Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Area Designation Consulation

We wish to ensure that Shirley Estates as landowners of land at Stareton, but not residing in the Plan Area, are included as consultees on Plan at all stages

Davis Planning Partnership
17A Post House Wynd
Darlington
DL3 7LP
01325 360319
jill@davisplanning.co.uk

Thank you for the email of the 3 May 2013 consulting The Coal Authority on the above. The Coal Authority is a non-departmental public body which works to protect the public and the environment in coal mining areas. Our statutory role in the planning system is to provide advice about new development in the coalfield areas and also protect coal resources from unnecessary sterilisation by encouraging their extraction, where practical, prior to the permanent surface development commencing. The two parishes of Stoneleigh and Ashow are located outside of the currently defined coalfield and accordingly The Coal Authority has no specific comments to make on the definition of the Neighbourhood Plan Area.
In the spirit of ensuring efficiency of resources and proportionality it will not be necessary for the Stoneleigh and Ashow Parish Council to provide The Coal Authority with any future drafts or updates to the emerging Neighbourhood Plan. This letter can be used as evidence for the legal and procedural consultation requirements.

Thank you for consulting with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) on the Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan. The HBF is the principal representative body of the house-building industry in England and Wales. Our representations reflect the views of our membership, which includes multi-national PLC's, regional developers and small, local builders. In any one year, our members account for over 80% of all new "for sale" market housing built in England and Wales as well as a large proportion of newly built affordable housing. We would like to submit the following comments.

We commend the Parish Council on taking this initial step in the preparation of their Neighbourhood Plan by applying for designation of its proposed plan boundaries. We trust that the Neighbourhood Plan will be in general conformity with the emerging New Local Plan for Warwick. In Policy PO4 Distribution of Sites for Housing of the Preferred Options, Stoneleigh & Ashow are identified as Category 3 Villages, whereby new housing development within the settlement boundaries of the villages will be permissible and brought forward via a Neighbourhood Plan. We trust that the Parish Council and District Council will work positively and collaboratively together on such proposals. Finally we trust that the Parish Council will comply with the requirements for Neighbourhood Plans as set out in Paragraphs 2, 58, 69, 155, 183, 184 and 185 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Thank you for consulting with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) on the Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan. The HBF is the principal representative body of the house-building industry in England and Wales. Our representations reflect the views of our membership, which includes multi-national PLC's, regional developers and small, local builders. In any one year, our members account for over 80% of all new "for sale" market housing built in England and Wales as well as a large proportion of newly built affordable housing. We would like to submit the following comments.

We commend the Parish Council on taking this initial step in the preparation of their Neighbourhood Plan by applying for designation of its proposed plan boundaries. We trust that the Neighbourhood Plan will be in general conformity with the emerging New Local Plan for Warwick. In Policy PO4 Distribution of Sites for Housing of the Preferred Options, Stoneleigh & Ashow are identified as Category 3 Villages, whereby new housing development within the settlement boundaries of the villages will be permissible and brought forward via a Neighbourhood Plan. We trust that the Parish Council and District Council will work positively and collaboratively together on such proposals. Finally we trust that the Parish Council will comply with the requirements for Neighbourhood Plans as set out in Paragraphs 2, 58, 69, 155, 183, 184 and 185 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Thank you for consulting with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) on the Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan. The HBF is the principal representative body of the house-building industry in England and Wales. Our representations reflect the views of our membership, which includes multi-national PLC's, regional developers and small, local builders. In any one year, our members account for over 80% of all new "for sale" market housing built in England and Wales as well as a large proportion of newly built affordable housing. We would like to submit the following comments.

We commend the Parish Council on taking this initial step in the preparation of their Neighbourhood Plan by applying for designation of its proposed plan boundaries. We trust that the Neighbourhood Plan will be in general conformity with the emerging New Local Plan for Warwick. In Policy PO4 Distribution of Sites for Housing of the Preferred Options, Stoneleigh & Ashow are identified as Category 3 Villages, whereby new housing development within the settlement boundaries of the villages will be permissible and brought forward via a Neighbourhood Plan. We trust that the Parish Council and District Council will work positively and collaboratively together on such proposals. Finally we trust that the Parish Council will comply with the requirements for Neighbourhood Plans as set out in Paragraphs 2, 58, 69, 155, 183, 184 and 185 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

See Attachments

See Attachments

See Attachments

See Attachments

See Attachments

Dear Sir/Madam,

Planning consultation: Stoneleigh & Ashow Neighbourhood Area Designation

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 03 May 2013 which was received by Natural England on the same date.


Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Natural England is a statutory consultee in neighbourhood planning and must be consulted on draft neighbourhood development plans by the Parish/Town Councils or Neighbourhood Forums where they consider our interests would be affected by the proposals made. The following is offered as advice to assist Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council.

Statutory nature conservation sites
There are no internationally or nationally designated nature conservation sites within the immediate proximity of Stoneleigh & Ashow parish. The nearest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are Waverley Wood Farm, Ryton Wood and Brandon Wood which are outside the parish boundaries.

Local Wildlife sites
There are a number of Local Wildlife Sites within Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish these are:

Stoneleigh
River Sowe & Finham Brook
Wainbody Wood & Stivichall Common Kenilworth Road Spinney (also Local Nature Reserve)
Stoneleigh Park
Decoy Spinney & Cotton Mill Spinney
Ticknell Spinney
Gospel Oak Wood
Hares Parlour & Brick Kiln Spinney
Stareton
Stoneleigh Grange Hedge & Black Spinney
The Rough

Ashow
Benicote Wood
The Grove
River Avon
Thickthorn Wood
Glasshouse Wood

Further information on these sites can be obtained at the Local environmental record centres which hold a range of information on the natural environment, and we recommend contacting your local office. A list of local records centre is available at: http://www.nbn-nfbr.org.uk/nfbr.php

Protected species
You should consider whether your plan has any impacts on legally protected species. To help you do this, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species should they be identified as an issue. The standing advice also sets out when, following receipt of survey information, you should undertake further consultation with Natural England. Natural England Standing Advice

National Character Areas (NCAs)
We suggest that you could make reference to the National Character Areas (NCAs) which divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. The parish of Stoneleigh & Ashow falls within NCA97: Arden, and there is a full profile of this area on our website:
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/1819400?category=587130

Opportunities for enhancing the natural environment
Neighbourhood plans may provide opportunities to enhance the character and local distinctiveness of the surrounding natural and built environment; use natural resources more sustainably; and bring benefits for the local community, for example through green space provision and access to and contact with nature. Opportunities to incorporate features into new build or retro fitted buildings which are beneficial to wildlife, such as the incorporation of roosting opportunities for bats or the installation of bird nest boxes should also be considered as part of any new development proposal.

General Information
Natural England, together with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Forestry Commission has published joint advice on neighbourhood planning which sets out sources of environmental information and ideas on incorporating the environment into plans. This is available at: http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0212BWAZ-E-E.pdf

Further guidance on useful sources of information is provided as an annex to this letter.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Roslyn Deeming on 0300 060 1524. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please send your correspondences to consultations@naturalengland.org.uk.

We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service.

Yours sincerely,

Roslyn Deeming
Adviser
Land Use Operations
Tel: 0300 060 1524
Email: roslyn.deeming@naturalengland.org.uk

Annex 1 - Information sources

The following is offered as general advice which may be of use in your deliberations.

Information held by your local authority and used in the preparation of Local Plans is often the starting point for neighbourhood plans or orders (depending on how relevant and up to date the information is). Your local authority will be able to advise you further on this.
Other useful information may be available from local environmental records centres, the Historic Environment Record Centres or local environmental and amenity groups. You can also access a range of information and maps about the local environment on the following websites - see:
What's in your backyard?: Provides access to environmental data at a local level
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37793.aspx

Your Right to Know: Public Registers of environmental permits and licences
www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/

Natural England: Publications, maps and data on the natural environment
www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/default.aspx

Nature on the map: Maps about nature, including the location of designated sites
www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside: Interactive map of environmental information
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

The Land Information Search: Map based tool on land designations or features
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-6dfkmn

English Heritage: Finding and managing your local historic environment
http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/, www.heritagegateway.org.uk and www.helm.org.uk/

Data on the historic environment (Heritage Counts, Heritage at Risk):
http://hc.english-heritage.org.uk/ & http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/

Guidance on heritage and community-led planning: www.helm.org.uk/communityplanning

Dear Sir/Madam,

Planning consultation: Stoneleigh & Ashow Neighbourhood Area Designation

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 03 May 2013 which was received by Natural England on the same date.


Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Natural England is a statutory consultee in neighbourhood planning and must be consulted on draft neighbourhood development plans by the Parish/Town Councils or Neighbourhood Forums where they consider our interests would be affected by the proposals made. The following is offered as advice to assist Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council.

Statutory nature conservation sites
There are no internationally or nationally designated nature conservation sites within the immediate proximity of Stoneleigh & Ashow parish. The nearest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are Waverley Wood Farm, Ryton Wood and Brandon Wood which are outside the parish boundaries.

Local Wildlife sites
There are a number of Local Wildlife Sites within Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish these are:

Stoneleigh
River Sowe & Finham Brook
Wainbody Wood & Stivichall Common Kenilworth Road Spinney (also Local Nature Reserve)
Stoneleigh Park
Decoy Spinney & Cotton Mill Spinney
Ticknell Spinney
Gospel Oak Wood
Hares Parlour & Brick Kiln Spinney
Stareton
Stoneleigh Grange Hedge & Black Spinney
The Rough

Ashow
Benicote Wood
The Grove
River Avon
Thickthorn Wood
Glasshouse Wood

Further information on these sites can be obtained at the Local environmental record centres which hold a range of information on the natural environment, and we recommend contacting your local office. A list of local records centre is available at: http://www.nbn-nfbr.org.uk/nfbr.php

Protected species
You should consider whether your plan has any impacts on legally protected species. To help you do this, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species should they be identified as an issue. The standing advice also sets out when, following receipt of survey information, you should undertake further consultation with Natural England. Natural England Standing Advice

National Character Areas (NCAs)
We suggest that you could make reference to the National Character Areas (NCAs) which divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. The parish of Stoneleigh & Ashow falls within NCA97: Arden, and there is a full profile of this area on our website:
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/1819400?category=587130

Opportunities for enhancing the natural environment
Neighbourhood plans may provide opportunities to enhance the character and local distinctiveness of the surrounding natural and built environment; use natural resources more sustainably; and bring benefits for the local community, for example through green space provision and access to and contact with nature. Opportunities to incorporate features into new build or retro fitted buildings which are beneficial to wildlife, such as the incorporation of roosting opportunities for bats or the installation of bird nest boxes should also be considered as part of any new development proposal.

General Information
Natural England, together with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Forestry Commission has published joint advice on neighbourhood planning which sets out sources of environmental information and ideas on incorporating the environment into plans. This is available at: http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0212BWAZ-E-E.pdf

Further guidance on useful sources of information is provided as an annex to this letter.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Roslyn Deeming on 0300 060 1524. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please send your correspondences to consultations@naturalengland.org.uk.

We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service.

Yours sincerely,

Roslyn Deeming
Adviser
Land Use Operations
Tel: 0300 060 1524
Email: roslyn.deeming@naturalengland.org.uk

Annex 1 - Information sources

The following is offered as general advice which may be of use in your deliberations.

Information held by your local authority and used in the preparation of Local Plans is often the starting point for neighbourhood plans or orders (depending on how relevant and up to date the information is). Your local authority will be able to advise you further on this.
Other useful information may be available from local environmental records centres, the Historic Environment Record Centres or local environmental and amenity groups. You can also access a range of information and maps about the local environment on the following websites - see:
What's in your backyard?: Provides access to environmental data at a local level
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37793.aspx

Your Right to Know: Public Registers of environmental permits and licences
www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/

Natural England: Publications, maps and data on the natural environment
www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/default.aspx

Nature on the map: Maps about nature, including the location of designated sites
www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside: Interactive map of environmental information
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

The Land Information Search: Map based tool on land designations or features
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-6dfkmn

English Heritage: Finding and managing your local historic environment
http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/, www.heritagegateway.org.uk and www.helm.org.uk/

Data on the historic environment (Heritage Counts, Heritage at Risk):
http://hc.english-heritage.org.uk/ & http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/

Guidance on heritage and community-led planning: www.helm.org.uk/communityplanning

Dear Sir/Madam,

Planning consultation: Stoneleigh & Ashow Neighbourhood Area Designation

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 03 May 2013 which was received by Natural England on the same date.


Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Natural England is a statutory consultee in neighbourhood planning and must be consulted on draft neighbourhood development plans by the Parish/Town Councils or Neighbourhood Forums where they consider our interests would be affected by the proposals made. The following is offered as advice to assist Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council.

Statutory nature conservation sites
There are no internationally or nationally designated nature conservation sites within the immediate proximity of Stoneleigh & Ashow parish. The nearest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are Waverley Wood Farm, Ryton Wood and Brandon Wood which are outside the parish boundaries.

Local Wildlife sites
There are a number of Local Wildlife Sites within Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish these are:

Stoneleigh
River Sowe & Finham Brook
Wainbody Wood & Stivichall Common Kenilworth Road Spinney (also Local Nature Reserve)
Stoneleigh Park
Decoy Spinney & Cotton Mill Spinney
Ticknell Spinney
Gospel Oak Wood
Hares Parlour & Brick Kiln Spinney
Stareton
Stoneleigh Grange Hedge & Black Spinney
The Rough

Ashow
Benicote Wood
The Grove
River Avon
Thickthorn Wood
Glasshouse Wood

Further information on these sites can be obtained at the Local environmental record centres which hold a range of information on the natural environment, and we recommend contacting your local office. A list of local records centre is available at: http://www.nbn-nfbr.org.uk/nfbr.php

Protected species
You should consider whether your plan has any impacts on legally protected species. To help you do this, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species should they be identified as an issue. The standing advice also sets out when, following receipt of survey information, you should undertake further consultation with Natural England. Natural England Standing Advice

National Character Areas (NCAs)
We suggest that you could make reference to the National Character Areas (NCAs) which divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. The parish of Stoneleigh & Ashow falls within NCA97: Arden, and there is a full profile of this area on our website:
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/1819400?category=587130

Opportunities for enhancing the natural environment
Neighbourhood plans may provide opportunities to enhance the character and local distinctiveness of the surrounding natural and built environment; use natural resources more sustainably; and bring benefits for the local community, for example through green space provision and access to and contact with nature. Opportunities to incorporate features into new build or retro fitted buildings which are beneficial to wildlife, such as the incorporation of roosting opportunities for bats or the installation of bird nest boxes should also be considered as part of any new development proposal.

General Information
Natural England, together with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Forestry Commission has published joint advice on neighbourhood planning which sets out sources of environmental information and ideas on incorporating the environment into plans. This is available at: http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0212BWAZ-E-E.pdf

Further guidance on useful sources of information is provided as an annex to this letter.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Roslyn Deeming on 0300 060 1524. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please send your correspondences to consultations@naturalengland.org.uk.

We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service.

Yours sincerely,

Roslyn Deeming
Adviser
Land Use Operations
Tel: 0300 060 1524
Email: roslyn.deeming@naturalengland.org.uk

Annex 1 - Information sources

The following is offered as general advice which may be of use in your deliberations.

Information held by your local authority and used in the preparation of Local Plans is often the starting point for neighbourhood plans or orders (depending on how relevant and up to date the information is). Your local authority will be able to advise you further on this.
Other useful information may be available from local environmental records centres, the Historic Environment Record Centres or local environmental and amenity groups. You can also access a range of information and maps about the local environment on the following websites - see:
What's in your backyard?: Provides access to environmental data at a local level
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37793.aspx

Your Right to Know: Public Registers of environmental permits and licences
www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/

Natural England: Publications, maps and data on the natural environment
www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/default.aspx

Nature on the map: Maps about nature, including the location of designated sites
www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside: Interactive map of environmental information
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

The Land Information Search: Map based tool on land designations or features
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-6dfkmn

English Heritage: Finding and managing your local historic environment
http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/, www.heritagegateway.org.uk and www.helm.org.uk/

Data on the historic environment (Heritage Counts, Heritage at Risk):
http://hc.english-heritage.org.uk/ & http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/

Guidance on heritage and community-led planning: www.helm.org.uk/communityplanning

Dear Sir/Madam,

Planning consultation: Stoneleigh & Ashow Neighbourhood Area Designation

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 03 May 2013 which was received by Natural England on the same date.


Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Natural England is a statutory consultee in neighbourhood planning and must be consulted on draft neighbourhood development plans by the Parish/Town Councils or Neighbourhood Forums where they consider our interests would be affected by the proposals made. The following is offered as advice to assist Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council.

Statutory nature conservation sites
There are no internationally or nationally designated nature conservation sites within the immediate proximity of Stoneleigh & Ashow parish. The nearest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are Waverley Wood Farm, Ryton Wood and Brandon Wood which are outside the parish boundaries.

Local Wildlife sites
There are a number of Local Wildlife Sites within Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish these are:

Stoneleigh
River Sowe & Finham Brook
Wainbody Wood & Stivichall Common Kenilworth Road Spinney (also Local Nature Reserve)
Stoneleigh Park
Decoy Spinney & Cotton Mill Spinney
Ticknell Spinney
Gospel Oak Wood
Hares Parlour & Brick Kiln Spinney
Stareton
Stoneleigh Grange Hedge & Black Spinney
The Rough

Ashow
Benicote Wood
The Grove
River Avon
Thickthorn Wood
Glasshouse Wood

Further information on these sites can be obtained at the Local environmental record centres which hold a range of information on the natural environment, and we recommend contacting your local office. A list of local records centre is available at: http://www.nbn-nfbr.org.uk/nfbr.php

Protected species
You should consider whether your plan has any impacts on legally protected species. To help you do this, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species should they be identified as an issue. The standing advice also sets out when, following receipt of survey information, you should undertake further consultation with Natural England. Natural England Standing Advice

National Character Areas (NCAs)
We suggest that you could make reference to the National Character Areas (NCAs) which divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. The parish of Stoneleigh & Ashow falls within NCA97: Arden, and there is a full profile of this area on our website:
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/1819400?category=587130

Opportunities for enhancing the natural environment
Neighbourhood plans may provide opportunities to enhance the character and local distinctiveness of the surrounding natural and built environment; use natural resources more sustainably; and bring benefits for the local community, for example through green space provision and access to and contact with nature. Opportunities to incorporate features into new build or retro fitted buildings which are beneficial to wildlife, such as the incorporation of roosting opportunities for bats or the installation of bird nest boxes should also be considered as part of any new development proposal.

General Information
Natural England, together with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Forestry Commission has published joint advice on neighbourhood planning which sets out sources of environmental information and ideas on incorporating the environment into plans. This is available at: http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0212BWAZ-E-E.pdf

Further guidance on useful sources of information is provided as an annex to this letter.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Roslyn Deeming on 0300 060 1524. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please send your correspondences to consultations@naturalengland.org.uk.

We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service.

Yours sincerely,

Roslyn Deeming
Adviser
Land Use Operations
Tel: 0300 060 1524
Email: roslyn.deeming@naturalengland.org.uk

Annex 1 - Information sources

The following is offered as general advice which may be of use in your deliberations.

Information held by your local authority and used in the preparation of Local Plans is often the starting point for neighbourhood plans or orders (depending on how relevant and up to date the information is). Your local authority will be able to advise you further on this.
Other useful information may be available from local environmental records centres, the Historic Environment Record Centres or local environmental and amenity groups. You can also access a range of information and maps about the local environment on the following websites - see:
What's in your backyard?: Provides access to environmental data at a local level
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37793.aspx

Your Right to Know: Public Registers of environmental permits and licences
www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/

Natural England: Publications, maps and data on the natural environment
www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/default.aspx

Nature on the map: Maps about nature, including the location of designated sites
www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside: Interactive map of environmental information
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

The Land Information Search: Map based tool on land designations or features
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-6dfkmn

English Heritage: Finding and managing your local historic environment
http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/, www.heritagegateway.org.uk and www.helm.org.uk/

Data on the historic environment (Heritage Counts, Heritage at Risk):
http://hc.english-heritage.org.uk/ & http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/

Guidance on heritage and community-led planning: www.helm.org.uk/communityplanning

Dear Sir/Madam,

Planning consultation: Stoneleigh & Ashow Neighbourhood Area Designation

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 03 May 2013 which was received by Natural England on the same date.


Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Natural England is a statutory consultee in neighbourhood planning and must be consulted on draft neighbourhood development plans by the Parish/Town Councils or Neighbourhood Forums where they consider our interests would be affected by the proposals made. The following is offered as advice to assist Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council.

Statutory nature conservation sites
There are no internationally or nationally designated nature conservation sites within the immediate proximity of Stoneleigh & Ashow parish. The nearest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are Waverley Wood Farm, Ryton Wood and Brandon Wood which are outside the parish boundaries.

Local Wildlife sites
There are a number of Local Wildlife Sites within Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish these are:

Stoneleigh
River Sowe & Finham Brook
Wainbody Wood & Stivichall Common Kenilworth Road Spinney (also Local Nature Reserve)
Stoneleigh Park
Decoy Spinney & Cotton Mill Spinney
Ticknell Spinney
Gospel Oak Wood
Hares Parlour & Brick Kiln Spinney
Stareton
Stoneleigh Grange Hedge & Black Spinney
The Rough

Ashow
Benicote Wood
The Grove
River Avon
Thickthorn Wood
Glasshouse Wood

Further information on these sites can be obtained at the Local environmental record centres which hold a range of information on the natural environment, and we recommend contacting your local office. A list of local records centre is available at: http://www.nbn-nfbr.org.uk/nfbr.php

Protected species
You should consider whether your plan has any impacts on legally protected species. To help you do this, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species should they be identified as an issue. The standing advice also sets out when, following receipt of survey information, you should undertake further consultation with Natural England. Natural England Standing Advice

National Character Areas (NCAs)
We suggest that you could make reference to the National Character Areas (NCAs) which divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. The parish of Stoneleigh & Ashow falls within NCA97: Arden, and there is a full profile of this area on our website:
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/1819400?category=587130

Opportunities for enhancing the natural environment
Neighbourhood plans may provide opportunities to enhance the character and local distinctiveness of the surrounding natural and built environment; use natural resources more sustainably; and bring benefits for the local community, for example through green space provision and access to and contact with nature. Opportunities to incorporate features into new build or retro fitted buildings which are beneficial to wildlife, such as the incorporation of roosting opportunities for bats or the installation of bird nest boxes should also be considered as part of any new development proposal.

General Information
Natural England, together with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Forestry Commission has published joint advice on neighbourhood planning which sets out sources of environmental information and ideas on incorporating the environment into plans. This is available at: http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0212BWAZ-E-E.pdf

Further guidance on useful sources of information is provided as an annex to this letter.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Roslyn Deeming on 0300 060 1524. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please send your correspondences to consultations@naturalengland.org.uk.

We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service.

Yours sincerely,

Roslyn Deeming
Adviser
Land Use Operations
Tel: 0300 060 1524
Email: roslyn.deeming@naturalengland.org.uk

Annex 1 - Information sources

The following is offered as general advice which may be of use in your deliberations.

Information held by your local authority and used in the preparation of Local Plans is often the starting point for neighbourhood plans or orders (depending on how relevant and up to date the information is). Your local authority will be able to advise you further on this.
Other useful information may be available from local environmental records centres, the Historic Environment Record Centres or local environmental and amenity groups. You can also access a range of information and maps about the local environment on the following websites - see:
What's in your backyard?: Provides access to environmental data at a local level
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37793.aspx

Your Right to Know: Public Registers of environmental permits and licences
www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/

Natural England: Publications, maps and data on the natural environment
www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/default.aspx

Nature on the map: Maps about nature, including the location of designated sites
www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside: Interactive map of environmental information
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

The Land Information Search: Map based tool on land designations or features
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-6dfkmn

English Heritage: Finding and managing your local historic environment
http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/, www.heritagegateway.org.uk and www.helm.org.uk/

Data on the historic environment (Heritage Counts, Heritage at Risk):
http://hc.english-heritage.org.uk/ & http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/

Guidance on heritage and community-led planning: www.helm.org.uk/communityplanning

Dear Sir/Madam,

Planning consultation: Stoneleigh & Ashow Neighbourhood Area Designation

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 03 May 2013 which was received by Natural England on the same date.


Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Natural England is a statutory consultee in neighbourhood planning and must be consulted on draft neighbourhood development plans by the Parish/Town Councils or Neighbourhood Forums where they consider our interests would be affected by the proposals made. The following is offered as advice to assist Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council.

Statutory nature conservation sites
There are no internationally or nationally designated nature conservation sites within the immediate proximity of Stoneleigh & Ashow parish. The nearest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are Waverley Wood Farm, Ryton Wood and Brandon Wood which are outside the parish boundaries.

Local Wildlife sites
There are a number of Local Wildlife Sites within Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish these are:

Stoneleigh
River Sowe & Finham Brook
Wainbody Wood & Stivichall Common Kenilworth Road Spinney (also Local Nature Reserve)
Stoneleigh Park
Decoy Spinney & Cotton Mill Spinney
Ticknell Spinney
Gospel Oak Wood
Hares Parlour & Brick Kiln Spinney
Stareton
Stoneleigh Grange Hedge & Black Spinney
The Rough

Ashow
Benicote Wood
The Grove
River Avon
Thickthorn Wood
Glasshouse Wood

Further information on these sites can be obtained at the Local environmental record centres which hold a range of information on the natural environment, and we recommend contacting your local office. A list of local records centre is available at: http://www.nbn-nfbr.org.uk/nfbr.php

Protected species
You should consider whether your plan has any impacts on legally protected species. To help you do this, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species should they be identified as an issue. The standing advice also sets out when, following receipt of survey information, you should undertake further consultation with Natural England. Natural England Standing Advice

National Character Areas (NCAs)
We suggest that you could make reference to the National Character Areas (NCAs) which divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. The parish of Stoneleigh & Ashow falls within NCA97: Arden, and there is a full profile of this area on our website:
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/1819400?category=587130

Opportunities for enhancing the natural environment
Neighbourhood plans may provide opportunities to enhance the character and local distinctiveness of the surrounding natural and built environment; use natural resources more sustainably; and bring benefits for the local community, for example through green space provision and access to and contact with nature. Opportunities to incorporate features into new build or retro fitted buildings which are beneficial to wildlife, such as the incorporation of roosting opportunities for bats or the installation of bird nest boxes should also be considered as part of any new development proposal.

General Information
Natural England, together with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Forestry Commission has published joint advice on neighbourhood planning which sets out sources of environmental information and ideas on incorporating the environment into plans. This is available at: http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0212BWAZ-E-E.pdf

Further guidance on useful sources of information is provided as an annex to this letter.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Roslyn Deeming on 0300 060 1524. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please send your correspondences to consultations@naturalengland.org.uk.

We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service.

Yours sincerely,

Roslyn Deeming
Adviser
Land Use Operations
Tel: 0300 060 1524
Email: roslyn.deeming@naturalengland.org.uk

Annex 1 - Information sources

The following is offered as general advice which may be of use in your deliberations.

Information held by your local authority and used in the preparation of Local Plans is often the starting point for neighbourhood plans or orders (depending on how relevant and up to date the information is). Your local authority will be able to advise you further on this.
Other useful information may be available from local environmental records centres, the Historic Environment Record Centres or local environmental and amenity groups. You can also access a range of information and maps about the local environment on the following websites - see:
What's in your backyard?: Provides access to environmental data at a local level
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37793.aspx

Your Right to Know: Public Registers of environmental permits and licences
www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/

Natural England: Publications, maps and data on the natural environment
www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/default.aspx

Nature on the map: Maps about nature, including the location of designated sites
www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside: Interactive map of environmental information
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

The Land Information Search: Map based tool on land designations or features
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-6dfkmn

English Heritage: Finding and managing your local historic environment
http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/, www.heritagegateway.org.uk and www.helm.org.uk/

Data on the historic environment (Heritage Counts, Heritage at Risk):
http://hc.english-heritage.org.uk/ & http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/

Guidance on heritage and community-led planning: www.helm.org.uk/communityplanning

Dear Sir/Madam,

Planning consultation: Stoneleigh & Ashow Neighbourhood Area Designation

Thank you for your consultation on the above dated 03 May 2013 which was received by Natural England on the same date.


Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Natural England is a statutory consultee in neighbourhood planning and must be consulted on draft neighbourhood development plans by the Parish/Town Councils or Neighbourhood Forums where they consider our interests would be affected by the proposals made. The following is offered as advice to assist Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish Council.

Statutory nature conservation sites
There are no internationally or nationally designated nature conservation sites within the immediate proximity of Stoneleigh & Ashow parish. The nearest Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are Waverley Wood Farm, Ryton Wood and Brandon Wood which are outside the parish boundaries.

Local Wildlife sites
There are a number of Local Wildlife Sites within Stoneleigh & Ashow Parish these are:

Stoneleigh
River Sowe & Finham Brook
Wainbody Wood & Stivichall Common Kenilworth Road Spinney (also Local Nature Reserve)
Stoneleigh Park
Decoy Spinney & Cotton Mill Spinney
Ticknell Spinney
Gospel Oak Wood
Hares Parlour & Brick Kiln Spinney
Stareton
Stoneleigh Grange Hedge & Black Spinney
The Rough

Ashow
Benicote Wood
The Grove
River Avon
Thickthorn Wood
Glasshouse Wood

Further information on these sites can be obtained at the Local environmental record centres which hold a range of information on the natural environment, and we recommend contacting your local office. A list of local records centre is available at: http://www.nbn-nfbr.org.uk/nfbr.php

Protected species
You should consider whether your plan has any impacts on legally protected species. To help you do this, Natural England has produced standing advice to help understand the impact of particular developments on protected or Biodiversity Action Plan species should they be identified as an issue. The standing advice also sets out when, following receipt of survey information, you should undertake further consultation with Natural England. Natural England Standing Advice

National Character Areas (NCAs)
We suggest that you could make reference to the National Character Areas (NCAs) which divide England into 159 distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision making framework for the natural environment. The parish of Stoneleigh & Ashow falls within NCA97: Arden, and there is a full profile of this area on our website:
http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/1819400?category=587130

Opportunities for enhancing the natural environment
Neighbourhood plans may provide opportunities to enhance the character and local distinctiveness of the surrounding natural and built environment; use natural resources more sustainably; and bring benefits for the local community, for example through green space provision and access to and contact with nature. Opportunities to incorporate features into new build or retro fitted buildings which are beneficial to wildlife, such as the incorporation of roosting opportunities for bats or the installation of bird nest boxes should also be considered as part of any new development proposal.

General Information
Natural England, together with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and Forestry Commission has published joint advice on neighbourhood planning which sets out sources of environmental information and ideas on incorporating the environment into plans. This is available at: http://publications.environment-agency.gov.uk/PDF/GEHO0212BWAZ-E-E.pdf

Further guidance on useful sources of information is provided as an annex to this letter.

We would be happy to comment further should the need arise but if in the meantime you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

For any queries relating to the specific advice in this letter only please contact Roslyn Deeming on 0300 060 1524. For any new consultations, or to provide further information on this consultation please send your correspondences to consultations@naturalengland.org.uk.

We really value your feedback to help us improve the service we offer. We have attached a feedback form to this letter and welcome any comments you might have about our service.

Yours sincerely,

Roslyn Deeming
Adviser
Land Use Operations
Tel: 0300 060 1524
Email: roslyn.deeming@naturalengland.org.uk

Annex 1 - Information sources

The following is offered as general advice which may be of use in your deliberations.

Information held by your local authority and used in the preparation of Local Plans is often the starting point for neighbourhood plans or orders (depending on how relevant and up to date the information is). Your local authority will be able to advise you further on this.
Other useful information may be available from local environmental records centres, the Historic Environment Record Centres or local environmental and amenity groups. You can also access a range of information and maps about the local environment on the following websites - see:
What's in your backyard?: Provides access to environmental data at a local level
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/37793.aspx

Your Right to Know: Public Registers of environmental permits and licences
www2.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr/

Natural England: Publications, maps and data on the natural environment
www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/default.aspx

Nature on the map: Maps about nature, including the location of designated sites
www.natureonthemap.naturalengland.org.uk

Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside: Interactive map of environmental information
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/

The Land Information Search: Map based tool on land designations or features
www.forestry.gov.uk/website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-6dfkmn

English Heritage: Finding and managing your local historic environment
http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/, www.heritagegateway.org.uk and www.helm.org.uk/

Data on the historic environment (Heritage Counts, Heritage at Risk):
http://hc.english-heritage.org.uk/ & http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/

Guidance on heritage and community-led planning: www.helm.org.uk/communityplanning

FAO Development Policy Manager
Warwick - Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback to the proposed policy.

Network Rail is the "not for dividend" owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations - the largest of which we also manage. All profits made by the company, including from commercial development, are reinvested directly back into the network.

With regards to the proposal Network Rail has the following comments to make, which are from a desktop study of the document only.

The Neighbourhood Area Plan includes section of the railway line (our ref from LSC2 6m, 1030yds to LSC2 4m, 1036yds).
The line is the Leamington Spa to Coventry line and the plan either runs adjacent to the railway line or includes the railway line within its boundaries.

We are concerned that the Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area may result in proposals being undertaken near to or next to the operational railway / Network Rail land which may impact upon its safety and operation as we will not have had the opportunity (as via the current planning application notification process) to review and pass comments on vital asset protection measures to the council and developer / applicant.

There is a level crossing at Eastings 430568 / Northings 274082 (our ref LSC2 5m, 25ch) called Milburn Grange Level Crossing. Whilst planning permission may not be necessary within the neighbourhood plan area, the developers / parish council will still need to fulfil their statutory duty under planning legislation under Schedule 5 (f)(ii) of the Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order, 2010) to consult the statutory rail undertaker where a proposal for development is likely to result in a material increase in the volume or a material change in the character of traffic using a level crossing over a railway.

Councils (and now neighbourhood areas) are urged to take the view that level crossings can be impacted in a variety of ways by planning proposals:
* By a proposal being directly next to a level crossing
* By the cumulative effect of developments added over time in the vicinity of a level crossing
* By the type of level crossing involved e.g. where pedestrians only are allowed to use the level crossing, but a proposal involves allowing cyclists to use the route
* By the construction of large developments (commercial and residential) where road access to and from the site includes a level crossing or the level / type of use of a level crossing increases as a result of diverted traffic or of a new highway
* By developments that might impede pedestrians ability to hear approaching trains at a level crossing, e.g. new airports or new runways / highways / roads
* By proposals that may interfere with pedestrian and vehicle users' ability to see level crossing warning signs
* By any developments for schools, colleges or nurseries where minors in numbers may be using the level crossing
* By any proposal that may cause blocking back across the level crossing
* By any proposal which may see a level crossing impacted by the introduction of cycling or walking routes

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings/
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings/types-of-level-crossing/

We include above a weblink to the Network Rail website section dealing with level crossings. This not only includes general information on level crossings but also covers the various different types of level crossings - as all too often level crossings are frequently seen as having full barriers, warning lights, clearly marked approach road and an adjoining signal box - whereas this is not always the case.

It should be noted that:
(1) Proposals affecting level crossings will require consultation with Network Rail and approval of plans
(2) Developers via S106 or CIL contributions provide funding for any enhancements and mitigation measures required by Network Rail to ensure the safety, operation, performance and integrity of the railway are not impacted by developments. In the first instance Network Rail would seek closure of a level crossing, and replacement with a suitable bridge, or diversionary route. Where this is not possible the developer of the proposal will be liable for funding the necessary mitigation measures to make developer's schemes acceptable in light of (Schedule 5 (f)(ii) of the Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order, 2010).
(3) Developments impacting level crossings will not proceed until full consultation and approval is obtained from Network Rail.
(4) Network Rail requests that we are consulted at the pre-application stage by developers and the parish council to determine the impact upon our level crossing of proposals and that agreement is reached as to mitigation measures, including S106 / CIL funding, prior to planning permission being sort.
(5) Proposals should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment or Traffic Impact Assessment that includes taking specific note of level crossings in the Allerdale Council area, in consultation the Network Rail Level Crossings Team for input into the compilation of the Transport or Traffic Assessment prior to submission as part of the planning application.

Network Rail would also request that the Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area authority / group should contact Network Rail for any proposals within the area to ensure that:
(a) Access points are not impacted
(b) That any proposal does not impact upon the railway infrastructure / Network Rail land e.g.
* Drainage works / water features
* Encroachment of land or air-space
* Excavation and earthworks
* Wind turbines
* Siting of structures/buildings less than 2m from the Network Rail boundary / Party Wall Act issues
* Lighting impacting upon train drivers ability to perceive signals
* Landscaping that could impact upon overhead lines or Network Rail boundary treatments
* Any piling works
* Any scaffolding works
* Any public open spaces and proposals where minors and young children may be likely to use a site which could result in trespass upon the railway (which we would remind the council is a criminal offence under s55 British Transport Commission Act 1949)
* Any use of crane or plant
* Any fencing works / acoustic fencing works and boundary treatments
* Any demolition works
* Any hard standing areas
* Works adjoining / adjacent or near to railway stations
We would very strongly recommend that the Armitage with Handsacre Neighbourhood Area Designation authority / group are made aware that any proposal within 10m of the operational railway boundary will also require review and approval by the Network Rail Asset Protection Team, and such schemes should be accompanied by a risk assessment and a method statement. No works should commence on site without the approval of the Network Rail Asset Protection Engineer. Network Rail is required to recover any expenses incurred in facilitating third party proposals, a BAPA may be required for works on site.

We would request that the Armitage with Handsacre Neighbourhood Area Designation authority / group when submitting proposals for a development contact Network Rail's Town Planning Team and include a location plan and a description of the works taking place for review and comment.

All initial proposals and plans should be flagged up to the Network Rail Town Planning Team London North Western Route at the following address:

Town Planning Team LNW
Network Rail
1st Floor
Square One
4 Travis Street
Manchester
M1 2NY

FAO Development Policy Manager
Warwick - Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback to the proposed policy.

Network Rail is the "not for dividend" owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations - the largest of which we also manage. All profits made by the company, including from commercial development, are reinvested directly back into the network.

With regards to the proposal Network Rail has the following comments to make, which are from a desktop study of the document only.

The Neighbourhood Area Plan includes section of the railway line (our ref from LSC2 6m, 1030yds to LSC2 4m, 1036yds).
The line is the Leamington Spa to Coventry line and the plan either runs adjacent to the railway line or includes the railway line within its boundaries.

We are concerned that the Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area may result in proposals being undertaken near to or next to the operational railway / Network Rail land which may impact upon its safety and operation as we will not have had the opportunity (as via the current planning application notification process) to review and pass comments on vital asset protection measures to the council and developer / applicant.

There is a level crossing at Eastings 430568 / Northings 274082 (our ref LSC2 5m, 25ch) called Milburn Grange Level Crossing. Whilst planning permission may not be necessary within the neighbourhood plan area, the developers / parish council will still need to fulfil their statutory duty under planning legislation under Schedule 5 (f)(ii) of the Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order, 2010) to consult the statutory rail undertaker where a proposal for development is likely to result in a material increase in the volume or a material change in the character of traffic using a level crossing over a railway.

Councils (and now neighbourhood areas) are urged to take the view that level crossings can be impacted in a variety of ways by planning proposals:
* By a proposal being directly next to a level crossing
* By the cumulative effect of developments added over time in the vicinity of a level crossing
* By the type of level crossing involved e.g. where pedestrians only are allowed to use the level crossing, but a proposal involves allowing cyclists to use the route
* By the construction of large developments (commercial and residential) where road access to and from the site includes a level crossing or the level / type of use of a level crossing increases as a result of diverted traffic or of a new highway
* By developments that might impede pedestrians ability to hear approaching trains at a level crossing, e.g. new airports or new runways / highways / roads
* By proposals that may interfere with pedestrian and vehicle users' ability to see level crossing warning signs
* By any developments for schools, colleges or nurseries where minors in numbers may be using the level crossing
* By any proposal that may cause blocking back across the level crossing
* By any proposal which may see a level crossing impacted by the introduction of cycling or walking routes

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings/
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings/types-of-level-crossing/

We include above a weblink to the Network Rail website section dealing with level crossings. This not only includes general information on level crossings but also covers the various different types of level crossings - as all too often level crossings are frequently seen as having full barriers, warning lights, clearly marked approach road and an adjoining signal box - whereas this is not always the case.

It should be noted that:
(1) Proposals affecting level crossings will require consultation with Network Rail and approval of plans
(2) Developers via S106 or CIL contributions provide funding for any enhancements and mitigation measures required by Network Rail to ensure the safety, operation, performance and integrity of the railway are not impacted by developments. In the first instance Network Rail would seek closure of a level crossing, and replacement with a suitable bridge, or diversionary route. Where this is not possible the developer of the proposal will be liable for funding the necessary mitigation measures to make developer's schemes acceptable in light of (Schedule 5 (f)(ii) of the Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order, 2010).
(3) Developments impacting level crossings will not proceed until full consultation and approval is obtained from Network Rail.
(4) Network Rail requests that we are consulted at the pre-application stage by developers and the parish council to determine the impact upon our level crossing of proposals and that agreement is reached as to mitigation measures, including S106 / CIL funding, prior to planning permission being sort.
(5) Proposals should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment or Traffic Impact Assessment that includes taking specific note of level crossings in the Allerdale Council area, in consultation the Network Rail Level Crossings Team for input into the compilation of the Transport or Traffic Assessment prior to submission as part of the planning application.

Network Rail would also request that the Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area authority / group should contact Network Rail for any proposals within the area to ensure that:
(a) Access points are not impacted
(b) That any proposal does not impact upon the railway infrastructure / Network Rail land e.g.
* Drainage works / water features
* Encroachment of land or air-space
* Excavation and earthworks
* Wind turbines
* Siting of structures/buildings less than 2m from the Network Rail boundary / Party Wall Act issues
* Lighting impacting upon train drivers ability to perceive signals
* Landscaping that could impact upon overhead lines or Network Rail boundary treatments
* Any piling works
* Any scaffolding works
* Any public open spaces and proposals where minors and young children may be likely to use a site which could result in trespass upon the railway (which we would remind the council is a criminal offence under s55 British Transport Commission Act 1949)
* Any use of crane or plant
* Any fencing works / acoustic fencing works and boundary treatments
* Any demolition works
* Any hard standing areas
* Works adjoining / adjacent or near to railway stations
We would very strongly recommend that the Armitage with Handsacre Neighbourhood Area Designation authority / group are made aware that any proposal within 10m of the operational railway boundary will also require review and approval by the Network Rail Asset Protection Team, and such schemes should be accompanied by a risk assessment and a method statement. No works should commence on site without the approval of the Network Rail Asset Protection Engineer. Network Rail is required to recover any expenses incurred in facilitating third party proposals, a BAPA may be required for works on site.

We would request that the Armitage with Handsacre Neighbourhood Area Designation authority / group when submitting proposals for a development contact Network Rail's Town Planning Team and include a location plan and a description of the works taking place for review and comment.

All initial proposals and plans should be flagged up to the Network Rail Town Planning Team London North Western Route at the following address:

Town Planning Team LNW
Network Rail
1st Floor
Square One
4 Travis Street
Manchester
M1 2NY

FAO Development Policy Manager
Warwick - Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback to the proposed policy.

Network Rail is the "not for dividend" owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations - the largest of which we also manage. All profits made by the company, including from commercial development, are reinvested directly back into the network.

With regards to the proposal Network Rail has the following comments to make, which are from a desktop study of the document only.

The Neighbourhood Area Plan includes section of the railway line (our ref from LSC2 6m, 1030yds to LSC2 4m, 1036yds).
The line is the Leamington Spa to Coventry line and the plan either runs adjacent to the railway line or includes the railway line within its boundaries.

We are concerned that the Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area may result in proposals being undertaken near to or next to the operational railway / Network Rail land which may impact upon its safety and operation as we will not have had the opportunity (as via the current planning application notification process) to review and pass comments on vital asset protection measures to the council and developer / applicant.

There is a level crossing at Eastings 430568 / Northings 274082 (our ref LSC2 5m, 25ch) called Milburn Grange Level Crossing. Whilst planning permission may not be necessary within the neighbourhood plan area, the developers / parish council will still need to fulfil their statutory duty under planning legislation under Schedule 5 (f)(ii) of the Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order, 2010) to consult the statutory rail undertaker where a proposal for development is likely to result in a material increase in the volume or a material change in the character of traffic using a level crossing over a railway.

Councils (and now neighbourhood areas) are urged to take the view that level crossings can be impacted in a variety of ways by planning proposals:
* By a proposal being directly next to a level crossing
* By the cumulative effect of developments added over time in the vicinity of a level crossing
* By the type of level crossing involved e.g. where pedestrians only are allowed to use the level crossing, but a proposal involves allowing cyclists to use the route
* By the construction of large developments (commercial and residential) where road access to and from the site includes a level crossing or the level / type of use of a level crossing increases as a result of diverted traffic or of a new highway
* By developments that might impede pedestrians ability to hear approaching trains at a level crossing, e.g. new airports or new runways / highways / roads
* By proposals that may interfere with pedestrian and vehicle users' ability to see level crossing warning signs
* By any developments for schools, colleges or nurseries where minors in numbers may be using the level crossing
* By any proposal that may cause blocking back across the level crossing
* By any proposal which may see a level crossing impacted by the introduction of cycling or walking routes

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings/
http://www.networkrail.co.uk/level-crossings/types-of-level-crossing/

We include above a weblink to the Network Rail website section dealing with level crossings. This not only includes general information on level crossings but also covers the various different types of level crossings - as all too often level crossings are frequently seen as having full barriers, warning lights, clearly marked approach road and an adjoining signal box - whereas this is not always the case.

It should be noted that:
(1) Proposals affecting level crossings will require consultation with Network Rail and approval of plans
(2) Developers via S106 or CIL contributions provide funding for any enhancements and mitigation measures required by Network Rail to ensure the safety, operation, performance and integrity of the railway are not impacted by developments. In the first instance Network Rail would seek closure of a level crossing, and replacement with a suitable bridge, or diversionary route. Where this is not possible the developer of the proposal will be liable for funding the necessary mitigation measures to make developer's schemes acceptable in light of (Schedule 5 (f)(ii) of the Town & Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order, 2010).
(3) Developments impacting level crossings will not proceed until full consultation and approval is obtained from Network Rail.
(4) Network Rail requests that we are consulted at the pre-application stage by developers and the parish council to determine the impact upon our level crossing of proposals and that agreement is reached as to mitigation measures, including S106 / CIL funding, prior to planning permission being sort.
(5) Proposals should be accompanied by a Transport Assessment or Traffic Impact Assessment that includes taking specific note of level crossings in the Allerdale Council area, in consultation the Network Rail Level Crossings Team for input into the compilation of the Transport or Traffic Assessment prior to submission as part of the planning application.

Network Rail would also request that the Stoneleigh and Ashow Neighbourhood Plan Area authority / group should contact Network Rail for any proposals within the area to ensure that:
(a) Access points are not impacted
(b) That any proposal does not impact upon the railway infrastructure / Network Rail land e.g.
* Drainage works / water features
* Encroachment of land or air-space
* Excavation and earthworks
* Wind turbines
* Siting of structures/buildings less than 2m from the Network Rail boundary / Party Wall Act issues
* Lighting impacting upon train drivers ability to perceive signals
* Landscaping that could impact upon overhead lines or Network Rail boundary treatments
* Any piling works
* Any scaffolding works
* Any public open spaces and proposals where minors and young children may be likely to use a site which could result in trespass upon the railway (which we would remind the council is a criminal offence under s55 British Transport Commission Act 1949)
* Any use of crane or plant
* Any fencing works / acoustic fencing works and boundary treatments
* Any demolition works
* Any hard standing areas
* Works adjoining / adjacent or near to railway stations
We would very strongly recommend that the Armitage with Handsacre Neighbourhood Area Designation authority / group are made aware that any proposal within 10m of the operational railway boundary will also require review and approval by the Network Rail Asset Protection Team, and such schemes should be accompanied by a risk assessment and a method statement. No works should commence on site without the approval of the Network Rail Asset Protection Engineer. Network Rail is required to recover any expenses incurred in facilitating third party proposals, a BAPA may be required for works on site.

We would request that the Armitage with Handsacre Neighbourhood Area Designation authority / group when submitting proposals for a development contact Network Rail's Town Planning Team and include a location plan and a description of the works taking place for review and comment.

All initial proposals and plans should be flagged up to the Network Rail Town Planning Team London North Western Route at the following address:

Town Planning Team LNW
Network Rail
1st Floor
Square One
4 Travis Street
Manchester
M1 2NY

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed designation of the Stoneleigh and Ashow Joint Parish Council area as Neighbourhood Plan area. The University has recently been in contact with the Parish Council over the proposed plan area which covers a significant proportion of the western side of the University of Warwick campus.
Having considered the relevance of the Neighbourhood Plan area to the campus, the University requests that the University campus is excluded from the Plan area, for the following reasons:
 The plan would only cover half of the campus which limits its influence and ability to take into account wider implications for the remainder of the campus.
 The size and standing of the University is such that its development is of a strategic nature which is best considered at a Local Plan level and across local authority boundaries. This is reflected in the University's past representations to both Coventry City Council's and Warwick District Council's Local Plan consultations.
The University has recently written to the parish council to confirm that this is the approach the University wishes to take and attended a Parish Council meeting on 13 June.
Should you wish to discuss the University's request to be removed from the Neighbourhood Plan area further please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Hanbury or Steve Louth at the above offices in the first instance. In the meantime we would be grateful if you could acknowledge receipt of this correspondence.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed designation of the Stoneleigh and Ashow Joint Parish Council area as Neighbourhood Plan area. The University has recently been in contact with the Parish Council over the proposed plan area which covers a significant proportion of the western side of the University of Warwick campus.
Having considered the relevance of the Neighbourhood Plan area to the campus, the University requests that the University campus is excluded from the Plan area, for the following reasons:
 The plan would only cover half of the campus which limits its influence and ability to take into account wider implications for the remainder of the campus.
 The size and standing of the University is such that its development is of a strategic nature which is best considered at a Local Plan level and across local authority boundaries. This is reflected in the University's past representations to both Coventry City Council's and Warwick District Council's Local Plan consultations.
The University has recently written to the parish council to confirm that this is the approach the University wishes to take and attended a Parish Council meeting on 13 June.
Should you wish to discuss the University's request to be removed from the Neighbourhood Plan area further please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Hanbury or Steve Louth at the above offices in the first instance. In the meantime we would be grateful if you could acknowledge receipt of this correspondence.