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5. Spatial Policies

5.1 The spatial policies provide the basis around which the Council can secure improvements to the centres in the Borough. This allows for all development needs to be considered within suitable locations including housing, as well as employment and retail space. This is reflected through an area-based approach which sets out a hierarchy for development types, which suit the size and character of the area. This will lead to improvements to the benefit of residents and users through enhanced public spaces and accessibility.

5.2 As well as considering the urban environment, there is also an approach to the Borough’s river network. This allows for opportunities to improve the local environment and biodiversity as well as ensuring that impacts on the network are avoided or mitigated.

SP1: Staines-upon-Thames Strategy Recognising its size, location and significant opportunity for further regeneration, Staines-upon-Thames will be a key focus for housing, employment and retail development in the Borough. The guidance for how the town grows sustainably and coherently will be provided within a new Staines Development Framework (the Framework) to deliver development to meet need Infrastructure Growth of the town will be dependent on enhanced infrastructure, particularly to capitalise on the proximity to Heathrow Airport. The Council will support proposals that facilitate new and improved public and sustainable transport links, education facilities, healthcare services, and social and community uses in accessible locations, working with infrastructure providers to identify projects for funding. Flood risk management infrastructure should be incorporated into proposals where appropriate. Current and expected flood risk from all sources should be managed in a sustainable and cost-effective way. Retail and Leisure New development should support the position of Staines at the top of the retail and leisure hierarchy within the Borough. Proposals that contribute to culture, the arts and access to the River Thames will be considered favourably in accordance with the Framework. Mixed-use development that has the potential to introduce new community and healthcare uses to the centre will be encouraged which increase foot-fall and contribute to the vitality and viability of the centre. Character The Staines Conservation Area (shown on the Policies Map) will be preserved and enhanced. New development in Staines is likely to be high density in suitable locations within the town centre to maximise efficient use of land but will be expected to achieve high quality design in accordance with the Framework. Proposals will be supported that protect and enhance the local character of the area. The Staines Development Framework sets out more sensitive character areas where height and density limits will apply to new buildings. Development proposals in the relevant zones will be expected to comply with these limits unless, in exceptional cases, there is robust justification for a deviation that weighs heavily in favour of granting permission. This could include a higher proportion of affordable housing than required by policy, exemplary design or significant benefits to the community. Opportunities Southern Rail Access to Heathrow that includes a station at Staines, and Southern Light Rail as the Council’s preferred solution, is considered essential for the town to maximise access to the airport, regardless of any expansion proposals. Any proposed tall buildings will be designed to reflect the redefined character of Staines and the design is to be of high standard, guided by principles in the Framework. There are opportunities to improve existing local leisure facilities and the evening economy. There are opportunities for attractive riverside development and public realm enhancement. Improved access will be encouraged in order to maximise the asset that is the River Thames-side location. Renewable and zero carbon energy solutions will be expected to be incorporated in all new development, including opportunities for Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and district heat networks or suitable alternative.

Reasoned Justification

5.3 Staines-upon-Thames is the main town centre within Spelthorne and therefore sits top of the centre hierarchy in the Borough. In this role, Staines is required to support a variety of uses, including shops, offices, leisure and entertainment facilities. It is therefore necessary to consider how to ensure Staines continues to perform its function as part of the Framework. Through this, Staines has the opportunity to grow and develop into a thriving town that can take advantage of its close proximity to Heathrow Airport and proposed new public transport schemes are likely to enhance its connectivity further. Identified as a ‘Step up Town’ by the EM3 Local Enterprise Partnership, Staines is already on the map and its growth is sustainable and meets the needs for residents, businesses and visitors. For this reason, the Staines Development Framework will deliver an ambitious and viable vision for the transformation and regeneration of the whole town. The Framework will be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document to guide decision-making, supporting the Local Plan and this policy.

5.4 As well as accommodating growth, Staines also has significant character through the Staines Conservation Area and the proximity to and views of the river. There is therefore an expectation that any new development which affects the setting of the Conservation Area or the river will respect the character and enhance this.

5.5 The growth of Staines will allow opportunities to improve public realm and pedestrian linkages through the town centre. This will also provide opportunity to take advantage of the river and the footpath network through the Thames Path where possible. Utilising this asset is therefore a key strand of enhancing Staines and justifies its inclusion as part of the policy.

5.6 Flood Risk is a notable constraint within Staines Town Centre. Flood Risk Management should therefore be a collaborative effort between the Environment Agency, the Lead Local Flood Authority, developers and infrastructure providers to ensure that the impacts are minimised as much as possible for current and future generations.

5.7 Mixed-use development within Staines town centre will reduce the need to travel and provide homes close to transport hubs. Mixed-use development presents opportunities to make good use of community combined heat and power, as the different types of use spread demand for heat and power over the day, evening and night. The buildings are likely to be in close proximity and reduce the cost of developing the heat network. Leisure and retail facilities can provide a base demand to help the efficiency of the system. Taller buildings will require piling for deep foundations which may provide opportunities for ground source heat.

Sustainability Appraisal Indicators

Monitoring Indicators

Indicator	Target	Data Source
Amount of floorspace for main town centre uses	N/A	Planning applications and appeals
Number of dwellings completed each year within Staines	N/A	Planning applications and appeals

Key Evidence

• Staines Development Framework
• Retail and Town Centre Study 2018
• Enterprise M3 LEP

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SP2: Ashford, Shepperton and Sunbury Cross Strategy Ashford, Shepperton and Sunbury Cross offer the potential for development opportunities to help meet identified needs. There are opportunities to maximise the efficient use of land by raising densities whilst ensuring high quality design, particularly around public transport interchanges, within the existing character. New developments will be expected to provide infrastructure improvements necessary to mitigate impacts. Infrastructure The Council will support proposals that seek to improve infrastructure to support the anticipated level of development in the centres. The Council will work with infrastructure providers to identify projects for funding. Improvements will be sought for: Public transport and sustainable and active travel opportunities, including improvements to bus networks and access to rail stations. Education facilities and healthcare services. Social and community uses including open space provision in accessible locations. Public realm to enhance connectivity for pedestrian access, encourage the use of cycling and to provide car parking opportunities. Public realm improvements should positively contribute towards enhancing the existing local character. Retail and main town centre uses The Council will seek to preserve and enhance the role and diversity of uses in Ashford, Shepperton and Sunbury Cross to strengthen the vitality and viability of each centre. Development proposals are expected to be consistent with the scale and function of each centre and will be directed to the Primary Shopping Areas as shown on the Policies Map. Character The Conservation Areas around Shepperton (shown on the Policies Map) will be preserved and enhanced, along with heritage assets. Proposals will be supported that protect and enhance the local character of the area. Opportunities Sunbury Cross offers an opportunity to encourage sustainable and active modes of travel through improvements to local bus networks and to the public realm to enhance safety and connectivity. These opportunities can be identified through Spelthorne’s most up-to-date Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). This will also contribute to improving air quality, particularly around Sunbury Cross roundabout. Ashford offers the opportunity to enhance the local level retail and leisure offer including health and fitness facilities and children’s play spaces. In addition, improvements to the public realm will enhance connectivity and present the opportunity to provide more accessible car parking through rationalising of available land and public realm, where appropriate. Shepperton would benefit from improvements to bus and rail services to improve connectivity and support active and sustainable modes of travel. Opportunities to secure these improvements will be supported by the Council Renewable and zero carbon energy solutions will be expected to be incorporated in all new development, including opportunities for Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and district heat networks or suitable alternative.

Definitions

5.8 Primary Shopping Area is a defined area where retail development is concentrated.

5.9 Public Transport interchanges are defined as rail stations and bus stations within the Borough and are shown on the Policies Map. For the district centres, Ashford rail station, Sunbury rail station and Shepperton rail station are relevant. Standalone bus stops are not included within the definition of public transport interchanges.

Reasoned Justification

5.10 Ashford, Shepperton and Sunbury Cross are identified in the centre hierarchy as district centres offering retail facilities to their communities but without the range of retail offer provided in Staines. Ensuring vitality in the centres involves bringing unused retail units back into occupation and seeking to provide a diverse range of stores. Encouraging expansion where appropriate within the Primary Shopping Areas of each centre would allow for growth in this sector.

5.11 Improvements in public realm, especially at Ashford and Sunbury Cross, will improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians. In the case of Sunbury Cross, public realm improvements will make pedestrians safer given the interaction with cars on the A308 when accessing the retail area. Opportunities to improve access across the Sunbury Cross roundabout, to improve linkages to Sunbury rail station, should also be sought as part of this public realm improvements package.

5.12 Ashford, Shepperton and Sunbury Cross each have their own mainline train station to provide connectivity into central London via Richmond and Kingston. This accessibility makes the three district centres attractive places to live. Providing housing around transport interchanges such as rail stations accords with the NPPF in making effective use of land. Whilst this approach would lead to higher densities, it is also important to ensure that the quality of design and standards are maintained and all necessary infrastructure is secured to mitigate the impacts of new development

5.13 Each of the three centres have their opportunities where improvements could be sought and these have been identified within the policy. In addition to these, the three centres have more general infrastructure needs which will likely increase should growth occur and place greater pressures on existing services. This issue has been highlighted as a key component of delivering growth in the centres. Infrastructure improvements will need to be in an accessible location to cater for all sections of the local community and ensure that this can be fully utilised.

Sustainability Appraisal Indicators

Monitoring Indicators

Indicator	Target	Data Source
Number of vacant ground floor uses within the Primary Shopping Area	N/A	Annual retail surveys
Permissions granted for retail uses (Use Class E)	None	Annual retail surveys, planning applications and appeals
Permissions granted for change of use from retail (E) to other uses that would result in a net loss of retail uses in a Primary Shopping Area	None	Planning applications and appeals.
Number of new dwellings completed in the three centres	N/A	Planning applications and appeals
Quantity of open space	No loss of open space, identified deficiencies met by end of plan period	Planning applications and appeals

Key Evidence

• Retail and Town Centre Study 2018
  
• Annual Retail Surveys
  
• Open Space Assessment (2019)
  
• Playing Pitch Strategy

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SP3: Stanwell and Stanwell Moor Strategy The Council will support the communities of Stanwell and Stanwell Moor and will seek to secure improved economic, social and environmental benefits. Infrastructure The Council will work with infrastructure providers, developers and other key stakeholders to identify long term sources of funding and secure proposals for new infrastructure which offer sustainable transport links including active travel and public transport to improve access into and out of Heathrow Airport and other employment areas. The Council will support the provision of new social facilities including education and healthcare services as well as new leisure facilities to meet identified local needs. The Council will support proposals which enhance the function and setting of the local watercourses and river corridors and the rights of way network throughout the area. Retail The Council will protect the role that local facilities play in providing for the needs of the communities in Stanwell and Stanwell Moor. Development proposals for Use Class E, particularly retail, will be supported, where the scale is considered to complement the needs of the communities and the local character. Character The Stanwell Conservation Area (shown on the Policies Map) will be conserved and enhanced, along with heritage assets. Proposals will be supported that protect and enhance the local character of the area. The Council will work with Surrey County Council to ensure that the areas of current and former mineral sites and are fully restored or enhanced as to the agreed restoration plans for the benefit of the local community. Opportunities The Council will support opportunities for new and enhanced open spaces within Stanwell and Stanwell Moor and will encourage improved linkages as part of the wider green infrastructure network to promote walking and cycling, including improvements in cycling routes to Heathrow. Opportunities to improve access to Staines Moor will also be pursued, where these do not impact upon the Moor. Additionally, improvements to connectivity to the Colne Valley Regional Park will also be sought. The Council will support opportunities for new housing provision where it is sustainably located, makes an efficient use of land and complements the local character. Renewable and zero carbon energy solutions will be expected to be incorporated in all new development, including opportunities for Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) and district heat networks or suitable alternative

Reasoned Justification

5.14 Stanwell and Stanwell Moor are communities to the north of the Borough which are less well connected to the rest of Spelthorne. Stanwell is more developed to the south and links with the northern-most part of Ashford, whilst Stanwell Moor has a more distinct, rural character. Both Stanwell and Stanwell Moor are heavily impacted by Heathrow Airport. There is therefore a requirement for these communities to benefit from new and improved facilities and infrastructure where this can be secured.

5.15 Clare Road in Stanwell is identified as an important shopping parade which supports its local community. There is therefore a need to ensure that the vitality and viability of this parade is maintained and enhanced where appropriate. Stanwell Moor has a small area of retail provided on Horton Road, the offer for which is limited and further improvements could be sought. Stanwell and Stanwell Moor would benefit from improved local connectivity with other parts of the Borough and with Heathrow Airport. These improvements would focus around enhanced public transport and opportunities to encourage sustainable and active travel through cycle ways and improved pedestrian linkages.

5.16 The proximity of Stanwell Moor to Staines Moor provides opportunities to enhance access to this important site. As part of this, opportunities to maintain and enhance linkages to the wider Colne Valley Regional Park, will be sought so as to encourage residents to use these key natural spaces to improve health and wellbeing.

Sustainability Appraisal Indicators

Monitoring Indicators

Indicator	Target	Data Source
Permissions granted for Use Class E or change of use to Use Class E	N/A	Planning applications and appeals
Area of land restored or enhanced	No derelict or degraded land	Survey and minerals and waste planning applications
Number of schemes in Conservation Areas providing positive enhancement	No loss of heritage assets	Planning applications and appeals Surveys
Quantity of open space	No loss of open space, identified deficiencies met by end of plan period	Planning applications and appeals

Key Evidence

• Annual Retail Survey
  
• Open Space Assessment (2019)
  
• Playing Pitch Strategy
  

Green Belt

5.17 Full Green Belt policy can be found in the National Planning Policy Framework and this policy is not intended to repeat it, but to provide local detail on specific policy matters.

SP4: Green Belt The Green Belt boundary is defined on the Policies Map. In order to uphold the fundamental aims of the Green Belt to prevent urban sprawl and to keep land within its designation permanently open, inappropriate development will not be approved unless very special circumstances can be demonstrated. Very special circumstances will not exist unless the potential harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and any other harm is clearly outweighed by other considerations. Replacement and extension of buildings in the Green Belt The Council will permit the replacement of a building in the Green Belt provided the new building: would be in the same use20; is not materially larger than the one it replaces; is sited on or close to the position of the existing building, unless an alternative position would benefit the openness of the Green Belt; and does not have a materially greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt. The Council will permit the extension and alteration to a building in the Green Belt provided the addition: is not disproportionate, over and above the size of the original building; and does not have a materially greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt.

Reasoned Justification

5.18 The Metropolitan Green Belt plays a key role in Spelthorne to protect its character by preventing the immediate outward sprawl of London, to ensure settlements do not merge into each other, encouraging development of previously developed land and safeguarding the countryside from encroachment. In developing this Local Plan, a two-stage review of the Green Belt was undertaken to assess the extent to which land in the Borough fulfils these purposes. As a result, some land was considered not to perform these functions to the extent that warranted retaining the Green Belt designation and the decision was made to amend the boundary to remove areas that did not perform well and should be developed for other uses instead. The current area of Green Belt following removal of those sites is shown on the Policies Map.

5.19 The original building will be determined based on its size as existing on 1 July 1948 or first built if later than this date. This is to enable the effect of cumulative development to be taken into account when a building has been extended previously. The cumulative impact of a series of small extensions can be just as great as a single large addition. The size of the plot is not relevant when considering whether a replacement building is materially larger or an extension results in disproportionate additions.

5.20 This Policy applies to dwellings within the former Plotland Areas that lie within the Green Belt. Other policies that protect the character of the riverside will be relevant to these dwellings even though the former Plotlands designation no longer applies. The removal of the designation is a key change to this Local Plan. It was considered that the application of policies on Plotland Areas was inconsistent across the local authorities that have or had the designation, as some applied it in addition to Green Belt policy and some applied it instead of Green Belt policy. Spelthorne previously applied the policy in addition to Green Belt policy and set out design based criteria to protect the distinctive character of the river and is not strictly relevant to Green Belt, which can be covered instead by design policies for riverside development.

5.21 Proposals within the Green Belt will also be expected to comply with all other Local Plan policies, particularly those that cover design, amenity, landscape, biodiversity and flooding.

Sustainability Appraisal Indicators

Monitoring Indicators

Indicator	Target	Data Source
Permissions granted for inappropriate development in the Green Belt without very special circumstances	Nil	Planning applications and appeals

Key Evidence

• Green Belt Assessment Stage 1, 2017
• Green Belt Assessment Stage 2, 2019
• Green Belt Assessment Stage 3, 2022

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SP5: Colne Valley Regional Park The extent of the Colne Valley Regional Park (CVRP) within the Borough is defined on the Policies Map. As a member of the CVRP, the Council will seek to maintain the character and landscape of the Park and promote its benefits. The Council will expect proposals for development within the Colne Valley Park to make a positive and sustainable contribution towards implementing the objectives of the Park. The Council will support, in principle, development within the Park where it can be demonstrated that it will: maintain and enhance the landscape and historic environment of the Park and its overall amenity value; contribute to the objectives of the Park; conserve and enhance biodiversity within the Park through the protection and management of its species, habitats and geological features; provide opportunities for countryside recreation and ensure that facilities are accessible to all; contribute to a vibrant and sustainable rural economy within the Park; encourage community participation, including volunteering and environmental education, and promote the health and social well-being through high quality green space and its contribution to the wider green infrastructure network and; carry out appropriate surveys, should development within the Park amount to changes to biodiversity areas or designations and recreational facilities.

Reasoned Justification

5.22 The Colne Valley Regional Park covers over 10,000 hectares to the west of London. It forms a narrow corridor of countryside, much of it within the Green Belt, stretching from Rickmansworth in the north to Staines and Wraysbury in the South where the River Colne joins the Thames. It is some 14 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point. It straddles a number of local authority boundaries. The area within Spelthorne covers some 1,000 hectares and comprises three major reservoirs, the areas of Staines Moor, Hithermoor and the settlement of Stanwell Moor.

5.23 The Colne Valley Regional Park was conceived in the 1960’s with the broad aim of providing for informal recreation in a countryside setting. The original objectives remain just as valid today, although they have been updated, modified and extended over the last 50 years:

1. To maintain and enhance the landscape, historic environment and waterscape of the Park in terms of their scenic and conservation value and their overall amenity.
2. To resist urbanisation of the Colne Valley Park and to safeguard existing areas of countryside from inappropriate development.
3. To conserve the biodiversity resources of the Park through the protection and management of its diverse plant and animal species, habitats and geological features.
4. To provide opportunities for countryside recreation including appropriate accessible facilities.
5. To achieve a vibrant and sustainable rural economy, including farming and forestry, underpinning the value of the countryside.
6. To encourage community participation including volunteering and environmental education and promote the benefits of health and social well- being afforded by access to high quality green space.
   

5.24 The Council supports the objectives of the Park and will seek to ensure that land within it is kept open and available for informal recreation where possible and that any proposals for development make a positive contribution to the setting of the Park, its landscape and recreational potential.

5.25 The CVRP produced the Colne and Crane Green Infrastructure Strategy in 2019 which highlighted numerous challenges facing the Park. These challenges include significant development pressure and the need to enhance green infrastructure assets. Improving the network of green infrastructure could benefit Spelthorne by enhancing linkages to the CVRP and wider areas within the Borough. By supporting the approach by CVRP, this presents the Council with the opportunity to enhance beneficial use of the Green Belt linked with the Park, where appropriate.

Sustainability Appraisal Indicators

Monitoring Indicators

Key Evidence

• Current facilities
• Area of land in agricultural use
• Area of land in recreational use
• Area of land subject to restoration schemes
• Rights of Way and Permissive paths
• SPA, SSSIs and SNCIs
• Colne Valley Regional Park: Green Infrastructure Strategy – Colne and Crane Valleys (2019)

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SP6: River Thames and its Tributaries River Thames The River Thames is a strategically important and iconic feature of Spelthorne. It is an important natural and cultural asset providing leisure, ecological, environmental, landscape and economic benefits. This role will be protected and promoted. The special character and setting of the River Thames as defined on the Policies Map will be conserved and enhanced, and appropriate development proposals associated with river related activities and employment will be supported. The Council supports opportunities to increase the use of the rivers for tourism and improving river-based and riverside recreation and leisure activities. All development proposals should protect and enhance the river and its setting as a valuable resource for biodiversity, wildlife and as an SNCI. Where possible and where there will be no adverse effect on the SNCI, development proposals should support infrastructure such as boatyards, moorings, jetties and safety equipment etc. Proposals for riverside development and improved facilities will need to demonstrate that there will be no unacceptable impact upon navigation, biodiversity, flood risk and landscape setting. Development proposals on the riverside should respect and make a positive contribution to enhance the waterside character, heritage value and setting, and provide physical and visual links with the surrounding areas (including views along the river). The Council is supportive of river-related business uses (for example boat yards) and supports their continued presence in a river-side location. The Council will support and promote new links across the River Thames and improvements to riverside access and towpaths which support active and sustainable travel and leisure uses of the river. New Visitor Mooring Facilities A visitor it does not harm the character, openness and views of the river, by virtue of its design and height; allows use for a period of less than 24 hours; there is no interference with the recreational use of the river, riverside and navigation; the proposal is of wider benefit to the community; and has undergone consultation with the Environment Agency and not received objection. River Thames Scheme The Council supports in principle the proposals for the wider River Thames Scheme and welcomes the proposed new footpath connection in Laleham as part of the recreational benefits the scheme will bring. The proposed route is shown on the Policies Map. Tributaries The Rivers Ash, Colne and Wraysbury are tributaries of the River Thames and form an important part of the Borough’s blue infrastructure network. Development proposals will be supported that: Ensures there is no requirement for the culverting of watercourses. Retain the natural banks. Make appropriate provision to protect, enhance, improve and maintain accessible networks of Blue Infrastructure, including through deculverting21 and re-naturalisation of hard banks if appropriate. Provide undeveloped buffer zones of 8m minimum for rivers and 5m minimum for other water courses. A scheme to provide a buffer zone will need to include a working method statement detailing how the buffer zone will be protected during construction and long-term ecological plan. Include measures to allow for the natural movement of fish within the watercourse where barriers to fish movement are present to enhance habitat connectivity.

Reasoned Justification

5.26 The River Thames forms a large part of the southern boundary of the Borough between the neighbouring Boroughs of Runnymede and Elmbridge. It is a significant local and regional amenity. The Thames is the longest river in England measuring 215 miles; it begins in the Cotswold Hills (Gloucestershire), meandering eastwards through Spelthorne before passing through the city of London and ending in the North Sea. The River Thames is regarded as a key asset of the Borough, is one of the Borough’s key tourist attractions, and the Council is keen to maximise its potential. The river brings great benefits from tourism, leisure, recreation and ecological perspectives, and is also beautiful.

5.27 Policy SP6 aims to ensure that the setting of the river and its tributaries are protected and where possible enhanced. This involves protecting landscape features that contribute to the setting, and protecting and enhancing views of the river.

5.28 Particular care will be needed in assessing the visual impact of development proposals in locations that form part of the setting of the river to ensure that the setting is not damaged and that new development makes a positive contribution to the riverside environment.

5.29 There is public access to much of the Thames riverside in Spelthorne, although access to the River Ash, Colne and the River Thames downstream of Shepperton Lock is more limited. Existing riverside access will be maintained and opportunities will be sought to improve access in conjunction with developments in riverside locations.

River Thames Scheme

5.30 A significant area of Spelthorne lies in the floodplains of the Thames, Colne (and related river system) and Ash. Flood defences are very limited and are on parts of the River Colne system and the River Ash. The River Thames between Egham and Teddington is one of the largest area of undefended, developed floodplain in England. Spelthorne Borough Council is working with the Environment Agency and other partners to bring forward the River Thames Scheme²² which seeks to address this with the aim of reducing flood risk in communities. The key elements are;

• a new river channel built in two sections – at Runnymede and at Spelthorne – to increase storage capacity for water from a major flood;
  
• improvements to existing river structures and;
  
• new recreation areas for communities and habitat for wildlife.

5.31 These measures will better protect around 11,000 homes (in total not just in Spelthorne) and 1,600 businesses, enhance the natural environment around the river, and boost the local economy.

5.32 The Spelthorne channel is 3.2km in length. It starts at Laleham and ends at Weybridge. The channel flows through four lakes and crosses five roads. This area includes increasing capacity on stretch of the Desborough Cut. At Sunbury weir there will be three extra gates built on the lock island.

5.33 The large scale of the project means it is treated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and requires a type of consent known as 'development consent order' (DCO). The DCO must be granted before full funding is approved and construction can begin.

5.34 Development along the route of the River Thames Scheme should, where appropriate, seek to facilitate the Scheme. Flood Risk Assessments should sufficiently consider how the River Thames Scheme may be impacted by the proposals and also identify opportunities to facilitate its implementation.

Sustainability Appraisal Indicators

Monitoring Indicators

Indicator	Target	Data Source
Number of new visitor moorings	No specific target	In house Council Monitoring

Key Evidence

• Water Framework Directive (2000)
• Environment Act 2021

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SP7: Heathrow Airport A possible expansion at Heathrow The Council will support a future expansion at Heathrow Airport if it is undertaken in a sustainable and integrated way by: working strategically with local authorities around Heathrow Airport. permitting development proposals outside the airport or Development Consent Order (DCO) Limits boundary23 in the Borough for Airport Supporting Development (ASD)24 particularly those that support economic development if they: seek to protect and enhance designated areas of existing environmental character including Sites of Nature Conservation Importance, areas of landscape value, the Borough’s historic and cultural heritage (including historic buildings and Conservation Areas), habitats particularly within Biodiversity Opportunity Areas and open space of amenity and recreation value; demonstrate ecological offsetting and incorporate mitigation measures to achieve biodiversity net gain; ensure safeguards are in place to mitigate air, noise, light and other pollution in the Borough; and offer high-quality design of buildings and structures. resisting inappropriate development in the Green Belt unless the harm is outweighed by very special circumstances. supporting the implementation of a range of surface access interventions to encourage modal shift towards more sustainable forms of transport such as: promoting sustainable transport choices which reduce the need to travel; improving surface access to minimise airport related traffic (congestion) as the Borough as a whole; promoting initiatives such as car sharing/clubs, the use of electric vehicles, low emission cars and colleague shuttle buses from the surrounding areas and; supporting southern rail access including the promotion of the Southern Light Rail (SLR) where there is benefit to communities in the Borough and the wider strategic network. Hazardous Development The Council will refuse permission for any proposal likely to significantly increase the risks associated with any particular hazardous installation or impose conditions where necessary to avoid increased risk and; Development leading to an increase in people living, working or congregating in the Public Safety Zone will be refused. Noise from Heathrow The Council will seek the support of BAA, the Government and relevant statutory authorities for the following measures: maintenance of the use of noise preferential routes; controls on flying at night that will achieve a progressive improvement in the night noise climate, including a limit on the total number of flights at night and; maintenance of existing controls on ground noise. Development close to Heathrow and Noise from Heathrow The Council will seek to minimise the adverse impact of development close to Heathrow by: refusing new residential development where aircraft noise levels are at or exceed 66Leq; except in the case of the one-for-one replacement of dwellings and; requiring appropriate attenuation measures for development between 60 and 65Leq.

Reasoned Justification

5.35 Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2020 that the proposed expansion can go ahead and would not be unlawful, the future of Heathrow Airport and a possible expansion is currently uncertain due to the impacts of COVID -19. Notwithstanding the current uncertainty around the future of the project the Council remains involved with relevant work regarding Heathrow.

5.36 The policy sets out the Council’s position on a possible expansion at Heathrow in the near future and reinforces the local importance the airport has on the Borough’s economy. The Council will support a future expansion (in principle) as it recognises the potential economic benefits and opportunities that an expanded airport could bring to Spelthorne, the wider Southeast and the UK as a whole. However, its support will be entirely dependent on Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) making sure that the proposed scheme comprehensively and effectively mitigates the impacts it will have on our communities, businesses, services and environment.

5.37 The main objective of this policy is for the Council to ensure that a future expansion at Heathrow Airport secures and provides the best possible outcomes for its residents and businesses, and in particular those most directly affected in the Stanwell Moor and Stanwell communities.

5.38 Heathrow Airport, the UK’s main and busiest airport lies immediately north of the Borough of Spelthorne where there is a concentration of airport supporting facilities (related developments and activities), including freight forwarding services. The Airport is an important contributor to the local economy. Before the pandemic, 5,800 of Spelthorne’s residents were in Heathrow related employment and around 45% of these residents lived in Stanwell and Ashford²⁵. Pre pandemic, Heathrow employed 10.6% of Spelthorne’s workforce but as the Airport has been severely impacted by the pandemic, job losses in Spelthorne connected to Heathrow in 2021 is expected to be around 1,500. This suggests that there should be focus on recovery activities to support residents in the Borough (ibid).

5.39 Due to the Borough’s close proximity to the airport, it experiences air and noise pollution and other environmental impacts. Pre pandemic over 92% of Heathrow employees who live in the Borough reach the airport by car rather than public transport which highlights poor connectivity. Undoubtedly the Borough is also affected by activities related to the operation of the airport and its associated businesses, such as logistics and distribution, which impact on air quality, noise, the efficiency of the local and strategic road network.

5.40 Given the economic benefits and opportunities Heathrow Airport brings to Spelthorne, the Council will work in partnership with HAL and other service providers to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the airport and seek to avoid and mitigate any potential adverse environmental impacts on the Borough and its surrounding areas.

5.41 Development proposals that would support the operation of an expanded airport in the future would have to offer the highest quality design of buildings and structures. The Council whilst seeking to secure economic and environmental benefits from specific Airport Supporting Development (ASD) proposals, will require such proposals to minimise or mitigate any adverse impacts on the wider economy.

5.42 Development involving hazardous substances or development in the vicinity of hazardous installations seeks to ensure that public safety is maintained. In applying the policy account will be taken of advice from the Health and Safety Executive. It also identifies the importance of tight controls on development within the Public Safety Zone (PSZ) (as defined by the Civil Aviation Authority) at the west end of the southern runway at Heathrow where development involving an increase in number of people living, working or otherwise congregating in the zone will be refused. The PSZ is shown on the Proposals Map.

Sustainability Appraisal Indicators

*Where no indicator is given in the above table this represents an unknown given the current uncertainty of future plans for Heathrow and its proposed expansion

Monitoring Indicators

Indicator	Target	Data Source
Extent of the 66 Leq and above noise contour	Reduction in areas affected by the 66 Leq and above noise contour	BAA, DfT, The Borough Council

Key Evidence

• Heathrow Strategic Planning Group (2020): Economic Development Vision and Action Plan
• Heathrow Strategic Planning Group (2020): Joint Spatial Planning Framework
• Civil Aviation Authority (2019): Heathrow Airport 2018 Summer Noise Contours and Noise Action Plan Contours
• Airports National Policy Statement: new runway capacity and infrastructure at airports in the south-east of England (2018)

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²⁰ Re-use of buildings in the Green Belt are not inappropriate under the NPPF provided they preserve its openness, do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it and are of a permanent and substantial construction.

²¹ Removing a culvert may enhance local biodiversity through recolonisation by local species, can aiding fish passage and add to the visual attractions of an area whilst reducing flood risk.

²² www.riverthamesscheme.org.uk

²³ Development Consent Order (DCO) Limits boundary describes the overall boundary of a future Heathrow Expansion project which includes land Heathrow intends to construct buildings, infrastructure and much of the extensive landscape mitigation areas, and land where Heathrow may potentially require property and other rights for landscape mitigation areas

²⁴ Airport Supporting Development (ASD) refers to a range of development that is related to the airport's operation, and includes uses such as airport operations, cargo, maintenance, industrial, freight forwarding, hotels and offices (Heathrow, 2019).

²⁵ Appendix 1 - Covid impact on Business report (2021) Spelthorne Borough Council. Available from https://democracy.spelthorne.gov.uk/documents/s35002/Appendix%201%20-%20Covid%20impact%20on%20Business%20report%20May%202021%20v2.pdf

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