This is Redcar & Cleveland's Sustainable Environment Strategy 2011 2016 - this is Redcar & Cleveland
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this is Redcar & Cleveland’s
Sustainable Environment
Strategy 2011 - 2016
this is Redcar & Cleveland
Contents
Page
i. Vision 5
ii. Foreword 6
iii. Executive Summary 7
1. Setting the scene 9
1.1 Redcar and Cleveland 9
1.2 The Redcar and Cleveland Partnership 10
1.3 Sustainable Community Strategy 13
1.4 Local Development Framework 14
2. Drivers for change 19
2.1 UK Sustainable Development Strategy 19
2.2 National policy and legislation on environment and sustainability 20
2.3 The State of the Environment 25
2.4 The importance of Green Infrastructure 27
3. Developing a new Sustainable Environment Strategy 29
3.1 Outcomes and achievements of the 2006 strategy 29
3.2 Consultation methods and participation 32
3.3 Identifying environmental priorities and objectives 33
4. A future environment – action plan 34
4.1 CLIMATE CHANGE AND AIR QUALITY 34
- Climate change 34
- Air quality 35
4.2 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 36
- Biodiversity 36
- Geodiversity 38
- Trees and woodland 39
- Conservation 40
4.3 BUILT ENVIRONMENT 42
- Urban land management 42
- Improved management of heritage assets 44
- Clean and Green 47
4.4 RESOURCE USE 48
- Transport 48
- Waste 49
- Water 50
- Environmental Management 52
- Energy Management 53
5. Strategy Review Process 55
5.1 Monitoring and evaluation 55
6. Future challenges 57
7. Feedback and contact 59
Annexes 60
Partners 60
Abbreviations 60
Glossary of terms 60
i. Vision
Our vision for the future through this ‘Sustainable Environment Strategy 2011 - 2016’ is for Redcar and
Cleveland to achieve…
A positive approach to environmental improvement;
,
encouraging people and communities to achieve a high
quality and sustainable living environment. ,
This long term vision was agreed though a wide ranging consultation as part of the development of the
Borough’s first Sustainable Environment Strategy in 2006, with contributions from over 200 individuals,
organisations and internal stakeholders through workshops, seminars and presentations.
Environmental strategy is concerned with understanding the relationships between human activities and
the environment, to assist people and organisations behave more sustainably. This document is set out
to be a package of policies and actions, developed by the Council and its partners, to raise awareness,
change behaviour and deliver environmental improvement across the Borough.
this is Redcar & Cleveland 5
ii. Foreword iii. Executive Summary
Redcar and Cleveland is a borough of particular contrast and diversity rich in both natural assets and a
proud industrial heritage, boasting a wide variety of coastal, urban and rural areas and a significant part
The environment of Redcar and Cleveland is a complex tapestry of diverse elements such as our Heritage
Coastline, National Park, rural communities, leading industrial complexes and urban landscapes. We are of the North York Moors National Park.
fortunate in possessing some of the finest natural landscape in the country, however managing such
diverse environments brings significant challenges for us and our many partner organisations. But I think Redcar and Cleveland’s ‘Sustainable Environment Strategy 2011-2016’ aims to achieve a vision of ‘a
you’ll agree that together we are meeting these challenges. positive approach to environmental improvement; encouraging people and communities to achieve a
high quality and sustainable living environment’. The strategy has been led by the Redcar and
The publication of the first Sustainable Environment Strategy in 2006 improved our management of the
Cleveland Partnership and supported by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. The Partnership’s
environmental agenda and focused our attention on where we needed to improve performance. We have
continued to perform well and have seen improvements to our environment such as the year on year shared vision for the Borough is “In 2021 we want Redcar & Cleveland to be the place to be...
reduction in Borough wide Carbon Dioxide emissions, our continuous good air quality, our regional
: a great place for families to live,
leadership on waste and recycling and cleaner neighbourhoods. Through this revised strategy and our new
tough policies on the environment, we are all committed to tackling the challenging issues we face such as
: a great place to visit, shop and have fun
adapting to climate change severe weather events, and building on our own environmental management
progress.
And we look forward to continuing to work closely with our valued : and a clean green place to work and invest
partners to achieve our vision. We are showing strong, efficient local
leadership on environment and sustainability which is essential if Redcar The strategy will deliver the environmental aims and objectives within the Borough’s Sustainable
and Cleveland is to continue delivering successful services for the
community and I fully support our Sustainable Environment Strategy Community Strategy. There are a significant number of drivers for change across the broad
2011 - 2016. environmental agenda including issues such as the Climate Change Act, the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
and the Environmental Protection Act.
The Borough’s first Sustainable Environment Strategy was published in 2006 and based around 13
Councillor Joe Keenan - strategic priority areas, identified by the Environment Partnership and agreed through public
Cabinet Member for the Environment consultation with over 200 organisations and individuals. Since this strategy was published 92 of the
104 actions have been delivered successfully leading to significant environmental improvement.
Through the Environment Partnership and consultation, a revised strategy has been developed based
In my capacity as Chair of the Environment Partnership within the Boroughs Local Strategic Partnership, on 4 key themes and 14 strategic priority areas, with partners developing and agreeing to an action
I wholeheartedly support the new Sustainable Environment Strategy. Partners work across the environment plan for each of these 14 priorities. The strategy contains 82 specific actions for environmental
and sustainability agenda has for many years been some of the strongest elements of the partnership as a improvement.
whole, and we have often been recognised for being innovative in our approach. Biennial State of the
Environment Report’s since 2002 have laid the foundation in an understanding of our priorities while the
first strategy, adopted by over 30 partners in 2006, then set out a series of over 100 actions for
Partners will measure the impact and performance of actions contained within this strategy to ensure we
environmental improvement. And 5 years on we are now setting out a new series of tasks to tackle our new improve our environmental performance, while continuing to focus on the key challenges we face in the
environmental priorities. Borough over the next 5 years such as climate change mitigation, preparing for severe weather events
and working in partnership to deliver high quality environments in and around communities.
The agenda is broad, and a major challenge is having a clear focus on our
priority environmental issues, which play such a fundamental part in the
improvement of our quality of life across all communities. And through this
partner led strategy we will improve our communities for the benefit of
Redcar and Cleveland as a whole.
Fiona Chesters - Environment Partnership Chair
6 this is Redcar & Cleveland 7
Chapter 1: Setting the Scene
1.1 Redcar and Cleveland
Redcar and Cleveland is a Borough of particular contrast and diversity – of people, place, economy and
environment. Geographically it is the largest Borough within the Tees Valley. Situated to the south of
the River Tees, it is the southernmost Borough in the North East region. Covering nearly 25,000
hectares it stretches from the River Tees to Cowbar, north of Staithes. It has a population of almost
140,000 with a total of 59,000 households (2008).
Landscape
The borough is rich in both natural assets and a proud industrial heritage. The Borough has a varied
landscape, ranging from an alluvial plain through to higher land in the moors and the Eston Hills, and
bordered by a coast of sandy bays and dramatic cliffs in predominantly rural East Cleveland, where
there is a stretch of Heritage Coast of over 12km length. Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special
Protection Area and Ramsar site, a site of European importance for birds, is made up of several sites of
national importance (SSSIs) and twenty three square miles of North York Moors National Park, itself
designated for its European and national importance for wildlife and habitat. 90% of the Boroughs land
area is dominated by agriculture, which is in sharp contrast to the industrial landscape along the south
bank of the River Tees.
Environment
The south bank of the River Tees is lined with heavy industry dominated by iron, steel, petrochemicals,
process engineering and logistics. These combine to create what has been described as the economic
powerhouse of the Tees Valley, with one of the largest ports in the country. These stark contrasts and
this rich diversity help to define the Borough.
Despite general perception, the air quality in the Borough is good, along with water quality which is
vastly improving from historically poor standards. However, due to the varying topography of the
Borough, sea level rise and incidences of flooding caused by climatic change there are serious threats.
Climate change is a very real problem and locally we have experienced a summer temperature increase
of over 0.5C in just the last 50 years, as well as the amount of rainfall we experience in winter almost
doubling since 1961. The effects of these changes are capable of having significant impacts on the
Borough and our communities. Warmer, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters could also impacts
upon communities in different ways across the different parts of the Borough due to the dramatic
variations in topography.
In response, Redcar and Cleveland Council, its partners and our neighbouring four Tees Valley local
authority areas have adopted a Tees Valley Climate Change Strategy in order to collaboratively tackle
emissions, as well as signing up to the European Covenant of Mayors Initiative to reduce emissions in
each area by 20% by the year 2020.
We are also responding to threats posed by climate change and the expected severe weather events by
preparing the Borough’s first Adaptation Plan, due for completion in 2011, in order to increase our
preparedness.
this is Redcar & Cleveland 9
Community The communities within the Borough are as diverse as its landscape. With a population density of 5.6 persons per hectare, the Borough is considerably less densely populated than the 8.2 average of the Tees Valley. The population is mostly shared between the main urban conurbations of Redcar and Greater Eston. However there are many smaller commuter towns such as Guisborough, rural villages and coastal settlements, with rural areas making up a significant part of the Borough (44% of the population live in a rural area – ONS 2001). Deprivation The global economic downturn means that a number of our communities, which are as diverse as our landscape, are facing significant challenges. Whilst many towns and neighbourhoods are weathering the storm of the economic downturn, some are experiencing increasing levels of deprivation. With low housing demand, high levels of crime and unemployment, poor health and low educational attainment. The 2007 Indices of Multiple Deprivation, which do not take account of more recent global economic conditions, demonstrate that the picture has been improving. In 2000 we were the 32nd most deprived Borough in the country and by 2004 this had improved to 44th. In 2007 there was a further improvement and the Borough is now ranked 50th in the country. 1.2 The Redcar and Cleveland Partnership The Redcar and Cleveland Partnership is the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), for the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland. Established in 1998 the Partnership brings together public sector agencies (such as local authority, police, health trust) and other stakeholders (voluntary and community groups, businesses and local people) to ‘set out the vision of an area and coordinate and drive the delivery of local services leading to improved outcomes that go beyond the remit of one partner, promoting and guiding the social, economic and environmental enhancement of the Borough’. The Partnership’s shared vision for the Borough is “In 2021 we want Redcar & Cleveland to be the place to be... : a great place for families to live, : a great place to visit, shop and have fun : and a clean green place to work and invest With currently with over 80 member organisations, the Partnership is committed to improving the services delivered in our area and the quality of life for citizens, particularly those facing problems of disadvantage and discrimination. The Partnership has an explicit community leadership role to achieve a better quality of life for all and recognises that this cannot be delivered in isolation. 10
Five thematic partnerships drive the LSP’s work:
: Regeneration Partnership
: Stronger Communities Partnership
: Safer Communities Partnership
: Children’s Trust
: Health and Well Being Partnership
Environment Partnership
Within each thematic partnership are a series of smaller themed sub groups that manage activity to
deliver improvements in their priority area. The LSP’s Environment Partnership, which leads the
Sustainable Environment Strategy, resides within the Regeneration Thematic Partnership. It has principal
responsibility for identifying, managing and delivering improvement on environmental priorities as set
out in the boroughs Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Area Agreement. The groups
membership includes over 20 representatives of the public, private and community and voluntary
sectors and have produced this Sustainable Environment Strategy as the overarching strategic
document for managing the environment in Redcar and Cleveland.
1.3 Sustainable Community Strategy
To deliver improvements in services across the Borough, in 2008 the Partnership adopted its first
Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS), with support from the Council, following 18 months of extensive
stakeholder engagement. Working towards achieving the partnerships vision, it is the principal
document that sets out what the boroughs priorities are to enhance the quality of life of our local
communities and to improve the long term economic, social and environmental well-being of the
Borough and its citizens.
The strategy is based around 14 priority outcomes and 79 associated objectives, and details the tasks to
be delivered by all partners including the Council to achieve improvement in those priority areas.
In 2010, the Partnership adopted a new ‘Statement of Priorities’ to clearly identify which of the SCS
priorities represent the most critical challenges for the Borough over the next five years and how the
Partnership as a whole intends to tackle them. The Partnership recognises that although our long term
priorities have not changed, if we are to continue to improve outcomes for local people, we need to be
more tightly focused on tackling the issues that matter most in the Borough, ensuring our resources are
targeted where they are most needed.
The full SCS, including the environment priorities, can be viewed at
http://www.rclsp.co.uk/sustainablecommunitystrategy.php
this is Redcar & Cleveland 13
1.4 Local Development Framework Under the provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act (2004), the Council is required to prepare a Local Development Framework (LDF), which acts as the development plan for the Borough for the next 15 years or so. The Redcar & Cleveland LDF covers all of the Borough, excluding the part that lies within the North York Moors National Park. The LDF consists of a series of Development Plan Documents (DPDs) covering a range of issues, setting out policies, allocations and designations to guide development within the Borough. The LDF also contains a number of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), which sit beneath the DPDs within the framework and provide more detailed guidance on specific forms of development. A number of these SPDs have already been adopted, including the Landscape Character SPD. The Council is well progressed in its preparation of the LDF, with the Core Strategy and Development Policies DPDs being adopted in July 2007. The Core Strategy sets out the aims of the plan which include promoting sustainable forms of development, protecting, conserving and enhancing the Borough’s natural environment. It also ensures high standards of design to limit the impact upon the environment and climate change. The Development Policies DPD sets out detailed policies to be used in the determination of planning applications. Work is well underway on the preparation of the Communities and Economy DPD. This will include policies, allocations and designations for housing, community infrastructure, economic development (including town and district centres) and transport. Minerals and Waste policies are being developed together with the other Tees Valley authorities, due to the interconnected nature of mineral and waste development within the area. The Joint Tees Valley Minerals and Waste Core Strategy and Policies and Sites DPDs have been prepared and submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and were subject to examination in public in early 2011. It is expected that the documents will be adopted in the summer of 2011. A number of policies have also been saved from the Redcar & Cleveland Local Plan. Until these have been replaced by LDF policies, they remain part of the statutory development plan. All the documents prepared within the Local Development Framework have been subject to Sustainability Appraisal. This is a process that assesses the policies to ensure that the most sustainable approach is used. The documents have also undergone Habitats Regulations Assessment to ensure that there are no significant adverse effects on the integrity of nature conservation sites of European Importance. The following policies and documents within the adopted LDF are considered to be of particular relevance to the delivery of this Environmental Strategy: Core Strategy DPD (2007) Policy CS20: Promoting Good Design Policy CS21: Renewable Energy Policy CS22: Protecting and Enhancing the Borough’s Landscape Policy CS23: Green Infrastructure Policy CS24: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation 14
Development Policies DPD (2007) North York Moors National Park Local Development
Policy DP2: Location of Development Framework
Policy DP3: Sustainable Design The part of the Borough within the National Park is covered by the North York Moors National Park LDF.
Policy DP6: Pollution Control The Core Strategy and Development Policies DPD (2008) is the main document upon which decisions
about new development in the Park are made. It contains both the strategic and the development
Policy DP7: Potentially Contaminated and Unstable Land control policies for the National Park, including minerals and waste policies. The Authority has also
Policy DP13: Protecting Open Spaces produced Supplementary Planning Documents, including a Design Guide and a Renewable Energy
SPD, and all documents have been subject to Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation
Assessment.
Supplementary Planning Documents
Landscape Character SPD (2010)
Design of Residential Areas SPD (to be adopted 2011)
North York Moors National Park Core Strategy (2008)
Core Policy A: Delivering National Park Purposes and Sustainable Development
Core Policy C: Natural Environment, Biodiversity and Geodiversity
Emerging changes to the planning framework
Core Policy D: Climate Change
The government has signalled its intentions to reform the planning system as part of its localism
Core Policy F: Sustainable Waste Management
agenda. Whilst it is not yet clear what form these proposals will take, the Local Growth White Paper
sets out the government’s intention to remove regional planning in its entirety and establish planning at Core Policy G: Landscape, Design and Historic Assets
the ‘neighbourhood’ level. These proposed changes will be brought into effect by the Decentralisation
and Localism Bill, which was published in December 2010.
North York Moors National Park Development Policies
Housing DPD (2008)
Development Policy 1: Environmental Protection
The council's housing strategy will be reviewed during 2011. The Redcar and Cleveland Housing
Partnership, who will oversee this review, has identified the housing-related priorities contained within Development Policy 2: Flood Risk
the Tees Valley Economic and Regeneration Plan as the framework for this review. One such priority is: Development Policy 3: Design
Development Policy 4: Conservation Areas
Develop sustainable communities, which minimise carbon
, Development Policy 5: Listed Buildings
emissions, promote the highest quality of design and
improve 'liveability' and environmental quality , The North York Moors National Park Authority has also produced two Supplementary Planning
Documents which are the Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (2008) and the Renewable
The Housing Partnership aim to produce a draft housing strategy for consultation by early summer Energy Supplementary Planning Document (2010).
2011, which will cover such issues as sustainable development, zero-carbon homes, fuel poverty,
residential design, and retrofitting of the existing housing stock.
this is Redcar & Cleveland 17
Chapter 2: Drivers for change
2.1 UK Sustainable Development Strategy
In 2005 the UK Government launched its revised ‘Sustainable Development Strategy’ with a new
purpose and principles for sustainable development and new shared priorities agreed across the UK.
It is based on:
: Five principles – with a more explicit focus on environmental limits
: Four agreed priorities – sustainable consumption and production, climate change, natural
resource protection and sustainable communities, and
: A new indicator set, which is more outcome focused, with commitments to look at new
indicators for example in the theme of ’wellbeing’
Within Redcar and Cleveland’s Sustainable Environment Strategy, the five principles and four agreed
priorities of the UK’s broader Sustainable Development Strategy are reflected in the actions within each
theme, against which targets and success can be measured.
Local Transport Plan 2011-2021
The local transport plan is focused around the five national transport goals identified in the strategy
document “Delivering a sustainable Transport System” (DaSTS).
The plan outlines five key goals as:
: Reduce carbon emissions
: Support economic growth
: Promote equality of opportunity
: Contribute to better safety, security and health
: Improve quality of life and a healthy natural environment
The Redcar & Cleveland Local Transport Plan needs to be placed in the wider context of the five unitary
authorities of the Tees Valley City Region, the region and the national picture. Tees Valley Unlimited has
developed a Statement of Ambition for the regeneration of the city region that has two key aims:
: To drive the transition to a high value low carbon economy; and,
: To create a more diversified and inclusive economy.
this is Redcar & Cleveland 192.2 National policy and legislation on environment and is ‘Creating prosperous and resilient communities in a low carbon economy’. The strategy also outlines
how climate change and economic regeneration will affect areas within the Tees Valley and we will
sustainability continue to work with regional organisations, such as Climate North East in delivering improvements.
This section provides context for a number of the key themes in the strategy’s action plan and highlights Tees Valley Climate Change Strategy 2010 - 2020
policies and legislation at a national level relating to each theme.
Air
Climate Change Air Quality Management Areas
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Each local authority is required to monitor the air quality and pollution levels within their borough since
1997. This information is used not only to observe any changes but to assist in predicting what will
2005 (Kyoto protocol) occur in the following years. The aim of collecting this data is to ensure that the UK is meeting the
There is continuous, growing international drive to reduce global impact upon climate change. National Air Quality Objectives by the given deadline. If there are areas found to be not likely to meet
The Kyoto Protocol is a driving force in this respect, and is an international agreement linked to the these objectives then they are classified as Air Quality Management Areas. The purpose of this is to
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is assist the local authority in developing a plan to improve the air quality in that area. This is known as a
that it sets binding targets for 37 industrialised countries and the European Community for reducing Local Air Quality Action Plan.
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These amount to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels Air Quality Management Areas
over the five-year period 2008-2012. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on
11 December 1997 and became legally binding for signatories on 16 February 2005.
Air Quality Standard Regulations 2010
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2005 (Kyoto protocol)
The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 set the parameters, over a range of timescales, which monitor
and reduce the number of emissions being released into the air. Standards for air pollution are
Climate Change Act 2008 concentrations over a given time period that are considered to be acceptable in the light of what is
The purpose of this act is to set a target to reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions by 80% the year 2050, scientifically known about the effects of each pollutant on health and on the environment. Standards exist
with an interim target of a 34% reduction by 2020. It also provides information on carbon budgeting for pollutants including Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, Benzene and particulate matter.
and adapting to climate change. Within the act a Climate Change Committee is established and further Air Quality Standard Regulations 2010
provisions are made to the Energy Act 2004 where renewable transport fuel obligations are concerned.
Climate Change Act 2008
Clean Air Act 1993
This act consolidates the previous two clean air acts to regulate and limit smoke and other pollutants
Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change that are emitted into the atmosphere. It also enforces smoke control areas. This is when a local
This declaration, which was established in Nottingham in 2000, has been signed by over 300 English authority can declare the whole or part of a district a smoke control area. Smokeless fuels must be
councils plus a wide range of local partner organisations. The purpose of the declaration is to burnt and tall chimneys need to be installed to disperse air pollution.
encourage all participants to address the causes of climate change through the delivery of a local action Clean Air Act 1993
plan. It also improves the community knowledge and helps them to prepare for the impacts.
Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change Biodiversity
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
Tees Valley Climate Change Strategy 2010 - 2020 There are a wide variety of areas covered by this act including,
The Tees Valley Climate Change Partnership is formed of the five local rural communities, nature conservation, biodiversity, Sites of
authorities of Redcar and Cleveland, Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough Special Scientific interest, National Parks and the broads.
and Stockton-on-Tees, together with the Environment Agency, University of Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
Teesside, Renew, TADEA and the Energy Saving Trust.
The main aim of the strategy is to support the reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions by 20% by 2020 through actions such as reducing energy
Wild Birds Directive (Council Directive
consumption, minimising road transport, reducing domestic energy 79/409/EEC)
consumption, and lowering industrial and commercial emissions. It also The European Wild Birds Directive sets out to guide the
has a focus on adaptation, advising the participating organisations on conservation, management and human interaction with wild birds.
how to cope with, and adapt to the future effects of climate change.
Wild Birds Directive (Council Directive 79/409/EEC)
The Tees Valley Climate Change Strategy is based on the vision which
20 this is Redcar & Cleveland 21Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on Energy
Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora) Energy White Paper 2007
This act requires EU member states to introduce a range of measures for the protection of habitats and
species listed in Annexes. This white paper sets out the government’s international and domestic energy strategy and to address
the long-term energy challenges we face. The key elements of the paper are;
This links in with Natura 2000, which is at the centre of the EU Nature and Biodiversity Policy. It is a
European Wide network of protected areas which are recognised as ‘sites of community importance’. : to establish an international framework to tackle climate change
Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna : to provide legally binding carbon reduction targets for the UK economy
:
and Flora)
make further progress towards achieving competitive and transparent international markets
: encourage energy saving through better information, incentives and regulation
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1991
The purpose of this act is to provide protection of wild birds, nests and eggs. This includes the killing, : provide support for low carbon technologies
taking and sale of birds and or their nests and eggs. The act also offers protection over captive birds, : ensure the right conditions for investment
certain wild animals, mammals and plants.
Energy White Paper 2007
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1991
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 Energy Act 2010
This act aims to conserve natural habitats, the habitats of species and the species themselves. This act implements a number of key measurement which will reduce the effect energy is having on the
Additionally through this act, adaptation of planning processes and other controls are possible. environment. The main priorities of the act are;
:
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010
Carbon capture and storage
Convention on Biological Diversity : Mandatory social price support
Established in 1993, the convention outlines three main objectives. : Fairness of the energy market
1. The conservation of biological diversity Energy Act 2010
2. To ensure that the use of the components of biological diversity are as sustainable as possible
3. The fair sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources
Convention on Biological Diversity Water
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Flood and Water Management Act 2010
The Convention on Biological Diversity requires the development or reinforcement of national strategies as This act provides provisions about the management of flooding and coastal erosion. It also states that
a way to enforce the objective of the convention. The aim of this plan is to identify, conserve and protect the Environment Agency must develop, maintain, apply
biological diversity. The UK action plan also outlines a number of plans which are aimed at protecting the and monitor a strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management.
most threatened species and habitats. Flood and Water Management Act 2010
UK Biodiversity Action Plan
Water Act 2003
Biodiversity Action Plans This act amends and combines the Water Resources Act
Covering Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough 1991 and Water Industry Act 1991. Within it establishes
and Stockton-on-Tees, the Tees Valley Biodiversity Action Plan the role of the Water Services Regulation Authority and the
(BAP) was developed 1999, consisting of a number of plans to Consumer Council for Water. It also looks at land drainage
protect species and habitats, including their current status and flood defences, contaminated land and also outline
and targets for the future. It also includes tasks to be carried the management of certain rivers within England.
out by a range of organisations. The North York Moors Water Act 2003
Biodiversity Action Plan covers the area of the National Park
that is within the Borough of Redcar and Cleveland.
Tees Valley Biodiversity Action Plan
22 this is Redcar & Cleveland 23Water Framework Directive 2000 There is a North York Moors National Park Management Plan, adopted in 1998 and currently under
review, which sets out objectives and policies for the future management of the National Park. A large
The European Water Framework Directive came into force in December 2000 and became part of UK part of the draft strategy refers to planning policies, however for the National Park, the Management
law in December 2003 and requires all inland and coastal waters to reach ‘good status’ by 2015. It will Plan is the key document for guiding future projects that relate to environmental management.
help to protect and enhance the quality of surface freshwater (including lakes, streams and rivers by
providing a co-ordinated framework through River Basin Management Plans, for the sustainable Waste
management of water resources which belong to the same ecological, hydrological and
hydrogeological system (river basin district). The plan for the Northumbria River Basin District covers the EU Landfill Directive
Borough of Redcar and Cleveland and can be accessed via the Environment Agency Website.
Water Framework Directive 2000 The purpose of the landfill directive is to alter the ways in which we dispose of our waste. The aim is to
work through the waste directive and increase the amount of waste which is re-used, recycled and used
for energy recovery. This will lead to the reduction of waste ending up in landfills. The other major
Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008 point of the directive is to reduce the environmental impacts such as water and soil pollution. It will also
The European Commission’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive aims to achieve Good Environmental reduce the negative effects landfill can have on human health.EU Landfill Directive
Status in Europe’s seas by 2020. Many of the threats facing Europe’s seas require cooperation between
member states and key requirements of the Directive include:
: An assessment of the current state of UK seas by July 2012
Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
: Establishment of a monitoring programme to measure progress toward Good Environmental This act outlines what waste is considered to be hazardous from sources such as asbestos, radioactive,
Status by July 2014 agricultural mine and quarry and domestic waste. It explains what is to be done to different forms of
:
hazardous waste for example how it needs to be moved and stored. The act also details the
Establishment of a programme of measures for achieving Good Environmental Status by 2016 enforcement, offences and defences where hazardous waste is concerned.
As a coastal Borough the marine environment is of huge importance and we will look to work Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
collaboratively with the Marine Management Organisation in developing Marine Plans.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008 The Controlled Waste Regulations 1992
Land This act describes what is classified as controlled waste and how it should be handled. It is split into
three forms of controlled waste that from households, industry and commercial waste. It outlines how
Countryside and Right of Way Act 2000 the waste should be collected and treated. The Controlled Waste Regulations 1992
This act provides provisions for public access to the countryside and to amend laws relating to public Transport
rights of way, natural conservation, and protection of wildlife and areas of outstanding beauty.
Countryside and Right of Way Act 2000 Local Transport Act 2008
The purpose of the local transport act is to make further provisions relating to local transport authorities,
Rural Strategy 2004 road transport services and the subsidising of passenger transport services. Local Transport Act 2008
The Rural Strategy improves and expands on the Rural White Paper 2000. It sets out a new approach
which concentrates on three priorities, economic and social regeneration, social justice for all and Environmental Management
enhancing the value of our countryside. These aims are hoped to lead to both social and environmental
improvements.Rural Strategy 2004 Environmental Protection Act 1990
Environment Act 1995 The Environmental Protection Act 1990 defines the fundamental structure and authority for waste
management and control of emissions into the environment and is structured in several parts, the main
The purpose of this act was to establish the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment four of which are listed below.
Protection Agency, as well as setting new standards for environmental management. It covers
conservation of natural resources and the environment, all land issues including contaminated land, Part I establishes a general regime by that prescribes any process or substance and set limits on it in
abandoned mines and pollution and also created the requirement to prepare a national air quality respect of emissions into the environment. Part II sets out a regime for regulating and licensing the
strategy in England & Wales. The act also revised the original legislation and set out two statutory acceptable disposal of controlled waste on land, while Part IIA was inserted by the Environment Act
purposes for National Parks in England and Wales, which are to: 1995 and defines a scheme of identification and compulsory remedial action for contaminated land.
: Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage Part III defines a class of statutory nuisances over which the local authority can demand remedial action
:
supported by criminal penalties, while Part IV defines a set of criminal offences concerning litter.
Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of
National Parks by the Public Environmental Protection Act 1990
Environment Act 1995
24 this is Redcar & Cleveland 252.3 The State of the Environment 7. CO2 Emissions
Between 2000 and 2006, the Environment Partnership produced bi-ennial State of the Environment Data published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change in September 2010 showed that
Reports based on a series of environmental indicators, which was used as an evidence base for between 2007 and 2008 total CO2 emissions in Redcar and Cleveland reduced by 2.11%, or 32,000
identifying environmental priorities and forming environmental strategy. This led the Environment tonnes. Due to a slight population decrease in population in that time this represents a 1.82% per
Agency to comment that they considered it“…best practice in this field and other Local Authorities, capita reduction. Since the 2005 baseline was established, there has been a total emissions reduction
including those in other Tees Valley areas, are encouraged to follow this model”. of 2.30% and per capita reduction of 1.82% across the Borough.
However, upon introduction of the National Indicator Set a wide array of environmental indicators
became obsolete and we ceased producing the reports. However a baseline environmental report is 8. Waste and Recycling
produced when Strategic Environmental Assessment is undertaken on a range of plans and policies and
In 2008/09, Redcar and Cleveland had a household recycling and composting rate of 40.07%, much
this has been used to inform the development of the Sustainable Environment Strategy. Some of the
higher than the 2007/08 UK household recycling and composting rate of approximately 35%.
key highlights are listed here:
9. Adapting to climate change
1. Biodiversity
Within the Borough (and including part of the National Park) there are 9 Sites of Special Scientific Under the National Indicator NI 188 ‘preparing to adapt to climate change’, Redcar and Cleveland
Interest (SSSIs) totalling 2466ha, with 986ha of this in a favourable condition. However, over 300ha of moved from a Level 0 local authority to Level 1, demonstrating that there is a public commitment to
land is in unfavourable condition. The North York Moors National Park contains five Special Areas of address adaptation and impacts from severe weather events are being addressed ahead of preparing an
Conservation (SAC) and one Special Protection Area (SPA), with a small amount of the North York Moors adaptation plan.
SAC and SPA within Redcar and Cleveland. In the Borough there is also the Teesmouth and Cleveland
Coast SPA / Ramsar Site.
2.4 The importance of green infrastructure
2. Parks and Open Spaces Green Infrastructure (GI) is the network of green and open spaces that exists within and between towns and
In 2008/09 66% of residents were satisfied with the parks and open spaces available within the Borough. villages. It is critical infrastructure and crucial to the creation of quality places by providing a range of services
that deliver significant benefits to the environment, society and the economy. It is key to the ‘place making’
3. Listed Buildings agenda and ensures spaces that support wildlife, effectively manage water and flooding, create the setting
for business and investment, promote greater health and well being, and adapt to climate change.
There are 1149 Listed Buildings of which 17 are on the ‘At Risk’ register in Redcar and Cleveland and
that part of the North York Moors National Park that lies within the Borough. Green spaces provide a range of services in town and villages that are multi functional for example an urban
woodland park that provides a recreational resource, keeps the area cool in higher temperatures, provides a
4. Air Quality Management Areas haven for wildlife and helps store water in times of heavy rain or flooding.
Local Authorities are required to continually assess air quality in their area in order to ensure that the Green Infrastructure is key to a healthy economy as research demonstrates that those area’s with well
national air quality objectives will be achieved. If a local authority finds any places where the objectives connected quality green spaces benefit from greater investment, property and land values and worker
are not likely to be achieved, it must declare an Air Quality Management Area there, however due to productivity. Similarly, those areas with quality green spaces often result in lower incidences of heart disease,
continuous, good air quality in Redcar and Cleveland, no Air Quality Management Areas have been obesity and other poor health conditions due to the attractiveness of open space for physical activity. Aside
declared within the Borough. from social and economic benefits, there are obvious environmental benefits to increased and well planned
GI. These relate to ensuring habitats such as those at Teesmouth are not pressured, providing natural
adaptations to climate change such as woodland to reduce temperatures or green drainage techniques to
5. Traffic Volume
deal with flooding.
In 2009 Redcar and Cleveland saw a 9.1% increase in the volume of traffic from the 1999 baseline and a
10.2% increase on the 2000 baseline. Redcar and Cleveland is a partner in the Tees Valley Green Infrastructure Strategy. Within both urban and
rural areas of the Borough there exists significant opportunity to create improved green space, improved
neighbourhoods and contribute to strategic green infrastructure in the Tees Valley.
6. Bathing Water
An example of new green infrastructure in the borough is the Greater Eston development area where a
100% of the bathing water tests (bacteriological) met the national standards in 2002, 2003 and 2004. All six
new Community Woodland project has been initiated as part of the development proposals. It is
bathing water sites tested in 2008, 2009, 2010 passed the minimum legal requirement by 95% or more.
anticipated that this woodland will provide a new community recreation resource with public access and
In 2010 Saltburn’s bathing water quality standard fell from good quality to poor, failing to meet the ownership, create a new wildlife area with an emphasis on native habitat and contribute to wider
bathing water directives standards. This mean that samples taken during bathing season (May to environmental improvements which make the area more attractive for business, developers and
September) showed high levels of bacteria which indicates the presence of pollution from livestock and investors and home owners.
sewage. The presences of these bacteria do not pose a direct threat to human but it does indicate that
there is a problem with pollution. In order to gain a poor grade, less than 95% of the samples must
reach the required standards of the directive.
26 this is Redcar & Cleveland 27Chapter 3: Developing a new
Sustainable Environment Strategy
3.1 Outcomes and Achievements of the 2006 Strategy
The 2006 Sustainable Environment Strategy was based 13 Strategic Priority Areas, identified by
the Environment Partnership and agreed through wide ranging public consultation with over
200 organisations and individuals.
For each priority area, such as climate change, a number of outcomes were identified. In order to
deliver these outcomes a total of 104 specific actions were identified, against which targets and
milestones were set, thereby providing a robust plan for environmental improvement. No less
than 30 wide ranging organisations committed to delivering these.
Since the strategy was published in 2006, 92 of the 104 actions have been delivered successfully,
representing an 89% completion rate, which is a significant achievement and credit to the
organisations who signed up to the strategy. The 2006 strategy can be accessed here.
Some of the many achievements are highlighted here:
Climate change and air
We said we would…
Produce a Climate Change and Energy Action Plan with objectives and targets
And…
In 2010 we adopted our first Sustainable Energy Action Plan outlining how we will achieve a 20% CO2
reduction by the year 2020
Water management
We said we would…
Produce a 5 year action plan for improving water management in individual properties
And…
We achieved this as part of re-accreditation to the Energy Efficiency Accreditation Service (EEAS) in
2008
Biodiversity
We said we would…
Continue to run a programme of events and guided walks
And…
Partners have delivered annual walking and cycling festivals, while a priority stretch target was included
in our Local Area Agreement in 2007 on improving access
this is Redcar & Cleveland 29Rural land management Environmental management
We said we would… We said we would…
Identify sites for potential future Local Nature Reserve designation Obtain corporate support for implementation environmental management standards
And… And…
Six Local Nature Reserves have been designated against a target of 5 in the strategy The Council is now working towards the ISO 14001 international standard for environmental
management and adopted its first Environment Policy in 2010
Trees and woodland cover
We said we would… Energy management
Manage woodlands in line with the principles set out in the English Forestry Strategy We said we would…
Produce an annual energy plan derived from the Strategic Property Review Document
And…
In 2007, a new Sustainable Community Tree and Woodland Strategy was adopted to manage trees and And…
woodlands in Redcar and Cleveland We achieved this in 2007, together with National Performance Indicators (NPI’s) forming part of our
EEAS accreditation
Urban land management
We said we would… Sustainable transport
Prepare Supplementary Planning Documents to promote high quality sustainable design We said we would…
Develop School Travel Plans to reduce private car journeys to school
And…
In 2006 the Council published Urban Design Guidelines to ensure sustainable design incorporated into And…
developments All school travel plans were in place by 2008 ahead of a target for all schools to have plans by 2010
Liveability Access issues
We said we would… We said we would…
Deliver a programme of intense cleansing activity as part of the GROT squad programme Complete a Public Rights Of Way
Improvement Plan for the Borough
And…
We achieved a figure of 8% of land having litter and detritus in 2007/08, against target of 16%. And…
This has been completed while a
priority stretch target was also
Historic architecture and landscapes included in our Local Area
We said we would… Agreement in 2007 on improving
Undertake character appraisals of conservation areas within the Borough access
And…
We achieved our 2009 target of undertaking 15 character appraisals by 2008
Waste management
We said we would…
Produce a revised Waste Management Strategy for the Borough
And…
In 2007 the Tees Valley Joint Waste Management Strategy was published with a new action plan for
Redcar and Cleveland
30 this is Redcar & Cleveland 313.2 Consultation Methods and participation 3.3 Identifying Environmental Priorities and Objectives
An inclusive approach has been adopted to ensure that stakeholders from across the Borough have an From July 2010 the Environment Partnership met and debated the priority areas for environmental
opportunity to have input into developing the new strategy. The process began in July 2010 and wide improvement and reached a consensus on the following four themes and associated 14 priorities, each
ranging methods were identified to ensure that consultation was efficient and effective and that with an action plan:
information was being disseminated to a wide audience. These will include:
CLIMATE CHANGE AND AIR QUALITY
: Environment Partnership focus sessions - Climate change
:
- Air quality
Face to face sessions with a wide range of partner organisations
: Redcar and Cleveland Partnership website NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
: Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council internet site - Biodiversity
:
- Geodiversity
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council staff intranet
- Trees and woodland
: Building a Better Borough staff newsletter - Conservation
: Press release to local media
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
The draft strategy was out for public consultation between the 18th February and 18th March 2011 and - Urban land management
a wide range of individuals and organisations were invited to comment and provide input into the - Historic environment
process. - Clean and Green
The programme ensured that the strategy, including the action plan, was shaped by a large number of RESOURCE USE
people representing a wide range of communities which included young people, community
- Transport
organisations, the business sector, elected members and the general public.
- Waste
- Water
The following is a list of organisations that contributed to the development of the strategy and its action - Environmental Management
plan: - Energy Management
: Campaign to Protect Rural England Members of the Environment
:
Partnership began developing
Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit
action plans against each of the
: Cleveland Potash Ltd 14 priorities in November 2010
and a draft strategy was completed
: Environment Agency in February 2011. The strategy then
: Groundwork North East went out to consultation for a
period of 4 weeks, highlighted
: Industry Nature Conservation Association in section 3.2.
: Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
: SembCorp
: Tees Valley One World Centre
: Tees Valley Rural Community Council
: Tees Valley Wildlife Trust
32 this is Redcar & Cleveland 3334
Chapter 4: A Future Environment- Action Plan
Theme: Climate Change and Air Quality
Priority 1: Mitigate, and adapt to, climate change
Ref Objective Action Target (by 2012) Milestones Lead organisation(s) Indicator Links to the SCS
1.1 Develop and Adopt Plan by Draft plan approved RCBC National CO2
implement a September 2012 by Environment emissions dataset
Borough wide Partnership by (formerly NI 186)
Climate Change July 2012
Mitigation Plan
1.2 Deliver the 20% reduction by 2020 2% reduction in RCBC National CO2
Borough’s 2011/12 emissions dataset
Sustainable (formerly NI 186)
Energy Action
Plan
Reduce the
Borough’s 10 buildings with
1.3 Deliver 5 buildings with RCBC Local Authority
Carbon footprint programme of renewables installed by renewables CO2 emissions Objective 63: To
renewable energy 2013 installed in 2011/12 dataset (formerly minimise the
technology NI 185) Borough’s impact on
installations across
climate change and
the Council’s
property portfolio the impact of climate
change on the
Borough
1.4 Promote Deliver annual On line information RCBC Number of
renewable energy renewable energy event available from July domestic
to householders 2012 renewable
and businesses Produce web based energy
guidance on renewable installations
energy installed
1.5 Increase our Develop and Adopt Plan by July Draft plan approved RCBC Level of
resilience to implement a 2012 by Environment preparedness
climate change Borough wide Partnership by April (formerly NI 186)
and severe Climate Change 2012
weather events Adaptation Plan
Theme: Climate Change and Air Quality
Priority 2: Continuous improvement in air quality
Ref Objective Action Target (by 2012) Milestones Lead organisation(s) Indicator Links to the SCS
2.1 Measure air Produce a Submit the air quality Real time RCBC Environmental National Air
quality against comprehensive screening assessment continuous air Protection Team Quality
government review of all report to Defra. quality monitoring. Objectives:-
objectives to pollutant emission Monthly publication Nitrogen dioxide,
determine if it is monitoring data of local air quality Particulate PM10,
necessary to within the borough data. Find an Sulphur dioxide,
declare any Air and report new alternative site for Benzene, 1,3-
Quality local developments the continuous air butadiene, Lead.
Management which could have monitoring station
Areas. an adverse affect due to the planned
on air quality. demolition of REDC
2.2 Monitor air quality Provide an update Submit progress report Real time RCBC Environmental National Air
against on monitoring data to Defra in 2011. continuous air Protection Team Quality Objective 64: To
government and trends and quality monitoring. Objectives:- minimise the level of
objectives record significant Monthly publication Nitrogen dioxide, pollution to air, water
developments and of local air quality Particulate PM10, and land
changes to
pollutant data. Secure an Sulphur dioxide,
emissions. To alternative site for Benzene, 1,3-
include reporting the continuous air butadiene, Lead.
of new local monitoring station
developments
which could have
an adverse affect
on air quality.
2.3 Measure Monthly monitoring RCBC Environmental No Government Objective 63: To
greenhouse gas Protection Team indicator level minimise the
emissions from however borough’s impact on
closed landfill sites methane’s global climate change and
to determine if it is warming the impact of climate
necessary to carry potential is 21 change on
out any remedial Produce final reports times greater the borough
Monitor works to minimise on the outcome of than carbon
greenhouse gas carbon footprint. studies undertaken on dioxide. Objective 64
2.4 emissions data Review and assess 2 closed landfill sites Monthly monitoring RCBC Environmental No government Objectives 63 and 64
existing datasets to within the borough of borehole gas Protection Team indicator level
estimate total concentrations.
emissions of
methane and assess
the requirement for
this is Redcar & Cleveland
any future work to
mitigate climate
change
3536
Theme: Natural Environment
Priority 3: Positive impact on the biodiversity of the Borough
Ref Objective Action Target (by 2012) Milestones Lead organisation(s) Indicator Links to the SCS
3.1 Increase the Approach key At least one new site Discuss habitat INCA A site BAP Objective 67: To
number of Private organisations Biodiversity Action Plan management with created conserve and enhance
Sector which might be in place private sector biodiversity
organisations that sympathetic to organisations
manage parts of conservation
their sites for related activity on Creation of a Site
biodiversity their sites BAP with at least
one new industrial
organisation by end
of May 2011
3.2 Improve Undertake tree 4 schools with 2 schools by May RCBC Increased tree Objective 67
biodiversity of planting in school increased tree cover 2012 cover
school grounds to Objective 70: Ensure
environments increase 4 schools in total the Borough is
biodiversity during 2011/12 progressively cleaner
and greener
3.3 Improved Develop and Eston Moor Develop plan RCBC Management Objective 67
management of deliver a Management Plan in during 2010/11 Plan in place Objective 71: To
habitats management plan 2011/12 protect, conserve and
for higher level enhance the
stewardship Borough’s built,
scheme for heath historic, natural and
habitat cultural heritage
3.4 Implement actions in Support the post None set RCBC and Tees Valley NI 197 Objectives 67 and 71
the Tees Valley of biodiversity Wildlife Trust
Biodiversity Action Plan coordinator for
and support the North
the Tees Valley
York Moors Biodiversity Three year agreement
Action Plan to 2012/13
3.5 Improve Provide advice on between RCBC and None set RCBC and Tees Valley NI 197 Objectives 67 and 71
management the management Tees Valley Biodiversity Wildlife Trust
performance for of privately owned Partnership
reporting on NI Local Sites
197
Theme: Natural Environment
Priority 3: Positive impact on the biodiversity of the Borough
Ref Objective Action Target (by 2012) Milestones Lead organisation(s) Indicator Links to the SCS
3.6 Promote Maintain and An increase in sites None set RCBC supported by NI 197 Objectives 67 and 71
environmental promote public where positive TVWT
education, access and conservation
awareness and interpretation of management has been
healthy outdoor LNRs, LWSs and or is being
exercise. country parks. implemented
3.7 Carry out Deliver countryside None set RCBC Events delivered SCS objectives
countryside programme in 2011/12 67 and 71
events and
activities
3.8 Raise ‘internal’ Advise all RCBC All departments to None set RCBC supported by Guidance SCS objectives 67 and
awareness about departments on have received guidance TVWT delivered 71
the importance of biodiversity on biodiversity and
biodiversity issues, including management of sites
management of
Local Wildlife
Sites (LWSs) and
Local Nature
Reserves (LNRs)
this is Redcar & Cleveland
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