On this page: Information about the various strategies and plans plus associated documentation.
Purpose of the Appraisal
Sustainable development is the core principal underpinning the reformed planning system. The integrated treatment of social, environmental and economic considerations is a key part of the Government's Sustainable Development Strategy and planning authorities are required to have regard to these considerations when preparing their Local Development Framework.
In its 2005 document 'Securing the future - delivering UK sustainable development strategy', the Government outlined five shared principles to be used in making progress towards sustainable development:
Living within environmental limit
Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society
Achieving a sustainable economy
Promoting good governance
Using sound science responsibly
The purpose of Sustainability Appraisal is to promote sustainable development in the preparation of new or revised Local Development Documents. It is mandatory under Section 39(2) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Sustainability Appraisal assesses the extent to which emerging plans and policies help to achieve relevant social, environmental and economic objectives, whilst providing an opportunity to identify and address any significant effects that draft plans and policies may have.
In addition, Local Authorities must also conduct an environmental assessment in accordance with the requirements of European Directive 2001/42/EC (the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive). Whilst the requirements to carry out Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment are distinct, they are satisfied through a single process known simply as Sustainability Appraisal.
Sustainability Appraisal has been carried out by Swindon Borough Council on a number of its Local Development Documents. Links are given below to the various Sustainability Appraisal Reports.
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report
The first stage of Sustainability Appraisal involves the production of a Scoping Report. The Scoping Report sets out the context and objectives for the Sustainability Appraisal, establishes the sustainability baseline and decides on the scope of the ongoing process.
A Draft Scoping Report was published for consultation between 24th July 2006 and 5th September 2006. Amendments were made to the Scoping Report following the close of this consultation period and a revised Draft Scoping Report published in December 2006. This report can be viewed as downloadable pdf documents:
Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report (739KB)
Executive Summary (271KB)
Appendix 1 (763KB)
Appendix 2 (162KB)
Appendix 3 (40KB)
Appendix 4 (134KB)
Appendix 5 (87KB
Appendix 6 (71KB)
Appendix 7 (101KB)
The Scoping Report will be revised periodically to take account of any changes in baseline information and/or sustainability issues within the Borough.
Swindon Sustainable Building Design and Construction SPD
Swindon Borough Council have adopted a Sustainable Building Design and Construction SPD. This SPD amplifies guidance in the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2011, in particular Policy DS6 (Design and Amenity), and sets out a "Swindon Standard" for future major development in the Borough.
A Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report have also been produced to accompany the SPD.
Sustainable Building Design and Construction
Backland and Infill Development SPD
Swindon Borough Council has adopted an SPD on Backland and Infill Development. The document amplifies Policy DS6 of the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2011 by providing additional guidance against which planning applications can be prepared and determined. A Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening Report have also been produced to accompany the SPD.
Backland and Infill Development
The Swindon Core Strategy Proposed Submission Document was published for a period of public consultation from 27th July to 21st September 2009. A revised Sustainability Appraisal Report and Habitats Regulations Assessment Report were published alongside this document, and these can be viewed as downloadable pdf documents via the following link:
Swindon Core Strategy
Swindon Central Area Action Plan
The Swindon Central Area Action Plan was adopted on 23rd February 2009.