Advantage West Midlands and St Modwen Developments, for regeneration and redevelopment in Longbridge. Social and economic conditions have suffered in Longbridge with the decline of MG Rover, and regeneration provides opportunities to address the situation and seek environmental improvements at the same time.

The Area Action Plan (AAP) will form part of the Local Development Framework of planning policies for all three Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). It will set the policy context for redevelopment, set out the types of land uses that will be allowed and specify design principles for building activities.

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) requires that planning authorities undertake a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of all new development plan documents. The Scoping Report is the main output of the first stage in this process, and this Non-Technical Summary aims to provide an outline of important information for those not interested in the technical detailed contained in the main report. It is hoped that this will facilitate wider readership of the document.

1.2 Context Longbridge is located South West of Birmingham city and straddles the administrative boundary between Birmingham City Council and Bromsgrove District Council. Longbridge owes its existence to car manufacturing. The Longbridge factory has a long history as a major player in the UK car industry. In 1905 Herbert Austin took over the site from White and Pike tin box manufacturers and produced the first Austin cars. The building of the Longbridge car factory changed the area beyond recognition. Alongside the Longbridge plant is a predominantly residential area with pre-war housing and post-war council properties, some of which have been built more recently. It is close to Lickey Hills where residents and visitors can enjoy the countryside. Views from the hills look out over Longbridge and the outskirts of Birmingham.

�


The factory layout has developed in patches over the years in response to fluctuations in the scale of activity and demand. The site can be broadly sub-divided into seven areas: West Works, North Works, North Works Car Park, South Works, East Works, the JIT distribution centre and Cofton Park. Several parts of the site are bounded or traversed by transport corridors: Bristol Road South (A38), Longbridge Lane, Lickey Road, the Birmingham and Bristol railway and the MG Rover rail freight sidings. There is a conveyer across the A38 linking the South and West Works. Two rivers traverse parts of the site, the Rea and the Arrow, both culverted as they go. The site is approximately 190 hectares in size, and a site plan is given at Appendix A.

MG Rover collapsed in April 2005 when it failed to secure a deal with the Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation. This resulted in the immediate loss of 6,000 jobs at Longbridge, with a further 3,900 at risk in the supply chain. Birmingham City Council estimated a potential loss of 1% of regional GDP, or £486 million per annum.

In July 2005 the Nanjing Automobile Corporation successfully bid £53 million for the MG and Austin brands. In February 2006 Nanjing secured a 33 year lease on approximately 42.5 hectares of the site (South Works) and intends to resume production in spring 2007.

Due to the history of Longbridge, its association with manufacturing and importance to the regional economy, the impacts of the closure of MG Rover extend outside of the Longbridge area, as will the effects of regeneration.

1.3 Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment The purpose of the combined SA/SEA process is to ensure that the AAP contributes to achieving sustainable development. There are several aspects to this but, broadly speaking, it involves the following tasks:

• Reviewing the sustainability and environmental protection objectives of other plans and programmes to help the AAP contribute to these;

• Collecting information on current environmental, social and economic conditions in the study area;

• Developing SA objectives which are used to appraise options for the AAP and the contribution they may make to sustainable development;

• Assessing the plan and reasonable alternatives to it; and

�


• Public participation on the plan-making and assessment processes, and providing information about the environmental, social and economic effects of the plan and its alternatives.

1.3.1 SA Objectives SA objectives effectively provide a series of questions to be asked of the AAP, such as “Will the plan help to reduce poverty and social exclusion?” or “Will the plan help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality?” If a particular part of the plan answers ‘yes’ to most of these questions then it can be considered to be sustainable and appropriate to the needs of the Longbridge area. If it answers ‘no’, however, then perhaps it should be replaced with a different alternative.

The proposed objectives to be used in assessing the AAP are as follows:

� SA Objectives for Longbridge

1 Reduce poverty and social exclusion, promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future, and encourage equitable accessibility to services. (SEA Directive: population; RSDF: participation, poverty, access)

2 Improve health and reduce health inequalities by encouraging and enabling healthy lifestyles and protecting health, as well as providing equitable access to health services and high quality open spaces. (SEA Directive: human health; RSDF: health)

3 Improve community safety, and reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime. (RSDF: crime)

4 Support the local community by maximising use of local labour and support adaptation to changing employment circumstances. Encourage investment and engagement to support learning and raise levels and diversity of skills. (RSDF: skills, employment, investment)

5 Encourage regeneration and economic growth in and around Longbridge that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs, and improve equitable access to job opportunities. (RSDF: growth, employment, urban development)

6 Promote and support the development of new technologies, particularly those with high value and low impact, to encourage enterprise and innovation with a sense of environmental and social responsibility. (RSDF: technology, innovation, responsibility)

7 Make efficient use of existing transport infrastructure, and prioritise modal shift to sustainable, integrated forms of public transport, cycling and walking. Ensure equitable access to public transport. (SEA Directive: material assets; RSDF: transport, planning)

�

Doc No 1 Rev: 3 Date: May 2006 �C:\Documents and Settings\PincombeN\Desktop\Longbridge AAP SA-SEA Scoping220506np.doc �

8

Optimise the use of previously developed land and buildings, remediate contaminated land and create high quality built environments that incorporate green space, encourage biodiversity, promote local distinctiveness and sense of place. (SEA Directive: material assets, soil; RSDF: land use, urban development)

9 Provide high quality affordable housing, ensuring that all new buildings are environmentally sound and meet BREEAM standards. (SEA Directive: material assets; RSDF: housing, standards)

10

Use renewable sources of energy and encourage energy efficiency, use resources prudently, making the most of local availability, and reduce contributions to climate change. (SEA Directive: climatic factors; RSDF: climate change, energy, conservation, local sourcing)

11 Conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the historic, industrial and cultural heritage of the Longbridge study area. (SEA Directive: cultural heritage; RSDF: environmental assets, culture and recreation)

12 Maintain and enhance the quality and character of landscape and townscape. (SEA Directive: landscape; RSDF: environmental assets, land use, stewardship)

13 Reduce air pollution and improve air quality. (SEA Directive: air; RSDF: pollution)

14 Protect, enhance and increase the biodiversity of Longbridge. (SEA Directive: biodiversity; RSDF: biodiversity)

15 Protect water resources and improve water quality. (SEA Directive: water; RSDF: conservation)

16 Avoid increasing, and take opportunities to reduce flood risk, and prepare for other impacts of climate change. (SEA Directive: climatic factors; RSDF: climate change)

17 Minimise waste creation and optimise the re-use and recycling of waste. (SEA Directive: material assets; RSDF: waste)

18 Use local supply sources and support the sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources. (SEA Directive: material assets, soil; RSDF: local sourcing, conservation)

1.4 Key Issues As a result of reviewing the environmental, social and economic conditions in the Longbridge area, a series of important sustainability issues and opportunities can be identified. During the plan-making and assessment process, efforts will be made to focus on and make improvements to these issues.

�


The important issues that have been identified are listed below, and are presented under topic headings for ease of reference.

Air

• Consistently high levels of nitrogen dioxide levels in the Birmingham area and adjacent to M42 Junction 1;

• Carbon monoxide, particulate matter and volatile organic compound pollution from commercial, industrial and residential sources; and

• Increasing levels of road transport, both passenger and freight.

Biodiversity

• Presence of, and proximity to Sites of Local Importance to Nature Conservation and Special Wildlife Sites. There is an opportunity to improve accessibility, quality and coverage of these sites;

• Relative proximity to the Bittell Reservoirs SSSI, a water dependant site of national importance for various bird species. Water efficiency measures may have an indirect positive effect on the condition of this site;

• Low biodiversity value of the site and restricted wildlife corridors – opportunity to improve;

• Potential to support BAP priority species, for example badgers, otters, pipistrelle bats, song thrushes, tree sparrows and water voles; and

• There is an opportunity to create new indigenous habitats to bring nature conservation interest to open spaces.

Climate Change

• Continued rise in energy consumption from transport, industry and domestic sources – opportunity to promote energy efficiency measures in buildings and dwellings;

• Opportunity to install combined heat and power / district heating and/or renewable energy equipment;

• Difficulty in meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets; and

• Actual climate change in the West Midlands resulting in effects on biodiversity, weather patterns and severity, water quality and resources, agriculture, and health, particularly with regard to an ageing population.

�


Cultural Heritage

• Parts of the site date back to medieval, Roman or prehistoric times and it is possible there will be undiscovered archaeological remains, particularly near the present and original courses of the River Rea.

Economic Factors

• Significant economic downturn in the study and wider area as a result of MG Rover closure, which spent around £410 million in the supply chain in the West Midlands. In January 2005 the manufacturing sector contributed 25% of regional GVA;

• The site is well served by road and rail transport links, although the study area was prone to congestion when MG Rover was operational and is likely to become so again if the level of employment in the area is regained;

• Potential business survival issues for companies with significant proportion of their income coming from MG Rover;

• High unemployment, particularly after MG Rover closure, and lower than average incomes of those in work;

• Generally low level of skills and qualification; and

• Historical reliance on car manufacturing sector and related businesses, and consequent mismatch between skills and potential job opportunities as economy realigns.

Landscape

• Pressure for development at the rural-urban fringe threatens to encroach on the countryside. This is a particular problem in relation to the greenbelt land within Bromsgrove District;

• There is an opportunity to improve the townscape and quality of the street environment, and provide a flagship example of urban regeneration;

• The study area suffers from neglected townscapes and amenity spaces, with poor cross-site accessibility. There is an opportunity to improve the quality, quantity and accessibility of green space in the study area;

• The wider area is well served by public open space provision, particularly towards the west, including the Lickey Hills Country Park, Waseley Hills Country Park and large areas of public open space around Bartley Green and Frankley reservoirs; and

�


• The topography of the study area amplifies the visual impact of the current industrial buildings, particularly on views from the Lickey Hills. There is an opportunity to improve the quality of landscape and views.

Material Assets

• The ecological footprints of both Birmingham and Bromsgrove, in line with the UK average, exceed sustainable capacity in terms of resource consumption and production. Food and drink, consumables, energy, land travel and capital investment are the biggest challenges;

• Household recycling rates in Birmingham and Bromsgrove are both lower than regional and UK averages, although a much smaller percentage of waste is landfilled from Birmingham. On this basis there is an opportunity to provide integral facilities;

• Household waste (9%) continues to be dwarfed by other waste streams with industry and commercial waste (25%), mining and quarrying waste (29%) and construction and demolition waste (32%) posing more significant challenges – opportunity for recycling and re-use in construction, particularly aggregates; and

• Waste continues to grow at around 3% per annum nationally and, while more waste is being re-used or recycled, there is no significant decrease in the amount being sent to landfill.

Social Factors (including population and human health)

• Health figures are broadly in line with the England and Wales average, slightly higher proportion of people recording not good health and slightly lower than average life expectancy in Birmingham;

• Longbridge residents generally have more people per room than the England average (overcrowding) and twice as many households (16%) do not have central heating;

• Across the West Midlands, the number of residents per household is falling, in line with UK trends, presenting buildings, energy and resource challenges;

• Violence against the person is the most often recorded crime in Birmingham;

• In Longbridge 39.9% of the population aged between 16 and 74 have no qualifications, which is significantly higher than the figure for England at 28.8%;

�


• Population in the study area is 85% white with 6% Asian and 4.5% African or Caribbean. This is a greater proportion of minority ethnic groups than in the region or nationally;

• Almost a quarter of all families are single parent households in the study area in comparison to 16% regionally and nationally;

• The Longbridge ward has an index of multiple deprivation score of 44.2% which compares unfavourably with those of Birmingham (37.5%) and Bromsgrove (10.1%);

• The density of education provision is greater towards the north-eastern part of the study area, particularity in and around Bourneville ward. There only two primary, and no secondary schools in the Bromsgrove wards that are contained within the context area. These trends may be explained by the fact that population density increases towards Birmingham City Centre;

• Health provision has a similar pattern to education provision, with services skewed towards the northern section of the study area. Doctor’s surgeries are fairly evenly distributed, though appear to be located in pairs. Dentists are also evenly dispersed within the Birmingham wards of the study area, however there is very little provision of either doctors surgeries or dentists within the Bromsgrove wards.

• The study area is well catered for with Hospitals provision. Within the study area, there are two hospitals, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Selly Oak Hospital. In addition to these, further north, are the Birmingham Women’s Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Moseley Hall Hospital.

Soil

• There is significant ground contamination on parts of the former MG Rover works due to industrial activity; and

• The site presents significant opportunity to bring derelict brownfield land back into use, the nature of which will depend on preferred options for the AAP. According to previous ecological assessments, the site currently has low biodiversity value (which presents further opportunities), although urban wasteland is recognised as having potential to provide important habitat.

�


Transport

• 58.5% of Birmingham residents, and 74.2% of Bromsgrove residents travel to work by car, in comparison to 62.0% in England and Wales;

• 38.5% of Birmingham households, and 13.3% of Bromsgrove households do not have access to a car, compared to 23.5% in England and Wales; and

• There is an opportunity to greatly improve public transport infrastructure, accessibility and integration which will help to discourage car use and provide benefits in terms of improved air quality and reduced contributions to climate change. It will also be possible to improve foot and cycle ways and the general permeability of the study area for those not travelling by car.

Water

• There is a flood risk and history associated with the River Rea, possibly due to its culverted nature restricting natural flooding capabilities. There are opportunities to improve this, together with increasing its biodiversity value, although the deep dimensions of the culvert present potential engineering constraints;

• Current water quality of the Rea is not good, probably due to contamination from former industrial activities. Sensitive ground remediation presents an opportunity to improve this;

• The site sits partially above a major sandstone aquifer and adjacent to a minor alluvium aquifer. Groundwater is also threatened by contamination; and

• Per capita water consumption in the region has gradually reduced since 2000 and is below the national average, but nevertheless remains high. The trend towards lower housing occupancy combined with climate change and increasing incidence of drought threaten water resources, with possible indirect effects on the Bittell Reservoir SSSI. There is an opportunity to exploit water efficiency measures and rain water harvesting, which would also benefit localised surface water flood risk which can increase with impermeable area.

�


1.5 Consultation An important part of the plan-making and SA/SEA processes is engagement with the public and interested parties, to ensure that their views and taken into account. With respect to this, we are seeking your views on the following questions:

1. Are the proposed SA objectives fit for purpose? Do they ask the right questions of the AAP?

2. Are the key issues listed here correct and appropriate? Are there any other issues of importance that you think should be included?

A more detailed list of questions is given in the main report under section 2.4.1.

The closing date for comments is 5th July 2006; please send your answers or any other comments to:

Nick Pincombe Halcrow Group Ltd Griffin House 135 High Street Crawley RH10 1DQ Email: [email protected]

�

�

Doc No 1 Rev: 3 Date: May 2006 �C:\Documents and Settings\PincombeN\Desktop\Longbridge AAP SA-SEA Scoping220506np.doc

List of Tables and Figures

�

Figure 1.1: The Area Action Plan and Sustainability Appraisal processes

Table 2.1: Stages of SA, incorporating SEA (from ODPM, Nov 2005)

Table 4.1: Baseline summary

Figure 6.1: Compatibility of SA Objectives

Table 6.1: SA Objectives


Table 7.2: Severity of Significance: Identified through Impact Magnitude and Geographic Significance

�

�


Limitations

Halcrow Group Ltd have been instructed to provide Birmingham City Council, Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council (the LPAs) with a Sustainability Appraisal, incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment, for the Longbridge Area Action Plan. The assessment is based on the information that has been made available at the time of publication. The report is presented as a consultation document. Any subsequent additional information arising during the consultation may allow refinement of the conclusions. It should be noted that:

• The findings of this report represent the professional opinion of experienced environmental scientists, sustainability consultants and other specialists. Halcrow does not provide legal advice and the advice of lawyers may also be required.

• All work carried out in preparing this report has utilised and is based upon

Halcrow’s professional knowledge and understanding of current relevant European Union and UK standards and codes, technology and legislation. Changes in this legislation and guidance may occur at any time in the future and cause any conclusions to become inappropriate or incorrect. Halcrow does not accept responsibility for advising of the facts or implications of any such changes.

• This report has been prepared using factual information contained in maps

and documents prepared by others. No responsibility can be accepted by Halcrow for the accuracy of such information. All maps, illustrations and other sources of data are credited where appropriate.

• Every endeavour has been made to identify data sources, where appropriate.

Additional data sources are listed in the baseline for reference.

�

�


Abbreviations

�

AAP Area Action Plan

AQMA Air Quality Management Area

BAP Biodiversity Action Plan

BCC Birmingham City Council

BDC Bromsgrove District Council

BREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

Defra Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

DETR Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions

DTI Department of Trade and Industry

DPD Development Plan Document

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GHA Global Hectare, a measure of ecological footprint

HTC High Technology Corridor

JIT Just in Time distribution

LDF Local Development Framework

LDS Local Development Scheme

LNR Local Nature Reserve

LPA Local Planning Authority

�


NNR National Nature Reserve

ODPM Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

PPG Planning Policy Guidance

PPS Planning Policy Statement

RSS Regional Spatial Strategy (which replaces RPG: Regional Planning Guidance)

SA Sustainability Appraisal

SAC Special Areas of Conservation, as prescribed by the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SINC Site of Importance to Nature Conservation

SLINC Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation

SMR Sites and Monuments Record

SPA Special Protection Area as prescribed by the EC Birds Directive (79/409/EEC)

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest

SWS Special Wildlife Site

UDP Unitary Development Plan

�

�

�

Doc No 1 Rev: 3 Date: May 2006 C:\Documents and Settings\PincombeN\Desktop\Longbridge AAP SA-SEA Scoping220506np.doc ��

1 Context

1.1 Introduction This Scoping Report has been prepared by Halcrow Group Ltd, working with Birmingham City Council (BCC), Bromsgrove District Council (BDC) and Worcestershire County Council (WCC, together the LPAs), and in conjunction with Advantage West Midlands and St Modwen Developments, in the preparation of an Area Action Plan (AAP) for Longbridge.

The AAP, a Development Plan Document, is the formal procedure for setting out a new planning policy framework for Longbridge. The Scoping Report is the first stage of the AAP Sustainability Appraisal process.

�

1.2 Redevelopment of Longbridge: The Study Area Longbridge is located South West of Birmingham city and straddles the administrative boundary between Birmingham City Council and Bromsgrove District Council. Longbridge owes its existence to car manufacturing. The Longbridge factory has a long history as a major player in the UK car industry. Prior to 1894 there was only one house at Longbridge in an agricultural area outside of the city boundaries. In 1905 Herbert Austin took over the site from White and Pike tin box manufacturers and produced the first Austin cars. The building of the Longbridge car factory changed the area beyond recognition. Alongside the Longbridge plant is a predominantly residential area with pre-war housing and post-war council properties, some of which have been built more recently. It is close to Lickey Hills where residents and visitors can enjoy the countryside. Views from the hills look out over Longbridge and the outskirts of Birmingham.

The factory layout has developed in patches over the years in response to fluctuations in the scale of activity and demand. The site can be broadly sub-divided into seven areas: West Works, North Works, North Works Car Park, South Works, East Works, the JIT distribution centre and Cofton Park. Several parts of the site are bounded or traversed by transport corridors: Bristol Road South (A38), Longbridge Lane, Lickey Road, the Birmingham and Bristol railway and the MG Rover rail freight sidings. There is a conveyer across the A38 linking the South and West Works. Two rivers traverse parts of the site, the Rea and the Arrow, both culverted as they go. The site is approximately 190 hectares in size.

�

Doc No 1 Rev: 3 Date: May 2006 C:\Documents and Settings\PincombeN\Desktop\Longbridge AAP SA-SEA Scoping220506np.doc �

MG Rover collapsed in April 2005 when it failed to secure a deal with the Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation. This resulted in the immediate loss of 6,000 jobs at Longbridge, with a further 3,900 at risk in the supply chain. Birmingham City Council estimated a potential loss of 1% of regional GDP, or £486 million per annum.

In July 2005 the Nanjing Automobile Corporation successfully bid £53 million for the MG and Austin brands. In February 2006 Nanjing secured a 33 year lease on approximately 42.5 hectares of the site (South Works) and intends to resume production in spring 2007.

Due to the history of Longbridge, its association with manufacturing and importance to the regional economy, the impacts of the closure of MG Rover extend outside of the Longbridge area, as will the effects of regeneration. As a result some definitions are needed. Within this document, references to the ‘site’ should be taken to include the site of the former MG Rover works and focus for redevelopment. References to the ‘study area’ should be interpreted as the locality of Longbridge. These two areas are defined by map contained in Appendix A. References to the wider area may include neighbouring wards, the rest of Birmingham City or any place significantly affect by MG Rover’s closure or subsequent regeneration efforts.

1.3 Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) requires that all Development Plan Documents (DPDs) are prepared with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. To this end Sustainability Appraisal is integral to the preparation of DPDs, to ensure that they reflect sustainable development priorities. The process appraises the social, environmental and economic effects of the strategies and policies in a DPD from the outset.

This approach complies with the provisions of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations (the SEA Regulations, Statutory Instrument 2004, No 1633) which require formal strategic environmental assessment of plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment.

1.3.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment The SEA Regulations provide the legislative mechanism for transposing European Directive 2001/42/EC ‘on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment’ (the SEA Directive) into UK law.

�


The objective of the SEA Directive is to:

‘Provide for a high level of protection of the environment and to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development.’ (Article 1)

SEA provides plan-making authorities with a process to incorporate environmental considerations into decision-making at an early stage and in an integrated way. It allows the likely significant environmental effects of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives, to be identified, evaluated and compared. The Directive stipulates that:

‘An environmental assessment shall be carried out for all plans and programmes,

(a) which are prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use and which set the framework for future development consent of projects listed in Annexes I and II to Directive 85/337/EEC [the EIA Directive, as amended], or

(b) which, in view of the likely effect on sites, have been determined to require an assessment pursuant to Article 6 or 7 of Directive 92/43/EEC [the Habitats Directive].’ (Article 3(2))

1.3.2 Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability Appraisal (SA) is a process that looks at the extent to which plans contribute to the achievement of a set of objectives that cover environmental, social and economic considerations.

In relation to Local Development Documents, including Area Action Plans, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004) states that:

‘The person or body [preparing the plan] must exercise the function with the objective of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development.’ (Section 39(2))

‘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.’ (Section 19(5))

Government guidance advocates the combination of SA and SEA. Throughout this document, where reference is made to sustainability appraisal or the SA Report, it denotes SA under the Act, incorporating the requirements of the SEA Directive.

1.3.3 Area Action Plans An Area Action Plan (AAP) sets out the detailed planning framework for areas of change or conservation. The focus of an AAP is on implementation. It serves to deliver planned growth areas, stimulate regeneration, protect areas particularly sensitive to change, resolve conflicting objectives in areas subject to development pressures or focus the delivery of area based regeneration initiatives.

For areas of change AAPs identify detailed land use distributions, and set out the timetable for implementation of proposals. Other material such as design requirements may be included in the AAP in the form of a Master Plan. Figure 1.1 illustrates how the AAP and SA processes interact.

1.4 Consultation Public and stakeholder participation is an important element of the SA and plan-making process and occur at various stages throughout the process. The SEA Regulations state that:

‘When deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information that must be included in the report the responsible authority shall consult the consultation bodies.’ (Regulation 12(5))

Consultation helps to ensure that the SA Report will be robust and have due regard to the appropriate information that will support the plan in its contribution to sustainable development. In England the environmental consultation bodies are:

• Countryside Agency;

• English Heritage;

• English Nature; and

• Environment Agency.

�

Doc No 1 Rev: 3 Date: May 2006 C:\Documents and Settings\PincombeN\Desktop\Longbridge AAP SA-SEA Scoping220506np.doc

The Regulations do not require full consultation with the public at this stage, however the guidance suggests that it may be desirable for other bodies to be consulted as the LPAs consider appropriate, seeking a balance between those concerned with social, environmental and economic issues. Appendix G gives a list of all bodies consulted on the scope of this SA.

The consultation period will last for five weeks, from 31st May to 5th July 2006.

�

Figure 1.1: The Area Action Plan and Sustainability Appraisal processes

�

�


1.4.1 Consultation Questions This Scoping Report presents information perceived to be of relevance to the emerging plan for the redevelopment of Longbridge, together with the proposed methodology for assessing development options. Responses are sought on the general approach outlined in the remainder of the document as well as to the following specific questions:

�

1. Are there any policies, plans, programmes or sustainability objectives relevant to regeneration in Longbridge that the Scoping Report has not addressed?

2. Are there any other sources of baseline information for Longbridge that the Scoping Report has not identified?

3. Are there any other pressing sustainability issues or opportunities that the redevelopment at Longbridge could help address?

4. Are the chosen SA Objectives fit for purpose?

5. Are there any further / alternative indicators that are already being monitored that could be used to measure progress towards the objectives? Are there ways in which the chosen indicators could be improved? Are there any relevant targets associated with the indicators?�

�

Comments relating to the content of this Scoping Report and other queries regarding the consultation should be sent to:

Nick Pincombe Halcrow Group Ltd Griffin House 135 High Street Crawley RH10 1DQ Email: [email protected]�

�


2 SA / SEA of the Area Action Plan

2.1 Guidance and Best Practice The methodology adopted for the strategic environmental assessment and sustainability appraisal of the plan is an integrated approach, embracing both disciplines. It draws on professional experience and best practice in both procedures, meets the legal requirements and is consistent with the following Government guidance documents:

• ODPM (Nov, 2005): Sustainability Appraisal of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Documents.

• ODPM (Sep, 2005): A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive.

2.2 The Combined SA / SEA Process A key product of the SEA process is the Environmental Report which is published with the plan or programme; a non-technical summary of this report is also required. The SEA Directive states that:

‘Where an environmental assessment is required…, an environmental report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated. (Article 5(1))

SA uses objectives that should be independent of the plan that is being appraised but that reflect the local situation. The SA Report should illustrate the way in which the plan contributes to meeting these objectives and should fulfil the requirements of the Environmental Report under the SEA Directive, bearing in mind the following principles:

• Objectives should be used as the basis for appraising effects, including effects on the factors identified in the SEA Directive;

• The review of the baseline should include a review of social and economic factors, not just the factors identified in the SEA Directive;

�


• Alternatives should be appraised against social, economic and environmental objectives, not just environmental objectives;

• Policies should be appraised on the same basis; and

• Indicators should be devised for all of the objectives, not just the factors covered in the SEA Directive.

The combined process follows five stages which are described in Table 2.1. This Scoping Report represents Stage A in the process, although the information presented may be updated in response to consultation on it.


Stage Description

A Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope.

B Developing and refining options and assessing effects.

C Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report.

D Consulting on the preferred options of the plan and SA Report.

E Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the plan.

�

�

2.3 Stage A: Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and defining the scope

Stage A is represented by five specific tasks which together make up the scoping stage. These tasks are described below.

2.3.1 Task A1: Identifying other relevant policies, plans, programmes and sustainability objectives

�

�

�

�

The SEA Directive requires the following information to be provided in the Report:

• the ‘relationship [of the plan] with other relevant plans or programmes; (Annex I(a))

• ‘the environmental protection objectives, established at international, [European] Community or [national] level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation’ (Annex I (e))

�


The purpose of this task is to identify the policy and planning context within which the proposed plan exists, to ensure it is consistent with this context and that it complies with sustainability and environmental protection objectives. The implications of each plan and programme are reviewed and potential synergies and constraints explained.

See Chapter 3 of this Report for more details.

2.3.2 Task A2: Collecting baseline information �

�

�

�

Collation of baseline data, including social and economic information, provides an important opportunity to obtain records of environmental and sustainability issues that will inform later stages of the appraisal. The baseline can also be used to inform subsequent assessments.

See Chapter 4 for more details.

2.3.3 Task A3: Identifying sustainability issues and problems �

�

�

�

Building on previous tasks, key environmental and sustainability issues are identified by examining tensions and inconsistencies between current and future baseline conditions and proposed objectives, targets or obligations. Issues identified are used to inform the development of plan options.


‘relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme’ and ‘ the environmental characteristics of the areas likely to be significantly affected’ (Annex I(b), (c))


‘any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of particular environmental importance, such areas designated pursuant to Directives 79/409/EEC [Birds] and 92/43/EEC [Habitats].’ (Annex I(d))

�



2.3.4 Task A4: Developing the sustainability appraisal framework Information from the preceding three tasks is collated and reviewed to propose an appraisal framework (Appendix E). This involves deciding on a series of sustainability objectives against which the efficacy plan proposals can be assessed. Objectives are supported by a system of indicators and targets against which performance can be measured and effects of the plan monitored.


2.3.5 Task A5: Consulting on the scope of the sustainability appraisal

�

�

�

�

This Scoping Report has been prepared as a consultation document in accordance with these requirements.

The remaining elements of Sustainability Appraisal, Stages B – E, are described later in the report (see Chapter 7).

�

The SEA Directive requires that:

‘The authorities… which, by reason of their specific environmental responsibilities, are likely to be concerned by the environmental effects of implementing plans and programmes… shall be consulted when deciding on the scope and level of detail of the information which must be included in the environmental report.’ (Article 5(4) and 6(3))

�


3 Relevant Policies, Plans, Programmes and Sustainability Objectives

3.1 Background The AAP will set out new planning policy and proposals for the Longbridge site, and is influenced by other policies, plans, programmes and sustainability objectives. Most immediately, it needs to be consistent with national guidance, strategic and local planning policies. In addition, it needs to contribute to the goals of a wide range of other programmes and strategies, such as those relating to social policy, culture or heritage. It must also conform to environmental protection legislation and sustainability objectives established at an international, European and national level.

This combination of legislation, plans and programmes can impose constraints on, and present opportunities to the emerging options for development and regeneration in Longbridge. A review of relevant policy documents is therefore an essential component of establishing baseline conditions. It also helps clarify the role of the plan and the context within which it will be operating.

3.2 Reviewing relevant policies, plans, programmes and legislation Reviewing the relationship between the AAP and other documents helps to understand opportunities and issues, as well as potential conflicts between aims, objectives or detailed policies. Through this process it is possible to establish:

• Environmental, social or economic objectives that should be included or reflected in the sustainability appraisal framework;

• Other external factors, including sustainability issues, that can be addressed by the plan; and

• Whether policies in other plans and programmes could lead to cumulative effects in combination with the plan options.

There is no definitive list of documents that must be reviewed. The review does not attempt to list all the information that is relevant to the AAP, but to highlight relationships, potential linkages and important obligations. It is not always possible to achieve absolute consistency with the objectives or aspirations of other plans. This review seeks to clearly identify compatibility and inconsistency

�


between these and will assist plan-making teams in providing a robust justification as to why specific planning options are being promoted, and how they are addressed in the SA Report.

3.3 Results of the review The following paragraphs describe the key points arising from the review. A full list of policies, plans and programmes considered is provided at Appendix C.

3.3.1 International Context There are several European Directives that relate to the AAP.

The Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) identifies 181 endangered species and makes provision for Special Protection Areas to shelter them.

The Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) aims to promote biodiversity through the conservation of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna through a series of Special Areas of Conservation. SPAs and SACs together make up the Natura 2000 network of high-level designated areas.

The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) establishes a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater. It aims to address issues of water quality, resource use and aquatic ecosystems through river basin management planning and programmes of measures.

The Waste Framework Directive (75/442/EEC) and subsequent Directives aim to create an integrated approach to waste management in order to reduce waste production. Specifically, the Landfill Directive (99/31/EC) aims to prevent or reduce as far as possible negative effects on the environment from the landfilling of waste, by introducing stringent technical requirements for waste and landfills, as well as reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The Lisbon Agenda is a European programme which began in 2000 and set the target of achieving 3% average economic growth and the creation of 20 million jobs by 2010. It identified the main steps necessary to achieve this in a sustainable way and while enhancing social inclusion.

Objective 1 and 2 are European social goals aiming to support harmonious development in less prosperous regions through structural funding.

�


3.3.2 National Context The UK Government Sustainability Strategy, Securing the Future (Defra, 2005), identifies five shared UK principles to provide the basis for delivering sustainable development:

• Living within environmental limits;

• Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society;

• Achieving a sustainable economy;

• Promoting good governance; and

• Using sound science responsibly.

This expands on the traditional view of sustainable development as that which embraces environment, society and economy equally, by implying a duty to respond to pressing scientific and environmental concerns.

The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (Defra, 2000) aims to improve and protect ambient air quality in the UK in the medium-term by setting national objectives relating to a series of pollutants. The proposals aim to protect people’s health and the environment without imposing unacceptable economic or social costs through a system of Local Air Quality Strategies and Air Quality Management Areas.

Working with the grain of nature: a biodiversity strategy for England (Defra, 2002) seeks to ensure biodiversity considerations become embedded in all main sectors of public policy and sets out a programme over five years to make the changes necessary to conserve and enhance natural systems. It addresses agriculture, water, woodland, marine and coastal management and urban areas.

The UK Climate Change Programme (DEFRA, 2006) recognises that achieving a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010, in comparison to 1990 levels, as set out in the 2000 programme, is now unlikely. However, it presents a series of new and existing policies projected to achieve a reduction of between 15 – 18% by 2010, as well as making considerable progress toward the target of a 60% reduction by 2050 (see below).

The Energy White Paper Our Energy Future (DTI, 2003) defines a long-term strategic vision for energy policy combining environmental, security of supply, competitiveness and social goals. It sets out an ambitious target of 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 by creating a local carbon economy.

�


The Barker Review of Housing Supply, published in March 2004, considered the underlying lack of supply and poor responsiveness of the housing market in the UK. It recommended that more land should be allocated for housing and that the planning system should make better use of information regarding price and preferences.

Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future (ODPM, 2003) sets out a long-term programme of action for delivering sustainable communities in both urban and rural areas. It aims to tackle housing supply issues in the South East, low demand in other parts of the country and the quality of public spaces.

The Urban White Paper Our Towns and Cities: the Future: Delivering an urban renaissance (DETR, 2000) aims to arrest urban decline with a appreciation of a holistic approach to policy which recognises the need to link together a range of initiatives on housing, planning, education, transport and law and order issues. Its goals include healthy economies, decent and well-designed homes, better public services, and an attractive and safe environment.

PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development outlines the Government’s commitment to sustainable development, achieved principally through the re-use of brownfield land, mixed use development, high quality design and by minimising the need for car travel.

Part of the site falling within Bromsgrove District lies within the Green Belt and PPG2: Green Belts states that development will generally only be allowed in the Green Belt if very special circumstances can be demonstrated.

PPG3: Housing encourages the efficient use of land, mixed use development and the provision of housing on brownfield sites in line with the general thrust of Government policy. It sets out a sequential approach to site selection, with a presumption that brownfield sites should be developed before greenfield sites. All residential developments should be accessible by a range of transport modes. A recent update to PPG3 effectively creates a presumption in favour of permitting residential or mixed development on redundant commercial or industrial sites in circumstances where the core Development Plan strategy is not undermined.

PPG4: Industrial, Commercial Development and Small Firms is a relatively historic document, being published in 1992 but positively encourages local authorities to ensure that a sufficient quantity and range of employment sites are available. Local authorities should also be flexible and take the locational

�


demands of businesses into account. The re-use of vacant land and buildings is encouraged.

PPS6: Planning for Town Centres outlines the Government’s policies towards town centres and town centre uses. It sets out a sequential approach to the identification of retail development sites, with town centre sites being preferable, followed by edge-of-centre, then out-of-centre sites. The Longbridge site is out-of centre for these purposes. In addition to this test, when considering out-of-centre proposals, local authorities must also consider quantitative and qualitative need, impact on existing centres, accessibility, and the appropriateness of the scale of the proposal relative to its location.

PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation continues the theme that planning, construction, development and regeneration should have minimal impacts on biodiversity and enhance it wherever possible. It aims to promote sustainable development, conserve enhance and restore the diversity of England’s wildlife and geology, and contribute to rural renewal and urban renaissance. It reaffirms the importance and legal status of designated sites.

PPS10: Planning for Sustainable Waste Management states that proposed new development should be supported by site waste management plans of the type encouraged by the code of practice published by the DTI to identify the volume and type of material to be demolished and/or excavated, opportunities for the reuse and recovery of materials and to demonstrate how off-site disposal of waste will be minimised and managed. Furthermore, good design and layout in new development can help to secure opportunities for sustainable waste management, including for kerbside collection and community recycling as well as for larger waste facilities.

PPG13: Transport continues the theme of sustainable development, with key aims to reduce the need for car travel and encourage alternative modes of transport. Mixed use development is seen as an important way to achieve this.

PPG15: Planning and the Historic Environment states that most historic buildings can still be put to good economic use, are a valuable material resource and can contribute to the prosperity of the economy, provided that they are properly maintained: the avoidable loss of fabric through neglect is a waste of economic as well as environmental resources.

PPG16: Archaeology and Planning states that care must be taken to ensure that archaeological remains are not needlessly destroyed and stresses the

�


importance of appropriate management to ensure that they survive in good condition.

PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation states that these features underpin quality of life and are essential contributors to urban renaissance, rural renewal, social inclusion and community cohesion, health and well being, and sustainable development. It requires that local authorities carry out robust assessments of needs and opportunities, makes a presumption against development on existing open space and sets the context for planning obligations.

PPS22: Renewable Energy states that positive planning which facilitates renewable energy developments can contribute to both the Government’s sustainable development strategy and commitments on climate change. Furthermore, local planning authorities may include policies in local development documents that require a percentage of the energy to be used in new residential, commercial or industrial developments to come from on-site renewable energy developments. (The companion guide indicates that local authorities should encourage provision to be made for passive solar design in masterplanning for new development, and describes how combined heat and power systems are appropriate in urban areas as they are best suited to users requiring consistently high levels of heat throughout the year.)

PPS23: Planning and Pollution Control states that the presence of contamination in land can present risks to human health and the environment, which adversely affect or restrict the beneficial use of land but development presents an opportunity to deal with these risks successfully. Where land is known or suspected to be affected by contamination, intending developers should hold informal pre-application discussions with the LPA, the environmental health departments of local authorities, and other authorities with a legitimate interest to establish what statutory environmental protection controls may apply.

PPG24: Planning and Noise states that much of the development which is necessary for the creation of jobs and the construction and improvement of essential infrastructure will generate noise. The planning system should not place unjustifiable obstacles in the way of such development. Nevertheless, local planning authorities must ensure that development does not cause an unacceptable degree of disturbance.

PPG25: Development and Flood Risk states that Government’s policy is to reduce the risks to people and the developed and natural environment from

�


flooding. It therefore looks to local planning authorities to ensure that flood risk is properly taken into account in the planning of developments to reduce the risk of flooding and the damage which floods cause.

3.3.3 Strategic Regional and County Policy The Regional Sustainable Development Framework (2005) for the West Midlands, currently under review, sets out a series of objectives and principles addressing sustainable communities, environmental protection, resource use and a stable economy. These objectives should be used to inform all policies, strategies, plan, programmes and projects prepared for the region and their environmental assessments.

The Regional Biodiversity Strategy (2005) for the West Midlands aims to focus attention on the most important priorities for biodiversity in the region, set out in five key challenges: maintaining and improving the condition of habitats, species and ecosystems; developing an area based approach to restoring wildlife; monitoring the condition of habitats, species and ecosystems; reconnecting and integrating action for biodiversity with other environmental, social and economic activity; and coping with the impacts of climate change. It suggests potential biodiversity improvement activities for a range of business sectors.

The Regional Cultural Strategy (2001 – 2006) provides a focus for the regional cultural agencies to work towards a shared vision and priorities and a basis to engage with cultural organisations and Local Authorities in the region. It is currently under review.

The West Midlands Regional Economic Strategy (2004 – 2010) identifies a number of challenges that the region needs to address in order to become world-class. These are grouped under four objectives focusing on a diverse and dynamic business base, a learning and skilful region, creating the conditions for growth, and regenerating communities. It employs regeneration zones, high technology corridors (HTC) and business clusters to help target resources. The strategy pre-dates the demise of MG Rover, but the Longbridge area forms part of the Birmingham to Worcester HTC.

The West Midlands Regional Housing Strategy (2005) supports the RSS and aims to deliver urban and rural renaissance, affordable, decent and choice of housing, sustainable housing and sustainable communities.

The West Midlands Water Resources Strategy (undated) sets out a long-term vision in addressing growing pressure due to economic growth, development,

�


agriculture and climate change. It is intended to inform development plan documents and planning applications, together with wider regional planning regimes. Among other objectives, the strategy states that future developments in the West Midlands should recognise the limited availability of water as an influence on their location and timing, and should incorporate water efficiency measures and sustainable drainage systems at the feasibility or planning stage.

RPG 11: Regional Planning Guidance for the West Midlands (2004) is now the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and forms part of the Development Plan, since the commencement of this section of the new planning Act. Longbridge is within a Major Urban Area, where development should be focused and is also part of the Central Technology Belt, where high technology development will be encouraged. The RSS sets a requirement for a Regional Investment Site (25 - 50 hectares) to serve the Central Technology Belt and a Major Investment Site (c. 50 hectares) in the Birmingham area.

Various reviews of the RSS are underway, including a review of employment and housing figures. This revised guidance will supersede existing figures and is expected to be available early in 2007. Environmental enhancement policies include restoring degraded areas and improving access to high quality natural greenspace.

Worcestershire County Structure Plan (1996 – 2011) is saved until 2007 due to transitional arrangements under the new Planning Act. Some of its policies therefore still apply to Bromsgrove and will continue to do so until the relevant reviews of the RSS have taken place. Bromsgrove District is required to provide 55 hectares of employment land and 3,950 dwellings up to 2011 although updated figures to roll requirements forward will be available through the RSS review in early 2007.

The final draft second West Midlands Local Transport Plan (2006) covers Birmingham and the surrounding area and sets out committed and proposed transport schemes based around three principal elements of the strategy: making the best use of the existing transport network, enhancing the quality of public transport and targeting investment in infrastructure to support regeneration. This includes a proposed Park and Ride site at Longbridge. The current plan includes the approved Northfield and Selly Oak Relief Roads, and the Frankley Rail Extension and the Longbridge Link (a link road between the A441 and the B4096 and the M42) which remain a regional priority.

�


The Worcestershire Local Transport Plan (2001) applies to Bromsgrove District and states that significant investment in transport will be required to facilitate the development of the Central Technology Belt. The second local transport plan (April 2006) includes upgrading Bromsgrove railway and bus stations, and improving strategic accessibility to the Longbridge study area.

3.3.4 Local Planning The Birmingham UDP (2005) will be saved under transitional arrangements until at least 2007. Longbridge, along with most of the City, is essentially unallocated on the proposals map but other noteworthy proposals in the study area include the reintroduction of passenger rail services to Frankley, a possible new train station, the potential for a railfreight terminal, and a Park and Ride facility adjacent to Longbridge Station.

Noting that the plan was prepared before the closure of MG Rover, in general the employment policies in the UDP seek to protect existing employment sites and to provide an adequate supply of quality employment land and premises. Longbridge falls within the A38 Corridor, which is part of the Central Technology Belt, and development sites that become available here will firstly be considered against the need to facilitate high-technology development in the study area, in accordance with the A38 Corridor Strategy.

Following the removal of land at Bassetts Pole and Peddimore from the UDP, the Council now have no land allocated to meet the requirements of RPG 11 for Regional and Major Investment Sites and a sub-regional study is recommended to identify alternative sites to meet this requirement.

The housing requirement for the period up to 2011 is 46,500 dwellings and residential development should be located on previously developed land where possible. The UDP sets out targets for affordable housing provision of 25% social rented housing and a further 10% low cost market housing. Residential densities in accessible areas, such as Longbridge, should be at least 50 dwellings per hectare.

The site is within Northfield Constituency and the UDP contains various policies that relate specifically to this locality. The importance of the MG Rover plant to the economic prosperity of the wider area is recognised, as is the importance of the development of the Central Technology Belt. On suitable sites in the wider area, there is a presumption in favour of high-technology development. Piecemeal development of the site will not be permitted.

�


The Longbridge Development Framework was adopted by the Council as Supplementary Planning Guidance in January 2003 and relates to approximately 28 hectares of the site. It encourages a mix of uses including a high technology business park, a neighbourhood centre, an IKEA store and residential development. It is likely that the general principles outlined in this document will be applicable to the whole site.

Developing Birmingham – An Economic Strategy for the City (2005 – 2015) sets out economic regeneration priorities for the City and reiterates the commitment to promote high-technology, knowledge-based industries in south west Birmingham. Key actions include accelerating the implementation of the Longbridge Development Framework.

Industrial Land Review – this was carried out by the Council in 2003 and identifies a significant shortfall in the supply of readily available ‘Best Urban Land’ and the Longbridge site is identified as having the potential to contribute to this supply. The lack of any regionally significant sites is also noted and, given these issues, it is recommended that existing sites are protected from competing uses. The UDP specifies a minimum reservoir of 64ha of best urban land, 30ha of good urban land and 20ha of ‘other’ within each sub-market.

Meeting the RPG/UDP Alterations Housing Requirement - the Council published an update to their Housing Monitor in 2004, which concludes that the UDP target for the period up to 2011 will be exceeded by some way. The Council therefore only needs to ensure that the Regional minimum annual completion rate is met; it has been for the last three years.

The Nature Conservation Strategy for Birmingham was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in November 1996. This means that the Council's Development Control Committee take it into when deciding planning applications and appeals. It provides comprehensive advice and guidance for the conservation of the city's nature resource and offers protection to sites of nature conservation importance.

Birmingham’s Archaeology Strategy was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance in December 2003. It describes the City’s archaeological remains and national, regional and local policies for protecting them. It explains the process when proposed new development is likely to affect the archaeological resource, stressing the importance of early consultation, assessment and evaluation, and clarifies existing policy. The Strategy and Longbridge Development Framework specifically state that the existence of archaeological remains do not preclude

�


development on the site, as long as appropriate measures are taken to investigate and record the resource.

Birmingham’s Air Quality Action Plan (2006) has been created to address issues of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter pollution, a historical and city-wide problem. The plan sets out 41 actions that have been identified to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide, and pm10, many of which relate to existing Council policies and strategies, notably the Local Transport Plan.

The Bromsgrove District Local Plan was adopted in January 2004, before the closure of the MG Rover site, and will be saved for three years under transitional arrangements. The majority of the site that falls within Bromsgrove District is zoned for employment uses, although some parts to the south fall within the Green Belt, where development will generally be resisted. The strategic requirement for B1 development to meet the needs of the high-technology sector is recognised and proposals for this kind of development will be considered in light of RPG 11. In general, the Local Plan seeks to protect existing employment sites from alternative uses.

There is currently a moratorium on residential development in the District as the Structure Plan target has been met. If any new residential development is permitted then an element of affordable housing will be required, the level of which is subject to negotiation with the Council. The Council seeks to focus new retail development in existing centres and states that new retail development must meet a series of tests that mirror those set out in PPS6.

Local Planning Authorities are now beginning to prepare their Local Development Frameworks (LDF), in line with PPS12, and Birmingham CC and Bromsgrove DC have both published their Local Development Schemes (LDS’s), which set out a programme for this process. The new AAP for Longbridge will form part of the LDF for Birmingham and Bromsgrove.

Birmingham City LDS – the City Council intend to save the majority of the UDP until 2009. Various Area Action Plans and Area Frameworks (which will probably form part of the Development Plan) will be adopted from 2007, to replace the area-specific chapters of the UDP. Supplementary Planning Documents will also be published to cover more detailed issues. Under the new system, existing Supplementary Planning Guidance will continue to be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications, provided that it continues to be linked to relevant saved policies in the UDP.

�


Bromsgrove District LDS – the District Council intend to replace all the policies in the Local Plan by September 2007 and the new Development Plan Documents will then form the planning framework for the District.

3.3.5 Local Strategy Taking Birmingham Forward (2005) is the Community Strategy for Birmingham. Its sets out a dual vision, underpinned by nine themes and associate key actions for achieving the status that Birmingham desires. This is ‘a city of national and international significance that has a successful and sustainable place in the world economy, known internationally as a place to invest and visit, where more and more people want to live and work, and that values knowledge and uses it creatively.’ Also, ‘a city whose local neighbourhoods and vibrant urban villages are flourishing and whose people benefit from its prosperity, where people are not disadvantaged by where they live, where everyone receives high standard public services, where people are active citizens, where they can organise to help each other and contribute to improvements in services and the quality of life.’

Improving Northfield, the District Community plan for 2005-06, sets out the priorities and planned actions for the year. It covers the area at the south-west corner of Birmingham made up of the three wards of Longbridge, Northfield and Weoley. Top of the list are making the district cleaner and safer, but the plan also includes priorities identified through local consultation, which will make the district a healthy, well-housed and thriving district for both local people and visitors, with good opportunities for children and young people. The plan sets out eight themes and associated actions.

The Bromsgrove Community Plan (2003 – 2013) is a ten-year strategy concerned with addressing issues important to residents, the business community and visitors to Bromsgrove District. It focuses on the way in which services are delivered and how they can be improved for everyone’s benefit. The plan has five themes and associated actions and targets, some of which have been incorporated into the SA Framework at Appendix E.

�

�


4 Collecting Baseline Information

4.1 Background Baseline data provides the basis for forecasting and monitoring of environmental effects. It also assists with the identification of sustainability issues. The volume and quality of data available for different topics varies greatly.

The SEA Directive requires that ‘the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan’ are considered. A significant level of understanding of the baseline environment is required, in order to deliver the SA process from start to finish.

4.2 Baseline Collection 4.2.1 Scope of Baseline

The baseline data collection has focused on producing datasets that can assist with predicting and evaluating effects on the SA objectives identified in Table 6.1 below. The collected data seeks to provide empirical answers to various aspects of the respective SA objective such as ‘How good or bad is the current situation?’, and, ‘Are particularly sensitive or important receptors affected such as habitats, species, people, monuments?’

4.2.2 Selection of data During the assimilation of the baseline data, the following considerations were taken into account in the selection of baseline data:

• Is the data helpful for undertaking an SA of the AAP?

• Is the data the most recent available?

• Is the dataset fully validated by relevant professional parties?

• Is the data easily available within the timescales dictated by the process of AAP development?

• Is the data easily accessible and does it exist in a format that may be used in the SA?

• Is the data easy enough to understand?

�


If baseline data does not fall within the above principles, it is generally omitted from the baseline report included in Appendix D. However, where there is no information available at the appropriate resolution for the study area, other comparable information has been included as a descriptor. The consultation process will assess the relevance of the data and information reviewed, and may provide direction to more recent or appropriate sources.

4.3 Data Limitations The site straddles the administrative boundaries of Birmingham City Council and Bromsgrove District Council. This has presented some challenges in gathering accurate data relating to the area in question; in some cases the data presented relate to Longbridge Ward, in others it has only been possible to describe conditions in terms of Birmingham and Bromsgrove data.

Furthermore, in some instances data is historical (for example, 2001 Census data) and may not give a true reflection of the current situation, particularly with regard to the closure of the MG Rover plant in spring 2005. It is recognised that data gathering as part of an SA should make best use of existing information, highlighting gaps where they exist, rather than attempting to generate new data. To this end, the baseline contains secondary data and no primary data has been collected. However, in pursuit of best practice a series of supporting studies are being prepared which will augment the baseline published as part of this document. These should be complete by the end of May 2006 and will be applied during the assessment stages of the SA process. The following topics will be covered:

• Baseline Ecological Assessment;

• Built and Rural Landscape Appraisal;

• Community Needs and Infrastructure Assessment incorporating Educational Needs and Capacity Review and Retail Capacity, Need and Centre Strategy Assessment;

• Cultural Heritage Report;

• Employment Needs, Demands, Skills and Training Study;

• River Rea Study of Options;

• Site Investigation Report;

• Socio Economic Study; and

�


• Sports, Recreation, Open Space, Footpath and Cycleway Assessment.

4.4 Baseline Summary Full details of the baseline investigations to date, including data sources, are provided at Appendix D; Table 4.1 provides a brief summary by topic.

��

Air

Air quality in the major urban areas continues to be a problem. Birmingham is no exception and has declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) to address issues with nitrogen dioxide. Bromsgrove also has an AQMA for nitrogen dioxide which covers a much smaller area, the vicinity of the A38 / M42 junction.

There has been a decline in the emissions from industry as a result of increasingly stringent regulation. Implementation of the EU Large Combustion Plant Directive in 2007 will lead to further reductions in sulphur emissions.

Biodiversity, flora and fauna

The study area benefits from a number of locally important nature conservation designations and has the potential to support several BAP priority species of fauna including badgers, otters, pipistrelle bats, song thrushes, tree sparrows and water voles. Generally speaking, the site of the MG Rover works has a low biodiversity value and does not appear to support any notable flora, although further assessment will clarify this.

There are two nationally important SSSIs within 2km of the site: Bittell Reservoirs, a water dependant site in unfavourable condition, and Hopwood Dingle, a woodland with ancient assemblages in favourable condition.

There are few notable habitats on site but the Birmingham – Bristol railway line provides an important wildlife corridor.

Climate

There is evidence to show that the climate of the West Midlands changed in the

�


20th century. Most notably the annual average temperature rose by 0.6°C, the growing season lengthened by 30 days, summer rainfall decreased and winter rainfall increased.

On average, each person in the West Midlands creates 8.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year and each dwelling creates 5.7 tonnes per year (2003). In Bromsgrove the per capita figure is 10.7 tonnes per year, in Birmingham it is 6.2.

Energy consumption continues to grow in the UK and the trend is likely to be similar in Longbridge. The domestic and transport sectors are the key growth areas.

Cultural Heritage (including architectural and archaeological heritage)

Longbridge is associated with an illustrious industrial heritage due to the MG Rover plant. Historical recording of buildings has been carried and completed on behalf of BCC. There are three Grade II listed buildings in the locality.

It is possible there may be some buried archaeology on site, as has been suggested by investigative trenching already carried out. Activity in the study area could date back to medieval, Roman or prehistoric times.

Economic Considerations

The former MG Rover Plant at Longbridge accounted for approximately 6.5% of total car production in UK during 2004. This figure had been decreasing since the year 2000. The Longbridge site employed approximately 6,000 people, and spent around £835m in the supply chain of the UK, of which £410m was in the West Midlands Region.

In August 2005 unemployment in the Longbridge Ward stood at 7.7% (11.4% for men, 3.4% for women), compared to 8.4% in Birmingham as a whole.

Gross weekly earnings in Birmingham were £400.80, and £379.40 in Bromsgrove in 2005, compared with the UK average of £433.10.

�


Landscape and townscape

The study area is predominantly urban (residential and industrial) in nature, but gives way to greenbelt land in the south. Due to its topography, parts of the site are visible from large parts of North Worcestershire. The wider area makes up part of the ‘Arden’ Countryside Character area.

Material Assets

Environmental and economic inputs and outputs can be measured in terms of ecological footprint. The world average ecological footprint is 2.2 global hectares (gha) per capita. In contrast, dividing the total biologically productive surface area of the planet by the current population gives us our maximum budget for sustainable living: 1.8 gha per capita. Birmingham’s ecological footprint is 5.3 gha per capita; Bromsgrove’s is 5.61 gha per capita.

Birmingham and Bromsgrove recycled similar amounts of household waste in 2003/04, 10.4 and 10.8% respectively, in comparison the 13.2% UK average. Per capita waste production was 452.9kg in Birmingham, 346.7kg in Bromsgrove and 438.5kg in the UK.

Social Considerations (including population and human health)

In the 2001 Census 11% of Longbridge residents were described as having not good health and only 66% of residents were described as having good health. The remaining 23% were of fairly good health. These figures compare unfavourably with those of England and Wales (69 and 9 % respectively).

In England 8.37% of accommodation does not have central heating; the West Midlands has a greater proportion without central heating at 11.12% and Longbridge even higher at 15.78%.

Violence against the person and robbery from a dwelling are the two most recorded crimes in Bromsgrove and Birmingham, in line with national trends.

The 2001 census revealed that people in the West Midlands, Birmingham and Longbridge are generally less qualified than the English average and in Bromsgrove. In Longbridge 39.9% of the population aged between 16 and 74 have no qualifications, which is significantly higher than the figure for England at

�


28.85% and higher than the figure for Birmingham at 37.09%. Bromsgrove has a lower proportion of its 16 - 74 year olds with no qualifications at 26.09%.

The Longbridge ward has an index of multiple deprivation score of 44.2% which compares unfavourably with those of Birmingham (37.5%) and Bromsgrove (10.1%).

Soil and Contaminated Land

There is evidently a large amount of brownfield land on site that would benefit from regeneration. Ground contamination is likely to be a complex issue on the site of the former MG Rover works. Existing published data is scarce in this respect.

Transport

Statistically, 58.5% of economically active people in Birmingham travel to work by private car (driver or passenger) or taxi. 22.8% travel by public transport, 10.2% walk or cycle and 7.5% work from home. In Bromsgrove 74.6% travel by car, 5.8% by public transport, 8.1% walk or cycle and 10.4% work from home. In the West Midlands and England and Wales the numbers travelling to work by car are 67.6% and 62.0% respectively.

The study area is well served by all forms of transport. There are several bus stops and routes, Longbridge railway station, the A38, M5 and M42.

Water

There is a history of flooding associated with the River Rea and its culvert, although hydrological modelling suggests that this is not significant. The Rea flows through a deep culvert which places engineering constraints on opportunities for improvement. Water quality of the Rea in Longbridge is generally poor, possibly due to contamination from the MG Rover plant.

The site covers part of a major sandstone aquifer and is adjacent to a minor alluvial aquifer. It is within the catchment of the River Arrow.

�

�


5 Identifying Sustainability Issues

5.1 Background Several diverse issues affect the study area and regeneration should attempt to positively influence as many of these as is reasonable, given the objectives and scope of the plan. An important part of the SA process is identifying the sustainability constraints the plan must operate within, together with opportunities for the plan to improve the social, environmental and economic conditions experienced in the area.

5.2 Identifying opportunities and constraints Sustainability issues are derived from the baseline data provided in Appendix D, and also in liaison with the environmental consultation bodies and other relevant organisations. The issues will help steer the development of AAP options and will form the basis of assessment and reporting in SA Stages B and C. They are organised and presented under the topic headings identified by the SEA Directive, and also include social and economic issues. Some of the issues are necessarily interrelated.

Air

• Consistently high levels of nitrogen dioxide levels in the Birmingham area and adjacent to M42 Junction 1;

• Carbon monoxide, particulate matter and volatile organic compound pollution from commercial, industrial and residential sources; and

• Increasing levels of road transport, both passenger and freight.

Biodiversity

• Presence of, and proximity to Sites of Local Importance to Nature Conservation and Special Wildlife Sites. There is an opportunity to improve accessibility, quality and coverage of these sites;

• Relative proximity to the Bittell Reservoirs SSSI, a water dependant site of national importance for various bird species. Water efficiency measures may have an indirect positive effect on the condition of this site;

�


• Low biodiversity value of the site and restricted wildlife corridors – opportunity to improve;

• Potential to support BAP priority species, for example badgers, otters, pipistrelle bats, song thrushes, tree sparrows and water voles; and

• There is an opportunity to create new indigenous habitats to bring nature conservation interest to open spaces.

Climate Change

• Continued rise in energy consumption from transport, industry and domestic sources – opportunity to promote energy efficiency measures in buildings and dwellings;

• Opportunity to install combined heat and power / district heating and/or renewable energy equipment;

• Difficulty in meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets; and

• Actual climate change in the West Midlands resulting in effects on biodiversity, weather patterns and severity, water quality and resources, agriculture, and health, particularly with regard to an ageing population.

Cultural Heritage

• Parts of the site date back to medieval, Roman or prehistoric times and it is possible there will be undiscovered archaeological remains, particularly near the present and original courses of the River Rea.

Economic Factors

• Significant economic downturn in the study and wider area as a result of MG Rover closure, which spent around £410 million in the supply chain in the West Midlands. In January 2005 the manufacturing sector contributed 25% of regional GVA;

• The site is well served by road and rail transport links, although the study area was prone to congestion when MG Rover was operational and is likely to become so again if the level of employment in the area is regained;

• Potential business survival issues for companies with significant proportion of their income coming from MG Rover;

• High unemployment, particularly after MG Rover closure, and lower than average incomes of those in work;

• Generally low level of skills and qualification; and

�


• Historical reliance on car manufacturing sector and related businesses, and consequent mismatch between skills and potential job opportunities as economy realigns.

Landscape

• Pressure for development at the rural-urban fringe threatens to encroach on the countryside. This is a particular problem in relation to the greenbelt land within Bromsgrove District;

• There is an opportunity to improve the townscape and quality of the street environment, and provide a flagship example of urban regeneration;

• The study area suffers from neglected townscapes and amenity spaces, with poor cross-site accessibility. There is an opportunity to improve the quality, quantity and accessibility of green space in the study area;

• The wider area is well served by public open space provision, particularly towards the west, including the Lickey Hills Country Park, Waseley Hills Country Park and large areas of public open space around Bartley Green and Frankley reservoirs; and

• The topography of the study area amplifies the visual impact of the current industrial buildings, particularly on views from the Lickey Hills and wider areas of North Worcestershire. There is an opportunity to improve the quality of landscape and views.

Material Assets

• The ecological footprints of both Birmingham and Bromsgrove, in line with the UK average, exceed sustainable capacity in terms of resource consumption and production. Food and drink, consumables, energy, land travel and capital investment are the biggest challenges;

• Household recycling rates in Birmingham and Bromsgrove are both lower than regional and UK averages, although a much smaller percentage of waste is landfilled from Birmingham. On this basis there is an opportunity to provide integral facilities;

• Household waste (9%) continues to be dwarfed by other waste streams with industry and commercial waste (25%), mining and quarrying waste (29%) and construction and demolition waste (32%) posing more significant challenges – opportunity for recycling and re-use in construction, particularly aggregates; and

�


• Waste continues to grow at around 3% per annum nationally and, while more waste is being re-used or recycled, there is no significant decrease in the amount being sent to landfill.

Social Factors (including population and human health)

• Health figures are broadly in line with the England and Wales average, slightly higher proportion of people recording not good health and slightly lower than average life expectancy in Birmingham;

• Longbridge residents generally have more people per room than the England average (overcrowding) and twice as many households (16%) do not have central heating;

• Across the West Midlands, the number of residents per household is falling, in line with UK trends, presenting buildings, energy and resource challenges;

• Violence against the person is the most often recorded crime in Birmingham;

• In Longbridge 39.9% of the population aged between 16 and 74 have no qualifications, which is significantly higher than the figure for England at 28.8%;

• Population in the study area is 85% white with 6% Asian and 4.5% African or Caribbean. This is a greater proportion of minority ethnic groups than in the region or nationally;

• Almost a quarter of all families are single parent households in the study area in comparison to 16% regionally and nationally;

• The Longbridge ward has an index of multiple deprivation score of 44.2% which compares unfavourably with those of Birmingham (37.5%) and Bromsgrove (10.1%);

• The density of education provision is greater towards the north-eastern part of the study area, particularity in and around Bourneville ward. There only two primary, and no secondary schools in the Bromsgrove wards that are contained within the context area. These trends may be explained by the fact that population density increases towards Birmingham City Centre;

• Health provision has a similar pattern to education provision, with services skewed towards the northern section of the study area. Doctor’s surgeries are fairly evenly distributed, though appear to be located in pairs. Dentists are also evenly dispersed within the

�


Birmingham wards of the study area, however there is very little provision of either doctors surgeries or dentists within the Bromsgrove wards.

• The study area is well catered for with Hospitals provision. Within the study area, there are two hospitals, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Selly Oak Hospital. In addition to these, further north, are the Birmingham Women’s Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Moseley Hall Hospital.

Soil

• There is significant ground contamination on parts of the former MG Rover works due to industrial activity; and

• The site presents significant opportunity to bring derelict brownfield land back into use, the nature of which will depend on preferred options for the AAP. According to previous ecological assessments, the site currently has low biodiversity value (which presents further opportunities), although urban wasteland is recognised as having potential to provide important habitat.

Transport

• 58.5% of Birmingham residents, and 74.2% of Bromsgrove residents travel to work by car, in comparison to 62.0% in England and Wales;

• 38.5% of Birmingham households, and 13.3% of Bromsgrove households do not have access to a car, compared to 23.5% in England and Wales; and

• There is an opportunity to greatly improve public transport infrastructure, accessibility and integration which will help to discourage car use and provide benefits in terms of improved air quality and reduced contributions to climate change. It will also be possible to improve foot and cycle ways and the general permeability of the study area for those not travelling by car.

Water

• There is a flood risk and history associated with the River Rea, possibly due to its culverted nature restricting natural flooding capabilities. There are opportunities to improve this, together with increasing its biodiversity value, although the deep dimensions of the culvert present potential engineering constraints;

�


• Current water quality of the Rea is not good, probably due to contamination from former industrial activities. Sensitive ground remediation presents an opportunity to improve this;

• The site sits partially above a major sandstone aquifer and adjacent to a minor alluvium aquifer. Groundwater is also threatened by contamination; and

• Per capita water consumption in the region has gradually reduced since 2000 and is below the national average, but nevertheless remains high. The trend towards lower housing occupancy combined with climate change and increasing incidence of drought threaten water resources, with possible indirect effects on the Bittell Reservoir SSSI. There is an opportunity to exploit water efficiency measures and rain water harvesting, which would also benefit localised surface water flood risk which can increase with impermeable area.

�

�


6 Developing the Appraisal Framework

6.1 Why use objectives and indicators? There is no statutory basis for setting objectives but they are a recognised way of considering the environmental effects of a plan and comparing alternatives. Sustainability objectives are sometimes similar to, but distinct from those identified for the development plan. SA objectives are adopted on the basis of need, evidence, expert consideration and public policy. They provide a methodological yardstick against which the environmental, social and economic effects of the plan can be tested.

ODPM guidance (2005) recommends the identification of objectives and indicators. Where appropriate, targets can be used to measure progress towards meeting the objectives.

The SA objectives are used at various stages throughout the process, particularly at the prediction, assessment and mitigation stages (see Chapter 7 for more details). In Stage E, the indicators of the SA Framework can be used for monitoring purposes. The SA Framework is composed of objectives and indicators that reflect broad environmental, social and economic topics.

6.2 Methodology for identifying SA objectives The formulation of SA objectives should take account of environmental protection and sustainability objectives identified in other plans, programmes and legislation such as European Directives, the regional sustainable development framework and others identified in Chapter 3. The results of the baseline data collection and identification of opportunities and constraints also feed into the development of objectives, as well as informing indicators.

Appendix E presents objectives and indicators in the Sustainability Appraisal Framework.

The indicators that are selected are intended to measure the likely effectiveness and efficiency of AAP options in contributing to the improvement of local environmental, social and economic conditions. The methodology adopted in developing the various parts of the SA Framework is described below.

�


6.2.1 Selecting ‘Topics’ Drawing on the SEA Directive, SA guidance, principles of sustainable development, environmental policy and legislation, topics can be identified that the objectives should address, reflecting local circumstances. Annex I (f) of the SEA Directive states that the Environmental Report should include assessment of the following topics:

Biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors. For sustainability appraisal, the following topics are added:

• Economic factors, including employment, unemployment, income, skills and qualifications, and employment sectors; and

• Social factors, including housing, crime, education, social deprivation, accessibility, recreation, leisure and sport, and demographics (there is significant overlap here with the population and human health aspects of the Directive).

6.2.2 Selecting Objectives Once sustainability topics are identified, objectives relating to each topic can be prepared and these are presented in Table 6.1.

The objectives are based on a range of existing local, regional and national objectives produced as part of sustainable development frameworks or relevant strategies. Baseline data are also taken into account. Italics indicate which aspect of the SEA Directive or Regional Sustainable Development Framework the objective conforms with.

Table 6.1: SA Objectives

� SA Objectives for Longbridge

1 Reduce poverty and social exclusion, promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future, and encourage equitable accessibility to services. (SEA Directive: population; RSDF: participation, poverty, access)

2 Improve health and reduce health inequalities by encouraging and enabling healthy lifestyles and protecting health, as well as providing equitable access to health services and high quality open spaces. (SEA Directive: human health; RSDF: health)

�



4 Support the local community by maximising use of local labour and support adaptation to changing employment circumstances. Encourage investment and engagement to support learning and raise levels and diversity of skills. (RSDF: skills, employment, investment)

5 Encourage regeneration and economic growth in and around Longbridge that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs, and improve equitable access to job opportunities. (RSDF: growth, employment, urban development)

6 Promote and support the development of new technologies, particularly those with high value and low impact, to encourage enterprise and innovation with a sense of environmental and social responsibility. (RSDF: technology, innovation, responsibility)

7 Make efficient use of existing transport infrastructure, and prioritise modal shift to sustainable, integrated forms of public transport, cycling and walking. Ensure equitable access to public transport. (SEA Directive: material assets; RSDF: transport, planning)

8


9 Provide high quality affordable housing, ensuring that all new buildings are environmentally sound and meet BREEAM standards. (SEA Directive: material assets; RSDF: housing, standards)

10


11 Conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the historic, industrial and cultural heritage of the Longbridge study area. (SEA Directive: cultural heritage; RSDF: environmental assets, culture and recreation)





�




18 Use local supply sources and support the sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources. (SEA Directive: material assets, soil; RSDF: local sourcing, conservation)

�

6.2.3 Selecting Indicators Indicators enable complex and varied information to be aggregated to provide a clear indication of the environmental, social and economic changes achieved in the study area, to help measure progress towards the objectives. Indicators have been drawn from a variety of sources, which are given in Appendix E and the baseline. Some indicators specific to the delivery of the AAP have been suggested and will need to be monitored as part of its delivery. Comments received from the scoping consultation will be important in identifying further indicators, and targets if appropriate. Part of the SA process will be to agree appropriate targets for indicators which, if they are not met, will provide a trigger for remedial action.

�

6.3 Compatibility of SA Objectives It is useful to test the compatibility of SA objectives against one another, and recommended in ODPM guidance (2005), as this serves to highlight areas where potential conflicts may exist between goals. Presenting an early assessment of compatibility allows decisions to be made about which objectives might have greater importance than a conflicting objective, and provide useful indications of the type of mitigation that may be required to resolve the issue. The half matrix presented in Figure 6.1 below indicates where such tensions may arise.

6.3.1 Commentary Below is a brief description of how the objectives could interact with each other, addressing each objective in turn.

Objective 1 does not conflict with any other aim, but does not rely on biodiversity, heritage, recycling or resource consumption. Instead it can be said that these aims are public goods that will benefit everyone. Fuel poverty (Objective 10), water resources and flood risk on the other hand, are more likely to directly affect the local population and the deprived.

�


�

Figure 6.1: Compatibility of SA Objectives

Objective 2 does not conflict with any other aim, but there few obvious links with some of the environmentally-led objectives.

Objective 3: measures to improve the built environment have the opportunity to contribute to community safety by designing out crime, and economic regeneration that puts people back into work may reduce crime, however environmental objectives have few links with it.

Objective 4 does not exhibit many links with other aims apart from those that are specific to social outcomes for the study area.

1 Key to Compatibility:

2 Potentially incompatible

3 Uncertain

4 Compatible

5 No links

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

SA

Obj

ectiv

es

18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

SA Objectives

�


Objective 5: if economic regeneration which embraces and contributes to the principles of sustainable development is achieved, it should be compatible with most other objectives. There are potential conflicts with biodiversity, archaeology and townscape for the same reasons of density and design. There may a conflict with air quality and climate change if economic activity draws in workers from further afield than the locality.

Objective 6: while enterprise and innovation could have secondary effects on environmental factors such as energy efficiency and climate change, the state aim is for high value and low impact. Therefore this objective is considered compatible with others, although it has few links with some social objectives such as community safety.

Objective 7 is consistent with all other aims, although it will not contribute to water quality or flood risk.

Objective 8: because of its provisions for biodiversity and character, this objective is compatible with all others, although is unlikely to contribute to the local skills base.

Objective 9 is generally compatible with other SA aims but, depending on the density and architectural design of buildings, could conflict with endeavours to protect biodiversity, archaeology and townscape character.

Objective 10 is a key driver of sustainability and is consistent with most other aims. The energy intensity of building works and final economic activities on the site have the opportunity to significantly affect the outcome of this objective.

Objective 11 is consistent with all other aims but, similarly to Objective 11, may be affected by the nature of development.

Objective 12 is consistent with other aims. Pressure to develop in the greenbelt could conflict with this objective, and building design will need to be consistent with local character.

Objective 13 does not conflict with any objective and is likely to contribute to environment and heritage-led aims. Traffic generating activities will conflict with this objective.

Objective 14 is consistent with all other aims and arguably contributes to social outcomes. However, the nature and intensity of development advocated in

�


Objectives 1 and 2 may constrain the degree to which this objective will be achieved.

Objective 15 is compatible with most other aims, but measures to reduce flood risk could affect the biodiversity value of certain stretches of water.

Objective 16 is consistent with most other objectives.

Objective 17 is compatible with other aims although has no links with some.

Objective 18: although there are some aims it does not impact upon, this is a key objective in terms of potential buildings works.

�

�


This page has been left intentionally blank.

�


7 Methodology for Completing the SA

7.1 Background This section describes the outstanding stages (B – E) of the SA process and provides an overview of the methodology that is intended to be used in the course of those stages, which are reproduced in Table 7.1.


Stage Description

A Setting the context and objectives, establishing the baseline and deciding on the scope.

B Developing and refining options and assessing effects.

C Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report.

D Consulting on the preferred options of the plan and SA Report.

E Monitoring the significant effects of implementing the plan.

�

7.2 Stage B: Developing and refining options and assessing effects �

�

�

�

�

�

7.2.1 Task B1: Testing the plan objectives against the SA Framework The objectives of the AAP, decided by the LPAs, may be similar to the SA objectives, but are likely to carry different priorities. In order to ensure that the plan is likely to contribute to sustainable development, the plan objectives are tested against the SA objectives for compatibility in a similar process to that described at Section 6.3.


‘an environmental [sustainability] report shall be prepared in which the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme, and reasonable alternatives taking into account the objectives and the geographical scope of the plan or programme, are identified, described and evaluated’ (Article 5.1).

Information to be provided in the Sustainability Report includes:

‘an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with’ (Annex I (h))

�


Testing the objectives in this way gives an early indication of where tensions between sustainability and development may lie, and can help to modify the plan or identify appropriate mitigation and avoidance strategies.

7.2.2 Task B2: Developing the plan options The LPAs intend to host public participation events to involve the Longbridge community in the development of AAP options. Information in this report will be made available during the process in order to provide an early indication of how the environment could be affected.

7.2.3 Task B3: Predicting the effects of the plan Using Assessment Matrices such as the one shown at Appendix F provides a highly accessible means of identifying which elements of the plan are likely to affect the SA objectives. The tables will include an assessment of the duration, permanence, geographic significance and magnitude of effect, as well as whether the effect is positive or negative.

Predicting the effects involves professional consideration, using empirical and objective baseline data wherever possible, to make statements about the likely effects of a particular strategy option.

7.2.4 Task B4: Evaluating the effects of the plan This task is combined with task B3 in the production of Assessment Matrices, which both predict the likely effects of the plan and evaluate the likely significance of those effects using a significance matrix. The significance matrix, shown in Table 7.2, combines the predicted magnitude and geographical significance of each effect to determine whether or not an effect is significant and if so, to what extent. It should be noted that the matrix is a guide to measuring significance of impact and should always be combined with professional judgement.

7.2.5 Task B5: Considering ways of mitigating adverse effects and maximising beneficial effects

For options that are identified as having a significant adverse effect, and where no further alternatives are feasible for technical or financial reasons, mitigation measures will be produced. These are defined as ways to prevent, reduce or offset the significant adverse effects of implementation, but should also include measures to maximise beneficial effects.

Mitigation can include changing the means of delivery of a particular strategic option, removing the component/statements that are not sustainable or which do

�


not promote sustainability or development of new alternatives (possibly a combination of the best aspects of existing options).

Table 7.2: Severity of Significance: Identified through Impact Magnitude and Geographic Significance

Impact magnitude

Negative Positive

High Medium Low Negligible Neutral

Negligible Low Medium High

International Severe Severe Major Moderate Moderate Major Severe Severe

National Severe Major Moderate Minor Minor Moderate Major Severe

Regional Major Moderate Minor Negligible

Negligible Minor Moderate Major

Geo

grap

hica

l si

gnifi

canc

e

Local Moderate Minor Negligible Negligible

Negligible Negligible Minor Moderate

�

The mitigation strategies may also include setting terms of reference for EIA of certain elements of the plan. EIA mitigation strategies can include design specific measures such as the creation of new habitats or efficiency measures in buildings. As a principle, mitigation should seek to avoid generating further or indirect negative effects.

Ideas for mitigation are often generated alongside the prediction and evaluation of effects and can be reported in the Assessment Matrices. This enables a transparent audit trail of decision making and justification to be maintained. Mitigation measures and the way in which they are developed will prepared in consultation with the LPAs and environmental consultation bodies prior to inclusion in the Sustainability Report.

7.2.6 Task B6: Proposing measures to monitor the significant effects of implementing the plan

Monitoring is necessary to ensure that mitigation of significant effects is successful at reducing or offsetting them, provides an early warning of unexpected effects and can generate new data for use in subsequent plans. It is recognised, however, that monitoring should make use of data already being collected by certain organisations where possible, in order to reduce duplication of effort. A table of proposed monitoring indicators will be included in the Sustainability Report.

�


7.3 Stage C: Preparing the Sustainability Appraisal Report �

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

The SA Report is the key output of the process and is a public consultation document that should be made available alongside the plan during consultation and decision making, ensuring that all the relevant environmental, social and economic considerations can be taken into account. As such it should be accompanied by a Non-Technical Summary to facilitate wider readership.


‘The environmental [sustainability] report shall include information that may reasonably be required taking into account current knowledge and methods of assessment, the contents and level of detail in the plan or programme, [and] its stage in the decision-making process’ (Article 5.2)

Information to be provided in the Sustainability Report includes:

• ‘the likely significant effects on the environment, including on issues such as biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the interrelationship between the above factors. These effects should include secondary, cumulative, synergistic, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects’ (Annex I (f) and footnote)

• ‘an outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with’ (Annex I (h))

• ‘the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme’ (Annex I (g))

�


7.4 Stage D: Consulting on preferred options and the SA Report �

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

7.4.1 Task D1: Public participation on the preferred options for the plan and the SA Report

The SA Report and the AAP must be release for formal pre-submission public participation for a minimum of six weeks. Reasonable steps must be taken to advertise the stage.

7.4.2 Task D2(i): Appraising significant changes Any changes made to the plan before submission, whether as a result of public participation or otherwise, must be appraised. Such changes could include alterations and clarifications to existing options, removal of options or adding new ones. The methods and objectives of this appraisal will be consistent with those described for Stage B.


‘The authorities [with relevant environmental responsibilities] and the public… shall be given an early and effective opportunity within appropriate time frames to express their opinion on the draft plan or programme and the accompanying environmental [sustainability] report before the adoption of the plan or programme.’ (Article 6(2))

‘The environmental [sustainability] report, … and the opinions expressed [in responses to consultation] ... shall be taken into account during the preparation of the plan or programme and before its adoption…’ (Article 8)

‘...when a plan or programme is adopted, the [environmental] authorities [and] the public … are informed and the following items [shall be] made available to those so informed:

(a) the plan or programme as adopted,

(b) a statement summarising how environmental considerations have been integrated into the plan or programme…[including] the reasons for choosing the plan or programme as adopted, in light of other reasonable alternatives dealt with, and

(c) the measures decided concerning monitoring’ (Article 9(1))

�


7.4.3 Task D2(ii): Appraising significant changes resulting from representation Following submission and examination, certain changes may need to be made to the plan as a result of the Inspectors recommendations. As with task D2(i) above, these changes must be appraised before adoption of the plan.

7.4.4 Task D3: Making decisions and providing information The information contained in the SA Report, including any revisions, together with responses to consultations, must be taken into account during decision-making and prior to adoption. Once the plan has been adopted an Environmental Statement (as stipulated by the SEA Directive) should be made public detailing why the plan has been adopted in its current form, how sustainability considerations and consultation responses have been taken into account, and why other alternatives have been rejected. It will be for the LPAs to provide this information; Halcrow can assist in presenting it.

7.5 Stage E: Monitoring significant effects �

�

�

�

�

7.5.1 Task E1: Finalising aims and methods for monitoring Monitoring arrangements are also the responsibility of the LPAs and should be designed to highlight specific performance issues and significant effects. A suggested monitoring framework is published with the SA Report and again with the Environmental Statement, and so will have been subject to extensive consultation.

7.5.2 Task E2: Responding to adverse effects It is suggested that LPAs give early consideration to how to react to monitoring information. The SEA Directive does not stipulate environmental responsibilities at this stage, but it is likely that certain social and economic factors will be monitored, some of which may have Public Service Agreement or policy commitments attached to them.�

The SEA Directive requires that;

‘Member States shall monitor the significant environmental effects of the implementation of plans and programmes in order, inter alia, to identify at an early stage unforeseen adverse effects, and to be able to undertake appropriate remedial action’ (Article 10.1)

The Sustainability Report shall include ‘a description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring’ (Annex I (i)).

�


8 Summary

This Scoping Report for the combined Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the emerging Longbridge Area Action Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the European Union SEA Directive (2001/42/EC) and the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004.

The report documents the main findings of the Stage A of the process in accordance with best practice and the recommendations made in government guidance (ODPM, 2005). It also outlines the methodology to be used in the following stages of the SA process. It is intended that this report will provide the initial basis for consultation on the content and process of the SA.

The report is available is LARGER PRINT.

�

�


�

Appendix A

Map of the Site and Study Area

Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Birmingham City Council. Licence No.100021326, 2005.This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright.

Scale 1:15,000

Birmingham City Council

Date:31/3/2006

Longbridge Study Area

No Window

Key

Study Area

Site Area

Birmingham Boundary

Copyright Geographers A-Z Map Company Ltd.

1. This plan does not deal directly with issues about improvements to new housing stock and regeneration of housing areas

NB:

2. The precise plan boundary is to be determined at the Preferred Options Stage

�

Appendix B

Schedule Two of the SEA Regulations

�


Appendix B - SCHEDULE 2 of the SEA Regulations

Statutory Instrument 2004 No. 1633 The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004

INFORMATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS 1. An outline of the contents and main objectives of the plan or programme, and of its relationship with other relevant plans and programmes. 2. The relevant aspects of the current state of the environment and the likely evolution thereof without implementation of the plan or programme. 3. The environmental characteristics of areas likely to be significantly affected. 4. Any existing environmental problems which are relevant to the plan or programme including, in particular, those relating to any areas of a particular environmental importance, such as areas designated pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and the Habitats Directive. 5. The environmental protection objectives, established at international, Community or Member State level, which are relevant to the plan or programme and the way those objectives and any environmental considerations have been taken into account during its preparation. 6. The likely significant effects on the environment, including short, medium and long-term effects, permanent and temporary effects, positive and negative effects, and secondary, cumulative and synergistic effects, on issues such as -

(a) biodiversity; (b) population; (c) human health; (d) fauna; (e) flora; (f) soil; (g) water; (h) air; (i) climatic factors;

(j) material assets; (k) cultural heritage, including architectural and archaeological heritage; (l) landscape; and (m) the inter-relationship between the issues referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) to (l).

7. The measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and as fully as possible offset any significant adverse effects on the environment of implementing the plan or programme. 8. An outline of the reasons for selecting the alternatives dealt with, and a description of how the assessment was undertaken including any difficulties (such as technical deficiencies or lack of know-how) encountered in compiling the required information. 9. A description of the measures envisaged concerning monitoring in accordance with regulation 17. 10. A non-technical summary of the information provided under paragraphs 1 to 9.

�

Appendix C

List of Policies, Plans and Programmes

�


Appendix C – List of Policies, Plans and Programmes

International Context

Birds Directive (79/409/EEC), European Community (1979)

Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, European Community (1979)

Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), European Union (1992)

European Community Biodiversity Strategy, European Union (1998)

Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), European Union (2000)

Waste Framework Directive (75/442/EEC), European Community (1975)

Landfill Directive (99/31/EC), European Union (1999)

European Employment Strategy, European Union (1997)

A Full Employment Strategy for Europe, HM Treasury (2003)

Lisbon Agenda, European Union (2000)

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations (1992)

Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (1997)

Promoting and Supporting Integrated Approaches for Health and Sustainable Development at the Local Level, World Health Organisation (2004)

European Regional Development Fund Objectives 1 and 2, European Union (2000)

White Paper European Transport Policy for 2010:�Time to Decide,�European Union (2001)

National Context

The UK Government Sustainability Strategy, Securing the Future, Defra (2005)

Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Defra (2000)

Working with the grain of nature: a biodiversity strategy for England, Defra (2002)

UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (1994)

Wildlife and Countryside Act, DEFRA (1981)

UK Climate Change Programme, DETR (2000)

The Energy White Paper Our Energy Future, DTI (2003)

�


Barker Review of Housing Supply, Delivering Stability: Securing our Future Housing Needs, HM Treasury (2004)

Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future, ODPM (2003)

The Urban White Paper Our Towns and Cities: the Future: Delivering an urban renaissance, DETR (2000)

Climate Change: The UK Programme, DEFRA (2004)

UK Employment Action Plan, Department for Work and Pensions (2002)

Choosing Health: making healthier choices easier, Department of Health (2004)

‘Game Plan’ the Government’s National Strategy for Sport, Government Strategy Unit (2002)

The Housing Act, ODPM (2004)

Secure and Sustainable Buildings Act, ODPM (2004)

Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act, ODPM (2000)

Previously-Developed Land that may be available for Development in 2003, ODPM (2004)

Waste Not, Want Not, A Strategy for tackling the waste problem, Cabinet Office (2002)

Bringing Britain Together: a National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, Social Exclusion Unit (1998)

Preventing Social Exclusion, Social Exclusion Unit (2001)

Making Space for Water, DEFRA (2004)

PPS1: Delivering Sustainable Development, ODPM (2005)

PPG2: Green Belts, ODPM (2001)

PPG3: Housing, ODPM (2000)

PPG4: Industrial, Commercial Development and Small Firms, ODPM (1992)

PPS6: Planning for Town Centres, Department of the Environment (1996)

PPS9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation, Department of Environment (1994)

PPS10: Planning for Sustainable Waste Management, Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (1999)

PPG13: Transport, DTLR (2001)

PPG15: Planning and the Historic Environment, Department of the Environment (1994)

PPG 16: Archaeology and Planning, Department of the Environment (1990)

�


PPG17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation, ODPM (2002)

PPS22: Renewable Energy, ODPM (2002)

PPS23: Planning and Pollution Control, ODPM (2004)

PPG24: Planning and Noise, DTLR (2001)

PPG25: Development and Flood Risk, ODPM (2001)

Strategic Regional and County Policy

Regional Sustainable Development Framework for the West Midlands, West Midlands Regional Assembly (2006)

Regional Biodiversity Strategy for the West Midlands, West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership (2005)

Regional Cultural Strategy (2001 – 2006), the West Midlands LIFE Consortium (2001)

West Midlands Regional Economic Strategy (2004 – 2010), Advantage West Midlands (2004)

West Midlands Regional Housing Strategy, West Midlands Regional Assembly (2005)

West Midlands Water Resources Strategy, Environment Agency (2002)

Regional Spatial Strategy for the West Midlands, West Midlands Regional Assembly (2004)

Worcestershire County Structure Plan (1996 – 2011), Worcestershire County Council (2001)

The final draft second West Midlands Local Transport Plan (2006), CEPOG (2006)

The Worcestershire Local Transport Plan, Worcestershire County Council (2001)

The second local transport plan for Worcestershire, Worcestershire County Council (due April 2006)

Restoring the Region’s Wildlife – Regional Biodiversity Strategy for the West Midlands, West Midlands Regional Assembly and West Midlands Biodiversity Partnership (2005)

Potential Impacts of Climate Change in the West Midlands, Sustainability West Midlands (2004)

Birmingham Unitary Development Plan (2005)

Longbridge Development Framework (2003)

Developing Birmingham – An Economic Strategy for the City (2005 – 2015)

Industrial Land Review (2003)

�


Nature Conservation Strategy for Birmingham (1996)

Archaeology Strategy (2003)

Bromsgrove District Local Plan (2004)

Taking Birmingham Forward (2005)

Improving Northfield, the District Community plan for 2005-06

Bromsgrove Community Plan (2003 – 2013)

�

Appendix D

Baseline Information

�

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Longbridge Area Action Plan

Appendix D – Baseline Collection May 2006


�

�

�

Halcrow Group Limited Red Hill House 227 London Road Worcester WR5 2JG Tel +44 (0)1905 361361 Fax +44 (0)1905 361362 www.halcrow.com Halcrow Group Limited has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of their client, for their sole and specific use. Any other persons who use any information contained herein do so at their own risk. © Halcrow Group Limited 2006

Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment for the Longbridge Area Action Plan Appendix D – Baseline Collection May 2006


�

�

Halcrow Group Limited Red Hill House 227 London Road Worcester WR5 2JG Tel +44 (0)1905 361361 Fax +44 (0)1905 361362 www.halcrow.com

�

Limitations of the report

Halcrow Group Ltd have been instructed to provide Birmingham City Council, Bromsgrove District Council and Worcestershire County Council (the LPAs) with a Sustainability Appraisal, incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment, of the Area Action Plan for Longbridge. This assessment is based on the information that has been made available at the time of publication. The report is presented as a consultation document. Any subsequent additional information arising during the consultation may allow refinement of the conclusions. It should be noted that:

• The findings of this report represent the professional opinion of experienced environmental scientists, sustainability consultants and other specialists. Halcrow does not provide legal advice and the advice of lawyers may also be required.

• All work carried out in preparing this report has utilised and is based upon Halcrow’s professional knowledge and understanding of current relevant European Union and UK standards and codes, technology and legislation. Changes in this legislation and guidance may occur at any time in the future and cause any conclusions to become inappropriate or incorrect. Halcrow does not accept responsibility for advising of the facts or implications of any such changes.

• This report has been prepared using factual information contained in maps and documents prepared by others. No responsibility can be accepted by Halcrow for the accuracy of such information. All maps, illustrations and other sources of data are credited where appropriate.

• Every endeavour has been made to identify data sources, where appropriate. • This baseline document is a work in progress and will be updated following the scoping

consultation period which will run from 24th May to 28th June 2006.

�

Abbreviations

AAP Area Action Plan�

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty�

AQMA Air Quality Management Area�

BAP Biodiversity Action Plan

BCC Birmingham City Council�

BREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method

CO2 Carbon Dioxide�

DfT Department for Transport�

GDP Gross Domestic Product�

GHA Global Hectare (a measure of ecological footprint)

GHG Greenhouse Gas�

GWh Giga Watt hours

GVA Gross Value Added�

ICT Information and Communication Technology

JIT Just in Time distribution�

kt/year Thousand tonnes per year�

LNR Local Nature Reserve�

Mtoe Million tonnes of oil equivalent

NNR National Nature Reserve�

NO2 Nitrogen Dioxide�

NVQ National Vocational Qualification

OFWAT Office of Water Services�

PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyl

PM10 Particulate Matter with a diameter less than or equal to 10 microns�

RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds�

SA Sustainability Appraisal

SAC Special Area of Conservation

SAM Scheduled Ancient Monument�

SAP Standard Assessment Procedure (energy efficiency rating)

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SINC Site of Importance to Nature Conservation

SLINC Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation

SMR Sites and Monuments Record�

SPA Special Protection Area�

SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest�

SWS Special Wildlife Site�

µg/m3 Micrograms per cubic metre�

UKCIP UK Climate Impact Programme�

VAT Value Added Tax�

WHEAS Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service�

Contents

Introduction 1

Air 5

�� Air Quality 6

�� Air Pollution 8

Biodiversity 11

�� Designated Areas 12

�� Habitats 14

�� Flora 15

�� Fauna 16

Climatic Factors 19

�� Energy Use 20

�� Greenhouse Gas Emissions 23

�� Climate Change 25

Cultural Heritage (including Architectural and Archaeological Heritage)

27

�� Built Heritage 28

�� Archaeology 29

Economic Factors 31

�� Economic Footprint 32

�� Employment 34

�� Unemployment 35

�� Income Levels 36

�� Skills and Qualifications 37

�� Enterprise and Innovation 38

Landscape 39

�� Landscape / Townscape Character 40

Material Assets 41

�� Ecological Footprint 42

�� Waste 44

Population and Social Factors (including Human Health)

45

�� Human Health 46

�� Housing 49

�� Crime 52

�� Education 54

�� Social Deprivation 55

�� Accessibility 57

�� Recreation, Leisure and Sport 59

�� Demographics 60

Soil 63

�� Geology 64

�� Soil 66

�� Contaminated Land 67

Transport 69

�� Modal Split 70

�� Accessibility and Infrastructure 72

�� Traffic 73

Water 75

�� Flood Risk 76

�� Water Quality 77

�� Groundwater and Resources 78

Date: May 2006 �C:\Documents and Settings\PincombeN\Desktop\Longbridge AAP SA-SEA Baseline[AppD]220506np.doc ��

Introduction

Longbridge Area Action Plan

Sustainability Appraisal / Strategic Environmental Assessment

-- Baseline Data --

Date: May 2006 �C:\Documents and Settings\PincombeN\Desktop\Longbridge AAP SA-SEA Baseline[AppD]220506np.doc �

Introduction This report presents information about baseline conditions in the Longbridge area of Birmingham, West Midlands. The information has been prepared to inform the development of an Area Action Plan, a Development Plan Document that is being formulated to guide regeneration and redevelopment in the neighbourhood. The report conforms to the SEA Directive in that it addresses all of the topics stipulated therein, but also provides information about economic and social conditions to allow for a full sustainability appraisal. Situated in southwest Birmingham, Longbridge Ward has a resident population of 30,964 people and is 8.2 square kilometres in size giving it a relatively high population density of 3,789 people per square kilometre. The area is predominantly residential and industrial in nature, although it is close to urban – rural fringe and the Lickey Hills Country Park. However the site straddles the administrative boundaries of Birmingham City Council and Bromsgrove District Council. Due to the history of Longbridge, its association with manufacturing and importance to the regional economy, the impacts of the closure of MG Rover extend outside of the Longbridge area, as will the effects of regeneration. As a result some definitions are needed. Within this document, references to the ‘site’ should be taken to include the site of the former MG Rover works

and focus for redevelopment. References to the ‘study area’ should be interpreted as the locality of Longbridge. These two areas are defined by Figure 1 on the following page. References to the wider area may include neighbouring wards, the rest of Birmingham City or any place significantly affect by MG Rover’s closure or subsequent regeneration efforts. This has presented some challenges in gathering accurate data relating to the area in question; in some cases the data presented relates to Longbridge Ward, in others it has only been possible to describe conditions in terms of Birmingham and Bromsgrove data. Furthermore, in some instances data is historical (for example, 2001 Census data) and does not give a true reflection of the current situation, particularly with regard to the closure of the MG Rover plant in spring 2005. It is recognised that data gathering as part of an SA / SEA should make best use of existing information, highlighting gaps where they exist, rather than attempting to generate new data. This report adopts such an approach, however, in order to pursue best practice a series of supporting studies have been commissioned. They will address various aspects of baseline conditions, as referenced in this document and on page 24 of the main Scoping Report, and the information they generate will be fully integrated into the SA/SEA process in the future.


Figure 1: The Longbridge Area�


Air



-- Baseline Data --

Air Quality


Baseline Data Air Quality Management Areas are declared by local authorities when air quality fails, or is likely to fail to meet national objectives. Currently there is an AQMA covering the whole of Birmingham city, which includes most of the northern part of the study area. Pollution was moderate or higher 11 days in Birmingham centre in 2004. Declared pollutant is nitrogen dioxide.i There is also an AQMA declared in Bromsgrove, although this covers a much smaller area, namely approximately 25 residential properties in close proximity to the M42 / A38 junction. Declared pollutant is nitrogen dioxide.ii Approximately 2.2 million tonnes of nitrogen dioxide are emitted in the UK each year. Of this, about one-quarter is from power stations, one-half from motor vehicles, and the rest from other industrial and domestic combustion processes.iii Average emissions in the study area were 25 tonnes per annum per square kilometre in 2003.iv Figure 2: AQMAs in West Midlands Source: Environment Agency

The National Air Quality Strategy objectives for nitrogen dioxide are:

• Not to exceed a concentration of 200 µg/m3 more than 18 times per year • Achieve an annual mean concentration of not more than 40 µg/m3.v

Figure 3 displays actual nitrogen dioxide levels from 18th to 25th February 2006.

Figure 3: NO2 levels, Birmingham centre Source: Air Quality Archive

The annual mean for nitrogen dioxide at the Longbridge site in Birmingham was 21.5 in 2004 and 20.2 in 2005 (µg/m3). In the Bromsgrove part of the site it was 18.1 in 2004 and 17.8 in 2005 (µg/m3). The Wider Area Figure 2 shows 16 AQMAs in the West Midlands, all of which have issues with nitrogen dioxide, mainly due to road transport. An estimated 48,644 million vehicle kilometres were travelled on the regions roads in 2004, an increase of 17% from 1994, illustrated in Figure 4.vi Figure 5 demonstrates nitrogen dioxide emissions across the UK.

Air Quality


�

Figure 4: West Midlands traffic growth Source: Environment Agency

Figure 5: National NO2 emissions Source: National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory

Trends The trend, both nationally and locally, is for gradually decreasing levels of nitrogen dioxide emissions despite continuing increases in road traffic. Future technological improvements are likely to be outweighed by continued road use. Nitrogen dioxide levels are predicted for the year 2010 as follows:

• Birmingham: 18.8 µg/m3. • Bromsgrove: 15.9 µg/m3.

Suggested Indicator Annual mean levels of nitrogen dioxide Related Assessment In depth air quality assessments have been carried out in relation to the proposed Technology Park development at the north of the site which, based on traffic levels, do not predict significant changes in air quality. Further assessments relevant to AAP regeneration will need to be carried out as part of environmental impact assessment. ��

i http://www.airquality.co.uk/archive/laqm/aqma.php?aqma_id=187 ii http://www.airquality.co.uk/archive/laqm/aqma.php?aqma_id=114 iii http://www.apis.ac.uk/overview/pollutants/overview_NOx.htm iv http://www.naei.org.uk/emissions/postcode_2003.php?f_postcode=b458td&radius=5 v http://www.airquality.co.uk/archive/laqm/information.php?info=objectives vi http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/midlands/835324/835577/1135971/?lang= _e&theme=&region=&subject=&searchfor=west+midlands+air+quality&any_all=&choose_order=&exactphrase=&withoutwords=

Air Pollution


Baseline Data The logarithmic chart in Figure 6 displays the average pollution emissions in tonnes per annum per square kilometre in the Lickey Road locality in 2003. By far the greatest contributors to these figures were combustion in commercial, institutional, residential and agricultural sectors, and transport and related machinery, particularly road transport.i��

0.0970.042

0.28

78

2486

0.14

25

1.20.62

23

0.01

0.1

1

10

100

1000

10000

1,3-bu

tadien

eBen

zo[a]

pyren

eBen

zene

CO

CO2

Lead

NO2

PM10

SO2

Non M

ethan

e VOC

Pollutant

Tonn

es p

a / s

q km

Average pollution emissions in tonnes per annum per square kilometre, Lickey Road, 2003

�

Figure 6: Pollution emissions, Lickey Road, 2003 Source: National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory

The logarithmic chart at Figure 7 identifies major point sources of emissions in tonnes per annum within a 5km radius of the site. In both charts carbon dioxide is the most significant emission, followed by carbon monoxide and then nitrogen oxides, particularly nitrogen dioxide. Particulate matter and volatile organic compounds are also significant.

0.001

0.01

0.1

1

10

100

1000

10000

CadburyTrebor

Bassett

FrankleyServices

MG RoverGroup Ltd

Minteq UKLtd

RoverGroup Ltd

SafewayStores Ltd

Point source

Ann

ual t

onne

s

1,3 Butadiene

Benzene

Benzo[a]pyrene

CO

CO2

NOX

SO2

PM10

Pb

VOC

Figure 7: Point source emitters, 5km radius, 2003

Source: National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory

Figure 8: West Midlands air pollution Source: Environment Agency

Air Pollution


The Wider Area Figure 8 demonstrates the air pollution scenario for three West Midlands centres. It should be noted that this is often dependent on weather conditions as demonstrated by the peaks in 2003, associated with warm and dry conditions.ii Figure 9 gives a national comparator. There were 2556 confirmed pollution incidents in the West Midlands in 2004, 14% of which had impacts to air.iii

Figure 9: National air pollution

Trends Air pollution is gradually falling, largely due to cleaner technology and tighter regulations. At Longbridge pollution levels are likely to undergo a significant decrease due to the closure of the MG Rover works, although continued industrial activity and increasing road transport will offset this to some degree. Suggested Indicator • Number of days per year when PM10 pollution is moderate or higher

��

ihttp://www.naei.org.uk/emissions/postcode_2003.php?f_postcode=b458td&radius=5 ii http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/103196/1262036? referrer=/regions/midlands/835324/835577/1135971/ iii http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/midlands/835324/835577/ 940300/?version=1&lang=_e


Biodiversity�



-- Baseline Data --

Designated Areas


Baseline Data There are two non-statutory Sites of Local Importance to Nature Conservation (SLINCs) on site (see Figure 10): • River Rea and adjoining land – a recognised wildlife corridor with a range of

habitats and wildlife including black poplar and some evidence of otter and water vole presence in the surrounding vicinity. However, culverted to the south and reinforced gabion banks with limited bank side vegetation’ limit the potential habitat for these species.

• Cofton Park – wet grassland habitat of local nature conservation interest identified by the Local Authority and Wildlife Trust.

There are two locally important, non-statutory Special Wildlife Sites (SWS) and two SLINCs near / adjacent to the study area: • Cofton Plantation SWS (adjacent, East) – small alder woodland supporting

several localised plant species. • Cofton Reservoir SWS (400m South) – discrete lake feature supporting a

number of breeding birds and associated wetland habitats. • Land at Rednall SLINC (500m West) – heath and woodland habitats of local

nature conservation interest identified by the Local Authority and Wildlife Trust. • Land at Leyland SLINC (100m North) – damp semi-improved grassland with

some floral interest, with planted trees. Within 2km of the study area there are two nationally important statutory Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs): • Bittell Reservoirs (approx. 600m East) – representing one of the most important

sites for passage wildfowl within the West Midlands. Over 200 species recorded including great crested grebe, little ringed plover and grasshopper warbler. Botanical and invertebrate interest is also noteworthy. Unfavourable condition, no change.

• Hopwood Dingle (approx. 1.7km East) – supporting ancient woodland assemblages within a network of interconnected steep-sided valleys. Favourable condition.

Figure 10: Designated sites in the Longbridge area Source: Halcrow, 2003

Designated Areas


The Wider Area Within the West Midlands there are:

� 19 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) � 1 Special Protection Area (SPA) � 14 National Nature Reserves (NNR) � 80 Local Nature Reserves (LNR) � 1 National Park � 5 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) � 439 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)i

Trends The condition of the region’s SSSIs is described below (with national comparators in brackets):

� Favourable: 36.1% (45.4%) � Unfavourable, recovering: 34.4% (24.4%) � Unfavourable, no change: 24.6% (19.3%) � Unfavourable, declining: 4.5% (10.8%) � Destroyed or part destroyed : 0.4% (0.1%)

The SSSI at Bittell Reservoirs suffers from over abstraction and pollution from discharge and agricultural run-off.

Suggested Indicator Condition (change) of Bittell Reservoir SSSI Related Assessment Ecological assessment has been carried out for several parts of the site to identify their ecological value prior to demolition of redundant industrial buildingsii. Some of the information contained therein is described in the following sections, but it should be noted that there are parts of the site that have not been fully assessed as yet, notably Cofton Park. A further Baseline Ecological Assessment is due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/midlands/835324/835577/1025715/?lang=_e ii Longbridge – East Works Ecological Assessment (Halcrow, 2006) Longbridge – East Works Ecological Assessment (Halcrow, 2006) Longbridge – South Works Ecological Assessment (Halcrow, 2006) Longbridge – West Works Ecological Assessment (Halcrow, 2006) Longbridge Technology Park – Environmental Statement (Halcrow, 2003)

Habitats


Baseline Data The ecological assessments that have been carried out for the site, covering West Works, South Works, the JIT centre, East Works, North Works and North Works Car Park, but notably not Cofton Park, identified the following habitats: • Railway embankment – semi-mature broad-leaved trees forming part of a

recognised wildlife corridor. Areas will support locally important populations of nesting bird and enrich the local habitat resource.

• Native scrub and trees – also supporting locally important populations of nesting bird.

• Semi-improved grassland – small isolated and fragmented patches. • Hardstanding, disturbed ground, ornamental / screen planting, standing water

and buildings. • Amenity – managed grassland on Cofton Park. • River Rea – recognised wildlife corridor with a range of habitats. However,

culverted in places and reinforced gabion banks with limited bank side vegetation limit its biodiversity potential.

The Wider Area The Birmingham and Black Country Biodiversity Action Plan contains the following priority habitatsi:

• Ancient Broad leaved semi-natural woodlands;

• Wet woodland;

• Lowland wood pasture and parks;

• Veteran and Notable trees;

• Scrub and regenerating woodland;

• Introduced woodland;

• Secondary woodland;

• Lowland neutral and base-rich grassland;

• Lowland dry acid grassland;

• Lowland wet grassland;

• Wet and dry lowland heath;

• Rivers and streams;

• Canals;

• Arable fields;

• Field margins and beetle banks;

• Urban ‘wasteland’;

• Managed greenspace (gardens, allotments, parks and open space); and

• Buildings and the built environment ��

i http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/ecorecord/bap/html/main.htm

Flora


Baseline Data The ecological assessments that have been carried out for the site, covering West Works, South Works, the JIT centre, East Works, North Works and North Works Car Park, but notably not Cofton Park, identified the following species of flora: Alder (Alnus glutinosa), beech (Fagus sylvatica),� bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), bramble (Rubus fruticosus), broom (Cytisus scoparius), buddleia (Buddleia davidii), bugle (Ajuga reptans), butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), cats-ear (Hypochaeris radicata),� cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), colt’s-foot (Tussilago farfara), common bentgrass (Agrostis capillaries), common mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum), common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), common toadflax (Linaria vulgaris),�crack willow (Salix fragilis var. fragilis), creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), crested dog’s-tail (Cynosurus cristatus), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), dock (Rumex sp), dog rose (Rosa canina), dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), downy birch (Betula pubescens), elder (Sambucus nigra), European gorse (Ulex europaeus),� false oatgrass (Arrhenatherum elatius), field horsetail (Equisetum arvense), great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), greater plantain (Plantago major), greater mullein (Verbascum thapsus), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), hazel (Corylus avellana), hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium), herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), horsetail (Equisetum sp), invasive cultivar (Persicaria mollis), ivy (Hedera helix), knapweed (Centaurea nigra), male fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis), meadowgrass (Poa sp), mosses, mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris),� nettle (Urtica dioica), oak (Quercus sp), ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), pendulous sedge (Carex pendula), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), perforate St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), pine trees (Pinus sp), red clover (Trifolium pratense), red fescue (Festuca rubra),

rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), ribwort plantain (Plantago major), round leaved crane’s bill��Geranium rotundifolium), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), silver birch

(Betula pendula), stonecrop (Sedum sp), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), tufted vetch (Vicia cracca), vetch (Vicia sp), �white poplar (Populus alba), willow (Salix sp), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia), and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus). None of these are judged to be protected or notable. Black poplar is a species of conservation concern. The Wider Area Nationally, 391 species are identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) as being under threat. The Birmingham and Black Country BAP identifies bilberry (vaccinum sp), bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia), floating water plantain (Luronium natans), orchids (orchidaceae sp) and as priority flora.i Trends Floating water plantain exists only in Europe and has been identified in 35 km2 in the UK since 1980, predominantly in Wales, the West Midlands, Northern England and the Norfolk Broads. It is under threat mainly due to increased canal activity. Suggested Indicator

• Trends in plant biodiversity

��

i http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=490#1

Faun

a

Dat

e: M

ay 2

006

�C

:\Doc

umen

ts a

nd S

ettin

gs\P

inco

mbe

N\D

eskt

op\L

ongb

ridge

AA

P S

A-S

EA

Bas

elin

e[A

ppD

]220

506n

p.do

c ��

Bas

elin

e D

ata

The

Birm

ingh

am a

nd B

lack

Cou

ntry

Bio

dive

rsity

Rec

ords

Cen

trei a

nd th

e ec

olog

ical

as

sess

men

ts t

hat

have

bee

n ca

rrie

d ou

t fo

r th

e si

te,

cove

ring

Wes

t W

orks

, S

outh

W

orks

, th

e JI

T ce

ntre

, E

ast

Wor

ks,

Nor

th W

orks

and

Nor

th W

orks

Car

Par

k, b

ut

nota

bly

not C

ofto

n P

ark,

iden

tifie

d th

e fo

llow

ing

spec

ies

of fa

una:

B

lack

bird

(Tur

dus

mer

ula)

, blu

e tit

(Par

us c

aeru

leus

), fe

ral p

igeo

n (C

olum

ba li

via)

, fo

x (V

ulpe

s vu

lpes

), gr

eat t

it (P

arus

maj

or),

gree

n w

oodp

ecke

r (P

icus

viri

dis)

,�m

agpi

e (P

ica

pica

), m

eado

w p

ipit

(Ant

hus

prat

ensi

s), r

obin

(Erit

hacu

s ru

becu

la),

woo

d pi

geon

(Col

umba

pal

umbu

s) a

nd w

ren

(Tro

glod

ytes

trog

lody

tes)

. P

oten

tial t

o su

ppor

t fau

na

The

site

and

stu

dy a

rea

has

the

pote

ntia

l to

sup

port

bad

gers

(M

eles

mel

es)

and

ther

e ar

e th

ree

reco

rds

of b

adge

r at

Cof

ton

Par

k S

LIN

C.

Th

e R

iver

Rea

riv

er c

orrid

or h

as p

oten

tial h

abita

t for

wat

er v

ole

(A

rvic

ola

terr

estri

s)

and

otte

r (L

utra

lutra

); th

e E

nviro

nmen

t A

genc

y id

entif

ied

the

pote

ntia

l pre

senc

e of

ot

ter w

ithin

the

2km

stu

dy a

rea

and

ther

e ar

e hi

stor

ic w

ater

vol

e re

cord

s 1k

m u

p an

d do

wn

stre

am o

f th

e si

te.

How

ever

, in

its

cur

rent

cul

verte

d an

d ga

bion

ban

ked

cond

ition

the

river

is u

nlik

ely

to a

ttrac

t the

se s

peci

es.

Ther

e ar

e po

tent

ial r

oost

ing

and

fora

ging

hab

itats

for

bats

. If

the

site

is id

entif

ied

as

supp

ortin

g ba

ts th

e ec

olog

ical

val

ue w

ould

incr

ease

N

o w

etla

nd f

eatu

res

have

bee

n id

entif

ied

that

cou

ld s

uppo

rt br

eedi

ng a

mph

ibia

ns

popu

latio

ns, s

uch

as g

reat

cre

sted

new

t. Th

ere

are

seve

ral p

ocke

ts o

f scr

ub a

nd s

emi-i

mpr

oved

gra

ssla

nd th

at c

ould

sup

port

re

ptile

s, in

clud

ing

hibe

rnac

ula

site

s.

Gra

ssla

nd o

f th

e ty

pes

surv

eyed

with

in t

he s

ite p

rovi

de l

imite

d op

port

uniti

es f

or

dive

rse

or n

otab

le in

vert

ebra

te a

ssem

blag

es.

Rou

gh g

rass

land

, sc

rub

and

esta

blis

hed

trees

with

in t

he s

tudy

are

a ha

ve t

he

pote

ntia

l to

su

ppor

t br

eedi

ng

pairs

of

a

rang

e of

co

mm

only

oc

curr

ing

and

wid

espr

ead

spec

ies

of b

ird

s.

The

Wid

er A

rea

Eco

Rec

ordii h

old

hist

oric

al r

ecor

ds o

f w

ater

vol

e (1

983

and

1985

) fro

m t

he R

iver

R

ea, o

ne o

f a s

ight

ing

appr

oxim

atel

y 2k

m N

orth

Wes

t and

one

of a

n in

activ

e bu

rrow

ap

prox

imat

ely

1.5k

m n

orth

.

Ther

e si

x re

cord

s of

bat

s (p

ipis

trel

le a

nd n

octu

le)

appr

oxim

atel

y 2k

m N

orth

Eas

t of

the

site

at R

iver

Rea

/ B

alaa

m’s

Woo

d.

Ther

e is

one

rec

ord

of s

moo

th n

ewt

(Trit

urus

vul

garis

) 2k

m N

orth

Eas

t ne

ar R

iver

R

ea /

Bal

aam

’s W

ood.

Th

ere

are

two

hist

oric

al (

1990

) re

cord

s fo

r go

ldcr

est

(Reg

ulus

reg

ulus

) an

d m

istle

th

rush

(Tu

rdus

vis

civo

rus)

, bo

th R

SP

B A

mbe

r lis

t sp

ecie

s an

d st

arlin

g (S

turn

us

vulg

aris

), a

n R

SP

B r

ed li

st s

peci

es w

ithin

the

2km

con

sulta

tion

area

. Th

ere

are

five

reco

rds

of K

ingf

ishe

r, U

K B

AP

Prio

rity

Ann

ex I

spe

cies

, 2k

m n

orth

east

alo

ng t

he

Riv

er R

ea.

The

Birm

ingh

am a

nd B

lack

Cou

ntry

BA

P i

dent

ifies

the

fol

low

ing

prio

rity

faun

a:

badg

ers,

bat

s (a

ll sp

ecie

s),

blac

k re

dsta

rt (

Pho

enic

urus

och

ruro

s),

brow

n ha

re

(Lep

us

euro

paeu

s),

fres

hwat

er

whi

te-c

law

ed

cray

fish

(A

ustro

pota

mob

ius

palli

pes)

, gr

eat

cres

ted

new

t, gr

een

hair

stre

ak b

utte

rfly

(C

allo

phry

s ru

bi),

grey

pa

rtri

dge

(Per

dix

perd

ix),

hous

e m

artin

(D

elic

hon

urbi

ca),

kest

rel

(Fal

co

tinnu

ncul

us),l

ittle

rin

ged

plo

ver

(Cha

radr

ius

dubi

us),

pipi

stre

lle b

at (

Pip

istre

llus

Fauna


pipistrellus), sky lark (Alauda arvensis), song thrush (Turdus philomelos), tree sparrow (Passer montanus), wall brown butterfly (Lasiommata megera) and water vole. Trendsiii • Brown hare is still quite widespread in the UK but has undergone substantial

decline since 1960s across Europe. Major causes of decline are conversionof grassland to arable and changes in agricultural practices.

• Great crested newt is still widespread in the UK but threatened in several

European countries and protected under the Habitats Directive and Bern Convention. Major causes of decline are lowering of water tables and in-filling of ponds due to development, pollution, re-stocking of fish and loss / fragmentation of terrestrial habitat.

• Freshwater white-clawed crayfish is widespread in clean, calcareous

streams, rivers and lakes in England and Wales, but many populations have been lost since the 1970s. It is protected under the Habitats Directive and Bern Convention, and listed as Globally Threatened by the World Conservation Union. Major causes of decline are competition with, and disease spread by, non-native crayfish, habitat medication / management and pollution.

• Grey partridge has declined by over 50% between 1969-1990 to a current

estimated 150,000 pairs. Populations in some mixed farming areas seem stable, especially in the north, but in areas of historical low abundance such as intensive grasslands in the west, declines have sometimes exceeded 95%. It is protected under the Habitats Directive and Bern Convention. Major causes of decline are loss of nests, nest sites, food sources and cover from prey, all due to intensive agricultural practices.

• Pipistrelle bat has declined by approximately 70% between 1978 and 1993, although it remains the most abundant and widespread bat species in the UK. It is protected under the Habitats Directive, Bonn Convention and Bern Convention. Major causes of decline are loss of food sources due to habitat change and intensive agricultural practices, loss of winter roosting in trees, buildings and due to toxic timber chemical treatments.

• Sky lark breeding population on lowland farmland declined by 54% between

1969 and 1991 in the UK and significantly across Europe. It is protected under the Birds Directive. Major causes of decline are loss of nests, nest sites, food sources and cover from prey, all due to intensive agricultural practices.

• Song thrush has experienced an estimated reduction of 73% in farmland and

49% in woodland habitats since mid 1970s. It is protected under the Birds Directive. The major causes of decline are changes in farming affecting food supply and the availability of nest sites, and the increased use of pesticides.

• Tree sparrow is patchily distributed on farmland across Britain, the main

populations being found across the Midlands, southern and eastern England. There was a decline of 85% in numbers in Britain between 1968-72 and 1988-91. The major causes of decline are� changing agricultural practices, particularly the increased use of herbicides, the shift from spring-sown to autumn-sown crops and consequent loss of winter stubble fields, more intensive management of grassland and general reduction of habitat diversity.

• Water vole was once common and widespread but�a national survey in 1989-

90 failed to find signs of voles in 67% of sites where they were previously recorded and estimated that this would rise to 94% by 2000. Major causes of decline are loss and fragmentation of habitats, disturbance of riparian habitats, predation by mink, pollution of watercourses and poisoning by rodenticides.

Fauna


Suggested Indicator Recorded sightings of a selection of priority species: badgers, otters, pipistrelle bats, song thrushes, tree sparrows and water voles.

��

i http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/ecorecord/ ii http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/ecorecord/ iii http://www.ukbap.org.uk/lbap.aspx?id=490


Climatic Factors



-- Baseline Data --

Energy Use


Baseline Data Figure 11 demonstrates the UK’s increasing energy demands, particularly in the transport and domestic sectors, from 1970. Quantities are expressed in million tonnes of oil equivalent.i

-

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

1970

1973

1976

1979

1982

1985

1988

1991

1994

1997

2000

2003

Year

Mto

e

Other final users

Domestic

Transport

Industry

�

Figure 11: Energy consumption by final user Source: DTI

�

The following series of charts, Figures 12 – 18, illustrates the consumption of energy from various fuel sources and by sector in Birmingham, Bromsgrove, the West Midlands and Great Britain expressed in GigaWatt hours.ii These charts are logarithmic.

7.3

3.2

379.7

8,558.8

4.6 5.4

458.6

6,773.7

1.0

10.0

100.0

1,000.0

10,000.0

Birmingham Bromsgrove West Midlands Great Britain

GW

h Industry & Commercial

Domestic

Figure 12: Energy consumption from coal, 2003 Source: DTI

3.8

0.0

50.3

8,025.8

11.8

1.0

328.8

3,316.9

0.0

0.1

1.0

10.0

100.0

1,000.0

10,000.0


GW

h Industry & Commercial

Domestic

Figure 13: Energy consumption from manufactured fuels, 2003 Source: DTI

Ene

rgy

Use

Dat

e: M

ay 2

006

�C

:\Doc

umen

ts a

nd S

ettin

gs\P

inco

mbe

N\D

eskt

op\L

ongb

ridge

AA

P S

A-S

EA

Bas

elin

e[A

ppD

]220

506n

p.do

c ��

765.

2

143.

9

8,88

1.8

177,

600.

3

78.3

37.8

3,07

4.9

34,7

59.8

4,94

2.2

2,02

4.5

52,0

49.3

507,

175.

7

48.5

11.5

372.

6

3,80

6.1

1.0

10.0

100.

0

1,00

0.0

10,0

00.0

100,

000.

0

1,00

0,00

0.0

Birm

ingh

amB

rom

sgro

veW

est M

idla

nds

Gre

at B

ritai

n

GWh

Indu

stry

& C

omm

erci

al

Dom

estic

Roa

d tra

nspo

rt

Rai

l

�

Figu

re 1

4: E

nerg

y co

nsu

mpt

ion

fro

m p

etro

leu

m p

rodu

cts,

200

3 S

ourc

e: D

TI

5,85

5.6

272.

3

29,6

41.1

307,

795.

0

7,26

4.1

899.

3

38,5

26.5

415,

948.

0

1.0

10.0

100.

0

1,00

0.0

10,0

00.0

100,

000.

0

1,00

0,00

0.0

Birm

ingh

amB

rom

sgro

veW

est M

idla

nds

Gre

at B

ritai

n

GWh

Indu

stry

& C

omm

erci

al

Dom

estic

Fi

gure

15:

Ene

rgy

cons

um

ptio

n fr

om

nat

ura

l gas

, 200

3

Sou

rce:

DTI

1,69

6.4

98.4

11,0

61.6

169,

983.

3

1,85

3.2

192.

2

10,6

08.6

118,

250.

9

1.0

10.0

100.

0

1,00

0.0

10,0

00.0

100,

000.

0

1,00

0,00

0.0

Birm

ingh

amB

rom

sgro

veW

est M

idla

nds

Gre

at B

ritai

n

GWh

Indu

stry

& C

omm

erci

al

Dom

estic

Fi

gure

16:

Ene

rgy

cons

um

ptio

n fr

om

ele

ctri

city

, 200

3

Sou

rce:

DTI

70.8

0.6

558.

6

6,80

7.7

0.1

1.0

10.0

100.

0

1,00

0.0

10,0

00.0

Birm

ingh

amB

rom

sgro

veW

est M

idla

nds

Gre

at B

ritai

n

GWh

Ren

ewab

les

& W

aste

Fi

gure

17:

Ene

rgy

cons

um

ptio

n fr

om

ren

ewab

les

and

was

te, 2

003

Sou

rce:

DTI

Energy Use


1.0

10.0

100.0

1,000.0

10,000.0

100,000.0

1,000,000.0


GW

h

Industry & Commercial

Domestic

Transport

�

Figure 18: Energy consumption total, by sector, 2003 Source: DTI

Finally, Figure 19 illustrates the UK’s final energy consumption by fuel source, since 1970.iii Quantities are expressed in million tonnes of oil equivalent. The West Midlands generated a total of 753.9 GWh of electricity from renewable sources in 2002. This fell to 581.1 of 32,966 GWh in 2003, 5th of nine national regions. Trends Energy consumption is generally rising, particularly in the domestic and transport sectors, although some improvements in intensity (efficiency) are occurring in industry as the economy becomes less reliant on high energy processes.

-

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

1970

1973

1976

1979

1982

1985

1988

1991

1994

1997

2000

2003

Year

Mto

e

Petroleum

Renewables and waste

Heat sold

Electricity

Natural gas

Town gas

Coal

�

Figure 19: Final energy consumption by fuel source Source: DTI

Suggested Indicators • Percentage of energy use from renewable sources

��

i http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/inform/energy_consumption/table.shtml ii http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/inform/energy_trends/ iii http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/inform/energy_consumption/table.shtml

Greenhouse Gas Emissions


Baseline Data On average, each person in the West Midlands creates 8.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year and each dwelling creates 5.7 tonnes per year (2003).i In Bromsgrove the per capita figure is 10.7 tonnes per year, in Birmingham it is 6.2. Figure 20 illustrates the output by sector in these three areas.

6129

960

43061

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

Birmingham Bromsgrove WEST MIDLANDS

kt C

O2

Industry and Commercial

Domestic

Road Transport

Land Use Change

Total

�

Figure 20: CO2 emissions (kt/year), by sector, 2003 Source: Netcen

The Wider Area Figure 21 provides information on carbon dioxide emissions nationally. CO2 is the most significant of greenhouse gases, but the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change uses a ‘basket of six’ gases as an indicator of emissions. This data is not currently available at Local Authority level, but is provided at national level in Figure 22. Other significant contributors (aviation and shipping, methane and nitrous oxide) are detailed in the subsequent graphs, Figures 23 – 25.

Figure 21: CO2 emissions by sector, UK Source: Netcen

Figure 22: Greenhouse gas emissions UK Source: Netcen

Greenhouse Gas Emissions


Figure 23: Aviation and shipping emissions Source: Netcen

Figure 24: Methane emissions by sector, UK Source: Netcen

Figure 25: Nitrous oxide emissions by sector, UK Source: Netcen

Trends DfT has forecast continuing increases in carbon emissions, as detailed in Table 1.

Table 1: Forecast carbon dioxide emissions (UK): by source: 1990-2020ii

Suggested Indicator • Carbon emissions per dwelling, tonnes per year ��

i Local and Regional CO2 Emissions Estimates for 2003, produced by Netcen for Defra http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/globatmos/galocalghg.htm ii http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/page/dft_transstats_ 609949.pdf

Climate Change


Baseline Data There is evidence to show that the climate of the West Midlands changed in the 20th century. Most notably the annual average temperature rose by 0.6°C, the growing season lengthened by 30 days, summer rainfall decreased and winter rainfall increased.i Trends UK Climate Impacts Programme UKCIP02 modelling suggests the following future changes in climate are possible: • The average annual temperature in Birmingham between 1961 and 1990 was

9.4°C. This is expected to increase by between 0.5°C and 1.5°C by the 2020s and 1.0°C and 2.5°C by the 2050s.

• Most of the warming is expected to take place in summer although winters are also expected to be significantly warmer. Warwickshire and the south east of the region are expected to warm up more than Shropshire and the north west of the region.

• The mean annual precipitation is expected to change by less than 10% by the 2050s. However this hides a dramatic change in seasonal precipitation. Winter precipitation might increase by between 0% and 10% by the 2020s and up to 20% by the 2050s. On the other hand, summer precipitation might decrease by between 0% and 20% by the 2020s and up to 30% by the 2050s.

• Cloud amounts are expected to decline slightly overall (between 2% and 6% by the 2050s) with a small increase of up to 2% in winter and a larger reduction of up to 10% in summer by the 2050s.

• Overall the mean relative humidity (the amount of water vapour in the air in comparison to the maximum saturation) is likely to decline by a small amount in winter (up to -2%) and decline much more in summer (-2% to -4% by the 2020s and -2% to -8% by the 2050s) as the air temperature is expected to increase. This may lead to a reduction in the number of fogs.

• The mean daily wind speed is not expected to change very much over the year (0% to +1%) but winter mean wind speed is expected to increase by up to 4% in the south east of the region by the 2050s. Summer mean wind speed is likely to stay the same (+/- 1%). However, there are low levels of confidence in the modelled wind speeds.

• The potential changes in soil moisture are quite dramatic. Soil moisture is a function of temperature, precipitation, humidity, sunshine and wind speed. Overall in summer the region would be drier and warmer and hence soil moisture could fall by between 5% in the north west of the region and 35% in the south east by the 2050s. In winter however the increased precipitation could lead to higher soil moisture levels and the increased probability of flooding.ii

Figures 26 – 28 illustrate some of these effects. iii

Figure 26: West Midlands change in annual average daily temperature

Source: UKCIP02 Climate Change Scenarios

Climate Change


Figure 27: West Midlands percentage change in summer precipitation


Figure 28: West Midlands percentage change in winter precipitation


��

i The Potential Impacts of Climate Change in the West Midlands – Sustainability West Midlands and UK Climate Impacts Programme: http://www.ukcip.org.uk/resources/location/default.asp?region_id=6 ii The Potential Impacts of Climate Change in the West Midlands – Sustainability West Midlands and UK Climate Impacts Programme: http://www.ukcip.org.uk/resources/location/default.asp?region_id=6 iii http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/regions/midlands/835324/835577/ 1136035/1244055/?version=1&lang=_e


Cultural Heritage (including Architectural and Archaeological Heritage)



-- Baseline Data --

Built Heritage


Baseline Data BCC have indicated that there are three listed buildings within the vicinity, though none actually on site: • King George Pub, 142 Bristol Road South, Grade II; • The Chapel at Hollymore Hospital, Tessel Lane, Grade II; and • A Water Tower, Grade II

As the only historic, large-scale car plant remaining in the City, the MG rover site is of considerable significance in the history of car manufacturing in Birmingham. A historic building recording project was undertaken the Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service in 2004i to produce a photographic and written analytical record of the buildings dating back to the First World War. This work has been completed. There is one conservation area in the locality: Austin Village, an area of just over 13 hectares designated in 1997. It lies east of the Birmingham to Bristol railway line,

northeast of the study area. It was originally built by Herbert Austin to house the additional workers needed for aircraft and munitions production at the factory during World War One. The site, bought in 1916 from the owner of Hawkesley Farm, features a cluster of 199 Canadian Cedar prefabricated bungalows imported from America in 1917, located around Hawkesley Drive and Central Avenue, Turves Green. Related Assessment A further Cultural Heritage report is due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i Historic Building recording at North Works, MG Rover, Longbridge, Birmingham (WHEAS, 2004)

Archaeology


Baseline Data Some archaeological investigation work has already been carried out on the site in advance of, and in response to previous planning applicationsi. This includes four stages of trenching conducted by the Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service: • North Works Car Park investigation to determine the form and presence of

Longbridge Farm and Longbridge House; • Two separate investigations to locate and record remains of Longbridge Farm

within the North Works site; and • Investigation and evaluation of the survival of deposits at the North Works site

relating to the former course of the River Rea. Further works that have been identified include the dating of deposits recovered from previous investigations, and transects of the River Rea and trenching of West Works Car Park to sample and analyse palaeoenvironmental deposits. The following archaeological features have been identified to dateii: • North Works Car Park: Longbridge House, farm buildings, yard and garden,

shown on 1840 tithe map. • North Works:

o Three houses and garden, shown on 1840 tithe map. o Longbridge Farm, shown on 1840 tithe map. Cobblestone walls and

pottery artefacts uncovered by trenching. o Route of River Rea, culverted in 1916 as secondary channel to new

culverted watercourse. Original route lies to the south of river course. Southern edge and palaeoenvironmental deposits identified during field excavation.

o Main North Works Building basements, constructed 1916, identified during filed excavation.

• West Works:

o Beaumoors Farm, constructed between 1840 and 1884, demolished to make way for West Works

o Two semi-detached houses, constructed between 1840 and 1884, demolished between 1937 and 1965.

BCC’s Archaeological Sites and Monuments Record lists archaeological sites in and around the site, includingiii: • Longbridge Fish Pond (BI 1726) which could be medieval in origin; and • The Longbridge Enclosure (BI 1727), visible from aerial photographs before the

Metro plant was constructed, which could be prehistoric or Roman in date. In addition to the known archaeological sites already recorded, there may be other sites as yet unrecorded, particularly alongside the River Rea and in parts of the site which are not occupied by buildings. The Wider Area There are two Scheduled Ancient Monuments within 2km of the site. These are: • Moated site east of Gannow Green Farm (approximately 1.8km west of the site) • Hawkesley Farm moated site (approximately 500m east of the site)

Suggested Indicators • Loss or damage to the archaeological resource • Loss or damage to scheduled monuments

Related Assessment A further Cultural Heritage report is due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i Longbridge Technology Park – Environmental Statement (Halcrow, 2003) ii Longbridge Technology Park – Environmental Statement (Halcrow, 2003) iii Longbridge development Framework, January 2003


Economic Factors



-- Baseline Data --

Economic Footprint


Baseline Data The former MG Rover Plant at Longbridge accounted for approximately 6.5% of total car production in UK during 2004. This figure had been decreasing since the year 2000. The Longbridge site employed approximately 6,000 people, and spent around £835m in the supply chain of the UK, of which £410m was in the West Midlands Region.i The Wider Area The West Midlands economy has grown more slowly than some other regions in recent years. Over the last decade the region’s gross value added (GVA) expanded by 64%, below the English average of 70% and that of London, the South East and the South West. The economy of the West Midlands has been generally affected by the process of globalisation, with improved communications, free-trade and open capital markets leading to increasing competition at a national and global scale. These developments are leading to pressure to improve productivity, invest in innovation and new technology, move to high-value, knowledge-based products and markets. This has prompted significant restructuring and competing through quality of labour rather than cost.ii Figure 29 illustrates how the regional economy is adjusting to these challenges through changes in the levels of employment in various sectors. In terms of GVA, manufacturing accounts for about 25% of the total for the West Midlands Region, with business services accounting for about 20%, as shown in Figure 29. Measured in terms of the share of total employment, while the West Midlands Region accounts for 10% of the total employment in England and Wales, it accounts for just over 14% of total manufacturing employment. The West Midlands Regional Observatory reported in January 2005, that the Region is at the centre of UK Manufacturing. This sector is a larger contribution to the West

Midlands than in any other UK region. There are an estimated 23,000 manufacturing enterprises in the Region. The manufacturing sector accounts for nearly 25% of West Midlands GDP compared to 19% nationally. In addition, the Region directly exports over 29% of its manufactured goods. In comparison with other sectors, retailing and distribution account for almost 18% of the total share of employment in the region, and business services (excluding financial intermediation) about 14%.

Figure 29: Sectoral share of employment (%)

Source: West Midlands Regional Observatory ‘Regional Skills Baseline, Jan 2005’

Economic Footprint


Figure 30: Sectoral share of GVA

Source West Midlands Regional Observatory ‘Regional Skills Baseline, Jan 2005’

The West Midlands Regional Economic Strategy (2004 – 2010) sets out the priority to support the region’s manufacturing base and promote the development of a more productive economy, through the following businesses:

• Transport technologies • Building technologies • Food & Drink • Tourism and Leisure • High Value Consumer products • Specialist business and professional survives • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) • Environmental technologies • Screen & new media for education and entertainment • Medical technologies

Trends In common with most regions outside of the South of England, GVA per head grew more slowly in the West Midlands than the UK average in most years. Suggested Indicator

• Growth rates and linkages in A38 High Technology Corridor • Amount of material / equipment sourced from local and regional suppliers

Related Assessment A further Employment Needs, Demands, Skills and Training Study is due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

iClosure of MG Rover Economic Impact Assessment (MG Rover Task Force, July 2005) iiA State of the Region, Update Report (West Midlands Regional Observatory, 2005)

Employment


Baseline Data

Table 2: Longbridge Ward economic activity

Economic Activity (men aged 16-64 / women aged 16-59) Number of People Percentage of Ward

Population Economically Active 11,43 75.1

Economically Inactive 3,693 24.9

Employed 9,804 66.1

With No Qualifications 5,941 40.0 Source: 2001 Censusi

Table 3: Largest employer organisations in Longbridge

Organisation Name Number of Employees (rounded to nearest 10) Nature of Business

1. Lloyds TSB Group plc Central Operations 1,150 Training Provider for Lloyds

2. Lloyds TSB 1,000 Banking services

3. Compass Group (UK & Ireland) Ltd 700 Contract Food Catering

4. Lloyds TSB Group plc - Transmission Services 500 Banking services

5. Letheby & Christopher Ltd 400 Catering & Banqueting Service

6. Reaside Clinic 400 Psychiatric clinic 7. Morrison Stores plc 250 Supermarket 8. Red & White Taxis 160 Taxi operation 9. Gap 100 Retail of clothing 10. UGC Cinemas Ltd 100 Cinema

11. Dau Draexlmaier Automotive UK Ltd 90 Automotive Parts &

accessories 12. Lloyds TSB Bank plc 90 Financial services

13. IDS Electrical Ltd 80 Electrical contractors

14. Colmers School & Sports College 80 Secondary school

15. JFL Automotive Ltd 70 Engineering automotive manufacturing

Source: Birmingham Chamber of Commerce & Industryii

The Wider Area Across the UK, 4.5 per cent of all employee jobs were classified as high or medium-high technology industries during 2003, a fall of over 1.5 percentage points from the 1998 figure. This fall is due to two factors: a decrease of over 20 per cent in the number of UK high and medium-high technology jobs as well as some growth in other sectors of the economy over the 1998 to 2003 period. During 2003, the West Midlands had the highest proportion of this type of job (at 7.0 per cent of all employee jobs), with the lowest in London (at 1.2 per cent).iii There has been a shift in the occupational structure of employment within the West Midlands, with an increasing emphasis on higher level managerial, professional or technical roles and customer-facing sales and personal service roles. The proportion of skilled manual, operative and unskilled staff in the workforce has reduced considerably.iv This is reflected in Table 3. Birmingham is a major employment centre drawing in workers from across the West Midlands region. According to the 2001 census, there were about 84,000 more people with a workplace in the city than there were employed residents. Managers, senior officials and professionals make up about 35% of persons commuting into Birmingham, compared to 23% of the city’s working residents.v Suggested Indicators

• Growth in numbers employed in local businesses ��

i www.birminghameconomy.org,uk ii www.birminghameconomy.org,uk iii Regional Competitiveness and State of the Regions, DTI April 2005 iv West Midlands Regional Observatory, A state of the Region, Update Report 2005. v Birmingham Local Development Framework Annual Monitoring Report, 2005).

Unemployment


Baseline Data Table 4: Longbridge Ward unemployment by gender

Male Female Total

Number of Unemployed 683 178 861

Unemployment Rate 11.4% 3.4% 7.7%

Source: Office for

National Statistics / BEIC

(August 2005)

Note: Birmingham Average Unemployment Rate is 8.4%

Table 5: Economically inactive, based on working age population

Birming-

ham

Birming-

ham (%)

Bromsg-

rove

Bromsg-

rove (%)

West

Mids

(%)

GB%

(%)

All people

Economically

inactive 155,700 26.2 8,400 15.9 22.1 21.7

Wanting a job 30,700 5.2 1,100 2.1 4.6 5.2

Not wanting a

job 125,000 21.1 7,300 13.8 17.5 16.6

Males

Economically

inactive 59,300 19.6 3,200 11.5 16.8 16.7

Wanting a job 13,200 4.3 < 500 1.6 4.0 4.2

Not wanting a

job 46,100 15.2 2,700 9.9 12.8 12.5

Females

Economically

inactive 96,400 33.2 5,200 20.5 27.9 27.1

Wanting a job 17,600 6.1 700 2.6 5.4 6.2

Not wanting a

job 78,900 27.2 4,600 17.9 22.6 20.9

Source: Annual Population survey (April 2004-Mar 2005)i

The Wider Area In Spring 2005, the West Midlands had the fifth lowest regional economic inactivity (neither employed nor actively seeking work) for males (15.9%, compared to an average of 16.1% in England). The region had the third highest for females (27.7%), compared to an average for England at 26.6%. Within the West Midlands, male economic inactivity worsened (by 2.5%) between 1992 and 2005, whereas female inactivity improved (by 2.9%), leading to a slight overall improvement.ii The West Midlands has the fifth lowest proportion of working age people in workless households (11.6%) and fifth lowest proportion of children living in such households (15.9 % compared to a national average of 15.9%). The proportion of working age people living in workless households in the West Midlands decreased by 2.4% between 1992 and 2005. The proportion of children living in workless households decreased by 68% over the same period.iii Suggested Indicator

• Percentage of working age people in workless households ��

i www.nomisweb.co.uk ii Sustainable Development: West Midlands Fact Sheet, Dec 2005 iii Sustainable Development: West Midlands Fact Sheet, Dec 2005

Income


Baseline Data Average gross weekly wages of local residents are the best proxy for establishing performance of a study area in terms of household incomes. In the Bromsgrove and Birmingham areas, the gross weekly earnings are £379.40 and £400.80 respectively. These figures are lower than the average for the West Midlands and the National average. Table 6: Median earnings in pounds for employees living in the region

Birmingham

(£)

Bromsgrove

(£)

West Midlands

(£) GB (£)

Gross weekly

pay 400.8 379.4 405.3 433.1

Male Full Time

Workers 430.0 379.2 444.1 474.9

Female Full

Time Workers 357.6 383.3 345.5 372.3

Hourly pay

Full Time

Workers 10.25 9.24 10.17 10.86

Male Full Time

Workers 10.69 8.47 10.75 11.50

Female Full

Time Workers 9.67 9.90 9.21 9.90

Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings – Resident Analysis (2005)i

Trends Development through the Central Technology Belt may raise wages in the region. ��

i www.nomisweb.co.uk

Skills and Qualifications


Baseline Data Along with the changes in occupational structures in the West Midlands has been a shift in the balance of qualifications of the workforce. Analysis of qualifications held by the working age population within the West Midlands over the period 1999- 2003 indicates the following:

• There has been an increase in the proportion of the working age population with NVQ level 4/5 qualifications from 19.2% to 21.2%, but this figure still falls behind respective figure for England and Wales (24.9%).

• There has been an increase in those whose highest qualification is NVQ Level 3, to 14.6% in line with the figure for England and Wales.

• An increase in those whose highest qualification is NVQ Level 2 is also evident to 15.1% - slightly below the figure for England and Wales.

• A reduction is evident for those whose highest qualification is NVQ Level 1 to 15.7% - slightly below the figure for England and Wales.

• A reduction in the proportion with no qualifications is also evident to 18.7%, but this figure still exceeds the figure for England and Wales of 15.0%.i

Table 7: Qualifications for working age population

Birmingham (%)

Bromsgrove

(%)

West Midlands

(%) GB (%)

NVQ4 and above 20.7 33.4 21.1 25.2

NVQ3 and above 37.6 52.6 28.8 43.1

NVQ 2 and above 53.5 67.9 57.0 61.5

NVQ1 and above 68.8 81.8 72.7 76.0

Other qualifications 9.2 4.4 8.6 8.8

No qualifications 22 13.8 18.7 15.1

Source: Local Area Labour Force Survey (March 2003 – Feb 2004)ii

Note: No qualifications: No formal qualifications held. Other qualifications: includes foreign qualifications and some professional qualifications. NVQ1 equivalent: fewer than 5 GCSEs at grades A-C, foundation GNVQ, NVQ 1, intermediate 1 national qualification (Scotland) or equivalent. NVQ2 equivalent: 5 or more GCSEs at grades A-C, intermediate GNVQ, NVQ 2, intermediate 2 national qualification (Scotland) or equivalent. NVQ 3 equivalent: 2 or more ‘A’ Levels, advanced GNVQ, NVQ 3, 2 or more higher or advanced national qualifications (Scotland) or equivalent. NVQ 4 equivalent and above: HND, Degree and Higher Degree Level Qualifications or above. Trends The trend in the UK has been toward a more highly-qualified workforce. Indicators

• Business links with schools colleges and universities ��

i West Midlands Regional Observatory Regional Skills Baseline, Jan 2005 ii www.nomisweb.co.uk

Enterprise and Innovation


Baseline Data A method to estimate business formation and survival rates is to count the number of businesses that register for VAT. It should be noted however, that this approach does not take into account those businesses whose turnover is below that of the VAT threshold (£55,000), and does not include those businesses that might have deregistered for other reasons, for example, if the turnover of the business fell below the VAT threshold. Table 8: VAT registration and de-registration

Birmingha

m

Birmingham

(%)

Bromsg-

rove

Bromsg-

rove (%)

West

Mids

GB

%

Registrations 2,420 9.8 310 9.2 9.8 10.1

De-

registrations 2,610 9.8 300 8.9 9.8 9.9

Stock (at end

of year) 22,305 3,360

Source: www.nomisweb.co.uk

Wider Region In the West Midlands, business formation rates are significantly lower than national rates. Between 1994 and 2002, the average was 10.1 start-ups per year per 100 existing businesses, compared with 10.7 in England as a whole. Within the region, business density (the stock of VAT registered businesses per 10,000 adults) is 347 but in England as a whole it is 379. The 2004 Community Innovation Strategy placed the West Midlands at the top of the UK league of innovating regions. Half of

the companies in the region reported innovative activity. However, ONS data shows that the region’s share of business R&D expenditure is well below its contribution to the UK GDP.i Longbridge forms an integral part of the A38 Corridor Strategy, which emerged from the need to diversify the manufacturing base of the West Midlands. The corridor runs from Birmingham City Centre through Longbridge to Malvern. It links such important facilities as the City Centre (including Aston University and Science Park), Birmingham University and the Selly Oak and Queen Elizabeth Hospitals, Birmingham Great Park and QinetiQ at Malvern.ii Within the context of the A38 Corridor Strategy, surplus land at Longbridge provides an opportunity to deliver enterprise – particularly in medical and nanotechnology, stimulating existing business diversification and community regeneration. Indicators

• Research and development, and employment in high and medium-high technology industries

��

i Spending Review 2004, West Midlands Emphasis Document ii Longbridge Development Framework, Supplementary Planning Guidance to the Birmingham Unitary Development Plan (UDP)


Landscape



-- Baseline Data --

Landscape / Townscape Character


Baseline Data From a low point near the River Rea at the junction where the A38 Bristol Road South turns to the west, the land rises to the north, south and east. Lickey road rises gently towards the wooded Lickey Hills to the southwest. To the west of Lickey Road the land falls gently away from the road. To the northeast of the junction there is a hump in the A38 where it crosses over the railway branch line and under the car conveyor, a local landmark which connects the West and South Works sites. After the junction with Longbridge Lane, the A38 rises slightly to the northeast towards Broughton Crescent. Beyond the railway, the land rises gently to the east towards the residential areas of Thurlestone Avenue and Reabrook Road. At the southern end of the site the lands falls towards the east. The area is predominantly urban in nature, being located on the southwest fringe of Birmingham City. Industrial buildings dominate towards the north, with a range of residential developments from 1920s terraces, 1950s estates to modern developments. This gives way to open countryside and green belt in the south where low hedgerows with scattered mature trees surrounding the fields are typical. There is a belt of mature woodland associated with Cofton Reservoir. Other important features are Cofton Park amenity space on site, and the Lickey Hills Country Park and Bittell Reservoirs (also a SSSI) just outside of it. The main transport route of the A38 (Bristol Road South) cuts through the northern part of the site before turning west towards the M5. The Birmingham to Bristol mainline passes through the eastern edge of the site, and a branch lines severs the northern part of the site, at right angles to the A38. Both travel through cuttings. Two rivers cross the site, the Rea and the Arrow, but both travel through culvert as they pass through the industrial parts of the site. The Rea at the north of the site passes alongside the railway branch line before being culverted and emerges in Daffodil Park north of the site, before heading northeast towards Birmingham. The Arrow feeds Cofton Reservoir in Bromsgrove, south of the site, before being

culverted as it traverses the East Works and the railway line. As it emerges it turns southeast to feed the Bittell Reservoirs. Longbridge’s identity is strongly associated with the MG Rover plant. The buildings of the car manufacturing plant dominate the skyline, particularly the more modern South Works which are situated on higher ground.

The Wider Area The site is located within the south western part of ‘Arden’ in the Countryside Agency’s Landscape Character Assessment. This is an area which extends from Hagley in the west to Warwick in the east and as far north as Tamworth, and includes the entire Birmingham plateau: ‘The Birmingham plateau is composed of two uplifted blocks of older Palaeozoic rocks separated by an area of Triassic rocks mostly covered in glacial drift. The central part of the plateau rising to 200 metres between Portway and Longbridge, has a gently rolling topography which falls away northward into the Tame valley. To the south-west, however, the plateau falls off steeply into the upper Arrow basin which drains southwards into the Avon valley below Alcester’i.

Trends Development pressure in general remains a challenge at the urban-rural fringe as is highlighted by the presence of greenbelt. Suggested Indicators • Condition and extent of landscape features: trees, hedges, ponds • Percentage of highways that are of a high or acceptable level of cleanliness • Contribution to improvement in streetscene: furniture, signage, lighting, public

art Related Assessment A further Built and Rural Landscape Appraisal is due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i http://www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/CC/west_midlands/arden.asp


Material Assets

Longbridge Redevelopment

Birmingham City Council Bromsgrove District Council

St Modwen Developments Ltd


-- Baseline Data --

Ecological Footprint


Baseline Data Ecological footprinting allows standardised resource accounting and comparisons to be drawn with the national average and between local authority areas. It provides a complete picture of the environmental impacts of consumption patterns including transport, consumables and waste, services, food, building and residential energy as well as shared resources such as the health service. As such it addresses many of the aspects traditionally viewed as material assets. Environmental and economic inputs and outputs can be measured in terms of footprint. The world average ecological footprint is 2.2 global hectares (gha) per capita. In contrast, dividing the total biologically productive surface area of the planet by the current population gives us our maximum budget for sustainable living: 1.8 gha per capita. Birmingham’s ecological footprint is 5.3 gha per capita, as illustrated below:i

-

1

2

3

4

5

6

Eco

logi

cal F

ootp

rint

(gha

/cap

)

Government and Other

Capital Investment

Holiday Activities

Services

Consumables

Housing

Land Travel

Energy

Food and Drink

Figure 31: Birmingham’s ecological footprint Source: Stockholm Environment Institute

Table 9: Ecological footprints

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT (gha per capita)

Activity

Category

Main Consumptive Items included in Category B’ham B’rove

Food and

Drink

Food and drink purchased for home consumption, alcoholic

drinks purchased in a public house, restaurants and other

eating out establishments as well as take-aways.

1.13 1.23

Energy Domestic fuel including gas, electricity and other fuels such

as oil or bio-fuels

1.05 1.01

Capital

Invest-

ment

Investment in tangible fixed assets such as plant and

machinery, transport equipment, dwellings and other

buildings and structures

0.76 0.76

Travel Car fuel, the impact associated with purchasing and

maintaining private vehicles and public transport (bus, train,

coach, air travel etc.)

0.66 0.78

Consum-

ables

Includes durables and non-durables items including

newspapers, clothing, appliances, glassware, tools,

medical products, audio-visual equipment, personal effects

etc.

0.52 0.61

Govern-

ment and

Other

Includes the resources used by national and local

government, universities and colleges and balances the

Ecological Footprint by taking out overseas tourists in the

UK and changes in stocks

0.40 0.40

Services Includes private hospital and education, postal, telephone,

water supply, recreation, insurance, financial services etc.

0.22 0.23

Housing Building, maintenance and repair of dwellings 0.16 0.14

Holiday

Activities

Any consumption by UK residents overseas, from hotel

energy requirements to eating out and shopping

0.39 0.45

Ecological Footprint


Bromsgrove’s ecological footprint is 5.61 gha per capita, as illustrated below:ii

-

1

2

3

4

5

6

Eco

logi

cal F

ootp

rint

(gha

/cap

)

Government and Other

Capital Investment

Holiday Activities

Services

Consumables

Housing

Land Travel

Energy

Food and Drink

�

Figure 32: Bromsgrove’s ecological footprint Source: Stockholm Environment Institute The Wider Area There is an ecological footprint for gross fixed capital formation in the UK which includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining and extraction assets, infrastructure (including transport and services), manufacturing, services, finance, public administration, education, etc; a full list is available from the Stockholm Environment Instituteiii. As shared assets, and therefore shared responsibilities, this is calculated as a UK average of 0.76 gha per capita. The UK’s total ecological footprint is 5.4 gha per capita, three times higher than the sustainable budget and two and a half times higher than the global average; see Figure 33. The UK Sustainable Development Strategy 2005iv recognises the importance of living within environmental limits; ecological footprinting provides a consistent and

reliable method of measuring and comparing performance in this area, and helps to identify ways to improve.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

US

A

Sw

eden UK

Japa

n

Wor

ldA

vera

ge

Bra

sil

Chi

na

Indi

a

Eth

iopi

a

EF

(per

cap

ita)

�

Figure 33: International ecological footprints compared to world average Source: Stockholm Environment Institutev

Trends Ecological footprints tend to grow with GDP. Suggested Indicator • Ecological footprint of Birmingham and Bromsgrove Local Authority Areas

(Longbridge ward when data becomes available) ��

i http://www.sei.se/reap/download_login.php?region=l ii http://www.sei.se/reap/download_login.php?region=l iii http://www.sei.se/reap/download_login.php?region=l iv Securing the Future (Sustainable Development Commission, 2005) v http://www.sei.se/reap/download_login.php?region=l

Waste


Baseline Data Birmingham’s waste production requires 0.59 gha per capita to absorb it before recycling, or 0.52 gha per capita including current rates of recycling. Bromsgrove’s figures are 0.66 before recycling, and 0.61 after. Actual figures for household waste in 2003/04 are described in Table 10i. Table 10: Birmingham and Bromsgrove household waste figures (2003/04)

Indicator Birmingham Bromsgrove West Mids UK

Recycled (%) 10.4 10.8 11.2 13.2

Compost (%) 2.6 0.0 5.4 3.9

Energy recovery

(%) 68.3 n/a 35.0 10.5

Landfill (%) 25.7 n/a (89.2?) 50.4 71.9

Per capita (kg) 452.9 346.7 439.2 438.5

Pop. served by

kerbside

collection (%)

80.6 14.1 77.3 86.1

Source: ODPM Best Value Performance Indicators

The Wider Area In the UK household waste (9%) continues to be dwarfed by other waste streams with industry and commercial waste (25%), mining and quarrying waste (29%) and construction and demolition waste (32%) posing more difficult challenges.ii Trends Waste is growing at approximately 3% per annum nationally. As shown in Figure 34, in 2002/3, the proportion of waste disposed of in landfill sites fell to 43 per cent, although the actual amount disposed of in this way did not change significantly compared with 1998/9. The proportion of waste being recycled or reused increased to 42 per cent in 2002/3, with actual tonnage increasing by 46 per cent between the two years.iii

Figure 34: Total waste arisings, UK (1998/99, 2002/03) Source: DEFRA

Suggested Indicator • Percentage household waste recycled, composted, recovered and landfilled • Amount of construction and demolition waste going to landfill • Per capita household waste production • Proportion of secondary / recycled aggregates used in new building • Provision of recycling facilities integral / close to homes

��

i http://www.bvpi.gov.uk/pages/keyFacts_BVPI.asp?lastpage=1&aid=382 ii http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/waste/kf/wrkf02.htm iii http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/waste/kf/wrkf14.htm


Population and Social Factors (including Human Health)



-- Baseline Data --

Human Health


Baseline Data In the 2001 Census 11% of Longbridge residents were described as having not good health and only 66% of residents were described as having good health. The remaining 23% were of fairly good health. These figures compare unfavourably with those of the West Midlands and of England and Wales.i

20,35566%

7,20523%

3,40211%

Good health Fairly good health Not good health

Figure 35: General health in Longbridge Ward (2001) Source: ONS

The 2001 Census asked people to describe their health over the preceding 12 months as 'good', 'fairly good' or 'not good'. Table 11: Percentage of resident population in each group, April 2001

Bromsgrove Birmingham West Midlands

England and Wales

General health: Good 71.1 65.7 67.2 68.6

General health: Fairly good 21.3 23.5 23.1 22.2

General health: Not good 7.7 10.9 9.7 9.2

Source: Neighbourhood Statistics

The ‘not good health’ figure for the West Midlands, at 9.7%, was higher than that for England and Wales, at 9.2%. Birmingham is recorded as 10.9% of people having not good health. The lowest figure was for Bromsgrove at just 7.7% (see Table 11).ii The Wider Area In Birmingham the total fertility rate in 2002 was 1.95, this being the average number of children that would be born to a woman if she experienced the current age-specific fertility rates throughout her child-bearing years. In Bromsgrove the total fertility rate in 2002 was 1.55. The national average for the UK was 1.64. The male and female life expectancies for Birmingham during the period 2001-2003 were 73.9 and 79.7 years respectively and 77.7 and 81.1 years respectively for Bromsgrove. The life expectancy figures for Bromsgrove are above those for both the West Midlands and England and Wales. Those for Birmingham are lower than both the regional and national life expectancies.iii Table 12: Life expectancy at birth (years), 2001- 2003

Bromsgrove Birmingham West Midlands

England and Wales

Life expectancy at birth, males

77.7 73.9 75.6 76.1

Life expectancy at birth, females

81.1 79.7 80.4 80.7


Hospital episodes are defined as a single continuous stay in hospital, administered by a particular consultant. Counts of hospital episodes are therefore an indicator of demands on the NHS.

Human Health


Table 13 shows the number of cases, by age and sex, of the major causes of hospital episodes in Bromsgrove and Birmingham between April 2002 and March 2003.iv Values are calculated based on the local authority where the patient lives. Table 13: Hospital episodes in Bromsgrove and Birmingham, April 2002 - March 2003

Bromsgrove Birmingham Males

16-59 Females 16-59

Males 60+

Females 60+

Males 16-59

Females 16-59

Males 60+

Females 60+

Heart Disease Diagnosis

182 60 503 319 2,655 1,115 6,194 4,970

Stroke Diagnosis

22 21 97 124 309 229 1,370 1,738

Cancer Diagnosis

250 330 442 436 3,840 6,305 8,238 6,571

Accident Diagnosis

190 92 72 231 3,473 1,314 1,670 3,793

Coronary artery bypass or angioplasty

17 x 52 13 425 118 659 303

Total Episodes

3,008 4,254 3,650 3,758 45,499 67,726 51,901 55,278


Carers are people who provide voluntary care to look after, help or support family members, friends, neighbours or others affected by long-term physical or mental ill-health or disability, or problems relating to old age. In the local authority of Bromsgrove, 12 per cent and in Birmingham, 10 per cent of the resident population

provided unpaid care compared to 10 per cent in England and Wales. Of the people providing unpaid care, 24 per cent gave 50 hours or more per week; this compared with 21 per cent in England and Wales. Infant mortality in the West Midlands in 2002 was higher than the England average and between 1981 and 2002 fell from 11.7 to 6.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Infant mortality in 2002-3 stood at 4.2 deaths (England average 3.1 deaths) per 1,000 live births for babies with fathers in higher managerial and professional occupations, compared with 8.5 (England average 6.7 deaths) for routine occupations and 10.0 (England average 7.7 deaths) for semi-routine occupations. Trends

�

Figure 36: Male and female life expectancy, UK Source: ONS

Figure 36 shows that life expectancy at birth between 1991-3 and 2002-4 has increased for males and females in both the West Midlands and England as a whole.v Between 1991-3 and 2002-4 male life expectancy increased by 2.7 years to 75.9 years (England average 76.6 years) and life expectancy for females increased

Human Health


by 1.9 years to 80.6 years (England average 80.9 years). Although figures are unavailable for the Longbridge Ward, the same trends are expected to be seen. In 2003 there were a total of 525 people killed or seriously injured in road accidents in Birmingham and 59 in Bromsgrove. Within the West Midlands region as a whole there were 2,987 people killed or seriously injured, of whom 11 per cent were children.

Suggested Indicators • Percentage of people walking or cycling to school or work

��

i Based on information in the ONS 2001 Census. ii�Based on information on http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/�

iii�Based on information on http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/�

iv�Based on information on http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/�

v�Based on information on http://www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/regional/wm/38.htm

Housing


Baseline Data Longbridge has a relatively high population density (see Demographics section) and there are a relatively high number of people per room in the ward. Figure 37 shows that 2.6% of the population reside with over 1 person per room compared to the English average of 1.9%.i The figure for Birmingham, however, is significantly higher at 3.6% of people living in accommodation with over 1 person per room (Table 14).

0.4%2.2%

64.0%

33.4%

Up to 0.5 persons per roomOver 0.5 and up to 1.0 persons per roomOver 1.0 and up to 1.5 persons per roomOver 1.5 persons per room

Figure 37: Persons per room in the Longbridge Ward (2001) Source: ONS

Table 15 shows that 8.37% of accommodation in England does not have central heating; the West Midlands has a greater proportion without central heating at 11.12% and Longbridge even higher at 15.78%, shown in Figure 38.ii In Bromsgrove 95.56% of accommodation has central heating.

Table 14: Persons per room (2001)

England West Midlands

Broms-grove

Birming-ham

Long-bridge

Up to 0.5 persons per room 71.1% 71.0% 75.8% 66.9% 64.0%

Over 0.5 and up to 1.0 persons per room

27.0% 27.2% 23.5% 29.5% 33.4%

Over 1.0 and up to 1.5 persons per room

1.3% 1.4% 0.5% 2.6% 2.2%

Over 1.5 persons per room 0.6% 0.4% 0.2% 1.0% 0.4%

10,81684%

2,03216%

Accomodation has central heating

Accomodation does not have central heating Source: ONS

Figure 38: Accommodation with central heating in the Longbridge Ward, 2001 In Birmingham 59.6% of households are owner occupied. For the Longbridge ward 57.9%. A total of 35% were rented from either the local authority, housing association or other registered social landlord, which compares to a figure of 27.8% for Birmingham. The remaining 7.1% of households rented privately or lived rent free.

Housing


Table 15: Accommodation with and without Central Heating (2001)

England West

Midlands Broms-grove

Birming-ham

Long-bridge

Without central heating; with sole use of bath / shower and toilet

8.37% 11.12% 4.34% 20.31% 15.78%

With central heating and sole use of bath / shower and toilet

91.15% 88.55% 95.56% 79.13% 84.07%

Source: ONS The Wider Area The average house in the West Midlands:

• is occupied by 2.41 people, 0.4 cats and 0.3 dogs; • consumes 9,127 KWh of energy, producing 5.18 tonnes of CO2; • weighs about 150 tonnes, with another 137 tonnes for the foundations; • lasts for about 60 years; • requires 0.50 tonnes of materials each year for maintenance and repair; and • uses energy derived from natural gas (66%) and electricity (24 %).

The construction of new homes, repairing of old ones, and use of operational energy are the most significant components of the West Midlands’ Ecological Footprint. Additionally, 20 per cent of West Midlands households suffer from fuel poverty, due to the poor condition of the existing housing stock. Building the average West Midlands home produces 61 tonnes of CO2. Yearly emissions from maintenance and repair add another 0.19 tonnes of CO2. However, the most significant emissions come from direct energy used to operate the house –

around 5.38 tonnes a year. This is more than 4.5 times greater than emissions from construction and maintenance. Surprisingly, the building materials used in the greatest quantities to construct a house do not necessarily have the greatest CO2 impact. Only 2 tonnes of metal products (1.3 per cent of the total average materials used for home building) are used in an average house, but these are responsible for the most CO2 emissions occurring during their production. Per unit used in the UK, gas produces less CO2 than electricity. While gas represents 66 per cent of all the energy used in the West Midlands, it accounts for only 54 per cent of its CO2 emissions from consumption. Electricity use accounts for 24 per cent of energy used in the West Midlands, but only 37 per cent of emissions.iii Fewer people per household means lower energy efficiency per person. Figure 39 highlights the energy consumed in the region by households of varying sizes.

Figure 39: Energy consumed by UK households (2005) Source: WWF Ecobudget

Housing


A household with fewer people uses much more energy per person. In addition to this direct energy use, fewer people per home means more homes are required, which increases the per capita impact of housing construction. Evidence suggests that if occupancy levels are as low as two by 2021 there would be a 13 per cent increase in energy demand. Even as builders seek to introduce sustainability into design, housing will continue to have a major impact on the CO2 emissions and Ecological Footprint of the West Midlands for many years to come.iv Trends All regions in the UK have seen a decline in the size of households over the past four decades.v Figure 40 highlights how they could decline to about two people per house by 2021. Figures for the West Midlands region reflect this trend as shown in Figure 41.

Figure 40: Projected household size decline in the West Midlands by 2021

Source: WWF Ecobudget

Figure 41: Projected household size decline in the UK by 2021

Source: WWF Ecobudget Suggested Indicator • Affordable housing: house price / earnings affordability ratio • Percentage new homes meeting BREEAM good / SAP efficiency ratings • Thermal efficiency of housing stock

��

i Based on information in the ONS 2001 Census. ii Based on information in the ONS 2001 Census. iii Based on information in the WWF Ecological Budget UK website (www.wwflearning.org.uk). iv Based on information in the WWF Ecological Budget UK website (www.wwflearning.org.uk). v Based on information in the WWF Ecological Budget UK website (www.wwflearning.org.uk).

Crime


Baseline Data There is no information available on crime rates within Longbridge although figures from the 2001 Census for England, the West Midlands and Birmingham (see Table 16 below) show that violence against the person is the offence most often recorded per 1,000 population. This figure is lower for Bromsgrove where burglary from a dwelling is the offence most often recorded per 1,000 population. Robbery is the least recorded notifiable offence per 1,000 population in England, the West Midlands, Birmingham and Bromsgrove.i

Figures totalling notifiable offences recorded per 1,000 population in the table below for each area are lower in the West Midlands (49) than for England (51) and significantly lower again in Bromsgrove (39). The figure for Birmingham, however, is significantly higher at 68.

Table 16: Notifiable offences recorded by police, per 1000 population (2001)

England West Midlands

Birming-ham

Broms-grove

Long-bridge

Notifiable Offences Recorded by the Police - Violence Against the Person

20 19 24 13 ..

Notifiable Offences Recorded by the Police - Burglary from a Dwelling

15 14 21 14 ..

Notifiable Offences Recorded by the Police - Theft from a Vehicle

9 9 11 8 ..

Notifiable Offences Recorded by the Police - Theft of a Motor Vehicle

5 5 7 3 ..

Notifiable Offences Recorded by the Police - Robbery

2 2 5 1 ..

Totals 51 49 68 39 .. Source: Neighbourhood Statistics

The Wider Area • In the West Midlands in 2004-5, there were 1,347 vehicle thefts (England and

Wales national average 1,399), 587 burglaries (national average 609) and 199 robberies (national average 168), per 100,000 population.

• Recorded robbery rates in the West Midlands were above the England and Wales average; the rates for vehicle thefts and burglary were below the national averages.

• Recorded burglary and vehicle theft decreased (per 100,000 people) in the West Midlands between 1990 and 2004-5 (by 39 per cent and 46 per cent respectively).

• Recorded robbery almost tripled in the region (a 192 per cent increase) over this periodii. See Figure 42.

Figure 42: Rates of victimisation, various crime types, West Midlands (04-05) Source: West Midlands Regional Observatory

iii

Crime


Evidence suggests that most people are satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live (78%), though this level of satisfaction is much lower in more deprived parts of the Region, and amongst ethnic minority communities. More people in the Region think crime has got worse in their neighbourhood over the past two years (29%) than think it has got better (19%) despite decreases in crime noted by both police recorded crime figures and evidence from the British Crime Survey, regionally and nationally. Just under 30% of people in the Region report being the victim of some sort of crime in the past year. Victims are significantly more likely to belong to an ethnic minority group, particularly Asians, 40% of whom report some form of victimisation in the last year. Victimisation is also higher amongst younger age groups. Victimisation rises with increasing deprivation, such that 37% of Regional residents in the most deprived quintile have been victims of crime in the past year, compared with only 23% in the least deprived quintileiv. Trends Table 17 compares the number of recorded cases of each type of notifiable offence in Birmingham and Bromsgrove from April 2000 to March 2001 and April 2003 to March 2004. Table 17 shows that violence against the person is the most recorded offence and incidences are increasing in both Birmingham and Bromsgrove, although at a significantly greater rate in Bromsgrove. Thefts from vehicles have fallen in Birmingham but there has been little change in Bromsgrove; thefts of vehicles have fallen in both areas. There has been a slight reduction in the numbers of burglaries from dwellings recorded in Birmingham but an increase in number in Bromsgrove. Robbery is the least recorded offence in both areas and is showing little change in Birmingham over this period but an increase in Bromsgrove.v

Table 17: Notifiable offences recorded by the police in Bromsgrove and Birmingham

Birmingham Bromsgrove Notifiable Offences Recorded by the Police 2000-2001 2003-2004 2000-2001 2003-2004 Violence Against the Person

19,854 23,903 351 1,440

Theft from a Vehicle 17,075 13,949 900 927

Burglary from a Dwelling 13,770 12,170 592 749

Theft of a Motor Vehicle 12,021 9,811 423 333

Robbery 6,835 6,164 49 80 Source: Neighbourhood Statistics

Suggested Indicator • Domestic burglaries per 1,000 households • Violent offences committed per 1,000 population • Percentage residents who feel ‘fairly safe’ or ‘very safe’ after dark while outside

in their local area ��

i Data from http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk ii Extracts from www.sustainable-development.gov.uk/regional/wm/38.htm iii West Midlands Regional Observatory, Regional Report 2005 iv Data from http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk v Data from http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk

Education


Baseline Data The 2001 census revealed that people in the West Midlands, Birmingham and Longbridge areas are generally lower qualified than the English average and in Bromsgrove. In Longbridge 39.9% of the population aged between 16 and 74 have no qualifications, which is significantly higher than the figure for England at 28.85% and higher than the figure for Birmingham at 37.09% (see Table 18). Bromsgrove has a lower proportion of its 16 - 74 year olds with no qualifications at 26.09%. Following the same pattern just 6.6% of the residents in Longbridge have achieved level 4/5 qualification which compares unfavourably with the English average at 14.4%. The figure for Birmingham (11.6%) is also below the English average but the figure for Bromsgrove (15.8%) is above it.i Table 18: Percentage of the populations achieving a selection of qualification levels (2001)

England West Midlands Birmingham Bromsgrove Longbridge

No qualifications 28.85% 33.95% 37.09% 26.09% 39.9%

Level 1 qualifications 12.0% 12.0% 10.4% 12.2% 12.8%



Level 4 / 5 qualifications 14.4% 11.6% 11.6% 15.8% 6.6%


The Wider Area One of the most significant factors preventing individuals finding suitable employment or changing jobs now or in the future in the West Midlands is that they lack suitable qualificationsii. This is reflected in Table 18 which shows that qualification levels in the West Midlands and Birmingham are below the English average and those for Longbridge are significantly below the national average and below the averages for Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Figure 43: Highest NVQ equivalent qualification held by Gender in the West Midlands (2005) Source: West Midlands Regional Observatory

Trends No information on trends is currently available. Suggested Indicator

• Proportion of young people (18 – 24) in full time education or employment Related Assessment A further Educational Needs and Capacity Review is due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i Data from http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk ii West Midlands Regional Observatory, Regional Report 2005

Social Deprivation


Baseline Data Longbridge has a population of 30,964 of which a small proportion is made up of ethnic minority groups (93.03% white). 47.6% of the population is male and 52.4% female; 24.64% of the population is aged under 16 years. The unemployment rate is high (7.7%). The index of multiple deprivation is an index made up from six indicators (income; employment; health deprivation and disability; education; skills and training; housing; and geographical access to services). Indices of multiple deprivation can help to identify areas for regeneration. The Longbridge ward has an index of multiple deprivation score of 44.2% which compares unfavourably with those of Birmingham (37.57) and Bromsgrove (10.14). These figures are taken from the 2001 Census. Following the closure of the Rover Works in spring 2005, which employed almost 6,000 people, the index of multiple deprivation for the study area is expected to be higher as a result of increased unemployment and the direct and indirect effects of this. In Longbridge 12.92% of the population are lone parent households with dependent children. 39.90% of 16-74 year olds in Longbridge do not have any qualifications, compared to the English percentage of 28.85%. Unemployment amongst the resident population aged 16-74 was high in 2001 at 5.66%, in England it was 3.35% and in Birmingham 5.71. The closure of the Rover Works is expected to have increased the figure for Longbridge. Teenage conception rates in Longbridge have decreased by 45.09% between 2000 and 1999 from 136 per thousand to 90.91 per thousand. The Wider Area Disability Living Allowance is paid to people who are disabled, and need help with personal care and/or getting around. In August 2004, 52,725 people in Birmingham

received this benefit, representing 5 per cent of the total population of the City. This compares with 2,795 people in Bromsgrove, which equates to 3 per cent of the population. The equivalent rate for England and Wales as a whole is 5 per cent. Attendance Allowance is paid to people who are disabled, either physically or mentally, and who need supervision or assistance with personal care over a prolonged period of time. Claimants must be aged 65 or over, and must not be claiming Disability Living Allowance already. In August 2004, 26,845 people in Birmingham received this allowance, which represented 19 per cent of all those people aged 65 and over living in the City. In the same period 2,380 people in Bromsgrove received this allowance, which represented 16 per cent of all those people aged 65 and over living in the District. This compared with a rate of 15 per cent for England and Wales. In August 2004, 55,525 people in Birmingham between the ages of 16 and 64 claimed Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disability Allowance because they had been assessed as incapable of work due to sickness or disability. This was 9 per cent of people aged 16-64 in the City. In Bromsgrove 2,415 people claimed Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disability Allowance which equates to 4 per cent of people aged 16-64 in the District. The overall England and Wales rate was 7 per cent.i Trends Table 19 shows a general downward trend in the numbers of people claiming benefits (Jobseekers Allowance) in England, the West Midlands, Birmingham and Bromsgrove. These figures could indicate a reduction in social deprivation. The claimant count for England has fallen the most dramatically, with a 35% reduction in the numbers of claimants from 1,103,200 in 1998 down to 719,100 in 2005. The number of people claiming job seekers allowance has also dropped in Birmingham, although less significantly, from 43,200 to 33,700, a fall by 22%. Figures are

Social Deprivation


unavailable for Longbridge but as the claimant count has fallen in all areas studied, the same pattern is expected to be seen in Longbridge.ii Table 19: People claiming benefit (Jobseekers Allowance) in England, West Midlands, Birmingham and Bromsgrove (1998 – 2005)

Date England West Midlands Birmingham Bromsgrove

August 1998 1,103,200 127,300 43,200 1,000

August 1999 1,009,600 124,200 40,800 1,000

August 2000 866,400 110,800 37,100 1,000

August 2001 771,100 100,400 31,600 600

August 2002 770,100 96,000 29,600 800

August 2003 762,600 97,600 31,200 600

August 2004 681,400 88,100 30,400 400

August 2005 719,100 98,400 33,700 700

Source: Nomisweb

Suggested Indicator • Number of social and community enterprises • Lower layer Super Output Areas that rank in the most deprived 10% and 25% in

the country • Percentage of people who feel they can influence decisions affecting their own

local area Related Assessment A further Socio-Economic Study is due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i Based on information in the ONS 2001 Census. ii Data from http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Accessibility


Baseline Data There is no information currently available for the Longbridge study area. The Wider Area Irrespective of urban or rural classification, over 90% of the West Midlands population live less than 5 miles from their nearest food store, post office and petrol station, and a minimum of 60% live less than 1 mile from each.i

Figure 44: Distance to nearest Adult Learning Centre, by Local Authority District Urban or Rural classification in the West Midlands (2005)

Source: West Midlands Regional Observatory

Nearly 75% of residents in parts of the Region classified as Urban and Significantly Rural live within 5 miles of their nearest Adult Learning Centre (See Figure 44) compared to only 50% of residents in the two most rural areas, and the percentage living further away increases with increasing rurality. A high proportion of

respondents (15%) did not know how far away their nearest Adult Learning Centre was (Figure 44). At least 50% of residents live less than 1 mile from their nearest bank or cash point, however in the most rural areas around 15% live further than 5 miles from a bank or cash point with the majority of these residing in the 20% least deprived areas within the Region. 96% of residents living in Major Urban areas reported living close to a park compared with only 81% of residents living in the most rural areas in the Region.

Figure 45: Proportion experiencing problems accessing services by Local Authority District Urban or Rural classification in the West Midlands (2005)

Source: West Midlands Regional Observatory

Accessibility


The proportion of residents reporting problems accessing services increases with increasing rurality, except in the case of access to post offices and banks where the proportion is similar across all categories of urban and rural. The main problems in accessing health services include: lack of facilities available in the area (4%), difficulty in getting an appointment (2%), and that the distance to get to a facility is too far. In the case of public transport the main problems are reported to be infrequent or unreliable service (2%) and poor or limited service availability (2%), while for access to learning or training the major problem reported was that the distance to get to the facility was too far (see Figure 44).ii

Suggested Indicator • Access to a GP or primary care professional • Availability of childcare • Achievement of Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards

Related Assessment A Community Needs and Infrastructure Assessment and a Retail Capacity, Need and Centre Strategy Assessment are due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i West Midlands Regional Observatory, Regional Report 2005 ii West Midlands Regional Observatory, Regional Report 2005

Recreation, Leisure and Sport


Baseline Data There is no information currently available for the Longbridge study area, although there are two sets of playing fields at the northern end of the site. The Wider Area The West Midlands has a wide-ranging and vibrant sporting life. There is a strong network of sports clubs and competitions throughout the region in most sports. Around 605,000 people take part regularly in sport in organised clubs, supported by some 25,000 volunteers. The region has a wide spread of club and community sports facilities and some excellent regional and national standard facilities that host major events including:

• The National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, which has staged over 40 major international sporting events since it opened in 1991.

• The National Sports Centre at Lilleshall, which is part of the English Institute of Sport (EIS) and has world-class training and competition facilities for a number of sports.

• Other EIS sites include: the British Judo Association National World Class Development Centre at the University of Wolverhampton and squash and hockey centres at the University of Birmingham.

• The Belfry is a world-class golf course and academy and has hosted the Ryder Cup.

• Warwickshire County Cricket Ground in Edgbaston regularly hosts test match cricket.

• A regional indoor training centre at Worcester Rugby Club. The region also has many high-profile professional sports clubs in cricket, football, and rugby and several racecourses.

The West Midlands has some excellent natural resources, open spaces and countryside, which are used for outdoor active recreation and organised sports events. These include: Cannock Chase, the Roaches, the Malvern Hills and many parks, open spaces, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals. Sport and physical activity make a significant contribution to the economy of the region producing £3 billion a year in turnover and £593 million in household incomes each year. Sports events in the region attract 600,000 visitors generating around £19 million. There are 4,000 businesses in the sports sector in the West Midlands employing around 60,000 paid employees. Interestingly, people in the region spend more money taking part in sport than going to see sport or watching it on television.i Suggested Indicator • Participation in sport or cultural activities

Related Assessment A Sports, Recreation and Open Space Assessment and a Footway and Cycle Path assessment are due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

��Extracts from www.sportengland.org/wm_regional_plan_for_sport.pdf

Demographics


Baseline Data Longbridge ward has a resident population of 30,964 people. Of this 47.2% are male and 52.4% female. The ward is 8.2 square kilometres in size giving it a relatively high population density of 3,789 people per square kilometre, which compares with 3,649 people per square kilometre for Birmingham and 380 people per square kilometre in England. The age profile of the ward is shown in Figure 46 below. The profile reveals that 24.6% of people are aged under 16, 57.7% are aged between 16 and 59, and 17.6% are aged over 60. The average age is 35.8, compared with 36 years for Birmingham.i

2,231

5,397

5,630

8,862

3,992

2,835

2,013

0-4

5-15

16-29

30-49

50 to pensionable age

Pensionable age to 74

75 and over

Figure 46: Age profile in the Longbridge Ward (2001) Source: ONS

There is a proportion of minority ethnic populations in the ward which made up just 6.8% (2,117) of the ward’s population. This figure is low when compared with 29.6% for Birmingham. Figure 47 shows the proportions of different ethnic groups in the

ward and reveals that the majority of the minority ethnic populations are comprised of black or mixed race peoples.ii

8473%

4131%

7622%

950%

28,84794%

White Mixed race Asian Black Chinese or other

Figure 47: Ethnic Groups in the Longbridge Ward (2001) Source: ONS Figure 48 shows that at 8.63% the proportion of widowers in Longbridge is similar to the English average, which is 8.31%. Both the proportions of divorced and separated people are higher in Longbridge than those of England, the West Midlands, Birmingham and Bromsgrove. 10.9% of the population in Longbridge is divorced and a further 3.16% separated (but still legally married). In England as a whole 8.21% of the population are divorced and 2.4% separated. 6.62% of Longbridge is re-married.iii Only 37.26% of the population of Longbridge are married, which is a lower proportion than for England (43.5%), the West Midlands (45.39%), Birmingham (40.45%) and Bromsgrove (51.24%). There is also a high number of single people at 34.23% compared to England at 30.23%.

Demographics


These figures suggest a higher element of family instability in the Longbridge study area than in England, the West Midlands, Birmingham and Bromsgrove.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Widowed Divorced Separated(but s tilllegally

m arried)

Re-married

Married Single(never

m arried)

England West Midlands Birm ingham Brom sgrove Longbridge

Figure 48: Marital status (2001) Source: ONS The Wider Area There are no life expectancy figures for Longbridge available. Those for England reveal that females have a longer life expectancy at 80.72 years than males at 76.24 years. Life expectancy in Birmingham is lower than the national average at 73.9 years for males and 79.7 years for females. Figure 49 shows this graphically. The figures for Longbridge are expected to be similar to those of Birmingham.iv

70

72

74

76

78

80

82

England WestMidlands

Birmingham Bromsgrove Longbridge

Life Expectancy at Birth, Males Life Expectancy at Birth, Females

Figure 49: Life Expectancy (2001) Source: ONS Trends Table 20 reveals that although the population of England has increased by 5.9% between 1982 and 2002, as has the population of the West Midlands, the population of Birmingham has fallen by 3.4%.v The figures for Longbridge are unknown. Table 20: Population and population change, 2002

England West Midlands Birmingham Bromsgrove Longbridge

Population (2001) 49,138,831 5,267,308 977,087 87,837 30,964 Population Change 1982-2002 +5.9% +2.4% -3.4% +11.9%

Source: Nomisweb ��

i Based on information in the ONS 2001 Census. ii Based on information in the ONS 2001 Census. iii Based on information in the ONS 2001 Census. iv Based on information in the ONS 2001 Census. ��Data from http://www.nomisweb.co.uk


Soil



-- Baseline Data --

Geology


Baseline Data

Figure 50: Underlying bedrock of Longbridge Source: British Geological Survey

Rocks of Triassic age crop out across the site or are present beneath superficial drift cover. They comprise in upwards sequence, the Kidderminster Formation, the Bromsgrove Sandstone Formation and the Mercia Mudstone Group. Carboniferous red-bed mudstones (Alveley Member of the Salop Formation) crop out to the west of the site and are present at depth beneath the site. The Kidderminster Formation underlies the north-western part of the site. It largely comprises red and brown sandstones with subordinate mudstone bands. At this locality, the sandstone contains abundant pellets of red clay and larger lumps of greenish-yellow or buff clay. The thickness of the Kidderminster Formation is approximately 89.15 m. The Kidderminster Formation rests locally on a thin breccia (Hopwas Breccia), probably also of Triassic age, consisting of angular blocks of quartzite in a sand or clay matrix. The Bromsgrove Sandstone succeeds the Kidderminster Formation unconformably. This formation is more variable than the Kidderminster Formation, with sandstones interbedded with lenticular conglomerates and mudstones. At outcrop the sandstones weather to give a red sandy soil. The estimated thickness of the formation is 65.5 m. The Mercia Mudstone Group comprises red silty mudstones with purple, grey and green bands and mottling. Thin hard, dolomitic siltstone bands occur throughout the sequence. The Group is only present beneath the north-east of the site, where it occurs in a down-faulted block separated from the older Triassic formations by the Longridge and Hopwood Faults. The estimated thickness of the Group, hereabouts, is likely to be no more than 30 m. Additional Geological Considerations: The site lies close to the point of convergence of two major faults. The north-north-west- trending Longridge Fault and associated Hopwood Fault, cross the north-east

Geology


corner of the site. Exposures in a railway cutting 0.7 km to the south show that the Longridge Fault is associated with a broad belt of fracturing, which extends into the eastern part of the site. The fault throws down an estimated 100 m to the east, juxtaposing the Kidderminster and Bromsgrove Sandstone formations against younger Triassic rocks of the Mercia Mudstone Group. The north-east trending Birmingham Fault lies about 300 m to the west of the site. The alignment and outcrop position of the fault to the normal fault to the east of the Birmingham fault are not known. Geological faults in this area are of ancient origin, are today mainly inactive, and are thought to present no threat to property.

Figure 51: Schematic geological cross-section of the site Source: British

Geological Survey

Soi

ls

Dat

e: M

ay 2

006

�C

:\Doc

umen

ts a

nd S

ettin

gs\P

inco

mbe

N\D

eskt

op\L

ongb

ridge

AA

P S

A-S

EA

Bas

elin

e[A

ppD

]220

506n

p.do

c ��

Bas

elin

e D

ata

Fi

gure

52:

Sup

erfic

ial d

epos

its o

f Lon

gbri

dge

Sup

erfic

ial

depo

sits

ove

rlyin

g th

e be

droc

k of

the

site

rev

eal

that

the

site

mos

tly

cons

ists

of g

laci

al ti

ll up

to 3

.6m

. Th

e til

l tak

es th

e fo

rm o

f a s

andy

, si

lty c

lay

to t

he

north

of t

he R

iver

Rea

and

of a

silt

y, p

ebbl

y cl

ay w

ith s

catte

red

sand

or

silt

band

s to

th

e so

uth

of th

e riv

er.

The

Riv

er R

ea, w

hich

bis

ects

the

site

, is

flank

ed b

y a

narr

ow tr

act o

f allu

vium

up

to

90m

wid

e an

d co

mpr

isin

g si

lts, s

ands

and

gra

vels

to a

dep

th o

f app

roxi

mat

ely

2.4m

. Te

rrac

es o

f san

d an

d gr

avel

bor

der

muc

h of

this

allu

vium

and

are

rec

orde

d as

bei

ng

2.74

m th

ick.

The

se a

lluvi

um d

epos

its m

ay b

e co

mpr

essi

ble.

Th

e so

ils o

n th

e re

mai

nder

of

the

site

, an

d in

pla

ces

over

lyin

g th

e su

perfi

cial

de

posi

ts m

entio

ned

abov

e, a

re p

redo

min

antly

sta

gnog

ley

soils

. T

hese

are

slo

wly

pe

rmea

ble

clay

so

ils.

S

tagn

ogle

y so

ils

are

char

acte

rised

by

m

ottli

ng

whi

ch

beco

mes

mor

e ob

viou

s an

d in

tens

e w

ith d

epth

unt

il a

unifo

rm b

luis

h-gr

ey h

oriz

on is

re

ache

d.

The

Wid

er A

rea

Mos

t of

the

stu

dy a

rea

is u

rban

in

natu

re,

but

give

s w

ay t

o ru

ral

gree

nbel

t la

nd

tow

ards

the

sout

h.

Contaminated Land


Baseline Data The former use of a large part of the site by MG Rover involved the following installations, activities and pollutants that could lead to significant ground contamination:i • Foundry Area – metals, refractory materials • Possible Underground Storage Tanks – oil and fuel • Workshop Areas – fuel, oil, cutting fluids, solvents, metals, cyanide baths and

acid baths • Spillages – fuel, oil, solvents • Transformer Locations – PCB’s • Plating operations (metals, solvents, acids) • Finishing Operations (metals, refractory materials, cyanide baths) • Storage facilities (fuel/oil, solvents phenols, isocyanates) • Storage areas (lubricating/hydraulic oils, chlorinated solvents) • Storage /Transfer area (fuel/oil, PAH’s)

Limited investigation works undertaken in the study area have encountered a single elevated level of mercury contamination adjacent to the Bristol Road South. In addition, a single borehole on the northern boundary of the site, adjacent to the existing residential area, recorded the presence of elevated levels of methane. ��ontamination generally comprises elevated levels of hydrocarbons, which appear

to be associated with spillages. Chlorinated hydrocarbons and PCB’s have also been reported at specific locations within the site, and elevated metal concentrations

have also been recorded. � The hydrocarbon-based contamination is of concern because of its potential to be highly mobile and could have a detrimental impact on groundwater quality, within the underlying aquifer, or nearby surface water quality (see Water section). North Works Information to be added. The Wider Area The information presented above only relates to some of the northern part of the site, and further contamination is likely to exist in other industrial areas. Suggested Indicators • Vacant land and properties and derelict land brought back into use

Related Assessment A Site Investigation Report is due to be prepared as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i Longbridge Technology Park – Environmental Statement (Halcrow, 2003)


Transport



-- Baseline Data --

Modal Split


Baseline Data Figure 53 indicates that 58.5% of economically active people in Birmingham travel to work by private car (driver or passenger) or taxi. 22.8% travel by public transport, 10.2% walk or cycle and 7.5% work from home. In Bromsgrove 74.6% travel by car, 5.8% by public transport, 8.1% walk or cycle and 10.4% work from homei. In the West Midlands and England and Wales the numbers travelling to work by car are 67.6% and 62.0% respectively. The figures are based on 2001 census information.

190,23129,686 1,400,069 13,050,529

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Birmingham Bromsgrove West Mids E & W

Other

Foot

Bicycle

Taxi

Car passenger

Car driver

Motorcycle

Bus

Train

Light rail

Work at home

�

Figure 53: Travel to work by different modes (2001) Source: DfT

Figure 54 illustrates that 38.5% of households in Birmingham do not own a car. In Bromsgrove the figure is 13.3%, compared to the regional and England and Wales average of 26.8%. Meanwhile, 16.3% of Birmingham households have two cars, 36.3% in Bromsgrove, 24.2% regionally and 23.5% in England and Walesii. These figures reflect the more rural character of Bromsgrove.

150,401

4,686

576,484 5,802,183

163,000

13,971

923,743 9,486,366

63,732

12,783

521,452 5,095,959

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Birmingham Bromsgrove West Mids E & W

Four or more

Three

Two

One

No car

Figure 54: Car ownership by household (2001) Source: DfT

The Wider Area Tables 21 and 22 give information regarding distances travelled and modal split on a UK basisiii.

Modal Split


Table 21: Average distance travelled per person per year by mode of travel and average trip length (1992/94 – 2004) Source: DfT

Table 22: Trip distance per person per year by main mode and purpose (2004)

Source: DfT

Trends Table 21 suggests that the average trip length has increased by 12% between 1992 and 2004, and that the number of miles travelled by surface rail has increased by 29%, taxi by 27%, private hire bus by 19%, and private car by 8% over the same period. Meanwhile, the number of miles travelled by bicycle has decrease by 6% and walking by 2%. Suggested Indicator • Percentage increase in use of public transport, reason for and distance

travelled Related Assessment A Transport Constraints and Options Assessment, Transport Demand Generation Report, Rail Strategy Report, Bus Strategy Report, Public Transport Strategy and Travel Management Plan are due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Expodata/Spreadsheets/D6572.xls ii http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Expodata/Spreadsheets/D6572.xls iii http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/divisionhomepage/ 038345.hcsp

Accessibility and Infrastructure


Baseline Data The following information is based on a transport assessment produced in November 2003i. There are 16 bus services providing up to 25 buses per hour providing access to all parts of Birmingham. There are over 25 bus stops in the northern part of the site. Analysis reveals that Longbridge is easily accessible to at least 200,000 people via a 40 minute bus journey and up to 115,000 people via a 20 minute bus journey. Longbridge Railway Station provides up to 6 services an hour on a Birmingham cross-city line, passing through the University, Five Ways and Birmingham New Street. Analysis reveals that Longbridge is easily accessible to at least 120,000 via a short train journey. Industry standards suggest that the catchment area of a railway station for pedestrians is within 800m. The station facilities are standard for its size and level of service, with covered seating, facilities for the mobility impaired, service information, ticket office, toilets and CCTV. Footways in the study area are considered to be poorly surfaced and dimly lit in places and pedestrians may tend to feel isolated due to the lack of natural surveillance and the imposing heavy industrial surroundings. Crossing facilities are provided at some junctions and at key locations such as schools and the Railway Station. Analysis reveals that the A38 – Lickey Road roundabout is within walking distance of some 40,000 people. The National Cycle Network Route 5 runs close by the site and cycle priority facilities are provided at some junctions in the Longbridge study area. Analysis reveals that the study area is accessible via a short 15 minute bike ride to around 100,000 people. Despite the proximity of significant numbers of potential pedestrians and cyclists, several parts of the northern site are relatively impenetrable to these groups due to the configuration of factory buildings and property.

The MG Rover works have been built around the A38 Bristol Road South, and the site has immediate highway access onto the A38, Longbridge Lane and Lickey Road, which provide excellent access to the City Centre and the M5 and M42. The Wider Area and Trends It is known that the West Midlands Multi Modal Study has recommended a strategic Park and Ride facility, which could be implemented at Longbridge Station. It is hoped that the effects of this would be a significant reduction in traffic on the A38 north of Longbridge, but the scheme may generate new traffic within Longbridge.. Centro have also proposed to open a rail spur on the cross city line from Longbridge to Rubery Lane and Frankley. This new service would make the site even more accessible to the immediate surrounding areas, however there is potential conflict with a site of nature conservation interest at Bedlaam’s Wood. In order to encourage the use of the station it is proposed to complement existing infrastructure by improving pedestrian and cycle routes, including signage, lighting and new crossings. A segregated high quality bus service, calling at many points throughout the site, but also linking to Rubery and Frankley is another alternative. It is understood that Birmingham City Council have aspirations to route the National Cycle Network Route 5 through the former Longbridge Works and Great Park development. This would be a natural link broadly following the line of the Rea. Suggested Indicator • Journey times between key employment areas and key transport interchanges

Related Assessment An Accession Model is due to be prepared as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i Longbridge Technology Park Transport Assessment (Halcrow, 2003)

Traffic


Baseline Data The 2003 transport assessment identified traffic surveys and site observations undertaken in 2001 to determine the existing traffic conditionsi. The junctions surveyed include: • Tessall Lane/A38 Bristol Road S signal crossroads • Longbridge Lane/A38 signal junction • Lickey Road/A38 roundabout

The traffic flows on the network were identified as shown in Table 23, and these would include traffic generated by the operational Longbridge plant. Table 23: 2001 Traffic flows

Location AM Peak Two-way Flow PM Peak Two-way Flow

A38 N 2770 2870

Longbridge Lane 1610 1750

Lickey Road 1390 1480

A38 S 2150 2540 The Wider Area Regeneration in Longbridge is likely to affect conditions on the wider network, including the M5 and M42 motorways. An assessment of these effects was carried out in May 2004 and identified the following baseline conditionsii: Table 24: M5 Junction 4 (April 2004) Table 25: M42 Junction 1 (March 03)

Arm AM Inflows PM Inflows Arm AM Inflows PM Inflows

M5 N 717 1534 A38 N 1113 976

A38 N 936 1045 B4096 N 240 288

A38 S 1189 946 M42 W 449 736

M5 S 971 1203 B4096 S 223 242

A491 1310 919 A38 s 1022 1209

Total 5132 5647 3047 3451

Table 26: M42 Junction 2 (March 2003)

Arm AM Inflows PM Inflows

A441 N 670 863

Services 274 252

M42 W 538 555

A441 S 732 674

M42 E 514 473

Total 2728 2817

In 2003 a Steering Group led by BCC investigated the feasibility of a link road to improve access to the former MG Rover site and relieve congestion on the local network, particularly the A38. The proposed route runs from the B4096 Groveley Lane to the A441. Strategic level environmental constraints include the Bittell Reservoirs SSSI less than 1km to the southeast, Hopwood Dingle SSSI adjacent to the A441, a moated site immediately north and earthworks immediately south of the proposed route, the North Worcestershire Path and a lesser footpath which transect the route, habitat fragmentation and greenbelt intrusion. Based on traffic modelling and various scenarios, the feasibility study predicts traffic flows for the local network, but not knock-on effects for the M42 and M5 motorways. Table 27 describes 2008 traffic flows on the local network over a 12 hour period, including the proposed new developments of a Park and Ride at Longbridge and a Technology Park at the northern part of the site, under various road improvement scenarios.iii

Traffic


Table 27: 2008 traffic impacts of M42 link improvement options

Do Minimum

L’bridge Lane Improvem’t

Northern Link Road

Southern Link Road

A38 Bristol Road S 33,100 33,700 33,000 33,600

Lickey Road 20,100 20,200 20,900 20,500

L’bridge Lane, near L’bridge Station 21,300 21,200 18,900 19,400

L’bridge Lane, near Groveley Lane 21,100 21,000 18,100 18,900

Groveley Lane, near L’bridge Lane 6,600 7,400 2,500 6,100

A441 Birmingham Road 19,500 18,800 20,300 20,400

Source: Faber Maunsell

Trends Traffic count data from 1992 and 1998 was collated and compared with the 2001 traffic flows and shows a significant reduction in traffic flows on the network. Between 1992 and 1998 traffic levels in Longbridge decreased by approximately 40%, probably due to a 30% reduction in staff numbers at MG Rover’s Longbridge works from 16,250 to 11,500.

Between 1998 and 2001 traffic flows on the network increased by approximately 10%, probably due to increases in background traffic and developments on the A38 including Great Park. During this period there was a further 43% reduction in MG Rover staff from 11,500 to 6,500. Suggested Indicator • Annual average traffic flow on the local network

Related Assessment A Traffic Model is due to be prepared as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i Longbridge Technology Park Transport Assessment (Halcrow, 2003) ii Longbridge Technology Park Impact on M5 and M42 (Halcrow, 2004) iii Longbridge Link Road Study (Faber Maunsell, Jan 2005)


Water



-- Baseline Data --

Flood Risk


Baseline Data The River Rea and the River Arrow pass through the site, the Rea to the north and the Arrow to the south. There are no records of any significant flood risks posed by the River Arrow. The River Rea is the larger of the two rivers in the locality and before it reaches the site this river becomes little more than a stream flowing between steep banks. The River Rea has been culverted through the site. As the river enters the North Works it passes into a sump, where a high level weir overflow separates storm flows from normal flows. The original route of the River is the southern channel, which is now used as the Flood Relief channel. The two culverts converge into a larger single culvert beneath Longbridge Lane prior to outfalling into an open watercourse at Daffodil Park. The catchment contributing to the river at Longbridge has an area of approximately 9.1 km2 and is heavily urbanised. Four discharges of surface water runoff into the river near the site, two of which are within the North Works. The outfall of the Rea, at Daffodil Park, is known to have experienced regular flooding (14 July 1999 and 5 March 2000) with water spilling from the River Rea due to a debris obstruction. Flood risk is shown in Figure 55 which depicts the extent of the area defined by the Environment Agency as at risk of a 1 in 100 hundred year event, or 1% risk of flooding in any given year,i although flooding is not possible from the culverted section. The Wider Area There are no flood risks posed to the site from the wider area. Development that further constrains the River Rea could increase flood risk upstream of the site. Similarly, development which increases the impermeable area of the site and/or

increases the speed with which storm flows reach the river could increase flood risk, particularly given its current culverted form.

Figure 55: Flood Risk at the Longbridge Site Source: Environment Agency, 2006

Suggested Indicators • Number of people, properties and businesses at risk of flooding • Damage to property from storm events

Related Assessment A River Rea Study of Options assessment is due to be carried out as part of the Area Action Plan preparation process. ��

i http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/maps/info/floodmaps/

Water Quality


Baseline Data A large proportion of the buildings on site, adjacent to the River Rea, have now been demolished. Previous uses of the site would have resulted in a number of potentially contaminative activities and process being undertaken, including:

• Possible underground storage tanks (oil and fuel) • Storage areas (oil, fuel and solvents) • Workshop areas (fuel, oil, cutting fluids, solvents, metals, cyanide baths and

acid baths) • Spillages (fuel, oil and solvents) • Transformer locations (PCBs)

These potentially contaminated areas could have an adverse impact on groundwater and the River Rea through seepage. The current risk from these sources remains high as groundworks associated with redevelopment may disturb pollutants. The River Rea has been culverted under the North Works and a storm water culvert diversion was constructed in approximately 1966 under Longbridge Lane. In reality the main flow of water travels along this storm water culvert and only drainage water and water from the former treatment works flows along the original culvert. Table 28 below shows the water quality results for the stretch of the River Rea passing through the site, published in a previous Environmental Assessment of the North Worksi. Table 28: Water quality of the River Rea

Chemical GQA Grade Biological GQA Grade RQO

1999 2000 2001 2000 RE 4 (compliant) D D C E

This assessment is based on the River Water Quality Classification System for England and Wales, shown below.

Table 29: River Water Quality Classification System

River Ecosystem Target

Chemical GQA Grade

Biological GQA Grade Quality

RE 1 A A Very Good

RE 2 B B Good RE 3 C C Fairly Good RE 4 D D Fair RE 5 E E Poor - F F Bad

The Wider Area Regionally, the proportion of river length classified as of good or fair chemical quality increased from 82% to 94% between 1990 and 2002, placing the region on par with the English average. In contrast, the proportion of river length in the region classed as being of good or fair biological quality only rose by 1 percentage point to 92% over the same period, improving far more slowly than the national average, and leaving the region’s rivers below the national average on this measure. Diffuse pollution of rivers, from sources such as agricultural runoff, sewer overflows and other urban sources, remains a problem for the region.ii. Suggested Indicator

• Biological and chemical water quality of the River Rea ��

i Longbridge Technology Park – Environmental Statement (Halcrow, 2003) ii West Midlands Regional Observatory, State of the Region (2004)

Groundwater and Resources


Baseline Data The site lies in a sensitive location in relation to controlled waters. The Kidderminster and Bromsgrove Sandstone Formations (Triassic Sandstones) are classified on the Environment Agency's groundwater vulnerability map as Major Aquifers, and are present across the north west of the site. Superficial deposits (Alluvium and Terrace Deposits) and the Alveley Member, associated with the former course of the River Rea, are classified as Minor Aquifers. Aquifer vulnerability The soil leaching potential is high (urban), as the soil may have been removed or disturbed. The Mercia Mudstone Group is classified as a Non-Aquifer, however some ground water flow may still occur and should be taken into account when considering persistent pollutants. The parts of the site overlain by till (low permeability superficial deposits) may be afforded a degree of protection from surface pollution. Shallow Groundwater The records for the shallow boreholes around the site only contain strata details, and do not record whether groundwater was encountered. However, there is likely to be some water in the alluvium and river terrace deposits in hydraulic continuity with the associated surface water features. If sandy horizons are present within the Till, they may contain small quantities of perched water. There is no information in the study area on the water level in the Kidderminster and Bromsgrove Sandstone Formations, but it is possible that they may also be at a similar level to, and in hydraulic continuity with, the surface water features. The deep borehole at Longbridge Pumping Station (SP 0072 7755) penetrated the Kidderminster Formation, the Carboniferous strata and underlying Wenlock shales. It is assumed that the water is derived from the Carboniferous strata. The rest water level in this is known to have lain between 2 to 4m below the ground surface, at various times.i

Contamination of the groundwater comprising general hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons has been recorded in the north eastern and northern parts of the south works. The groundwater contamination in the vicinity of the recycling/fuel/oil transfer area was noted to be particularly severe. Hydrocarbon-based contamination is of concern because of its potential to be highly mobile and could have a detrimental impact on groundwater quality, within the underlying aquifer, or nearby surface water quality. Trends Table 30 shows the water consumption per capita (litres per head per day) of Severn Trent customers from 2000/01 to 2004/05 and compares this to the national average.ii Table 30: Water consumption trends 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 Severn Trent

139 139 130 136 132

Industry Average

149 150 150 154 150

Source: OFWAT

Figure 56 demonstrates trends in water supply leakage on a national basis.

Groundwater and Resources


Figure 56: Total industry leakage 1994/95 – 2004/05 Source: OFWAT

Suggested Indicators

• Domestic water use and peak demand

• Water leakage rates from mains and customer pipes ��

i British Geological Survey ii Security of supply, leakage and the efficient use of water 2004-05 report (OFWAT) at: http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/aptrix/ofwat/publish.nsf/AttachmentsByTitle/leakage_04-05.pdf/$FILE/leakage_04-05.pdf

�

Appendix E

Sustainability Appraisal Framework

�


Appendix E – The Sustainability Appraisal Framework

� SA/SEA Objectives Proposed Indicators Target, if any

1

Reduce poverty and social exclusion, promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future, and encourage equitable accessibility to services. (SEA Directive: population; RSDF: participation, poverty, access)

� Numbers of social and community enterprises (AAP)

� Lower layer Super Output Areas that rank in the most deprived 10% and 25% in the country (Neighbourhood Statistics)

� Households finding it very or fairly difficult to get to a corner shop or supermarket; post office; childcare; doctor or hospital (AAP / WMRO)

� Percentage of people who feel they can influence decisions affecting their own local area (ONS)

2

Improve health and reduce health inequalities by encouraging and enabling healthy lifestyles and protecting health, as well as providing equitable access to health services and high quality open spaces. (SEA Directive: human health; RSDF: health)

� Percentage of people walking and cycling to work or school (ONS)

� Access to a GP or primary care professional (ODPM)

� Participation in sport and cultural activities (ONS / DCMS)


� Domestic burglaries per 1,000 households (Audit Commission)

� Violent offences committed per 1,000 population (Audit Commission)

� Percentage of residents who feel ‘fairly safe’ or ‘very safe’ after dark while outside in their local area (ONS)

�



4

Support the local community by maximising use of local labour and support adaptation to changing employment circumstances. Encourage investment and engagement to support learning and raise levels and diversity of skills. (RSDF: skills, employment, investment)

� Percentage of working age people in workless households (ONS)

� Proportion of young people (18 – 24) in full-time education or employment (Audit Commission)

� Business links with local schools, colleges and universities (AWM)

5

Encourage regeneration and economic growth in and around Longbridge that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs, and improve equitable access to job opportunities. (RSDF: growth, employment, urban development)

� Growth in number employed in local businesses (ONS)

� Inward investment as percentage of GVA (AWM)

� Growth rates and linkages in A38 High Technology Corridor (AWM)

6

Promote and support the development of new technologies, particularly those with high value and low impact, to encourage enterprise and innovation with a sense of environmental and social responsibility. (RSDF: technology, innovation, responsibility)

� Research and development, and employment in high and medium-high technology industries (DTI)

� Number of new VAT registrations in Longbridge as percentage of total (annual) (AWM)

7

Make efficient use of existing transport infrastructure, and prioritise modal shift to sustainable, integrated forms of public transport, cycling and walking. Ensure equitable access to public transport. (SEA Directive: material assets; RSDF: transport, planning)

� Annual average traffic flow on local network (BCC)

� Journey times between key employment areas and key transport interchanges (BCC)

� Percentage increase in use of public transport, reason for and distance travelled (Audit Commission)

�



8


� Vacant land and properties and derelict land brought back into use (BCC)

� Achievement of Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards (EN)

� Contribution to improvement in streetscene: furniture, signage, lighting, public art (BCC / AAP)

� 75% housing by

2005 & 40% by

2011 (B’grove

Plan)

� Less than 300

metres (5

minutes walk)

from home

� Identify & protect 5 urban wasteland sites of biodiversity importance by 2010

9

Provide high quality affordable housing, ensuring that all new buildings are environmentally sound and meet BREEAM standards. (SEA Directive: material assets; RSDF: housing, standards)

� Affordable housing: house price / earnings affordability ratio (Audit Commission)

� Percentage new buildings meeting BREEAM good / SAP efficiency rating (AAP)

� Provision of recycling facilities integral / close to homes (AAP)

� 35% affordable

housing provision

on sites >1ha

(46,500 total

dwellings, 91-11)

10


� Carbon emissions per dwelling (Ecological Budget UK)

� Percentage of energy use from renewable sources (AAP / DTI)

� Thermal efficiency of housing stock (DTI)

�

�

� 30% increase in

domestic energy

efficiency by

2011 (B’grove

Plan)

�



11

Conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the historic, industrial and cultural heritage of the Longbridge study area. (SEA Directive: cultural heritage; RSDF: environmental assets, culture and recreation)

� Loss or damage to archaeological resource (AAP / BCC)

� Number and percentage of scheduled monuments at risk (EH)


� Condition and extent of landscape features: trees, hedges, ponds (AAP / CA)

� Percentage of highways that are either of a high or acceptable level of cleanliness (BCC)


� Annual average nitrogen dioxide concentration (NAEI)

� Number of days per year when PM10 pollution is moderate or higher (BCC)

� � Not to exceed 35

times p.a.


� Net change in natural / semi-natural habitats (EN)

� Recorded sightings of a selection of priority species: badgers, otters, pipistrelle bats, song thrushes, tree sparrows and water voles (EcoRecord)

� Trends in plant biodiversity (EcoRecord)

� Change in condition of Bittell Reservoir SSSI (EN)


� Domestic water use and peak demand (Severn Trent)

� Water leakage rates from mains and customer pipes (Audit Commission)

� Biological and chemical water quality of the River Rea (EA)

� � � RQO B


� Number of people, properties and businesses at risk of flooding (EA)

� Damage to property from storm events (EA)

�




� Per capita household waste production (ONS)

� Amount of construction and demolition waste going to landfill (DEFRA)

� Percentage household waste recycled, composted, recovered, and landfilled (ONS)

�

�

� 18% waste

recycled by 2006

(B’grove Plan)

18

Use local supply sources and support the sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources. (SEA Directive: material assets, soil; RSDF: local sourcing, conservation)

� Proportion of secondary / recycled aggregates used in new building (DEFRA)

� Amount of material / equipment sourced from local and regional suppliers (AAP)

� Ecological footprint of Birmingham and Bromsgrove Local Authority Areas (Longbridge ward when data becomes available) (Ecological Budget UK)

�

Appendix F

Template Assessment Matrix

Short term

Medium term

Long term

1

Reduce poverty and social exclusion, promote a strong community where people feel they have a say in the future, and encourage equitable accessibility to services.

2

Improve health and reduce health inequalities by encouraging and enabling healthy lifestyles and protecting health, as well as providing equitable access to health services and high quality open spaces.

3Improve community safety, and reduce crime, antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime.

4

Support the local community by maximising use of local labour and support adaptation to changing employment circumstances. Encourage investment and engagement to support learning and raise levels and diversity of skills.

5

Encourage regeneration and economic growth in and around Longbridge that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs, and improve equitable access to job opportunities.

6

Promote and support the development of new technologies, particularly those with high value and low impact, to encourage enterprise and innovation with a sense of environmental and social responsibility.

7

Make efficient use of existing transport infrastructure, and prioritise modal shift to sustainable, integrated forms of public transport, cycling and walking. Ensure equitable access to public transport.

8

Optimise the use of previously developed land and buildings, remediate contaminated land and create high quality built environments that incorporate green space, encourage biodiversity, promote local distinctiveness and sense of place.

9

Provide high quality affordable housing, ensuring that all new buildings are environmentally sound and meet BREEAM standards.

10

Use renewable sources of energy and encourage energy efficiency, use resources prudently, making the most of local availability, and reduce contributions to climate change.

11

Conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the historic, industrial and cultural heritage of the Longbridge study area.

12Maintain and enhance the quality and character of landscape and townscape.

13Reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

14Protect, enhance and increase the biodiversity of Longbridge.

15Protect water resources and improve water quality.

16

Avoid increasing, and take opportunities to reduce flood risk, and prepare for other impacts of climate change.

17Minimise waste creation and optimise the re-use and recycling of waste.

18

Use local supply sources and support the sustainable extraction, re-use and recycling of minerals and aggregates resources.

Major negative effect -- Adverse Severe Severe BeneficialNegative effect - Major Major

Positive effect + Moderate Moderate

Major positive effect ++ Minor Minor

Neutral environmental effect Negligible Negligible

DETAILED ASSESSMENT MATRIXPolicy

SA

Obj

ectiv

e

No. Description Description of predicted effect Duration

FrequencyTemporary or

permanent

Proposed Mitigation

Positive or adverse

Mitigation required?

Supporting comments / Proposed mitigation

Overall Effect

Geographic significance

MagnitudeLevel of certainty

Key

The 'Duration' column is noted as:

Magnitude of significance is illustrated as:

Severity of significance