Environmental Report incorporating the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Report and consultation responses

Transcription

1 Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan Environmental Report incorporating the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Report and consultation responses December 2015

2 Contents 1. Introduction AONB Management Plans and Guidance on SEA The Wye Valley AONB Management Plan Screening... 7 Figure 1: Deciding whether the SEA Directive is applicable to the AONB Management Plan... 8 Table 1: Establishing the need for SEA Conclusion Consultation Further Information Appendix 1: Comparison of AONB Management Plan Objectives Appendix 2: Judging Significance in Relation to the SEA Directive Table 2: Table showing criteria of significance listed in Annex II of the SEA Directive alongside an assessment of their applicability to the AONB Management Plan 2015 to Appendix 3: Comments on SEA Screening Report from Consultees Page 2 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

3 1. Introduction 1.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process which looks at the effects that a plan or programme is likely to have on the before it is adopted. Where an SEA is required, a plan-maker must complete an assessment and present the findings of the assessment in an al report that is then consulted upon. Any issues raised during the consultation must be taken into account by the plan-maker before the plan can be adopted. SEA is designed to be integrated into the development stages of a plan or programme and to influence decision-making throughout. 1.2 This report has been produced to determine whether it is necessary to undertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan This is to ensure compliance with European Directive 2001/42/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the ( The SEA Directive ) and The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations, 2004 (Statutory Instrument 2004 No. 1633), which implements the Directive in England and Wales and for relevant non devolved plans and programmes in the UK as a whole. 2. AONB Management Plans and Guidance on SEA 2.1 Part IV, Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 sets out the requirement for Conservation Boards or relevant Local Authorities to publish and review a management plan for their AONB that: formulates their policy for the management of the area of outstanding natural beauty and for the carrying out of their functions in relation to it. These management plans must be reviewed at intervals of not more than 5 years. 2.2 The previous AONB Management Plan ( ) had been subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment. However, as the Plan has been subject to review rather than a more fundamental rewrite, there is some uncertainty over whether SEA would be required for this plan. 2.3 In 2012, Natural England, the National Association of AONBs and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published an Advice Note to AONB Partnerships, the Conservation Boards and Relevant Authorities on Management Plan Reviews, which gave some early guidance on considering the need for SEA: The requirements of the SEA and Habitats Directives, and the need for compliance with them, apply to new management plans, and to revisions or re-issues of existing management plans. AONBs and National Park Authorities (protected landscape managing bodies) should screen their revised or amended Management Plan to evaluate whether the individual or cumulative effect of the changes which they are Page 3 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

4 proposing is likely to have a significant effect, as defined under the Strategic Environmental Assessment or Habitats Regulations. They may wish to seek informal guidance from Natural England (and Environment Agency, English Heritage for SEA) at this screening stage. That same guidance goes on to state that: Given that all the extant AONB Management Plans have been assessed under the regulations, the AONB Partnership / Conservation Board (protected landscape managing body) may decide that the proposed changes to the extant plan are not likely to have a significant effect, and may conclude that there is no requirement to carry out further assessment. The AONB Partnership / Conservation Board should record the screening decision and supporting reasons for it. 2.4 This Screening Report has been written to enable a judgement to be made on whether an SEA should be undertaken. In line with the tripartate guidance outlined above, it discusses whether the Wye Valley AONB Management Plan 2015 to 2020 is likely to exhibit significant al effects, and documents supporting reasons for the report s conclusions. A further screening report, to establish whether appropriate assessment under the Habitats Regulations is necessary, is also published alongside this report. 3. The Wye Valley AONB Management Plan The draft Wye Valley AONB Management Plan sets out a Vision for a living landscape as well as a series of Strategic Objectives that relate to topics of relevance to the AONB. The Vision states: The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be a landscape that continues to evoke inspiration in a wide range of people where some degree of change is accepted and its impacts accommodated through positive management including effective adaptation to and mitigation of climate change where the distinctive mix of steep valley sides and rolling hills, covered with ancient and semi-natural woodland, mixed farmland, and scattered settlement dominate the landscape along with the meandering river where the natural and historic assets are in good order, well-understood and accessible where appropriate, in fully compatible uses and adapted and changed in ways which respect and enhance their significance with a robust mosaic of inter-connected semi natural habitats for native wildlife, particularly around grassland, wetland and woodland providing functioning services and resources for society, including flood storage, food, timber, tourism and minerals which provides work for local people, who make good use of the varied resources the area has to offer Page 4 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

5 where both visitors and residents are able to enjoy the area, particularly for sustainable tourism, recreation and informed appreciation of the historic and natural, with minimal conflict or disturbance from other users where association with the Wye Valley continues to benefit the surrounding villages, market towns and counties supported by the good will, pride and endeavour of local people, visitors, and the public, private and voluntary sectors worthy of its designation as an internationally important protected landscape. The Management Plan outlines Strategic Objectives that relate to the following topic areas: Our Unique Landscape conserved & enhanced Landscape Biodiversity Geodiversity Historic Environment Farming Woodland, Trees and Forestry Development & Transport planning and protection Development Minerals Utilities, Public Services and Renewable Energy Transportation Vital Communities - living & working in the AONB Community Development Economy and Rural Regeneration Enjoying the AONB - sustainable tourism, recreation and appreciation Sustainable Tourism Recreation & Access Understanding and Appreciation Achieving together effective management of the AONB Partnership, Management and Governance A Charter for Residents and Visitors The vision is essentially the same vision as was presented in the Management Plan, with only minor modifications, these being: -While the 2009 Management Plan vision included the sentence: where the natural and historic assets are in good order, in fully compatible uses, and not denigrated by unsuitable change, the new vision seeks to add further detail by rephrasing this to: where the natural and historic assets are in good order, well-understood and accessible where appropriate, in fully compatible uses and adapted and changed in ways which respect and enhance their significance. Page 5 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

6 Similarly the topic areas are a continuation of topic areas in the Management Plan. Appendix 1 shows how the Strategic Objectives that underlie the topics have changed between the current draft of the AONB Management Plan and the Management Plan. Generally the divergence between old and new Strategic Objectives is considered to be low. The Management Plan also defines a series of Special Qualities for the AONB. There are 27 identified, as follows:- 1. Overall Landscape - of 16 Landscape Management Zones with key features and links to the other Special Qualities Biodiversity 2. Woodlands 3. The river & tributaries 4. Species-rich grassland, including small field pattern of un/semiimproved grassland, often bounded by drystone walls or old hedges 5. Boundary habitat diversity & connectivity, e.g. between grassland & woodland, farmland & heathland, tidal river & ASNW, hedges &/or drystone walls, lanes, banks, verges and fields & woods Geological 6. Silurian Rocks 7. Devonian - er Old Red Sandstone 8. Quartz Conglomerate in Upper Old Red Sandstone including 9. Carboniferous Limestone 10. Riverine geomorphology Visual and Sensory 11. Picturesque, extensive & dramatic views. 12. Overall sense of tranquillity, sense of remoteness and naturalness / wildness Historic Environment 13. Prehistoric sites from Palaeolithic to Iron Age 14. Roman and early Medieval sites including Offa s Dyke 15. Mediaeval Defensive and Ecclesiastical sites and associated landscapes 16. Post-medieval industrial sites and associated landscapes 17. Railway heritage 18. Ancient trees 19. Historic parks and gardens 20. Vernacular architecture: Farmsteads, Commoners cottages, Estate houses Language 21. Welsh language & accent; Forest of Dean & South Herefordshire dialects & accents Access and Recreation 22. Old tracks: often in sunken ways &/or bounded by drystone walls 23. Offa s Dyke Path 24. Wye Valley Walk 25. Access land Page 6 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

7 26. Small commons; largest are Coppet Hill, Broadmoor, Staunton Meend, Whitelye, The Hudnalls Other 27. Orchards The significant changes from the Management Plan were the exclusion of Special Qualities on Air quality, Water quality and quantity and Soil quality, and the inclusion of Orchards as a new Special Quality [SQ]. SQ 4 was also modified from Small field pattern of un/semi-improved grassland, often bounded by drystone walls or old hedges to emphasise the importance of Species-rich grassland over the small field pattern. 4. Screening 4.1 The SEA Directive and accompanying national regulations describe the types of plans for which the undertaking of SEA is mandatory. There are also a number of other plans where a decision must be taken on whether SEA should be undertaken. 4.2 The Government has set out in a series of steps a means to determine which plans and programmes require SEA 1, as required by the SEA Directive. Figure 1 below describes the steps that should be taken to determine the need for SEA. The path taken by the AONB Management Plan is indicated by a series of red arrows. 4.3 Figure 1 shows a considered view of the status of the AONB Management Plan in relation to the requirements of the SEA Directive. Further explanation of the reasons for selecting the Management Plan s pathway through the flow chart is shown in Table 1 below. 1 ODPM, A Practical Guide to the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive, ODPM, London Page 7 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

8 Figure 1: Deciding whether the SEA Directive is applicable to the AONB Management Plan 1. Is the PP subject to preparation and / or adoption by a national, regional or local authority OR prepared by an authority for adoption through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government? (Art. 2 (a)) Yes to either criterion 2. Is the PP required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions? (Art. 2(a)) No to both criteria No Yes 3. Is the PP prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use AND does it set a framework for future development consents of projects in Annexes I and II to the EIA Directive? (Art. 3.2 (a)) No to either Yes 4. Will the PP, in view of its likely effect on sites, require an assessment under Article 6 or 7 of the Habitats Directive? (Art 3.2 (b)) No Yes to both criteria 5. Does the PP determine the use of small areas at local level, OR is it a minor modification of a PP subject to Art 3.2? (Art 3.3) No to both criteria Yes to either 6. Does the PP set the framework for future development consent of projects (not just projects in Annexes to the EIA Directive) (Art 3.4) Yes No 7. Is the PP s sole purpose to serve national defence or civil emergency, or is it a financial or budget PP, OR is it co-financed by structural funds or EAGGF programmes 2000 to 2006/7 (Art 3.8, 3.9)? Yes 8. Is it likely to have a significant effect on the? (Art 3.5) No No to both criteria Yes to any criterion DIRECTIVE REQUIRES SEA DIRECTIVE DOES NOT REQUIRE SEA Anticipated status of the AONB Management Plan (Adapted from ODPM, 2006) Page 8 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

9 Table 1: Establishing the need for SEA Stage Answer Reason 1. Is the PP subject to preparation and / or adoption by a national, regional or local authority OR prepared by an authority for adoption through a legislative procedure by Parliament or Government? (Art. 2 (a)) Yes 2. Is the PP required by legislative, regulatory or administrative provisions? (Art. 2(a)) 3. Is the PP prepared for agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism, town and country planning or land use AND does it set a framework for future development consents of projects in Annexes I and II to the EIA Directive? (Art. 3.2 (a)) 4. Will the PP, in view of its likely effect on sites, require an assessment under Article 6 or 7 of the Habitats Directive? (Art 3.2 (b)) 5. Does the PP determine the use of small areas at local level, OR is it a minor modification of a PP subject to Art 3.2? (Art 3.3) 6. Does the PP set the framework for future development consent of projects (not just projects in Annexes to the EIA Directive) (Art 3.4) 3 Yes No?No Not applicable The AONB Management Plan will be prepared and adopted by Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Herefordshire Council and Monmouthshire County Council The AONB Management Plan is being prepared under section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000 Although the AONB Management Plan covers several of these topics, it is unlikely that any work proposed, framed or required by the Management Plan would fall into Annexes I and II of the EIA Directive. A Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report has been completed. This report concluded that there are unlikely to be significant negative effects on the network of European Sites in and around the AONB. 2 This question need only be answered if questions 3 or 4 are answered in the affirmative.? A narrower interpretation of framework for development consents would exclude the AONB Management Plan as it does not direct projects that 2 The Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening report is being consulted on in parallel with this SEA screening report. Should the consultation result in changes to the conclusions presented, this SEA screening report will be updated in line with those changes. 3 The Directive is not clear on what constitutes a framework for development consents, but a broad interpretation has been taken in this assessment, informed partly by wider experience of SEA as described in the Resource Manual to Support Application of the UNECE Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment Page 9 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

10 7. Is the PP s sole purpose to serve national defence or civil emergency, or is it a financial or budget PP, OR is it co-financed by structural funds or EAGGF programmes 2000 to 2006/7 (Art 3.8, 3.9)? 8. Is it likely to have a significant effect on the? (Art 3.5) (See appendix for criteria and characteristics determining significance) Not applicable No would generally fall within the planning system. However, public bodies have a duty to consider the natural beauty of AONBs in their decisions, including in planning decisions 4. Taking a broader interpretation of framework (see footnote 3), the Management Plan may affect the outcome of future development consents, though only in as much as they affect the Special Qualities of the AONB. This question need only be answered if the answer to question 6 is no. Or the answer to question 8 is yes. The relatively small scale improvements to the AONB resulting from the strategic direction given by the AONB Management Plan are unlikely to have significant negative effects on the. In addition, the Strategic Objectives and actions in general seek to maintain and enhance the Special Qualities of the AONB, which will have a moderating impact on development and other actions that may seek to modify the al character of the AONB. Criteria for significance are presented in Annex II of the SEA (United Nations draft document, 2006). This describes such frameworks as documents that place limits on types of activity from an area, contain conditions to be met by applicants if permission is to be granted, or that are designed to preserve certain characteristics of an area. (See: %20Chapter%20A3%20-%20slides.pdf ) 4 Part IV, Section 85 (1) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 establishes a general duty on public bodies: In exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a relevant authority shall have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty. Public bodies are listed as relevant authorities. Page 10 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

11 Directive, in which a range of characteristics of plans are listed as influencing judgements on significance, as well as a range of characteristics of the area likely to be effected by the plan. Appendix 2 at the end of this report shows the SEA Directive s significance criteria alongside the likely effects of the plan. 5. Conclusion 5.1 The conclusion of this screening report is that a Strategic Environmental Assessment will not be required for the Wye Valley AONB Management Plan. This is because the plan is unlikely to display significant al effects. 5.3 Further work has been undertaken via a Habitats Regulations Assessment screening report to clarify uncertainty over whether the AONB Management Plan would require assessment under Article 6 or 7 of the Habitats Directive. This HRA, while concluding that significant effects on European Sites are unlikely, is subject to consultation 5 and so its conclusions may change in light of consultation responses. Should Appropriate Assessment 6 under the Habitats Regulations be considered necessary, the Management Plan would be required to be subject to SEA, and the conclusion of this report would need to be revised. 6. Consultation 6.1 The Statutory Consultation Bodies for the purposes of SEA screening are, in England: Natural England, the Environment Agency and Historic England and in Wales: Cadw and Natural Resources Wales and the Welsh Government, as the Wye Valley AONB Management Plan operates partially in Wales. These bodies will be consulted for their views on the conclusions of this screening assessment. In addition, this report will be placed on the AONB website alongside the Post Consultation Draft Management Plan, which will be circulated to a list of stakeholders. The consultation on the screening report will take place from Tuesday 21st July to Tuesday 1st September Following consultation an SEA screening statement will be published to show the conclusions of the screening exercise. 5 Section 61(3 and 4) of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations, 2010 state that (3) The competent authority must for the purposes of the assessment consult the appropriate nature conservation body and have regard to any representations made by that body within such reasonable time as the authority specify, and (4) They must also, if they consider it appropriate, take the opinion of the general public, and if they do so, they must take such steps for that purpose as they consider appropriate 6 Appropriate Assessment is the detailed stage of Habitats Regulations Assessment that is required when significant effects on Natura 2000 sites are likely. Page 11 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

12 Further Information Further information on this screening statement can be obtained from: Andrew Blake Wye Valley AONB Officer Hadnock Road Monmouth, NP25 3NG tel: Page 12 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

13 Appendix 1: Comparison of AONB Management Plan Objectives Management Plan WV-L1 Promote and develop policies and initiatives to conserve, enhance, restore or create the features and elements that maintain the Special Qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB. Ensure their sustainable management and mitigate, reduce or remove detrimental features WV-L2 Encourage and enhance appropriate landscape scale and green infrastructure action by all particularly on consolidating ecosystem services and positively contributing to habitat connectivity that allows wildlife to adapt to the effects of climate change WV-L3 Promote and encourage the use of the Landscape Character Assessments and Historic Landscape Characterisation to inform local distinctiveness in development plans, strategies, guidance and landscaping schemes WV-L4 Ensure the establishment and collection of sufficiently comprehensive baseline data to monitor landscape condition and direction of change WV-L1 Promote and develop policies and initiatives to protect, conserve, restore or enhance the features and elements that create the special qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB. Ensure their sustainable management and mitigate, reduce or remove detrimental features WV-L2 Encourage and enhance appropriate landscape scale action by all particularly on linking of habitats and positively contributing to habitat connectivity that allows wildlife to adapt to the effects of climate change WV-L3 Promote and encourage the use of the Landscape Character Assessments and Historic Landscape Characterisation to inform local distinctiveness in development plans, strategies, guidance and landscaping schemes WV-L4 Ensure the establishment and collection of sufficiently comprehensive baseline data to monitor landscape condition and direction of change to moderate Objectives are similar but green infrastructure and ecosystems approach are now reflected. Moderate but beneficial significance. Greater emphasis on ecosystem services and green infrastructure can be seen as strengthening protection to the AONB s making it more resilient to significant al effects. Page 13 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

14 Management Plan WV-L5 Support measures which increase public awareness and appreciation of the natural beauty and importance of the Wye Valley AONB WV-B1 Contribute to the delivery of national, regional and local Biodiversity targets and priorities for key habitats and species relevant to the AONB, in partnership with relevant organisations WV-B2 Encourage and support measures that contribute to the management of all statutory designated sites and County local/key wildlife sites so that they are in favourable condition and within robust ecological networks WV-B3 Promote the adoption of schemes and initiatives that sustain, enhance and/or restore the characteristic biodiversity of the AONB, and that enable ecological systems and natural processes to accommodate and adapt to climate and other al change, including through landscape scale habitat connectivity WV-B4 Identify species and diseases considered to be detrimental to the biodiversity value of the AONB and encourage their monitoring, management and, where appropriate, their control WV-L5 Support measures which increase public awareness and appreciation of the natural beauty and importance of the Wye Valley AONB WV-B1 Contribute to the delivery of national, regional and local Biodiversity Action Plan targets and priorities for key habitats and species relevant to the AONB, in partnership with relevant organisations WV-B2 Encourage and support measures that contribute to the management of all statutory designated sites and County local wildlife sites so that they are in favourable condition WV-B3 Promote the adoption of schemes and initiatives that sustain, enhance and/or restore the characteristic biodiversity of the AONB, including through landscape scale habitat connectivity WV-B4 Identify species and diseases considered to be detrimental to the biodiversity value of the AONB and encourage their monitoring, management and, where appropriate, their control Moderate although adaption to climate change (brought from WV-B7 below) should enhance robustness. Page 14 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

15 Management Plan WV-B5 Support the identification and monitoring of key indicator species and priority species and habitats, in partnership with conservation organisations, relevant individuals and the Local Biological Record Centres WV-B6 Promote awareness, sources of advice and involvement in biodiversity conservation by landowners, land managers, businesses, local communities, schools and the public including of impacts from outside the AONB WV-G1 Support the identification and monitoring of significant geodiversity conservation features (SSSIs & LGS/RIGS), in partnership with geoconservation organisations and the local Record Centres. WV-G2 Contribute to the conservation and enhancement of the geodiversity resource in line with Geodiversity Action Plans (GAPs) WV-B5 Support the identification and monitoring of key indicator species and BAP priority species and habitats, in partnership with conservation organisations, relevant individuals and the Local Biological Record Centres WV-B6 Promote awareness, sources of advice and involvement in biodiversity conservation by landowners, land managers, businesses, local communities, schools and the public including of impacts from outside AONB WV-B7 Encourage research and measures that enable biodiversity, ecological systems and natural processes to accommodate and adapt to climate and other al change, including through landscape scale habitat connectivity. WV-G1 Support the identification and monitoring of significant geodiversity conservation features (SSSIs & RIGS), in partnership with geoconservation organisations and the local Record Centres. WV-G2 Contribute to the emerging Geodiversity Action Plans (GAPs) and conserve the geodiversity resource in line with GAPs Moderate divergence as covered in 2015 by WV- B3 although slight difference in wording as Geodiversity Action Plans are now established.. Page 15 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

16 Management Plan WV-G3 Encourage and support measures that create and/or maintain the accessibility and conservation interest of sites of geological importance WV-G4 Promote increased understanding and opportunities to appreciate the the geodiversity of the AONB and the need for its protection and management WV-H1 Initiate and encourage schemes, policy development, advice and sympathetic management through partnerships and positive action to conserve, enhance and promote the historic, in conjunction with landowners, national agencies and other relevant organisations WV-H2 Promote establishment of baseline data WV-G3 Monitor climate change and its effects on the geodiversity resource of the AONB WV-G4 Encourage and support measures that create and/or maintain the accessibility and conservation interest of sites of geological importance WV-G5 Promote increased understanding and opportunities to appreciate the the geodiversity of the AONB and the need for its protection and management. WV-H1 Conserve, protect and enhance the historic of the AONB through policy development, offering advice and encouraging sympathetic management WV-H2 Initiate and encourage schemes and positive action to conserve, enhance and promote the historic in conjunction with national (EH & NE and Cadw & CCW) and other relevant agencies WV-H3 Promote establishment of baseline data to to Moderate the monitoring of effects directly attributable to climate change was not a viable achievement ; the new objective is lightly more prescriptive but incorporates much of the old WV-H2 - see WV-H1 above Page 16 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

17 Management Plan to monitor change and improve the local databases of historic landscape assessments, conservation areas, locally important buildings, & buildings at risk, ancient trees, heritage features and sites in the AONB in conjunction with Local Planning Authorities, local archaeological trusts and individuals WV-H3 Promote the understanding and enjoyment of the cultural heritage and historic WV-F1 Encourage farmers and landowners to develop and adopt sustainable management practices that conserve or enhance the features, Special Qualities and natural beauty of the Wye Valley AONB WV-F2 Influence policy on, and encourage the maximum uptake of, agri- and other appropriate schemes, including support for small-holders, where they progress the conservation or enhancement of the natural beauty, biodiversity, historic and Special Qualities of the AONB, particularly through Catchment Sensitive monitor change and improve the local databases of historic landscape assessments, conservation areas, locally important buildings, & buildings at risk, ancient trees, heritage features and sites in the AONB in conjunction with Local Planning Authorities, local archaeological trusts and individuals WV-H4 Maintain the integrity and promote the restoration, where appropriate, of the Historic Parks and Gardens and designed landscapes WV-H5 Promote the understanding and enjoyment of the historic WV-F1 Encourage farmers and landowners to identify and develop sustainable management practices that conserve or enhance the features, special qualities and natural beauty of the Wye Valley AONB WV-F2 Influence policy on, and encourage the maximum uptake of, agri- and other appropriate schemes, including support for small-holders, where they progress the conservation or enhancement of the natural beauty, biodiversity and special qualities of the AONB, particularly through Catchment Sensitive Farming and mixed farming - this old objective is accommodated in the new WV-H1 Page 17 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

18 Management Plan Farming and mixed farming systems WV-F3 Seek to mitigate &/or reduce, or as a last resort remove, agricultural activity which significantly diminishes or destroys the Special Qualities, natural beauty and landscape character of the AONB WV-F4 Support the development of and funding for new skills, farming practices and farmbased activities that are compatible with the aims of AONB designation, and encourage and support traditional skills such as hay making, hedge laying, dry stone walling, woodland and coppice management, riparian tree works etc. that contribute to the maintenance of the Special Qualities of the AONB WV-F5 Promote a wider understanding of the value of farming to the landscape and economy of the AONB WV-F6 Support all appropriate measures to control diseases of agricultural crops, trees and livestock, which threaten the commercial viability of farming systems that conserve the landscape character, ensuring that the measures remain compatible with the conservation and enjoyment of natural beauty WV-F7 Encourage and support local producers systems WV-F3 Seek to mitigate, reduce or remove agricultural activity which significantly diminishes or destroys the special qualities, natural beauty and landscape character of the AONB WV-F4 Support the development of funding and for new skills, farming practices and farmbased activities that are compatible with the aims of AONB designation, and encourage and support traditional skills such as hay making, hedge laying, dry stone walling, etc. that contribute to the maintenance of the special qualities of the AONB. WV-F5 Promote a wider understanding of the value of farming to the landscape and economy of the AONB WV-F6 Support all appropriate measures to control diseases of agricultural livestock, which threaten the commercial viability of grazing systems, ensuring that the measures remain compatible with the conservation and enjoyment of natural beauty. WV-F7 Encourage and support local producers to Page 18 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

19 Management Plan to supply local food and promote and encourage the use of local produce by public bodies, consumers, accommodation providers and local food outlets. WV-W1 Provide best practice advice to woodland owners and managers on sustainable multipurpose management of the Wye Valley woodlands, including sensitive PAWS restoration, encouraging the right tree in the right place and the ecosystems approach WV-W2 Develop and support tree, woodland and forestry initiatives and policy that conserve, restore and/or enhance the Special Qualities, biodiversity and natural beauty of the area, ensuring no net loss of semi-natural woodland cover unless there are overriding nature or heritage conservation benefits supply local food and promote and encourage the use of local produce by public bodies, consumers, accommodation providers and local food outlets. WV-W1 Provide best practice advice to woodland owners and managers on sustainable multipurpose management of the Wye Valley woodland, with gradual PAWS restoration a priority WV-W2 Support the management of woodlands and trees in the AONB that conserve, restore and/or enhance the special qualities, biodiversity and natural beauty of the area, ensuring no net loss of seminatural woodland cover unless there are overriding nature or heritage conservation benefits WV-W3 Support initiatives for the planting of the right tree in the right place which respect the local landscape character and biodiversity and provide benefits for amenity, health, the local economy and linking or expanding existing sites. WV-W4 Work in partnership to develop tree, woodland and forestry initiatives in line with relevant regional and national strategies and EU Directives, including - this in now incorporated in the new WV-W1 - the development aspect is in now incorporated in the new WV-W2 Page 19 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

20 Management Plan WV-W3 Support the development of employment and skills and markets for local timber and woodland produce WV-W4 Support the monitoring, management and where appropriate, control of diseases, pests and other threats, which may cause substantial mortality in tree species and woodland habitats and seek to mitigate the landscape impact of any loss. WV-W5 Increase understanding, awareness and enjoyment of trees and the special nature of the Wye Valley woodlands and promote them as a resource for appropriate educational, recreational and health opportunities WV-D1 Ensure a consistent and coherent framework of planning policies relating to effective protection for semi-natural woodlands so that none are lost, and encourage bringing woodland back into management through various techniques such as coppicing WV-W5 Support and promote initiatives that encourage employment and skills development for multipurpose woodland management and conservation WV-W6 Support the development of existing and new markets for local timber and woodland produce through improved storage, marketing, entry into national certification schemes and product development, eg woodfuel WV-W7 Support the monitoring, management and where appropriate, control of diseases, pests and other threats, which may cause substantial mortality in tree species and woodland habitats and seek to mitigate the landscape impact of any loss. WV-W8 Increase understanding, awareness and enjoyment of trees and the special nature of the Wye Valley woodlands and promote them as a resource for appropriate educational, recreational and health opportunities WV-D1 Ensure that a consistent and coherent framework of planning policies relating to - less prescriptive reference to markets and woodland produce is made in the new WV- W3 above Page 20 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

21 Management Plan the AONB is fully reflected in the statutory land use planning documents and their effectiveness monitored WV-D2 Encourage and support high standards of design, materials, energy efficiency, drainage and landscaping in all developments, including Permitted Development, to ensure greater sustainability and that they complement and enhance the local landscape character and distinctiveness including scale and setting and minimise the impact on the natural WV-D3 Resist inappropriate development which will create a persistent and dominant feature out of keeping with the landscape of the AONB and/or if it damages Special Qualities in the AONB, including through high levels of noise and/or light pollution or any SAC, SPA or Ramsar site or other sites designated as ally important the protection, conservation and management of the AONB is fully reflected in the statutory land use planning policies and monitor their effectiveness WV-D2 Encourage and support high standards of design, materials, energy efficiency, drainage and landscaping in all developments, including Permitted Development, to ensure that they complement and enhance the landscape and local character of the AONB WV-D3 Promote the recognition and reinforcement of local character and distinctiveness in design, scale, setting and materials used in all development in the AONB, using local landscape character assessments WV-D4 Resist inappropriate development which will create a persistent and dominant feature out of keeping with the landscape of the AONB and/or if it damages special qualities in the AONB, including through high levels of noise and/or light pollution or any SAC, SPA or Ramsar site Page 21 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt the new objective also references scale and setting previously in the old WV-D2 - now incorporated into the new WV-D1 WV-D4 WV-D5

22 Management Plan Encourage the use of Section 106 or Section 38 Agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy to provide opportunities for developments to contribute to enhancing or conserving the natural beauty of the AONB WV-D5 Encourage and support public involvement in the future planning of settlements and the countryside throughout the AONB for example through Neighbourhood Plans WV-M1 Encourage a consistent and coherent framework of mineral planning policies that recognise the AONB and SACs as primary constraints to new quarries and extensions to existing quarries WV-M2 Encourage quarries to be operated and restored to a standard that is appropriate to the landscape character, geodiversity and biodiversity of the AONB WV-M3 Support the working of building stone where there is a clear need for local conservation and heritage purposes where the scale and nature of extraction is not seriously damaging to the Special Qualities, landscape character or natural beauty of the AONB Encourage the use of Section 106 or Section 38 Agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy to provide opportunities for developments to contribute to enhancing or conserving the natural beauty of the AONB WV-D6 Encourage and support public involvement in the future planning of settlements and the countryside throughout the AONB for example through Parish Plans and Village Design Statements WV-M1 Encourage a consistent and coherent framework of mineral planning policies relating to the protection, conservation and management of the AONB and monitor their effectiveness WV-M2 Encourage quarries to be operated and restored to a standard that is appropriate to the landscape character, geodiversity and biodiversity of the AONB WV-M3 Support the working of building stone where there is a clear need for local conservation and heritage purposes where the scale and nature of extraction is not seriously damaging to the special qualities, landscape character or natural beauty of the AONB WV-M4 Regard the AONB and SACs as primary - this is now incorporated in the new Page 22 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

23 Management Plan WV-U1 Support and promote the development of renewable forms of energy generation that do not impact negatively on the landscape features and Special Qualities of the AONB WV-U2 Encourage further under-grounding of existing and proposed power and telephone lines, where these do not conflict with any SAC, and resist new overhead lines where skylines or important views are affected WV-U3 Encourage the highest standards of equipment design and siting for highspeed broadband and mobile phone installations and resist new structures that either do not share masts and / or do not utilise appropriate designs at suitable locations WV-U4 Encourage the use and supply of resources, including water abstraction and investment in infrastructure, that is consistent with the Special Qualities, SACs, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB, and monitor any adverse impacts constraints to new quarries, or extensions to existing quarries, for limestone aggregates that adversely impact on the special qualities, landscape character or natural beauty of the AONB. WV-U1 Support and promote the development of renewable forms of energy generation that do not impact negatively on the landscape features and special qualities of the AONB WV-U2 Encourage further under-grounding of existing and proposed power and telephone lines, where these do not conflict with any SAC, and resist new overhead lines where skylines or important views are affected WV-U3 Encourage the highest standards of equipment design and siting for telecommunication masts and resist new structures that either do not share masts and / or do not utilise appropriate designs at suitable locations WV-U4 Encourage the use and supply of resources, including water abstraction and investment in infrastructure, that is consistent with the special qualities, SACs, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB, and monitor any adverse impacts WV-M1 Page 23 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

24 Management Plan WV-T1 Encourage and promote greater use of more sustainable and smarter forms of transport in the AONB and for accessing the area, including from railway station, so as to afford modal shift from the car for visitors and residents, subject to WV-D2 and WV-D3 WV-T2 Ensure the design of transport infrastructure and traffic management and control schemes are consistent with the Special Qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB, and monitor their effectiveness WV-T3 Conserve the character of rural roads in the AONB by conserving existing traditional features, reducing excessive signage and lighting and sympathetically WV-T1 Encourage and promote greater use of more sustainable forms of transport in the AONB and for accessing the area, subject to WV-D4 WV-T2 Support appropriate traffic management and control schemes, including control or provision of parking, that help to reduce adverse impacts of motor traffic in the AONB WV-T3 Encourage and promote the design of transport infrastructure that is consistent with the special qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB, and monitor their effectiveness WV-T4 Encourage full consideration of the impact on the special qualities, landscape character and natural beauty of the AONB of proposals for transport management schemes, including air, road, rail and water systems in and adjacent to the AONB WV-T5 Conserve the character of rural roads in the AONB by conserving existing traditional features, reducing excessive signage and sympathetically managing - this objective broadly amalgamates elements of the previous management plan objectives. - this is now incorporated into the new WV-T2 - this is now incorporated into the new WV-T2 Page 24 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

25 Management Plan managing verges for biodiversity, unless there are proven public safety grounds WV-C1 Encourage community led initiatives that maintain the diversity, sustainability and quality of rural community life and/or that stimulate investment, local employment and retain or improve facilities and services for local people, subject to WV- D2 and WV-D3 WV-C2 Promote awareness, appreciation of, and pride in the lower Wye Valley, the Special Qualities and features of the Wye Valley AONB and the beneficial aspects for local people of living and working in a nationally protected landscape WV-C3 Support the development of affordable housing appropriate to local need in the AONB, subject to WV-D2 and WV-D3 verges for biodiversity WV-T6 Seek to reduce, and resist the further extension of, street lighting, junction lighting and traffic sign illumination in the rural areas of the AONB unless there are proven public safety grounds. WV-C1 Encourage community led initiatives that maintain the diversity, sustainability and quality of rural community life WV-C2 Promote awareness, appreciation of, and pride in the lower Wye Valley, the special qualities and features of the Wye Valley AONB and the beneficial aspects for local people of living and working in a nationally protected landscape WV-C3 Encourage initiatives in the local community that stimulate investment, enhance local employment opportunities and retain and improve facilities and services for local people, subject to WV- D2, WV-D3 and WV-D4 above. WV-C4 Support the development of affordable housing appropriate to local need in the AONB, subject to WV-D2, WV-D3 and - this is now incorporated into the new WV-T2 and WV-T3 - the new objective incorporates the old WV-C3 - this is now incorporated in the new WV-C1 Page 25 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

26 Management Plan WV-C4 Encourage and promote local community plans and strategies to contain coherent objectives relating to the protection, conservation and management of the AONB and monitor their effectiveness WV-E1 Support initiatives that improve the market for products which conserve or enhance the AONB s distinctive landscape, Special Qualities and strengthens the sense of place of the AONB WV-E2 Raise awareness of good practice and encourage local businesses in the AONB to take opportunities to become more ally, socially and economically sustainable, particularly in ways that sustain the natural beauty of the area WV-E3 Support the delivery of local co-operative schemes, advice and training programmes that support the development and expansion of rural micro-businesses, subject to WV-D2 and WV-D3 WV-E4 Raise awareness of the value of the AONB and the importance of retaining a high quality in attracting and retaining entrepreneurs, relocating WV-D4 above WV-C5 Encourage and promote local community plans and strategies to contain coherent objectives relating to the protection, conservation and management of the AONB and monitor their effectiveness WV-E1 Support initiatives that improve the market for products which conserve or enhance the AONB s distinctive landscape, special qualities and strengthens the sense of place of the AONB WV-E2 Raise awareness of good practice and encourage local businesses in the AONB to take opportunities to become more ally, socially and economically sustainable, particularly in ways that sustain the natural beauty of the area WV-E3 Support the delivery of local co-operative schemes, advice and training programmes that support the development and expansion of rural micro-businesses, subject to WV-D2, WV- D3 and WV-D4 above WV-E4 Raise awareness of the importance of retaining a high quality in attracting and retaining entrepreneurs, relocating businesses, inward investment Page 26 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015

27 Management Plan businesses, inward investment and skilled personnel WV-S1 Encourage and promote the AONB as a sustainable tourism destination with forms of tourism activity and development that are based on the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the Special Qualities and features of the AONB WV-S2 Promote the improvement of the visitor experience, particularly at the most heavily visited sites, and facilitate the opportunity for visitors to explore and discover other appropriate but less used locations throughout the AONB, thus spreading demand and balancing pressures across sites where this does not conflict with the Special Qualities of the AONB and the SACs and skilled personnel WV-S1 Encourage and promote those forms of tourism activity and development that are based on the conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the special qualities and features of the AONB WV-S2 Promote the improvement of the visitor experience, particularly at the most heavily visited sites, and facilitate the opportunity for visitors to explore and discover other appropriate but less used locations throughout the AONB, thus spreading demand and balancing pressures across sites where this does not conflict with the special qualities of the AONB and the SACs WV-S3 Ensure adequate provision of coordinated tourism data and visitor engagement to inform strategic and practical decision making on conserving or enhancing the Special Qualities of the AONB WV-S3 Ensure adequate provision of coordinated tourism data and visitor engagement to inform strategic and practical decision making on conserving or enhancing the special qualities of the AONB WV-S4 Encourage the mitigation and/or reduction of the adverse impacts of existing tourism activity and attractions, WV-S4 Encourage the mitigation and/or reduction of the adverse impacts of existing tourism activity and attractions, particularly where Page 27 of 37 WVAONB MP SEA Env Rpt 2015