Publication (Regulation 19)

Policy ID.1 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Securing Infrastructure Provision 

Development proposals will provide or contribute towards infrastructure necessary to accommodate the additional demands which arise as a result. Planning permission will only be granted where:

1. It can be demonstrated that adequate infrastructure capacity exists or will be provided so as to mitigate harms arising from a proposed development, having regard to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan and taking into account both site-specific requirements and cumulative impacts arising from other committed development, whilst creating twenty-minute neighbourhoods enabled by public and active transport modes and infrastructure.
2. Proposals make appropriate contributions towards the delivery of relevant infrastructure. The preferred approach for infrastructure delivery is via on-site provision. Where this is demonstrably unfeasible, financial contributions towards local and strategic infrastructure to meet the needs arising from the development will be sought. The Local Planning Authority will seek to secure infrastructure which is necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms, directly related to the development, and fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development proposed.
3. In accordance with Policy ID.2, it can be demonstrated that there is a considered approach to the phasing of infrastructure delivery. This means ensuring that critical pieces of infrastructure are delivered prior to commencement, and essential pieces of infrastructure are delivered at agreed milestones. The indicative phasing of site delivery must be set out in site masterplans or in support of outline planning applications. Preapplication engagement with the Local Planning Authority is recommended to allow applicants to understand what the infrastructure requirements for a site might be, and where developer contributions are likely to be required.
4. There are measures in place to ensure long-term stewardship of infrastructure, ensuring that it is maintained and used in perpetuity throughout the lifetime of a development. This will involve the establishment of appropriate management agreements with parish or town councils, community trusts, the relevant Local Planning Authority or, as a last resort, private management companies.
5. In exceptional circumstances, where it can be demonstrated through robust, independently verified viability evidence that the full infrastructure requirements would render development unviable, reduced contributions may be accepted. This is only where the development would remain acceptable in planning terms and would not prejudice the delivery of sustainable development through the South Warwickshire Local Plan.

Policy ID.2 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Infrastructure Delivery 

The infrastructure projects to be delivered through the SWLP to support the development proposals are set out in the accompanying Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Development proposals must ensure that critical and essential supporting infrastructure is delivered in a timely and proportionate manner and ensuring that infrastructure is provided early on in the development is vital, acknowledging issues around development viability.

The provision of temporary facilities as an interim measure will be considered where such infrastructure is fit for purpose and there is a clear timescale and mechanism for the delivery of permanent facilities. The Local Planning Authority will consider the forward funding of infrastructure projects to help secure their timely delivery.

Community Facilities

Community facilities enable communities to establish and grow. Having spaces that new residents can meet and build relationships is critical to the creation of cohesive and sustainable communities. Such facilities will be provided alongside phase 1 of development. Proposals should be provided in accordance with Policy ID.18.

Open Space

Open space will be delivered in accordance with Policies ID.12, ID.13, ID.14, ID.15 and ID.16. It is integral to the successful creation of place and should be available for the earliest of occupiers of the new homes. Open space should be provided in a proportionate way and phased to support the occupancy of homes. Open space should not be provided late in the development programme on land that was used as a site compound.

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities will be required in accordance with Policy ID.15 in addition to open space requirements above. The timing of this infrastructure is site specific.

Education

Given the lack of capacity in existing schools, providing new schools early on in the development is important. If children have to travel off-site to an existing school, this has a significant negative impact on the ability to build communities. It can also undermine the viability of any school that then is provided because experience confirms that children tend not to change schools. As set out above, the Local Planning Authority would be supportive of temporary or interim facilities to enable schooling to be provided alongside the growth of the development.

Flooding and Sewerage

Sewerage and flood infrastructure are typically installed early-on in the development programme. Much of the on-site open space provision is multi-functional and provides for drainage and flood mitigation. It is therefore imperative that such infrastructure is installed free of defects so as to not to impact on any public open space that has also been provided and is in-use by residents. Policies ID.9, ID.10, ID.11, ID.12and BN.8 set out the relevant requirements.

Transport

The delivery and phasing of transport infrastructure will be project specific and determined working with the Highways Authority and relevant public transport operators Transport infrastructure includes highways works, public transport, and active travel networks. Priority will be given to early provision of high-quality public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure to enable sustainable travel patterns from the outset.

The timing of this infrastructure will be project specific and determined by the Highway Authority. It is acknowledged that new roads within the site may not be fully completed until near the end of the construction period, owing to the need to accommodate construction vehicle movements. However, the phasing of highways infrastructure must not prevent or delay the pieces of transport infrastructure that support the modal shift away from the private car.

The provision of safe footway within developments and to key facilities including street lighting is essential prior to occupation.

Utilities

All utilities, including broadband, must be installed prior to occupation. See also Policy ID.8.

Policy ID.3 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Infrastructure Protection 

Development within the areas protected for the transport infrastructure highlighted on the Policies Map will not be permitted where it could inhibit the effective delivery of the following schemes:

A. Railway Related Schemes

• Stratford to Honeybourne former railway – protecting the route of the former railway south of Stratford-upon-Avon to Honeybourne to facilitate re-opening
• Long Marston Rail Centre - retain operational rail connection to the national rail network and safeguard the route as part of any wider re-instatement of the railway to Stratford-upon-Avon
• Land protected for the provision of a railway station at Long Marston Airfield (Proposal LMA), adjacent to the former Stratford to Honeybourne line.
• Widening of the rail corridor to double track the section of line between Coventry and Leamington stations, via Kenilworth, including a second platform at Kenilworth station.

B. Sustainable Travel Initiatives

• Broad Locations for sustainable transport facilities to serve people travelling into Coventry and the Warwick / Leamington / Kenilworth / Stratford-upon- Avon areas including:
  • A Multi Modal Transport Interchange to serve the University of Warwick and the wider Strategic Growth Area (South of Coventry), including provision for Park and Ride and associated bus services, an active travel hub, and future proofing for Very Light Rail and a heavy rail station on the Leamington Spa to Coventry rail line; and
  • A Park and Ride facility to serve the north of Leamington Spa (two areas of search are currently allocated on land near Bericote roundabout and Blackdown roundabout).

An area of search for a P&R facility on the southern side of Stratford-upon-Avon in the vicinity of the Rosebird Centre, with 500 car parking spaces as shown on the Policies Map.

• Former dis-used railway lines that have been identified in the Warwickshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan as potential future cross county active travel routes.

C. Strategic Road Network

In line with the application of the transport hierarchy, other mitigations will be considered before these, but land will be safeguarded for the following schemes:

• Junction of A46 and A422 Alcester Road (Wildmoor)
• Junction of A46 and A3400 Birmingham Road (Bishopton)
• M42 Widening – land either side of Junction 3a to help reduce congestion where the M40 joins the M42
• Shipston Road / Seven Meadows Road – roundabout and approach widening to facilitate development south of Stratford-upon-Avon
• M40 Junction 15 – widening of approaches to the junction and to the Warwick Bypass / Stratford Road roundabout. This is also dependent on mitigation at M40 J13/J14 through delivery of BIT.2.
• Marraway (A46/Warwick Road)
• Stoneleigh Interchange
• A46 Billesley Crossroads
• A46/A422 Evesham Road Roundabout
• A46 Stanks – Capacity enhancements to ensure continued safe operation of the junction and minimise risk of blocking back on to A46; land requirements remain unknown until further design development.

D. Major Link Development Roads (the Concept Masterplans provide more detail on these)

• STR.2 – additional link to provide connectivity between the A3400 Shipston Road and A422 Banbury Road (subject to confirmation following current modelling). Upgrade of Pimlico Lane to improve connections to Wellesbourne Road.
• Wellesbourne to M40 Junction 13 – provision of an improved link (using sections of the B4087 and routes through development parcels). This is predicated on: Improvements at M40 J13/J14 emerging through BIT.2, and Delivery of WEL.1 and WEL.6 at Wellesbourne. Some third party land may be required; alignments are still to be defined.
• Connection from A3400 Birmingham Road (north of Henley‑in‑Arden) to the A4189 Hunger Hill / Henley Road, west of Henley‑in‑Arden – to facilitate delivery of HEN.
• KEN.1 (south of Kenilworth) – link between Rouncil Lane and the C24 Warwick Road.
• HAT / Dark Lane – major improvement extending beyond the site boundary from the B4439 Hockley Road to the A4189 Henley Road.
• WAR.1 – link from the A4189 Hampton Road to Old Budbrooke Road through NSGL land at Stanks Farm. This would provide enhanced sustainable transport connections, including to Warwick Parkway and reduce impacts through Hampton Magna, Hampton on the Hill and at the Parkway junction.
• BIT.2 – major infrastructure improvements to provide a new consolidated M40 junction to replace Junctions 13 and 14, with associated connections to the A452 and B4100.
• Delivery of a new multimodal transport corridor through the COV.1 allocation area, linking Westwood Heath Road with the A46 Stoneleigh Junction.
• STO1/3 - Stoneleigh Business Park Strategic Access Improvements / Stoneleigh Bypass.
• BID.1 - Delivery of a link between B439 Stratford Road, and B4085 Honeybourne Road, through BID.1. This link will include the proposed new bridge and is intended to reduce traffic through the village centre and over the existing Bidford Bridge.

E. Other Local Highway Schemes

Local highway improvements identified as necessary through the Strategic Transport Assessment.

Development proposals within or adjoining these schemes will be permitted where:

1. They would not prevent or materially hinder the determination of the final alignment or detailed design of the scheme
2. They would not prejudice or unreasonably constrain the delivery, operation or maintenance of the scheme and its associated mitigation; and
3. They are temporary, reversible or otherwise compatible development and would not hinder the future implementation of the scheme.

Policy ID.4 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Stratford-upon-Avon Bypass 

As shown on the Policies Map, Land within the indicative corridor for the proposed western bypass to Stratford-upon-Avon town between the A3400 Shipston Road and A46 Alcester Road will be protected for the future delivery of the scheme. This bypass is required to deliver Long Marston Airfield new community as well as development to the south of the town. The route will intersect with the B439 Evesham Road to provide additional capacity and resilience and join the B3462 Campden Road south of Clifford Chambers. From Clifford Lane (B4362), the route would then head east to join the A3400 Shipston Road to connect into Proposal STR.2.

The route will also cross the Stratford-upon-Avon greenway at a height to safeguard its possible future reinstatement for heavy rail.

Development proposals within or adjoining the corridor will be permitted where:

1. They would not prevent or materially hinder the determination of the final alignment or detailed design of the road
2. They would not prejudice or unreasonably constrain the delivery, operation or maintenance of the scheme and its associated mitigation; and
3. They are temporary, reversible or otherwise compatible development and would not hinder the future implementation of the scheme.

The corridor identifies an area of search only and does not fix the final alignment or detailed design of the road.

Policy ID.5 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Sustainable Transport Accessibility 

In addition to the safeguarding of sustainable transport initiatives set out in Policy ID.3, development proposals must prioritise walking, cycling and public transport, to encourage a modal shift away from the private car and ensure that sustainable transport options are inclusive and accessible to all users having regard to the infrastructure requirements within the IDS. 

A. Requirements

Proposals will be supported where they: 

1. Demonstrate that they are in sustainable locations where travel distances can be minimised, and the use of sustainable travel modes maximised. This means minimising additional travel demand and where demand is generated, maximising the use of sustainable travel modes through safe, secure, and convenient public transport, walking, and cycling links, and ensuring effective integration with existing infrastructure.  
2. Are supported by suitable Transport Statements or Transport Assessment and Travel Plans or Framework Travel Plans, along with additional supporting documents as required. These must provide robust evidence that opportunities for sustainable transport will deliver meaningful connections and align with the broader strategy set out in the STA.  They must also ensure that access points are safe for all users and that impacts on the transport network have been mitigated. This also means making significant improvements to public and active transport modes as part of any transport arrangements to make the development acceptable in planning terms. Where footways are required, including alongside existing highways, they must be installed with operational street lighting (if appropriate) prior to occupation to ensure the safety of residents from the outset.
3. Utilise Green and Blue Infrastructure when providing active travel connectivity, using green verges, linear SuDS and tree planting along streets, transport routes and other active travel links. Where applicable, opportunities to enhance and expand the South Warwickshire Greenway network should be utilised.
4. All development proposals must have regard to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, and where applicable, contribute towards its identified objectives, such as the provision of infrastructure as set out in Policies ID.1 and ID.2.

B. Proposals for Major Development

In addition to Part A above, applications for major development must demonstrate: 

• Direct and high-frequency public transport links to key service centres and employment sites or demonstrate provision for high frequency services as part of the development proposal, and over its lifetime. 
• The provision of high-quality, segregated, and intuitive routes for walking, wheeling and cycling achieving linkages with the wider network, including linkages between other major developments identified in this Plan.  
• That infrastructure is barrier-free and accessible to all, specifically considering the needs of the elderly, those with disabilities and low-income groups.

C. Sustainable Transport Corridors

In order to enable the modal shift away from the use of the private car, sustainable transport corridors will be delivered along key arterial transport routes within South Warwickshire. These will utilise improvements to bus, rail and active transport connections to ensure parity between these modes and the private car. Examples of schemes include:

• Improvements to the South of Coventry Corridor as part of the wider ‘multi-modal transport corridor’. This extends the length of the A452, including the Kenilworth Road south of Kenilworth, north of Royal Leamington Spa and A46 access into the University of Warwick and the COV.1 Site Proposal (IDP Ref STC -1).
• Improvements to the West of Warwick Corridor to Hatton and Hampton Magna along the A4177, improving connectivity with the town itself and to Warwick Parkway Railway Station (IDP Ref STC-2).
• Improvements to the South of Leamington Corridor along the Europa Way/A452, enabling the creation of a new gateway to the south of the town, and improving sustainable connections between Bishop’s Tachbrook Parish and the centres of Warwick and Leamington (IDP Ref STC-3).

This list is not exhaustive, and it is recognised that as part of further work in the plan period additional routes may be identified. Where the need for significant improvements to routes elsewhere is identified, these will be prioritised through planning decisions and obligations, in line with the improvements to transport corridors set out above.

Policy ID.6 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure 

The transition to a net-zero transport network will be supported by requiring Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (EVI) that exceeds national minimum standards. In order to support this goal development proposals are required to demonstrate the following principles:

A. Prioritising Delivery of EV Infrastructure

The Local Planning Authority will prioritise the delivery of EVI:

• Within public off-street carparks
• In areas with high proportions of terraced housing or social housing where off-street “at home” charging is not physically possible;
• Ensuring that all tenures, including affordable and social housing, have access to EVI, and that EVI is barrier-free and accessible to all residents.

B. Residential Development

For residential development with communal or unallocated parking, proposals must:

• Provide active charging points for at least 20% of unallocated spaces, this also means ensuring that there are accessible spaces for drivers and passengers.
• Ensure all remaining parking spaces are provided with infrastructure to allow for future connection and compatibility as usage increases

C. Non-residential Development

For new non-residential developments with 10 or more spaces, proposals must:

• Provide an appropriate amount of active charging points for the type of use proposed to ensure significant proportions of trips can be made through Electric Vehicles. For employment use this means ensuring that there are EV Charge Points installed to allow a significant increase in usage and uptake by employees and customers, exceeding the standards set out by Part S of the Building Regulations. This also means ensuring that there are accessible spaces for drivers and passengers.
• Ensure all remaining parking spaces are provided with infrastructure to allow for future connection and compatibility as usage increases, unless it can be demonstrated that a lower level of passive provision would adequately meet anticipated demand over the lifetime of development.

D. Car Parks

Development proposals for new public car parks or significant refurbishments of existing car parks must be provided:

• Dedicated rapid or ultra-rapid charging for sites in proximity to the Strategic Road Network
• Sufficient safe access for usage by the general public. All EVIs must be well-lit in overlooked areas and clearly signed.

Policy ID.7 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Park and Ride 

Proposals for Park and Ride (P&R) facilities must be informed by a strategic case, feasibility and demand assessment. Proposals for such facilities will be supported in the following locations:

A. Stratford-upon-Avon

Reconfiguration of the existing P&R facility at Stratford upon Avon will be supported to enable development that is consistent with Proposal STR.1, with the capacity of the Park and Ride facility remaining at 700 car parking spaces. Development proposals that demonstrate an enhanced level of bus services from this location, to increase its attractiveness, will be supported.

An area of search for a P&R facility on the southern side of Stratford-upon-Avon in the vicinity of the Rosebird Centre, with 500 car parking spaces as shown on the Policies Map.

B. Warwick/Leamington/Kenilworth

Public Transport Interchange at Policy COV.1 to serve the north of Kenilworth/Coventry South area and the University of Warwick (including provision for Park and Ride and associated bus services, an active travel hub, very light rail and a new heavy rail station).

Coventry and Warwick Investment Zone - potential P&R within the vicinity of COV.2/the Investment Zone accessed from Stonebridge Highway. This would include provision for 500 spaces and potential link with Transport for West Midlands’ plans to enhance mass transit on the corridor from the Investment Zone to Coventry City Centre. Area of search to be defined near to the A45/A46 Tollbar End junction or close to the A45/Firefly Road intersection.

An area of search for a P&R facility to the north of Leamington Spa – bus-based park and ride provision of 500 spaces in the vicinity of the A452.

An area of search for a P&R facility to the west of Warwick in the vicinity of the A46 Stanks Island and A4177.

Leamington south - Asps (retention of current provision of 500 spaces).

Leamington south - expanded bus-based P&R provision as part of multimodal hub proposed at the allocation at Red House Farm (Policy BIT.2).

Development proposals within or adjoining Areas of Search will be permitted where:

1. They would not prejudice or unreasonably constrain the delivery, operation or maintenance of proposals and associated mitigation; and
2. They are temporary, reversible or otherwise compatible development and would not hinder the future implementation of the scheme.

Policy ID.8 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Smart and Connected South Warwickshire 

In South Warwickshire, a smart and connected approach will support the efficient operation of infrastructure, enable better service delivery, and facilitate more coordinated and responsive planning across places, services and communities. This includes the use of data and digital technologies to support economic growth, environmental sustainability and improved quality of life.

This policy applies across both urban and rural areas, recognising the importance of high-quality digital connectivity and smart infrastructure in reducing inequalities in access to services and supporting rural communities.

Development proposals will be expected to provide high-quality digital infrastructure in a manner proportionate to the scale, type and context of development and will be supported where they:

• Provide access to full fibre broadband infrastructure and reliable wired and wireless networks, installed at the earliest stage of development
• Include suitable ducting, chambers and other enabling infrastructure to support network installation, maintenance and future upgrades, minimising disruption.
• Support open access infrastructure that is available and affordable to all users, including residents, businesses and public services.
• Demonstrate that digital infrastructure has been planned alongside other utilities and encourage the sharing of assets, such as ducts and networks, to reduce duplication and environmental impact.
• Where appropriate, integrate digital connectivity with other systems, including energy, transport and environmental infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging, smart mobility and energy efficient technologies.
• Support infrastructure and systems that can operate effectively across administrative boundaries, while having regard to data security, privacy and appropriate data governance.

Policy ID.9 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Reducing Flood Risk 

A. Reducing Flood Risk

Development proposals should be prioritised to areas of lowest flood risk and must not increase flood risk elsewhere, taking account of climate change over the lifetime of the development. Proposals must:

1. apply a sequential approach to site selection, layout and design, considering flood risk from all sources, including fluvial, surface water, groundwater and sewer flooding, informed by the latest Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), national and local flood risk mapping, and available historic flood information;
2. demonstrate, through proportionate evidence, that flood risk will be managed safely within the site and will not increase flood risk to surrounding or downstream areas; and
3. incorporate flood risk management measures from the earliest stages of site design.

B. Flood Risk Assessment

A site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) will be required for development, in accordance with national policy and guidance. Where the development includes existing watercourses, the risk of river flooding must be fully appraised. Where existing flood risk information or modelling is absent or of insufficient quality, proportionate hydraulic modelling may be required to fully assess flood risk. Submitted FRAs should have regard to the recommendations of the latest SFRA and Warwickshire County Council’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Development proposals must account for climate change, including exceedance events and the potential failure of infrastructure. Layouts must ensure that overland flow routes are safely managed through the site and do not place people or property at increased risk.

C. Drainage Strategy

All development must be supported by a drainage strategy demonstrating that surface water will be managed in line with the drainage hierarchy and that flood risk will not be increased to surrounding or downstream areas

D. Sites at Risk of Flooding

Within sites at risk of flooding:

1. buildings and access routes must be located in areas of lowest flood risk;
2. safe access and egress must be demonstrated;
3. finished floor levels must be set at least 600mm above the 1% annual probability plus climate change flood level; and
4. mitigation must be provided for any residual flood risk.

Where land re-profiling or compensation works are proposed within areas at flood risk, these must be necessary to manage flood risk and should not be used to increase the developable area of the site. Proposals should be supported by post-development hydraulic modelling to demonstrate they do not increase flood risk. Detailed consideration must be given to exceedance and overland flow routes where ground levels are altered.

E. Green and Blue Infrastructure

Development will be required to create space for water through the use of green and blue infrastructure, including, where appropriate, restoring or reconnecting functional floodplains (Flood Zone 3b) and opportunities for river restoration and enhancement.

Development that promotes upstream or downstream nature-based solutions will be considered where evidenced they deliver policy requirements and can be secured in perpetuity.

An undeveloped buffer of at least 8 metres must be provided along watercourses, measured from the top of the bank or the centreline of a culvert, to allow for maintenance, flood conveyance, and ecological enhancement.

F. Managing Flood Risk

Development must not prejudice the operation of existing or planned flood risk management schemes. Land required for current and future flood management purposes will be safeguarded from development.

In terms of the risks to traditional buildings from flooding, care must be taken not to introduce inappropriate retrofitted measures which would prevent effective drying and shorten the life of the building.

Policy ID.10 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Water Efficiency 

This policy applies to all new development. Minor developments and extensions must implement water efficiency measures appropriate to the scale of the proposal, while major developments are expected to fully comply with the standards set out below.

Water efficiency measures must be implemented alongside sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to ensure development contributes to overall sustainable water management on-site.

A. Residential Development

1. New residential development of one dwelling or more must achieve a water efficiency standard of 100 litres per person per day (or any future reduction stated within Building Regulations), using a fittings-based approach.
2. Proposals that exceed this standard, including the use of water-efficient fittings, appliances or systems will be particularly supported.
3. All dwellings with private garden areas or external amenity space must include rainwater harvesting water butt(s) of minimum 200 litres capacity, connected to a downpipe. Dwellings without private external space (e.g. flats) are exempt from this requirement. (The specified 200l capacity is indicative and may be varied where site contracts exist).
4. Greywater recycling systems are encouraged for major residential developments (as identified in the NPPF), particularly where shared or communal systems are feasible.

B. Non-Residential Development

1. New non-residential development with floorspace greater than 1,000m² must achieve the BREEAM “Excellent” standard for water consumption, representing at least 4 credits under the Wat01 measure.
2. For non-residential developments over 1000m², a water reuse assessment must be submitted. The assessment will be required to identify opportunities to use greywater or rainwater harvesting within the building. Where the assessment demonstrates that a system can be practically installed and is cost-effective, it must be implemented.
3. Proposals that achieve higher water efficiency standard than this will be particularly supported.

C. Extensions, Redevelopment and Change of Use

1. Development involving extensions, change of use, or redevelopment of a building must demonstrate that water efficiency measures using a fittings-based approach, and rainwater harvesting measures for dwellings with external space have been incorporated to reduce mains water demand.
2. Where water reuse measures (greywater or rainwater) can be incorporated proportionally to the scale of development, they will be required to be included.

D. Agricultural / Horticultural Development

1. Proposals for irrigation water storage reservoirs will be supported where necessary to reduce pressure on mains water supply.
2. Design of such proposals should consider landscape and the natural environment, in line with policies in the Natural Environment section.

Policy ID.12 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Multifunctional Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems 

High-quality, multi-functional Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) must be implemented proportionately across the whole site to manage surface water runoff, reduce flood risk and deliver wider environmental benefits.

A. Drainage Strategy

Development proposals must demonstrate, through a Drainage Strategy, that:

1. surface water runoff will be managed as close to source as possible;
2. there will be no flooding of properties from all sources up to and including the 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) event, plus appropriate allowance for climate change; and
3. development will not increase flood risk on-site or to the surrounding areas

Proposals must give early consideration to overland flow routing when designing site layouts. Development should be sympathetic to existing watercourses and surface water flow paths. Blue-green corridors should be retained and enhanced to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, support biodiversity and provide amenity space, and aligned with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy priorities. Development proposals must protect and improve the quality of water bodies.

On brownfield sites, development must be disconnected from surface water and highway drainage from combined sewers wherever feasible.

B. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS)

SuDS must be designed as an integral part of the site layout and should:

1. prioritise above-ground, source-control and dispersed SuDS features rather than reliance on single large storage features;
2. provide multiple benefits, including flood risk reduction, water quality improvement meeting the four stage SuDs treatment train, biodiversity enhancement with features designed as habitat assets amenity and landscape integration, including accessible GBI and urban heat island mitigation
3. become integral components of the wider ecological network and be in line with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Policy ID.13
4. be designed to remain effective, safe and functional for the lifetime of the development, with long-term management arrangements secured.

SuDS features should be located outside areas of known or modelled flood risk from rivers or surface water. Where high groundwater levels may constrain SuDS design, proportionate monitoring may be required to inform the drainage strategy.

A SuDS Management and Maintenance Plan must be provided for the lifetime of the development. The plan should identify the body responsible for ongoing management, demonstrate that the SuDS design is adoptable by the lead Local Flood Authority, a water company, Local authority, or management company, and include a clear schedule of inspections, maintenance tasks and funding arrangements to ensure the system remains safe, effective and functional in the long term.

Management of SuDS will be offered in the first instance to the Lead Local Flood Authority. Should they not take on the management of the asset it will be offered to the Local Authority, then SuDS Adopting Authorities and if neither Authority is able to take ownership of the SuDS feature, they will be offered to, then a management company will be enlisted.

Policy ID.13 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Green and Blue Infrastructure 

Development proposals must protect, enhance, and expand green and blue infrastructure making use of nature-based solutions to deliver improved ecosystem services. It should be well-connected, provide multiple benefits and be integrated into the design from the earliest stages, forming a key part of placemaking and sustainable development. Proposals should secure long-term management, monitoring, and funding for Green and Blue Infrastructure features for at least 30 years.

A. Existing Green and Blue Infrastructure

Development proposals must protect and enhance existing natural features including open spaces and recreational areas of ecological, and social, or landscape value. Doing so creates multiple benefits for both nature, humans and the wider climate and helps create quality public spaces and public realm.

Proposals must contribute where relevant to the below strategic Green and Blue Infrastructure opportunities, as identified in the Green and Blue Infrastructure and Open Space Study:

• Restoration and connection of ancient woodlands
• Grassland creation surrounding Wolford Wood Meadow
• Hedgerow Network Enhancement
• Stratford-upon-Avon greening
• Tach Brook Re-naturalisation
• River Avon Linear Park
• South Avon to Leamington Spa green links
• Expansion of the South Warwickshire Greenway network
• Improving access to South Warwickshire’s Canals

B. Landscape-led and Ecological Connectivity Design

Development proposals must, as appropriate:

• Respond to the local landscape character and geology of the area
• Protect and enhance historic assets and their settings
• Support high-quality placemaking and sustainable design
• Use native species, climate resilient planting and tree canopy cover to support health and air quality and urban cooling
• Reduce habitat fragmentation
• Connect habitats and green/blue corridors within the site and to surrounding areas
• Deliver biodiversity and environmental gains (in accordance with Policies DS.1 and BN.3)
• Contribute to flood risk reduction using natural features and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) that also enhance water quality, biodiversity, amenity, and public access
• Achieve carbon storage and sequestration in accordance with Policy NZ.6
• Climate resilience in accordance with Policy NZ.5
• Provide accessible open spaces for health, recreation, and wellbeing
• Connect to Public Rights of Way, cycle networks, canal towpaths, and greenways
• Include greening, habitat enhancement, and safe, accessible routes.
• Deliver active travel routes alongside green and blue corridors and nature, based solutions

Align with local and regional strategies, including the South Warwickshire GBI Study, Regional Green Infrastructure Strategy, and the Warwickshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Major developments must provide a Green and Blue Infrastructure strategy.

C. Measurable greening and open space standards

Major Development proposals (as defined in the NPPF) should:

• Ensure that the Urban Greening Factor score as set out in the Natural England Green Infrastructure Framework (NEGIF) are applied as follows:
  • Commercial developments: Minimum score 0.3
  • Residential developments: Minimum score 0.4
• Ensure that the Urban Tree Canopy Cover Standard as set out in the NEGIF are applied as follows:
  • Commercial developments: Minimum canopy cover 14% or no net loss compared to existing canopy cover on site (whichever is greatest).
  • Residential developments: Minimum canopy cover 20% or an increase of 10% compared to existing canopy cover on site (whichever is greatest).
• Demonstrate how proposals meet these standards in line with relevant policies on open space, trees/woodlands, and BNG/ENG.

Policy ID.16 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Adoption, Ownership and Long-Term Stewardship and Delivery of Public Open Space 

A. Management

Public open space delivered through development will be offered to either the relevant town or parish council or the Local Planning Authority. Adoption by either the town or parish council or the Local Authority is the preferred and expected management approach. Together with a 30-year commuted maintenance sum.

The provision of Open Space must be accompanied by a Management and Maintenance Plan which will:

• define a maintenance standards, inspection regimes and performance outcomes;
• set clear responsibilities for maintenance, funding, and access and include mechanisms for addressing under performance. It must also contain a provision for a yearly joint inspection with the Council.

B. Requirements

The following criteria will apply:

1. Open space must remain permanently accessible to the public without restriction and protected for public use in perpetuity.
2. Quality will be confirmed by the issuing of a completion certificate/s
3. Open space will not be adopted where approved landscaping or open space has not been delivered in line with the approved plans, unless appropriate financial provision is secured to ensure these elements will be provided by the Local Planning Authority in default. The failure to provide these elements onsite, does not remove the obligation to pay for these elements when measured off from the approved plans.
4. Transfer to a private management company will only be supported in exceptional circumstances, where the town or parish council or Local Planning Authority has formally declined the offer. In such circumstances, the establishment of a resident’s association to manage the open space will then be explored. Only where a resident’s association also declines the offer, will private third party management companies be permitted.
5. The tenure or ownership model of the development will not, in itself, justify the long-term private management of public open space.

Policy ID.17 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Sport, Recreation and Leisure Facilities 

Proposals for residential development will support an increase in or enhancement to sport, recreation and leisure facilities to meet the needs of its residents. The specific local needs for sports and leisure will be assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of development, the location of the site in relation to existing facilities and the capacity of existing facilities. Evidence of this will be available within the Playing Pitch Strategy, and Built Facilities Strategy.

A. Existing Facilities

Development proposals that would result in the loss of sport and leisure, will be resisted unless:

1. An alternative can be provided that is at least equivalent in terms of size, quality, accessibility, usefulness and attractiveness, and a management plan is submitted to ensure the future viability of the provision, or
2. An assessment has been undertaken which has clearly shown the facility, to be surplus to requirements; or
3. The proposal is of sufficient benefit to clearly outweigh the loss of the current or former use
4. It does not make a valuable contribution to the amenity and character of the area.

Proposals for the extension or redevelopment of existing, sports, recreation and leisure facilities to expand and/or diversify the existing use will be supported as will improvements to the quality and/or accessibility of existing provision.

B. Provision of New Facilities

New facilities will:

1. Be delivered in accordance with the relevant standards of the sporting facility being delivered to ensure longevity and prolonged use.
2. Be accessible to all users with public transport and active travel links to existing and/or new settlements.
3. Ensure climate adaptation and mitigation measures are in line with policies set out in Chapter 6 and incorporate green and blue infrastructure in line with policy ID.13

C. Major Development

Major development will be expected to contribute towards the provision of Sport and Leisure facilities (both indoor and outdoor provision) to ensure there are sufficient accessible and adequate facilities to meet the needs of the population. Where developments are of a suitable scale, provision will be made on site. Where provision cannot be made on site financial contributions towards off-site provision or improving the quality, quantity and/or accessibility of existing facilities will be required. The contribution will be calculated using Sport England’s Playing Pitch and Sport Facility Calculators, which estimates the demand that may be generated by a new development and its additional population.

Policy ID.18 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Community Facilities 

A. Existing facilities

Proposals for redevelopment or change of use that would result in the loss of a community facility that serves local needs will only be permitted where the following criteria are met:

1. There is no realistic prospect of the facility continuing on site for commercial and/or operational reasons as confirmed by a robust and transparent viability assessment
2. The land and/or property has been actively marketed for a period of at least 12 months at a realistic market price for its lawful use or otherwise made available for a similar or alternative type of facility that would be of benefit to the community
3. There are similar facilities easily accessible to the local community that can continue to meet its collective needs and expectations and/or replacement alternative comparable facilities can be provided

B. New Facilities

Development proposals for new or improved community facilities or services will be supported where they promote healthy, inclusive and safe communities.

Where appropriate, new community facilities will be required as an integral part of residential developments. They are to be located where they are accessible by sustainable modes of transport by potential users.

Proposals for major new residential developments will be expected to make proportionate contributions towards community facilities. This may be achieved through direct provision or contributions to off-site improvements. On-site provision of community facilities should be located where accessible by sustainable modes of transport (walking, cycling, etc).

Policy ID.19 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Promoting Arts and Culture 

A. General

The provision, enhancement, expansion and protection of South Warwickshire’s arts and cultural facilities, and creative industries will be supported in line with the spatial strategy in this Plan and the criteria below. Development proposals must:

1. Be appropriate to the character and appearance of the surrounding area;
2. Avoid any harmful impacts on residential amenity, public safety and the operation of existing or consented surrounding uses;
3. Avoid any adverse impacts on the safe operation of the local highway and pedestrian network
4. Positively consider the accessibility of the location by all transport means

B. Temporary Provision

Proposals for the provision of temporary spaces for arts and cultural activities will be supported in principle where they contribute to the vitality and diversity of the local area, particularly on sites or premises which are vacant or awaiting redevelopment. Proposals for temporary arts and cultural uses will be assessed in accordance with the criteria set out in part A of this Policy and, where relevant, should include arrangements for the management, duration of use, and reinstatement of the site.

C. Safeguarding Existing Uses

In cases where new development could potentially prejudice the successful ongoing operation of an adjacent cultural or arts/performance venue, the agent of change principle will be applied.

Development that would lead to the loss of an existing arts or cultural facility in South Warwickshire will be resisted unless one or more of the circumstances below applies:

1. There is no realistic prospect of the facility continuing for commercial and/or operational reasons as confirmed by a robust and transparent viability assessment;
2. The intention is to replace it with a facility that will provide an improved arts or cultural offer;
3. It can be demonstrated that there would be significant benefits to the local and wider community in removing the use and/or redeveloping the site;
4. An appropriate contribution is made to support and sustain an alternative local arts or cultural facility.

Policy ID.20 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Protecting Large Scale Existing Renewable Energy Infrastructure 

A. Protection of existing Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Large scale renewable energy infrastructure – including but not limited to solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage systems (BESS), grid scale heat networks, farm based bioenergy and anaerobic digestion, green hydrogen production, hydro-energy technologies, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage facilities (BECCS) and associated grid and heat distribution infrastructure, will be safeguarded from development that would compromise their continued operation efficiency, safety, maintenance or future adaptability.

Proposals that would result in the partial or complete loss of existing renewable energy infrastructure will only be supported where it is demonstrated that:

1. The infrastructure is no longer operationally required or reasonably capable of continued operation, or
2. Replacement infrastructure of equal or greater capacity is secured and deliverable with an agreed timeframe, or
3. The proposal delivers overriding public benefits that cannot reasonably be achieved without the loss, and appropriate compensatory measures have been secured where feasible and proportionate to offset the loss of renewable energy generation, storage or associated infrastructure capacity.

B. Development Affecting the Functionality or Efficiency of Existing Infrastructure

Development proposals within or adjacent to safeguarded renewable energy sites must demonstrate that they do not impede operational efficiency including:

• Access for maintenance, repowering, and emergency responses
• Avoidance of significant adverse impacts on solar generation efficiency, informed by proportionate solar path and shading analysis where relevant
• Avoidance of overshadowing of solar arrays where relevant
• Wind flow and turbulence impacts on turbines where development is likely to materially affect turbine performance
• Safeguarding of grid, cable and heat network corridors
• Safeguarding or safety zones for BESS, hydrogen and bioenergy facilities.

Where impacts cannot be fully avoided applicants must demonstrate mitigation measures that maintain the infrastructure’s operational performance.

C. Co-location, Repowering and Optimisation

Proposals for repowering, life extension or capacity enhancement of existing renewable energy infrastructure will be supported in principle subject to environmental, landscape, heritage and amenity considerations.

Co-location of complementary technologies (e.g. solar and BESS, wind and BESS, hydrogen electrolysis, agrivoltaics) will be supported where it:

• Increases renewable energy output or
• Increases system flexibility
• Improves land use efficiency
• Does not result in unacceptable environmental or amenity impacts

D. Grid and Heat Network Infrastructure

Existing and consented grid connection infrastructure, including substations, cable routes and overhead lines, will be safeguarded from development that would restrict access, maintenance or future capacity upgrades.

Operational maintenance, repair and safety works undertaken by Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and other licensed operators, where necessary to maintain network resilience, generator availability or safety, will be supported in principle. Where such works result in significant environmental or amenity impacts, operators will be expected to provide appropriate justification and evidence of necessity, and to minimise and mitigate impacts, where reasonably practicable.

Development proposals must not prejudice the future expansion of the grid infrastructure required to support renewable energy generation and storage.

E. Decommissioning and Restoration

Where renewable energy infrastructure is demonstrably no longer viable and no repowering is proposed, a decommissioning and site restoration plan must be submitted and secured by condition or legal agreement. Restoration should prioritise biodiversity enhancement, soil recovery, landscape integration and where appropriate, restoration of agricultural land capability and food production.

F. Community Consideration

Community benefit measures will be considered where development is of a scale, nature or location that results in significant energy generation, commercial value or local environmental effects. These may include local energy tariffs, community ownership models or educational access.

Policy ID.21 (Strategic Policy) Comment

New Large Scale Renewable Energy Generation and Storage 

This policy applies to large scale renewable and low-carbon energy generation and associated energy storage, including solar farms, wind energy, battery storage, bioenergy, hydrogen production, heat networks, hydro energy and carbon capture enabled technologies. Requirements for specific types of renewable energy schemes are set out in Policy ID.22.

A. Principles

Proposals will be supported where they:

1. Accord with national policy and avoid or appropriately mitigate significant adverse impacts on the environment, amenity and local communities.
2. Demonstrate efficient land use, contribute to climate resilience and support the transition to net zero.
3. Take account of relevant Local Plan policies on landscape sensitivity and visual impact, biodiversity and green/blue infrastructure and the historic environment and its setting.
4. Demonstrate a whole system approach including integration with storage, heat networks and wider energy infrastructure.
5. Contribute positively to, and take account of, policies in respect of:
6. Landscape character and visual amenity
7. Historic environment, including the setting of heritage assets
8. Biodiversity net gain and ecological networks
9. Green and Blue infrastructure

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how proposals deliver proportionate local community benefits, such as community investment, local energy sharing or environmental enhancements, or provide clear justification where this is not achievable.

B. Land Use Hierarchy

Large scale renewable energy development must follow the land use hierarchy:

1. Brownfield or previously developed land
2. Lower-Grade Agricultural Land (ALS grades 3b-5)
3. Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land (Grades 1,2,3a) only where no reasonable alternatives exist and food production suitability is demonstrably limited.

Proposals on agricultural land will be supported where they demonstrate the dual use such as grazing, horticulture, or pollinator friendly planting.

Soil management plans must protect soil structure and include stripping, storage, reinstatement and long-term protection, and avoid compaction and ensure restoration of soil structure post construction and fertility at decommissioning.

Renewable energy development within the Green Belt will be considered inappropriate unless very special circumstances are demonstrated. Very special circumstances may include the need to deliver renewable energy infrastructure to meet identified local or national targets, particularly where a sequential assessment demonstrates limited availability of suitable sites outside the Green Belt.

Support will be given to small scale and community-led renewable energy proposals where they protect the landscape character and preserve openness, do not conflict with Green Belt purposes, and provide local environmental or social benefits.

C. Community Benefit

Applications for new large-scale renewable energy proposals should provide for community benefit, such as local energy tariffs, community ownership models or educational access.

D. Grid Capacity and Connection Feasibility

Proposals must demonstrate that sufficient grid capacity exists or can be provided.

Applicants must include early engagement with the Distribution Network Operator or National Grid, and include connection feasibility, indicative routes, and infrastructure requirements.

Where grid constraints exist, proposals should explore co-location with storage, private wire arrangements or smart grid solutions.

Grid upgrades must minimise landscape, heritage and ecological impacts.

E. Construction, Access and Transport

Construction traffic management plans may be required to protect rural lanes, villages and sensitive receptors.

Access should use existing routes where possible and minimise environmental impact.

F. Circular Economy

Proposals should demonstrate circular economy principles, including recyclable components, minimisation of embodied carbon and materials recovery at end of life.

Proposals must include a Restoration and Decommissioning Plan setting out:

• Removal of all infrastructure at end of life
• Restoration of soil quality and agricultural land where appropriate
• Long term biodiversity enhancement
• Secured financial or legal mechanisms for this process

Policy ID.22 (Strategic Policy) Comment

Large-scale Renewable Energy Generation and Storage Requirements 

A. Solar Energy Development on Brownfield Land

Solar development on brownfield and previously developed land will be supported where it:

1. Makes efficient use of maximising the renewable energy potential of the land.
2. Demonstrates that contamination, ground conditions, or structural constraints have been appropriately addressed.
3. Incorporates landscape led design, including screening, boundary treatments and integration with surrounding character.
4. Avoids unacceptable impacts on neighbouring uses including glint, and glare, noise and visual intrusion.

B. Solar Energy Development on Greenfield Land

Solar development on greenfield land must demonstrate:

1. Site selection justification showing preferences for lower grade land and clear evidence that Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land is not required for food production
2. Avoids visually prominent ridgelines and land with high ecological value or irreplaceable habitats
3. Landscape mitigation including:
   1. Retention and enhancement of hedgerows;
   2. Native planting to screen large scale renewable energy systems and to integrate development into the landscape;
   3. layouts that follow field pattern and avoid visually prominent ridgelines.
4. Biodiversity enhancements, glint and glare assessments where relevant to highways, aviation or residential receptors and cumulative impact assessments where multiple solar schemes exist or are proposed in the area.

C. Solar Energy Development on Other Land

Solar development may also be supported on:

• Mineral sites including restored or worked out quarries
• Landfill sites capped or restored where engineering constraints are addressed.
• Low grade grassland or marginal land with limited ecological or agricultural value.
• Transport corridors such as rail sidings or highway verges where safety and operational requirements are met.
• Car parks including solar canopies, where visual and amenity impacts are acceptable.

D. Wind Energy Development

Wind energy proposals will be supported where they are located on:

• brownfield or previously developed land;
• lower grade agricultural land (Grades 3b-5); or
• large estates, upland areas or open farmland with low environmental sensitivity.

Wind energy development on Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land (Grades 1, 2, and 3a) may be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:

• A sequential site assessment has been undertaken demonstrating no reasonable alternative lower-grade sites are available;
• The development allows for continued agricultural use of the majority of the site (dual use); and

• Turbine siting and associated infrastructure minimise the permanent loss of productive agricultural land.

Wind energy proposals must demonstrate that:

• Noise, shadow flicker and vibration impacts are minimised.
• Biodiversity impacts on ecological corridors are avoided or mitigated.
• Aviation and radar safeguarding requirements are met in consultation with the relevant authorities.
• Turbine lighting, height and siting minimise landscape and visual impacts.
• Cumulative impacts assessment addresses landscape, visual ecological and aviation impacts.

E. Micro and Small-Scale Wind Energy Development

Micro and small-scale wind energy developments will be supported in towns, villages and rural settlements where impacts are acceptable.

Proposals will be supported where they:

• Are appropriately located within or adjacent to existing settlements;
• Do not result in unacceptable impacts on visual amenity, heritage assets, or local character;
• Avoid unacceptable noise impacts on sensitive receptors; and
• Are designed to minimise harm to the built and natural environment.

F. Battery Storage Development

Battery Storage proposals must demonstrate:

• Co-location with renewable energy wherever feasible
• Fire safety including compliance with recognised standards thermal runway containment emergency access and separation distances.
• Noise mitigation including acoustic screening where required.
• Visual mitigation including landscaping and sensitive setting.
• Preference for sites near substations, grid nodes or existing energy infrastructure to minimise new grid works.

It would be considered unsuitable to locate these features on isolated greenfield sites or on sensitive landscapes or heritage settings.

G. Heat Networks and Strategic Heat Infrastructure

Major developments must be heat network ready where a district heat network exists, is planned, or is considered likely to come forward within a reasonable timeframe, as identified through local energy mapping, and Infrastructure Plans.

Where such evidence is not available, applicants must provide a proportionate assessment of heat network potential, including consideration of proximity to existing or planned heat networks, potential heat demand and supply opportunities, the scale, nature and location of the development, and physical, technical, economic and operational constraints affecting deliverability.

In applicable locations, proposals must demonstrate that building design and site layout allow for future connection, including safeguarding space for plant, provision of pipe routes, and connection points, unless demonstrated to be unviable or technically impractical through evidence.

Large scale water source and ground source heat pumps will be supported where no significant adverse environmental impacts arise that cannot be avoided, mitigated or compensated through the mitigation hierarchy, and where impacts are assessed through environmental information, including Environmental Impact Assessment where required.

Proposals must demonstrate efficient integration with local energy systems and minimise impacts on water courses, groundwater and biodiversity.

There will be a presumption against development of strategic heat infrastructure in areas of high ecological sensitivity regarding watercourses and in areas without viable heat loads.

H. Farm Based Bioenergy (Anaerobic Digestion and Biomass)

Anaerobic digestion (AD) and small-scale biomass proposals will be supported where they:

• Use genuine waste, agricultural residues and unavoidable by products not energy crops that compete with food production or biodiversity.
• Demonstrate acceptable impacts on:
  • Traffic, including HGV routing and access.
  • Odour with appropriate containment and management
  • Digestate storage and spreading including nutrient management plans
  • Grid connection including early engagement with DNOs.
  • The landscape, heritage and biodiversity.
• Support farm and estate energy hubs combining PV, storage, AD and other technologies where impacts are acceptable.

It would be generally unacceptable unless justified to locate these facilities where there would be significantly increased HGV impacts on sites that are near sensitive receptors without odour mitigation. Sites reliant on energy crops would also not be supported.

I. Green Hydrogen Production, Storage and Pipelines

Green hydrogen proposals will be supported where they:

• Use renewable electricity as the primary energy source.
• Are located near renewable generation, industrial users or strategic transport corridors.
• Demonstrate safe design for hydrogen storage, compression and pipelines including separation distances and emergency planning.
• Support industrial decarbonisation zones or transport decarbonisation.

These would be a presumption against development, unless justified in sensitive landscape or heritage settings or areas with limited emergency access.

J. Hydro Energy (Tidal Stream and Wave):

Hydro energy proposals will be supported where they:

• Demonstrate acceptable impacts on shoreline processes, ecology, navigation and fisheries.
• Avoid harm to habitats.
• Avoid harm to riverbanks, corridors and landscape, including natural flood plains.
• Provide appropriate onshore grid connections.
• Minimise landscape impacts.
• Do not increase risk of flooding or drainage issues in surrounding areas.
• Demonstrate that the development does not create unacceptable risks to public safety, water users, or coastal or river environments, including risks arising from installation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning. This includes safe siting of turbines and infrastructure, protection or navigation routes and water-based recreation, and appropriate consultation with relevant safety and navigation authorities.

K. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)

BECCS proposals will be supported where they:

• Use sustainable feedstocks that do not compete with food production or biodiversity
• Demonstrate safe and efficient carbon capture processes
• Provide secure transport and storage routes for captures of CO₂

It would be considered unsuitable to locate these on isolated greenfield sites or on sites with sensitive landscape or heritage settings. Locations with limited access to CO₂ transport routes or sites reliant on unsustainable feedstocks.