7.1 Conservation Areas and Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens

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1 7. ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE CONSERVATION 7.1 Conservation Areas and Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens There is a sharp contrast between the modern environment of Corby Town and the historic and traditional character of the villages. Seven Conservation Areas have been designated: Great Oakley (1968) Gretton (1970,87) Rockingham (1970) Cottingham (1975) Middleton (1975) Lloyds, Corby (1981) Weldon(1988) Within the Conservation Areas, there is a requirement to enhance as well as conserve, the local environment. There has been provisional agreement to extend the Rockingham Conservation Area. The demolition of Listed Buildings will not be permitted unless there are very exceptional circumstances. In dealing with proposals which would result in the total or substantial demolition of a Listed Building or any significant part of it, the Borough Council will address the following considerations: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) the condition of the building, the cost of repairing and maintaining it in relation to its importance and to the value derived from its continued use; the adequacy of efforts made to maintain the building in use; the potential for ownership by the community as a charitable trust. the merits of alternative proposals for the site. Within the Borough, there are several historic parks and gardens which are included in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest, the most important being at Kirby Hall and Rockingham Castle. The need to conserve and protect these areas is recognised by the Council which will seek to ensure their preservation. Where appropriate, replanting, reinstatement or enhancement may be undertaken by the owners. Grant Aid for Repairs to Historic Buildings A scheme of grant aid operates within the Borough and grants of up to 25 may be available to assist with the repair and maintenance of historic buildings. 7.2 Archaeological and Historic Sites Archaeological remains including those still undiscovered may be important landscape features as well as valuable resources for academic, educational and recreational value. Where nationally

2 important remains or their settings come under threat the Council will seek to ensure their preservation. In appropriate cases, the Council will promote the preparation of management plans by landowners with the objectives of conserving the remains, improving public access and enabling interpretation of the site. Most archaeological sites in the Borough are unlikely to be a constraint on development but in certain cases further information may be required from an applicant before a planning application can be determined. This information will be needed to define the extent, nature, condition and importance of the archaeological remains. In a few cases, where damage would result, a modification of the proposed scheme may be necessary or planning permission may be refused and the site might be scheduled as an Ancient Monument. Major archaeological sites including Scheduled Ancient Monuments are identified on the proposals map. The County Archaeologist can provide detailed information and advice about all archaeological sites in the District. 7.3 Housing Estates Some estates in the town suffered problems emanating from original poor design and layout. The Council has looked at the need for closure of redundant alleyways, parking provision, and the splitting up of overlarge garage courts and shared parking areas. Several "Estate Action" projects have been carried out. An "Estate Action" project is being considered for the Kingswood/Lincoln estate. 7.4 Landscaping Corby has had the benefit of extensive landscaping and tree planting and, in recent years, much new roadside planting has been provided. There should now be a shift in emphasis towards the use of native species and a more conservation orientated approach to management. Ornamental planting may still be appropriate in the right locations. The A43 is an important approach to Corby and the Weldon Industrial areas. The Council will encourage a comprehensive approach to landscaping along the A43 between Stanion and Weldon. 7.5 Engineering Work Work aimed at improving flows in watercourses should avoid canalisation or concrete channels to retain a natural appearance, graded banks and native species. Storm water balancing schemes should have a natural appearance with the planting of native species and the provision of permanent water features where possible. 7.6 Reclamation of Derelict Land Much of the remaining derelict land in the Borough will be restored in accordance with planning conditions. Tree planting will be encouraged. A former quarry at Kettering Road, Weldon has been restored, and forestry or tree planting could be an appropriate after-use. Land south of the A43 should be restored to agriculture or forestry.

3 7.7 Special Landscape Areas The Welland Valley and an area south-east of Stanion, form part of the Special Landscape Areas identified in the County Structure Plan. It is recognised that agriculture is a predominant use in the countryside and that farm buildings and modern agricultural systems may be needed to maintain the viability of the holding. Special care should be taken over design, siting and materials of such development and the use of landscaping to minimise visual impact. Intensive livestock units are likely to result in visual intrusion, increased vehicle movements and problems with effluent disposal and so will not normally be permitted within the Special Landscape Areas. Limited recreational uses may be permitted in the Special Landscape Areas in accordance with Policy P9(L) but only where a specific need can be demonstrated and development would not harm the character and appearance of these areas. 7.8 Nature Conservation There are three sites of Special Scientific Interest within the Borough:- * Cowthick Quarry: geological importance * Weldon Park: ancient woodland * Geddington Chase: ancient woodland (largely in Kettering) In addition, a number of County Wildlife Sites have been identified as having nature conservation interest. These sites are shown on the proposals map and should generally be protected from development or damaging operations. English Nature will be consulted on any proposals likely to affect a SSSI and the Wildlife Trust for Northamptonshire will be consulted on any proposal likely to affect a County Wildlife Site. 7.9 Local Nature Reserves Local Nature Reserves have been established at King's Wood, Corby and at Great Oakley Meadow. Both reserves are managed by the County Wildlife Trust. The Trust also has another Reserve at New Coppice, near Cottingham County Wildlife Sites County Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites of conservation interest and include sites formerly designated as Sites of Nature Conservation Interest, Sites of Nature Conservation Value and Prime Sites. All of the currently known sites are identified on the Proposals Map. Other sites are identified on the Proposals Map. Other sites may be added to the list following the assessment of conservation interest.

4 7.11 Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows Trees, woodlands and hedgerows make an important contribution to the landscape of the Borough and to the quality of the town and villages. Many of the most important trees and wooded areas are protected by Preservation Orders, in particularly, Thoroughsale and Hazel Woods, King's Wood, East Carlton Park, Great Oakley and the Rookery Spinney, Weldon. In the woodlands appropriate management schemes should be followed to ensure the long term conservation of these areas. Satisfactory provision also needs to be made to protect and ensure the long term retention of important trees on development sites, particularly during the construction process. In this context the Borough Council considers that British Standard 5837:1991 Trees in relation to construction provides useful guidelines. In view of the importance of trees to the landscape and ecology of the District, Tree Preservation Orders will be used by the Planning Authority where appropriate. In addition, or as an alternative to Tree Preservation Orders, the Local Planning Authority will encourage landowners to enter into management agreements with the Council or other organisations concerned with nature conservation, recreation, landscape and forestry. The Forest Authority may be able to advise on woodland management and may also assist through the Woodland Grant Scheme.- The use of management agreements will also be promoted on other countryside sites to secure management for the benefit of nature conservation, recreation and landscape protection and enhancement Nature Conservation Strategy A Nature Conservation Strategy will be formulated in conjunction with the Local Plan. The aims of the strategy will be to:- a) identify rare habitats and species and promote protection and proper management; b) identify opportunities for nature conservation, including the introduction of a more sympathetic management technique, and to enhance and improve existing areas; c) locate and protect a network of wildlife corridors which link sites together; d) identify the potential for new habitat creation, including planting and landscaping and the use of native species, and planning for nature conservation in areas of new development; e) make areas of wildlife interest accessible to people; f) generate interest and encourage community involvement in creation, management and enjoyment of sites. g) to seek the cooperation of farmers to introduce management measures to benefit and enhance the conservation value of farmland. A strategy map, will be prepared including the following features:-

5 Important Wildlife Sites: Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserves, County Wildlife Sites Greenspace: A range of different types of green areas, including Council parks, playing fields, play areas and allotments. Wildlife Corridors: Hedgerows Streams and Water Courses Transport Corridors New and existing landscaped strips The Strategy will help to resolve differences between potentially conflicting land uses such as agriculture, forestry, amenity, recreation and conservation and development pressures Minerals There are mineral resources within the Borough and they should be safeguarded from unnecessary development. Development proposals in the safeguarding areas should be referred to the mineral planning authority. Except for existing commitments, proposals for the exploitation of minerals are unlikely to be permitted where they conflict with other policies in the Local Plan Environmental Assessment Many major development projects require the submission of an Environmental Statement as part of an application for planning permission. The Council will take this environmental information into consideration before determining the application and will be guided by the size, nature and location of the Proposal in deciding whether or not a statement is required. The site of the proposed rail related development south of St. James Industrial Estate lies in an environmentally sensitive location close to County Wildlife Sites. This area will require careful consideration as part of the Integrated Environmental Management Plan which is to be prepared for the whole of the rail related area. It is intended that this plan will be controlled by a Management Committee drawn from all the interested parties Environmental and Nature Conservation Policies Policies for the control of development and protection and enhancement of the environment are listed. These policies conform with the principles established by the County Structure Plan. The Council believes it is essential for new development to be designed to fit in with its surroundings, and in particular, to retain natural features which cannot readily be replaced. Conservation Areas, historic buildings, and landscape features also contribute to the character of an area and should be both conserved and enhanced. The use of environmental assessment for major projects is supported as a means of identifying and measuring environmental implications. The Council is generally opposed to the demolition or inappropriate alteration of historic buildings. As well as the use of development control, positive grant aid and enhancement schemes will be provided. Similarly, the protection of ancient monuments and areas of wildlife, geological or landscape importance, is seen as a major objective. The establishment of Local Nature Reserves and

6 management agreements will be supported as a positive contribution towards nature conservation. The survey and evaluation of these sites will be encouraged. These policies are seen as an important part of the Council's commitment to protect and enhance the environment of the Borough Corby/Kettering Green Wedge Strategically important open countryside which helps to maintain the gap between the towns will be protected from unsuitable development. ENVIRONMENT POLICIES Environmental Protection on Development Sites P1(E) Proposals for development should:- (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) retain or replace as appropriate, woodlands, trees, hedgerows and other natural features and should include arrangements for future maintenance; incorporate appropriate landscaping and planting proposals of mainly native species; in respect of buildings, reflect the general character of the area through layout, siting, design and materials, particularly in Conservation Areas; not intrude into the setting of important buildings, landscape features or prominent views and should not involve the development of open land within the framework of a settlement which is important to the general character and appearance of the locality. P2(E) When seeking to protect trees on development sites the Borough Council will have particular regard to :- (i) (ii) (iii) the relationship between the trees and the buildings the location of services the method of construction Conservation of the Built Environment P3(E) The Borough Council will prepare and implement environmental enhancement schemes in conservation areas with the aim of enhancing and conserving the built environment.

7 P4(E) The retention of Listed Buildings and their setting has a high priority and appropriate development will only be permitted where it retains or reinstates the essential characteristics and appearance of such buildings and their curtilages. The demolition of Listed Buildings will not be permitted unless there are very exceptional circumstances. Before granting consent the Borough Council would require clear and convincing evidence:- (a) that all reasonable efforts have been made to continue existing uses or find alternative ones. (b) that preservation in the ownership of the community or a charitable trust is not possible or suitable, and (c) that redevelopment would produce substantial benefits for the community which would decisively outweigh the loss resulting from demolition Unlisted buildings of interest, particularly in the Conservation Areas, can contribute to the character of the area and this should be recognised in any proposals for development affecting them. Historic Parks & Gardens P5(E) Development will not be permitted which would have an adverse effect on the character of historic parklands or gardens. Wildlife, Geological and Protection P6(E) Provision will be made to conserve sites of geological, landscape and nature conservation importance. P7(E) Development proposals affecting nature conservation and geological sites will not be permitted where the development would adversely affect sites of special scientific interest or local nature reserves. P8(E) Loss or damage to other sites of nature conservation, geological or landscape value which is likely to arise from proposed development will be a material consideration in determining an application for development. Development which would have a serious adverse effect on nature conservation or other environmental interests, will not be permitted unless through the use of planning conditions or obligations the most important features of the site can be retained or compensated for nearby. This policy will apply to County Wildlife Sites and Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS). P9(E) Development will not normally be permitted which would result in:- (i) (ii) (iii) loss or damage to ancient woodlands; the loss of broadleaved woodland or the fragmentation of woodland; loss or damage to sites important for their public access, landscape value or nature conservation value including semi-natural grassland.

8 (iv) (v) adverse effects on productive woodlands unless through the use of planning conditions or obligations the most important features of the site can be retained or compensated for elsewhere nearby. The loss of trees which are important features of the landscape. Special Landscape Areas P10(E) Proposals for development in the open countryside will not normally be permitted. Particular regard will be paid to the Special Landscape Areas and the need to avoid visual intrusion, especially in the Welland Valley. Intensive livestock units, horticultural operations and fish farms will be carefully controlled in order to minimise their impact on the environment and the landscape In the Special Landscape Areas, development relating to limited recreation facilities for which a specific need exists will only be permitted where it will not harm the character and appearance of the SLA and complies with Policy P9(L). Protection of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites P11(E) (i) Proposals for development will not be permitted where they would adversely affect Scheduled Ancient Monuments or other important archaeological and historic sites, structures and landscapes, or their setting. (ii) Where potentially important remains are known or believed to exist, but where the quality of the remains is uncertain, planning permission will not be granted without adequate assessment of the archaeological or historic landscape implications. Where insufficient information is available to enable such an assessment then the Council will require the applicant to commission evaluation of the remains by appropriate specialists. (iii) Where preservation of important remains is not feasible or merited, taking into account the importance of the remains and other material considerations, the Council will expect a developer to make satisfactory arrangements for the excavation or recording of the remains before the development commences. Environmental Assessment P12(E) When considering proposals for development which are likely to have significant environmental effects, the Local Planning Authority may, depending upon the size, nature and location of the proposed developments, require environmental assessments. In determining such applications, the Local Planning Authority will have high regard to environmental implications. Local Nature Reserves P13(E) The Borough Council will establish Local Nature Reserves where habitats of local significance can make a useful contribution to both nature conservation and opportunities for public access. Nature Conservation Strategy

9 P14(E) The Council will adopt a strategic approach to nature conservation which will include:- - identification and protection of sites of nature conservation interest including County Wildlife Sites; - measures for the management of these sites; - creation of new sites of conservation interest - identification, protection and management of links between. Developments which conflict with this approach will not be permitted unless through the use of planning conditions or obligations the most important features of the site can be retained or compensated for nearby. Minerals P15(E) Proposals for development on or in proximity to land containing known mineral resources will be considered with regard to the need to safeguard these resources. Corby/Kettering Green Wedge P16(E) Within the Corby/Kettering Green Wedge, planning permission for development will not be granted except where (i) (ii) (iii) the development is essential for the purpose of agriculture or forestry, or the development comprises recreational facilities in accordance with Policy P9(L), and the proposed use, and the form, bulk and general design of any buildings are in keeping with their surroundings.

10 ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE CONSERVATION PROPOSALS Sites of environmental importance are shown on the proposals map. Where these are existing uses or designations, they are not shown as formal proposals REF CA1 CA2 CA3 CA4 CA5 CA6 CA7 SLA SLA SSSI 1 SSSI 2 SSSI 3 NC01 NC02 NC03 NC04 NC05 NC06 NC07 NC08 NC09 NC10 NC11 NC12 NC13 NC14 NC15 NC16 NC17 NC18 NC19 NC20 NC21 NC22 LOCATION Conservation Areas Great Oakley Gretton Rockingham Cottingham Middleton Lloyds, Corby Weldon Special Landscape Areas The Rockingham Forest and the Lower Nene Valley The Welland Valley Sites of Specific Interest Cowthick Quarry/Gullet the Scientific interest is likely to be lost when permitted infilling and tipping is carried out. Weldon Park Geddington Chase County Wildlife Sites Oakley Chase Askershaw Wood Swinawe Wood (including Bar Coppice and Broad Angle) Limestone Quarry Weldon Deene Park and Debbins Wood Weldon Lodge and Deene Quarry Harry s Wood Gaulborough Spinney Swinawe Barn Plantation Blackthorn Wood Prior s Hall Quarry Prior s Hall Plantation Gretton Brook Plantation Gretton Plain Quarry and disused railway Corby Tunnel Quarries Brookfield Plantation Ash Coppice South Wood Quarry Grassland Stanion Lane Plantation Harper s Brook The Dale Great Cattage Wood

11 NC23 NC24 NC25 NC26 NC27 NC28 NC29 NC30 NC31 NC32 NC33 NC34 NC35 NC36 NC37 NC38 NC39 NC40 NC41 NC42 NC43 NC44 NC45 NC46 NC47 NC48 NC49 NC50 NC51 LNR 1 LNR 2 New Coppice Lane New Coppice Reserve Lodge Coppice Sawtry Coppice Great Oakley Meadow Reserve King s Wood Local Nature Reserve Hazel Wood Thoroughsale Woos Great Hollow Spring Pond Rockingham Park Spring Grove The Cow Pasture Hills Planting Pond Burkitt Road Grassland Rockingham Wood Boundary Plantation Boundary Plantation Grassland Plantation Meadow Gretton Plantations Hedges Embankment Weldon Old Workings Weldon Churchyard Cowthick Quarry SSSI Weldon Marsh Weldon Mound Prior s Hall (Corby Old Quarries) Weldon Park SSSI Great Coppice Local Nature Reserves King s Wood Great Oakley Meadow Scheduled Ancient Monument SAM12 Kirby Hall Country House and Gardens (NAU site No. 1682) SAM99 Weldon Lock-up (NAU Site No. 2659) SAM105 Weldon Roman Villa (NAU Site No. 2657) SAM121 Gartree (Roman) Road (NAU Site No. 1896) SAM13638 Rockingham Castle SAM17126 Moated Site, Rockingham Castle

12 Other Important Archaeological Sites Stanion Medieval Village: Centre of major pottery industry (819) Unscheduled Medieval Settlement Area at Kirby (1682) Gartree (Roman) Road: Unscheduled section (1896) Saxon Burial Site and Medieval Village of Great Weldon: Important iron working Centre (2659) Weldon Park Medieval Deer Park Earthworks (3050) Great Oakley Medieval/post medieval Village Earthworks (4032) Medieval/Post Medieval Fish Ponds at Marsh Farm (4034) Corby (Beanfield) Medieval Moated Site (4039) East Carlton Medieval Village Earthworks (4102) Medieval Manorial Earthworks at Gretton (4140) Deserted Medieval Farmstead of Cotton near Gretton (4147) Unscheduled Medieval Town Remains at Rockingham (4156) Medieval Open Field Remains at Gretton (6517) Rockingham Park Environment and Nature Conservation Proposals E1 Environmental improvements at Kingswood/Lincoln Estates E2 Provision of car parking facilities, Hazel Leys Estate E3 Exeter Estate Action Environmental improvements and provision of community facilities E4 E5 Former Quarry, Kettering Road, Weldon to be restored. Forestry or landscaping and planting as an amenity area would be appropriate as part of the Weldon Country Park proposal. Quarry workings south of the A43 at Weldon to be restored to agriculture or forestry. Consent has been granted for tipping prior to restoration. E6 Provision of landscaping adjacent to the proposed Business Park at Longhills Phase 2. E7 E8 E9 E10 E11 Landscaping Barn Close Provision of landscaping adjacent to the proposed Barn Close industrial area. Any landscaping proposals should take account of the former landfill site and the need to avoid any damage to the capping Provision of landscaping at the Oakley Hay Industrial Estate. Hazel & Thoroughsale Woods A draft management plan has been prepared and should be implemented following consultation with the relevant Council Departments and any other appropriate bodies. Linear nature conservation area at the Willowbrook North Industrial Area. Nature conservation area on the "Sootbanks" south of St James Industrial Estate. Subject to treatment of toxic materials and to the requirements of the rail served development.

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