Assignemnt for my Master of Landscpae Architecture

AD7604 Assignment One Landscape Planning Strategy and Character Assessment for the Forest of Dean Student name: Chan Wing Lam, Grace Student number: 1809365 Student login: s1809365 Course: (MA) Master of Landscape Architecture with Conversion Year 2018-2020

Content: 1. Physical analysis -1.1 Topography

P.2-3

-1.2 Flooding

P.4

-1.3 Geology

P.5

- 1.4 Soil

P.6

2.0 Assessment of Sustainable development of Cinderfold, Coleford and Lydney -2.1 Economic

P.7-P.8

-2.2Social

P.8-P.10

-2.3 Environmental

P.11-P.12

3.0 Proposal of the Planning Framework for the Forest of Dean

P.12- P.13

-3.1 A new transport means to connect the three major centres

P.13

- 3.2Sketch of the Settlement Planning and Design Framework

P.14

-3.3 Settlement Planning Framework at Cinderford

P.15

-3.4 Settlement Planning Framework at Coleford

P.16

-3.5 Settlement Planning Framework at Lydney

P.17

-3.6 Conclusion of calculation for land uses

P.18

4.0 Site Suitability of the Solar Park by QGIS Analysis

P.19

Reference

P.20

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The planning framework for the selected site has been done by the studies based on the NCA105, National Planning Policy, Local Development Policy, and Core Strategy of the Forest of Dean and the Allocation Plan of the Forest of Dean. The planning policy would be implemented in to the planning and design concept. The vision is to have a sustainable development at the Forest of dean with self-contained towns and high quality of life. Assessment of landscape features by the Quality of Life Capital Assessment has be used. The sustainable development has been studied based on the methodology of Venn diagram of the three components of the sustainable development

1.

Physical content of the Forest of Dean 1.1 Topography 4

The Forest of Dean consists of 25 towns in which this assignment will focus on the three major towns which are Cinderford, Lydney and Coleford and to emphasis the transport connection and accessibility in between with the vehicular path A40 as the Northern boundary.

Cinderfold

From the photo one shows that the terrain of the site ranging from -7.3 to 422.3 meters with the “Forest ring” at the centre with large terrain variation. The settlements are at the scattered pattern with low accessibility in between. The development is at a local scale and developed along with the settlements.

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Colefold

Assessment of sensitivity and capacity would be done in the following section due to large amount of natural and semi-natural landscape. From the photo2 shows the “Landscape character Assessment” with the northern quarter around Cinderfold extend to the central forest is ”Wooded Syncline and Settled Forest Margin” and the “ Wooded Scarp and Lower Scarp Slopes” from part of the Central forest to the Southern boundary, Lydney. The central plateau, lying between 150m and 250m, dominated by the statutory forest.

5 3 AONB: Wye Valley

Lydney

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The Locally Valued Landscape area, Coleford Locally Values Landscape, with AP69 is shaded at the yellow colour as representation. There are three designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) within the NCA: The River Wye; The Wye Valley Woodlands, containing an important range of woodland stand types and rare species including three species of whitebeam; and the Forest of Dean and Lower Wye Valley bat SAC.

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Approximately 26% of the NCA lies within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an important landscape in the United Kingdom. The Wye valley is located at the Western boundary of the site with access by the A4138. Settlement development is small with less than 6% of the NCA being urban; Coleford and Cinderford are the two larger towns. The Lydney haboour provides a great potential for tourism, business and settlement development. There are few plantation found at the Forest of Dean including Lennetshill plantation, Barhill plantation, Nagshead plantation. Biomass production is practiced at the central plateau by coppicing.

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River Servern is located at the Eastern boundary which is connected with the upper stream from Gloucester. It causes the potential of flooding

River Servern

Photo2: Landscape Character Assessment, AONB and Locally Designated area

Photo 1: DTM

Landscape Character of the selected site: Zone LCA no.

Landscape Character

Details of the Landscape Character Areas Included:

Agriculture Land Use Classification (ALC)

1.

LCA no. 5

Wooded Syncline & Settles Forest Margin

2.

LCA no. 4

Wooded Scrap & Lower Scarp Slopes

- Forest Core - Soudley Brook - Lydbrook and Ruardean woodslides - Littledean Ridges and Valleys - Cinderford and Ruspidge - Ellewood - Bream and Yorkley Fringe -Contour level around 90-138m.

- Lydney Park - Netherland Farmed Slopes and the Woolaston Scarp

3.

LCA no. 3

Limestone Plateau

- Tidenham Chase

Non-Agricultural (Forest) as the major land use with a scattered/ urban settlement of Cinderford is developed at the part.

Zone 2 is a mix of Grade2&3 agricultural land use with non-agricultural land sue at the eastern side extending to the Lydney town development.

4.

LCA no. 2

Limestone Hill

5.

LCA no. 1

Woodland valley

6.

LCA no. 6

Unwooded Vale

7.

LCA no. 10

Ridges & Valley

8.

LCA no.9

Undulating Farmland

- The Bicknor Hills - Ruardean Hills - Highmeadow Woods and Staunton Hills - Coleford and Christchurch Hills - Newland Hills - The Wye Valley-Common Grove to the Slaughter - The Wye Valley- Redbrook to Brockweir - The Wye Valley – Brockweir to Tutshill - Severn Vale- Stroat and sedbury - The Severn Vale - The Leadon vale - Allaston Ridge - Edge Hill - Littledean Ridge - Breakheart Hill - Kilcot and Gorsley Farmed Slopes

-Mainly Grade3 agricultural land use.

and the St Briavels Common

-Grade 3 &4 agricultural land use with the non-agricultural land use with settlement of Coleford developed at the southern part of zone4 -Mainly Grade4 agricultural land use with the non-agricultural land sue on the edge.

-A mix of Grade 3 & 4 agricultural development with settlement development found there.

-Grade 3 agricultural land use

-Mainly Grade3 agricultural land use 2

Photo3: Agricultural Land Use Classification ALC

Agricultural land use for planning policy consideration in UK: Agricultural land use is valuable assets in UK with grade 1 to 3a are the most valuable for plantation.

Grade 2 and Grade 3a agricultural land use at the Upper Soudley, Coleford and the Lydney.

Proposed development need to take into account of the valuable landscape and agricultural land use.

Characters of Grade 2 ALC: Minor soil limitation although lower yield than grade 1 soil due to soil, slope, exposure,: Soil is still well-drained as arable farmland.

Characters of Grade 3a ALC: Moderate limitation due to soil, relief and climate. Land over 122m which has more than 1015mm annual rainfall in the NW England, N. Wales and the Western country or land with With a high proportion of moderately Steep Slopes (1 in 8 or 1 in 5) will generally not be graded above 3

Sense of place:

Biodiversity

The natural landscape inspired us in many ways and attract people to go to the Forest of Dean. The area is edged by the Severn

Woodland dominates the area covering 34% (10640) and conifers also dominates large part of the Forest of

escarpment to the east and the steep-sided gorge of the Wye Valley. The settlement and development with consideration of environmental protection

Dean. Few plantation has been found along the forest. Timber production is one of the income sources for the

which creates the “Forest Ring” pattern of the settlement pattern which emphasis the sense of place by being natural and close to nature,

Caprea, Salix Alba, Fraxinus Excelsior and Sorbus Aucuparia.

Sense of history:

local economy. A wide variety of species can be found among the forest such as Alnus Glutinosa, Salix

Geodiversity:

Historical buildings can be found among the Forest of Dean, the history of the landscape is seen in the rich historic environment, including

There are 12 geological SSSI in this NCA, consisting of quarries, cuttings

prehistoric environments and field system (such as the hill forts on Welshbury Hill and Symonds Yat), Roman sites such as Lydney Prak, The Lightmoor Pool (Royal Forest of Dean Angling Club). Mining industry is found at the Forest of Dean, Iron and coal have been exploited since pre-Roman times.

and mines associated with the historical extraction of mineral wealth and building materials. There are also 62 Local Geological Sites.

Tranquillity: Rural tranquillity provides an unique character of the site and is valuable to the local residents and the community which could not be replaced.

The tranquillity is contributed by its semi-natural ancient woodland, Statutory Forest and the Wye Valley’s AONB,

Recreation: Recreation is supported by the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, The Wye Valley Walk) the Gloucestershire Way, the Wysis way, Forestry Commission access Trails, the Sculpture Trail and the National Cycle Network.

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There is a Geomap project creates at the Geomap that identifies the Diversity, rock formation and the industrial history at the Forest of Dean.

1.2

Hydrology The hydrology for the site is mainly covered by the River Wye and the River Lyd Severn while the Severn Estuary lies at the Eastern boundary of the site. A number of rivers draining in the area in a pattern reflecting the underlying geology. Many of them flow Northwest to Southeast draining into the River Severn. Remainder flow east to the west. Ground water quality is good across the whole NCA while the ecological quality of rivers ranges from low, moderate to good with rivers of poor ecological quality largely to the east. The river Lyd is of moderate ecological quality but the majority of stream running into the Severn are of poor ecological quality. The Severn Estuary is of poor ecological quality, while the streams running into the Wye are of good ecological quality. Besides, Lower River Wye has poorer ecological situation due to the diffuse inputs from agricultural further upstream. The catchment sensitivity farming for the River Wye Priority Catchment was implemented to reduce the loss of sediment, nutrients and pesticides in the catchment and to reduce run-off from agricultural fields which aims to improve the water quality upstreams of the NCA105.

From the GIS map showing the flooding analysis represents that there is limited flooding risk among the three main towns and the Statuary Forest. Flooding is mostly happened at the edge of the settlement especially for Cinderford and Lydney due to its location next to the River Severn and the Estuary.

Cinderford Coleford

The higher flooding chance happened at the edge of the town settlement can be explained by lower percolation rate on the built area and causing rapid surface runoff to the surrounding streams and flooding occurs when sediments accumulated at the river bed caused by the upstream and intensive and continuous rainfall event happens. According to the NCA105, “In 2001,has experienced further flooding as have Walford, Lydbrook, Symonds Yat, Redbrook and Brockweir.” The Central Forest has low flooding chance due to the hedgerow and tress with good soil porosity to facilitate infiltration rate.

Conservation of forest need to be considered for future development design process.

Lydney

Currently the risk from flooding across the NCA105 is low; however, there could be higher potential of flooding hazard to be happened due to climate change. The relief of the site is characterised by steep sided valleys with fast flowing streams.

Large amount of tributaries entering the stream causing large amount of runoff and high velocity. The development fortifies the flooding chance especially under global warming.

Managing the soil quality to maintain or improve its porosity, and soft landscaping and Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SUDS) should be incorporated into future development or implementation of rural SUDS to alleviate surface water flooding.

GIS topography basemap and flood risk and refer to report for assessment

National Planning Policy Framework:

It shows the flooding caused by the Dennis Storm affecting the Lydbrook sits next to the River Wye I the forest of Dean which has the highest record level.

Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change.

“"The B4234 at Lower Lydbrook may be affected. Peaks: Ross on Wye is predicted to peak between 5m to 5.3m on Monday, 17/02/20.”

PPS148: The planning system should support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, taking full account of flood risk and coastal change. It should help to “ shape places in ways that contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimise vulnerability and improve resilience”; encourage the reuse of existing resources, including the conversion of existing buildings; and support renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure.

Flooding would cause disruption of the connectivity of the Forest of Dean and the town centre as there is one main road A4136 connecting the A40 to the Cheltenham town centre. SUDs measure is important to prevent flooding and standard maintenance of the pipeline drainage are important for flooding prevention.

National planning policy for SUDS was strengthened in April 2015 to make SUDS a requirement in all new major developments. The NPPF expects local planning authorities, when determining planning applications, to ensure that sustainable drainage is prioritised in areas at risk of flooding, conserve and enhance biodiversity, and, adopt strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

With increasing level of development at the forest which means lower level of percolation rate and there would be increased surface runoff especially at the steep slope.

Higher level of SUDS measure need to be implemented according to the NPPF.

PPS25: Priority should be given to sustainable drainage and discusses the impact of new development on flood risk. The NPPF maintains strong policy on avoiding and managing flood risk, based on local planning authorities preparing local plans and deciding planning applications and granting planning permissions.

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1.3 Geology

5 Major Soilscape at the Area: 1.) Freely draining slightly acid loamy soils (42%) 2.) Freely draining slightly acid but base-rich soil (18%) 3.) Slowly permeability seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy & clayey soils (16%) 4.) Freely draining acid loamy soils over rock (13%) 5.) Slightly acid loamy & clayey soils with impeded drainage (10%)

The above GIS map shows the rock unit of the selected site at the Forest of Dean. It shows the layers of Bedrock, Superficial deposits, Artificial ground, Mass movement and Linear Feature. The rock types (Geology) would affect the stability of landform. Geology need to be carefully considered especially the site is selected for building, highway and railway construction. The change of geological process reflects the climate change. Research can be carried out based on the geological information and change in micro-climate for environment assessment and mitigation. From the above Rock type map shows that the main rick type along the site is “Gravel, Sand, Silt and Clay”, “Sand and Silt”, Sandstone”, “Clay, Silt, Sand and Gravel”, “Mudstone and Sandstone”. Area with high content of clayey soil is more vulnerable to waterlogged and flooding, site selection for SUDS implementation need to be chosen at the waterlogged area.

Another map shows the Soil strength which allow better decision for Stability’s suitability for building construction. For example, The “Fault line” shown on the map within the Forest near Cinderford need to be considered for construction’s stability. The “Soil Strength” map shows that much of the parent soil material within the forest is weak and stiff.

There are total 62 geological sites in which 11 Geological Sites and SSSI and 1 Mixed Interest SSSI. 5

1.4 Soil

.

The soil texture for the site above is mainly covered by loam and loam clay shown by the soil texture map on the left from the Edina map. According to the NCA105, there are 5 main soilscape types in the NCA which are:

Maximum soil permeability map

1.) Freely draining slightly acid loamy soils (42%) lie over the Devonian sandstone, may be valuable for aquifer recharge, requiring the maintenance of good structure conditions to aid water infiltration and requiring the matching of nutrients to needs to prevent pollution of the underlying aquifer 2.)

Freely draining slightly acid but base-rich soil (18%) over the limestone area which has calcareous layers (horizons) near the superficial layer helping to provide natural resilience and enhanced workability. Some component soils are at risk from topsoil compaction and poaching.

Careful management of weak topsoils can help to maintain a good soil structure such as minimum tillage.such as direct dwelling. Applying organic matter to increase water retention of percolation.

3.) Slowly permeability seasonally wet slightly acid but base-rich loamy & clayey soils (16%) can easily cause water-logged conditions with increasingly poor water infiltration and diffuse pollution caused by surface runoff. This soil type is found in the Central Coal Measures within the forested area of the NCA. Farming activities is not preferred at this area. Instead, recreational pressures and felling activity may cause localised issues. SUDS need to be implemented for built area development.

4.) Freely draining acid loamy soils over rock (13%) is difficult for management due to steep and very story land. Organic topsoil can be poached when wet for s short period of grazing period.

5.) Slightly acid loamy & clayey soils with impeded drainage (10%) lies in the more agricultural landscape that blends into the Severn Vale with weak topsoil and is required to reduce soil compaction.

Geology and the permeability of soil would have great influence on flooding chance. There are two soil permeability map from the Edina map. The soil analysis and soil management methods suggested above should be implemented with SUDS to improve soil porosity and to control surface runoff and reduce flooding,

Minimum soil permeability map 6

2.0 Assessment of Sustainable development of Cinderfold, Coleford and Lydney The theory used for the sustainable development will be the vienn diagram with assessing the Economic, Social and Environmental. By referring to the Settlement Health Map, there is interaction and interrelated between community, local economy and environment in order to achieve sustainable equilibrium.

For example, “Social impact” analyse is caused by each individual and lifestyle to create an unique character, social cohesion and quality of life of a community The vision of the development project for the Forest of Dean is to achieve a sustainable development with high quality of life. In the following part, the assessment of Economic, Social and Environment for the Forest of Dean with the focus on the three main towns, Cinderfold, Coleford and Lydney, will be done by implementing the methodology of the Quality of Life Capital Assessment As an evidence-based studies, National Planning Policy Framework, Core Strategy, LPF and Allocation plan will be implemented in the design process.

The Settlement Health Map, Source: Shaping Neighbourhoods

2.1

Economic Assessment

Economic development is the emphasis in the LPF of the Forest of Dean and its Core strategy. “The vision of the Core strategy of the FOD stated at the LPF (4.1, P.22) emphasis the quality environment, self-contained local economy (employment structure and facilities and transport connection network), housing, regeneration, safer communities by referring to relative CS.” The major three towns in the Forest of Dean are Cinderford, Coleford and Lydney which are encouraged for joint Cooperation to be a Sustainable development.

NPPF: PPS73, PPS83, PPS85, PPS122, PPS123, PPS124, PPS148, PPS150, PPS151, PPS155, PPS170, PPS184 are the policy related to the development.

“Spatial Strategy 2026 of the FOD implemented with the Core strategy for the sustainable development listed at P.31, Section 5.2 “5.7: About 75% of new housing and 80% of new employment will be in four towns, divided according to their need and capacities so that about 1900 new dwellings and 30ha of employment land is developed at Lydney, about 1050 dwellings and 26ha of employment at Cinderford, about 650 dwellings and 6.8ha at Coleford and about 350 dwellings and 5ha at Newent.”

CSP7 Economy: Economic development: Spatial strategy and allocation to enhance employment choices and employment structure.

The Core Strategy proposed the following requirements in order to achieve the self-contained town’s development. When assessing and planning the economic situation and future economic development, we need to review together with the CSP4 (Settlement hierarchy). Sustaining the economic development by clusters, knowledge-based enterprises and tourism, encourage small to medium sized business to set up, higher educational centre to ensure labour supply with high educational background, Well-established transport link to aid economic development (to work, status of office place, logistic, connection with other towns, secure and safe environment (crime, flooding hazard and other natural hazards that would causing property and assets loss to the public especially at the site with high sensitivity.

The current economic development at the Forest of Dean is rather small and local scale mainly with retail local store and grocery. There is a decline of wealth and job opportunities and is predicted to be worsen over the next few years. With the current job deficit arising from 7000 to 10,000 by 2015. The land of development always need subsidy due to lack of incentive for developers to invest. The use of natural resources such as natural landscape and water features can be a potential for development with the careful planning of environmental conservation.

Economic development need to be in process with the residential development. Increased diversity must not come with an expense of the supply of attractive land to users that requires more traditional employment land on business estate (Aim: widen employment structure and choices) Large B8 units may not be suitable at most of the part at this site. A mixed – land use is encouraged especially at the town centre, residential development at town centre is encourage with no loss of business area in order to have residential units to support local store business and to maintain a more healthy and diverse economy.

Educational is important and need to be improved at the Forest of Dean as low educational level would bring negative effect to the ongoing economic development by lack of high educational and specific skill labour supply. According to the Core strategy which states that the Forest of Dean Gloucestershire College and Hartbury College with aim to provide high educational level. Gloucestershire college and the County college helps to develop future educational plan to enhance local skill. Hartbury College are the owners for offering lot of employment opportunities.

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Cinderford: According to the statistic for the Forest of Dean, the current low rate of change and limited level of public sector intervention continues. “Cinderford and the district as a whole would be further disadvantaged by this and by the probable decline in services and also confidence. A lack of investment in education would disadvantage the whole forest.” Higher educational institution has been planned at the Northern Quarter of the Cinderford. A more diverse economic structure is required, there is local scale retail and mainly at the town centre. . The allocation plan suggested that the business at the town centre need to be protected while allowing change. It is encouraged to widen the service base and cultural role of the town such as the use of public art while keeping the local character, for example, the architectural style with the use of forest stone for building construction.

Coleford: The economic structure of the past 30 years changed from manufacturing sector to new service business and the change can be seen at the town centre development. The Core Strategy document, P.80, Coleford will continue to serve as its current function in Residential, business and tourism. The town has attracted investment in physical improvement especially re conservation area which helps to attracting public finance, It brings positive impact on residential and retailing sector at town.

Lydney: Lydney town has expanded over the last 30 years against the steady decline of its manufacturing industries that were a staple. Some new employment space has been built and there has been a degree of refurbishment of some of the older industrial buildings. Due to adverse impact to the environment, there is a decline of industrial development. Instead, new form of economy is encouraged by new town development together with the highway strategy. Lydney has the greatest potential for economic development among the three major towns due to the natural assets, the Lydney Harbor and the railway station. The major part of the future development will be at the Eastern part of Lydney. The scale of economic development is the concern stated at the Core strategy stated, Settlement policy, Point 7.34, P.80. Small development would not be able to support the affordable housing scheme and it would not be able to support the economy of the surrounding town. To stimulate the economic development of the surrounding environment, each town has to have its own character and function to attract people to go with improved accessibility. With higher level of people flow, there would be higher chance of attracting investment.

2.2 Social Assessment 2.2.1 Settlement and population The GIS map shows the settlement pattern of the Forest of Dean in a scattered pattern and developed among the Statutory Forest as a “Forest ring” shape. From the development pattern, shows the weakness of little linkage of each down development in between. Each town has its own character and function.

Assessment of the settlement and population pattern will be assessed as below and referring the Core Strategy CSP1, CSP4 and CSP5.

Cinderford Coleford Lydney

CSP1: Quality of environment: development and its impacts on AONB, Historical building. Efficient use of energy.

CSP4: Development at Settlement: New development with new infrastructure including transport links (road), emergency exit/path, schools, and hospital. Priority of use of space: Brownfield and already developed land and abandoned building by careful selection of location. Use of green space need to play attention on biodiversity, species reduction and ecosystem. Minimise use of greenbelt and special planning application need to be submitted.

CSP5: Housing: No Greenfield site should be released. Priority will be given to development on previously developed land and on sites identified for housing 30dph is recommended according to the CPS5, higher density is recommended at town centre. FOD housing are quite strongly influenced by other large centres including Bristol and Newport. The ratio of affordable housing sought on this site is 40%, site viability.

2.2.1a) GIS map showing settlement distribution with LCA and locally Valued

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Demographic information of the Forest of Dean:  2007 has 819000 population and it is predicted that there will be 94000 population at 2033.

Composition of population: (make infographic later) 23% under 20 years ago; 18.2% over 65 years old and 58.8% for the working group ranging from 20-65 years old. The forecast mentioned that there will be a drop of younger population from 23% to 18% while the retired population will rise from 18.2% to 33% by 2033 which represents an “aging population” problem with a decline in working labour group (from 58.8% to 49%). 47% of population is inactive in the forest; however, there is unemployment rate 2.5% in the district compared with 3.71% in the

Analysis of the Demographic information:

2.2.1b) GIS map showing the population of the Forest of Dean and the settlement pattern

There are 7 whole Parishes: Blaisdon, Churcham,Gorsley and Kilcot , Oxenhall, Payntley, Rudford & High Leadm and Taynton. All fo the parishes are in the north of the district but not include the Statutory Forest. The Parishes population shown at the GIS map layer above 2.2.1b.

Cinderford and the various settlement within about 5km: Population is approximately 15,000. The town centre loses trade to the surrounding centre and the town would benefit from further investment and employment. The “outgoing local plan” contains a detailed series of allocations for Cinderfold with some reviewed in the Area Action Plan.

Coleford: The population is 10,000 if the area of settlements from the North to East (Within 2km).

Lydney: The population of Lydney is 9,000 within 5000 but another 9000 within 5000km, the majority on the part of the Forest ring.

 Based on the demographic information by desktop study. Aging population can be caused by these two major issues which are low accessibility and employment structure. The site is served y M48 and M50 both cross the district and it is served by the Cardiff-Birmingham railway line with one station at Lydney and one at Cheostow.

With A40 as the Northern boundary of the selected site. Inaccessibility is the main issue causing negative impact to the local economy. As the employment structure is highly depend on low skilful job, residents need to travel out of the forest to work for better job opportunities. Inaccessibility would bring a negative impact on the motivation on the young generation to live at the Forest of Dean due to longer traveling time.

 The average travel to work distance in the district is at 16km, 3km more than the England and the Wales average.

Widespread phenomena in UK but need to be addressed from the hierarchy of strategy.

 Traveling time to work and accessibility are the important factors affecting the willingness of the young generation to live at the site as longer travelling time.

 It is predicted that the population at Lydney will increase more rapidly and more residential units should be planned at that site. Due to its physical location with the Estuary which offers the great potential for tourism development and job opportunities.  Employment structure is another problem affecting the demographic composition especially for the younger generation who would consider the future career development and potential chance for promotion.  The educational level at the Forest of Dean is lower compared with the national rate and the inadequate of educational campus would make the household with kids to move to town to allow their kids to access educational campus easier. Lack of higher educational campus such as university also is the reason to have younger generation.

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2.2.2 Transport network for accessibility assessment

Cinderfold: A40 is the northern boundary of the selected site which extending to the down town of Cheltenham. Cinderford is served by the A and Broad internally and externally.

A4151 is connected to A4136 and A40 to the town centre which are the main vehicular roads connecting the Cinderford settlement to the A40 and to the down centre.

A4151 is connected to the A48 for the transport link connection from the Cinderford and Lydney.

B4226 extending from Cinderford to the Western boundary to the Forest of Dean through the Lightmoor pool, Speech house hotel and the near the Sculpture Trail via the Speech House Road connecting to the Coleford settlement and the B4028. It attracts people who want to explore the Forest of Dean by accessing Cinderfold by B4226.

Improving accessibility is important to attract development and settlement. Core strategy emphasis the transport link connection between the Cinderfold and Lydney as a joint-cooperation strategy with each town has its own character and function.

Coleford: Coleford and Cinderford are linked by the A4136 and the B4226 both via the Forest. B4028 and B4226 joining the B4028 which serves as the main vehicular path internally at the Coleford which then joins the A4136 and the A40 to the Cheltenham town centre.

Lydney: Lydney is connected with Cinderford by the A4151 and A48. A more direct access by vehicular path is encouraged. The development and settlement along the transport link between two towns are limited currently which should be strengthen in the future. Lydney is connected to the down by A48 directly and it is served by the Lydney railway station which is the strength for economic and residential development.

“Green transport and green lifestyle” are popular concept nowadays. The “Gloucestershire Way” is the hiking path among the Forest of Dean to the surrounding area among the full width of Gloucestershire from the Welsh border town of Chepstow to Tewkesbury on the River Severn. It allows people to experience the natural walk at the ancient woodland to the Severn Vale at Gloucester across the rolling hills and steep valleys of Cotswolds. The Gloucestershire Way Vehicular path, pedestrian path, cycling and hiking path not only increase the accessibility of a site but also promote a green transport and green health attitude of the community.

Ring pattern

Gloucestershire Way

Sculpture Trail

“The Core Strategy CSP4, CSP10-16 aims to emphasise the importance of accessibility in sustainable development by the public and private means of transport.. As part of the spatial strategy, there is proposed idea to strengthen the accessibility between Cinderfold and Lydney for the following proposed development.

Proposed vehicular route Ring pattern

Proposed vehicular route: B4226 to Ruspidge and then along the eastern edge of the Forest via Newham to Lydney. It can avoid deforestation.

Development along the new transport link such as housings at the Newnham are proposed the accessibility and connectivity of the site, Ring Pattern” is propose at Coleford and Lydney to enhance the internal accessibility. More bus routes and bus stops are proposed to provide transportation service to the

Sculpture Trail 10

2.3 Environment Assessment “Last December the council noted the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) warning that enormous harm would result from a two degree centigrade rise in global warming compared with the Paris Agreement’s limit of a one and a half degree increase.” After declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’ at the end of last year, Forest of Dean District Council takes several actions to minimise the carbon emission. The council has been putting effort to reduce the carbon footprint in recent years and achieve a recognizable result including “In 2018/19 electricity from the council’s buildings totalled 384,203KWH, this is a 45% reduction versus 2013/14 equating to 89,001 kg CO2e, which is 8 % of total council emissions. The action taken by the council also fulfil the requirement of CSP1 and AP1. “In the Forest of Dean we have a great opportunity to show the way by going carbon neutral. We have a huge natural advantage as there are 27,000 acres of public forest estate within the District (21% of the total area), and abundant opportunities for clean renewable resources, including solar, wind and tidal lagoons. This means that we have the potential to become 100% self-reliant on zero-carbon energy within the next ten years”.

“Emissions amount to 6.5 tonnes per person per year and this figure needs to reduce to less than 2 tonnes as soon as possible.” Information found from the Forest of Dean Council which stated several measures that have been taken to achieve 100% carbon neutral in town with other proposed measures to achieve the environmental sustainability: Efficient use of energy:

Energy Hierarchy

“Trial on its gas central heating system to improve its energy efficiency and lower the associated carbon emissions”. “In 2018/19 carbon emissions from the council’s gas consumption

Energy Efficiency

equated to approximately 5% (63,754kg) of the council’s total emissions. Aim to achieve 15% reduction in annual gas consumption and associated carbon emissions. The trial is also expected to result in up to 15% annual energy cost savings, reflecting a 8 month payback period.

Renewable energy achievement:

Avoiding Unnecessary Energy Use

A “Green electricity Supply” has been conducted by the council and the West Mercia Energy (Energy Management Company). Subsequently from 1st August, 2019 the council Offices’ needs are now being met by 100% renewable energy, especially hydro, wave, solar and wind. Development of renewable energy is essential for the site in order ensure the stable supple of the renewable energy. There is one solar park at Coleford. A more diverse renewable energy sites and choices are required. For example, hydro energy can be developed at Lydney,

Use Energy More Efficiently

Another solar park can be developed at other major towns. According to the NCA105, P.48 which stated that there is Biomass energy at the site by the coppiced woodland which is one of

Use Renewable Energy

the highest woodland occupying 40% of the area in which 15% is conifer. The site is for timber production and the biomass energy. The site suitability test by GIS will be included in this report for solar park between Cinderford and Lydney (Grid SO60) to promote “zero-carbon neighbourhoods” to support zero carbon lifestyles.

Reduce of plastic bag:

Offsetting Emission

The mayor of Coleford and Coleford Town Council have been working in progress to reduce the use of plastics from business sectors, schools and the local community. Carbon emission can been eliminated by reducing the single use plastic and less plastics will be thrown away and burnt.

Recycling: “Waste management: Re-use Repair Recycle” as a sustainable way of waste management. Set up public realm to collect litters in the forest to protect the environment and recycling of the trash to reduce the harm to the globe. “Forest Litter” including leaf litter, tree litter and plant litter are classified as “Green waste” for compost to be humus and fertilizer to the soil.

Relationship between the environment and landscape features assessed by the Quality of Life Capital Assessment: Ref.

Landscape Feature

1.

2.

3.

Service/ Benefit

Scale of Importance

Level of Importance

Sustainability

Enoughness

Overall Significance

Extensive Woodland with -Biodiversity to support wide The Central forest and Wye variety of habitat valley woodlands -CO2 absorption -Long history of woodland -Sense of Place -Recreation -Education

-Regional

-High

-High

-High

High

-National -Local -Local -Local -National

-High -High -High -Medium -High

-High -Medium -Medium -Medium -Medium

-Medium -High -High -Low -Medium

Ancient hedgerow and -Biodiversity Stone wall particularly at the -Environmental wise as shelterbelt, windbreak and CO2 South emission -Sense of Place -Education Steep limestone gorge of the -Biodiversity Wye, Wide tidal Severn and -Landscape character to offer aesthetic value the seclusion of extensive -Sense of Remoteness woodland -Tourism -Education

-Local -National

-High -High

-High -High

-Medium -High

-Local -National -National -Regional

-Medium -Medium -Medium -High

-Medium -Medium -Medium -High

-Medium -Low -Medium -High

-Regional -Local -National

-High -Medium -Medium

-High -Medium -Medium

-High -Low -Low

11

Medium

Medium

4.

Distinct settlement pattern around the “Forest ring “ influence by the industrial pattern and avoid development at the Wye Valley, AONB and to protect the Locally Valued Landscape

5.

6.

-Environment -Landscape Character -History -Economy

-National -National -Regional -Local

-High -High -High -High

-High -High -High -Medium

-High -High -High -Low

High

Complex mosaic of semi-Environment natural habitat including -Biodiversity calcareous soil grassland, -Education allotment’s SSSI, River Wye SAC and Soudley Ponds SSSI

-National -National -National

-High -High -High

-High -High -High

-Medium -Low -Medium

High

Extensive public right of way to access the site including the “Statutory Forest” by the Offa’s Dyke National Trail and Gloucestershire Way long distance trail, bridleways suitable for cyclists and horse riders.

-National -National -National -Local -Local -National

-High -High -High -Medium -Medium -High

-High -High -High -Medium -Medium -High

-High -High -High -Medium -Medium

High

-Environment -Biodiversity -Heritage -Tourism -Recreation -Education

From the Quality of Life Capital Assessment based on the selected attributes; Landscape features which include Ancient woodland, occupying 40% of the NCA, Hedgerow, Central Forest and the Calcareous soil grassland shows the high contribution to the environmental protection in term of carbon dioxide absorption. It helps to reduce greenhouse gas and global warming caused by CO2 emission and climate change. Besides, those natural landscapes especially the Central forest and ancient woodland which have great value to the biodiversity to maintain a wide variety of habitat at the site. It also helps to increase infiltration rate and reduce surface runoff and lower the chance of flooding at the Lower Wye. The Central forest and ancient woodland will be kept but not for development to act as “Green Sponge” to absorb CO2.

3.0 Proposal of the Planning Framework for the Forest of Dean CSP1: Quality of environment

AP1: Delivering Sustainable development

“PolicyCSP.1 Design environmental protection and enhancement (strategic objective: providing quality environments) New development should demonstrate an efficient use of resources. It should respect wider natural corridors and other natural areas such as AONB, reducing flooding risk, minimise pollution and mitigation providing green infrastructure where necessary.

“In assessing planning applications the primary consideration will be whether or not the development proposed is sustainable with the overall aim of improving the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area. Allocations in accord with the CS and the AP are in any completed neighbourhood plans are considered to be able to be implemented in a sustainable manner and planning applications in accord with these will be permitted subject to any other material considerations. Particular reference will be mad to the guidance in the CS, AP and NPPF/NPPG in making the required judgements.”

The vision of the development design proposal for the Forest of Dean is a “Sustainable Town” in which it has self-contained economy, enhanced social cohesion served with high accessibility at a carbon neutral town by reducing carbon footprint to offer a high quality of life for the local residence. The design theme is close to the concept of Eco-Town like BedZED. BedZED Village is the first eco town concept implemented at UK with the proposed idea of zero- carbon emission at the town by the installation of solar panel. The Beddington Zero Energy Development offers 100 sustainable houses with the design of the houses are arranged in south facing terraces to maximise heat gain from the sun, known as passive solar gain. Storage of solar energy for other use but not just heating purpose such as electrical car charging which does not reduce the greenhouse gas but also saving money for electricity consumption in long term. Green Transport scheme is implemented by encouraging walking and cycling and the introduction of car-free zone. It does not only improve air pollution but also bringing benefits to build up green lifestyle. The introduction of car- free zone and car ownership sharing program to encourage the reduction of vehicular usage which does not benefit the environmental sustainability but also social sustainability.

The vision of the Planning framework of the Forest of Dean is to build up a sustainable town in a way by studying the Core National Planning Policy Framework, Local Development Plan, Strategy Policy and Allocation Plan.

As refer to the brief, 5000 dwellings required to be developed among the selected site with other economic developments to improve the local economy and tourism.

BedZED 12

CSP

Objective

Proposal of Planning and Design to achieve Sustainable Development

Location

CSP1

Design and environmental protection

Forest of Dean

CSP2

Climate and Change Adaption

CSP3

Sustainable Energy within Development Proposals

-Proposed development will conserve the AONB, Locally Valued Landscape.

- Maintain the architecture style of the town centre of the three major town in term of material use such as forest stone.

-Reedbed system for grey water management as SUDS measure and prevent silting of River Wye and River Lyd to prevent flooding. Solar panel installation to reduce greenhouse gas. Plant litter management introduced at the forest.

-Use of clean energy such as solar energy is proposed. Solar Park is proposed at between Cinderford and Lydney

CSP4

Development as Settlements to promote thriving sustainable communities, facilitate regeneration Housing strategy to promote thriving sustainable communities and affordable homes

-Green space, open space and sport venue and other means of infrastructure such as vehicular route extension in order to enhance accessibility of the site. Besides, “Cable Car” will be introduced to the site with cable car station stop at three major towns.

Cinderford, Coleford and Lydney Cinderford, Coleford and Lydney

Cinderford, Coleford and Lydney

CSP6

Sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

CSP7

Economy to develop the local economy including tourism

CSP8

Retention of community facilities to achieve sustainable development

- Maintain ground floor as commercial land use with residential land use above the ground level at the Town centre.

- Low density housing with 40% affordable housing at three major towns. Housing and economic development need to be in progress at the same time with appropriate amount of employment land use.

-The site is served by A and B vehicular path with A48, A40 and A4136 as well as B4226, B4028, B426. There is Lydney railway station.

-Proposed “Ring Pattern “design of vehicular path to enhance the internal accessibility and extension of A4136 from Cinderford to Newham to Lydney in order to cope with the increasing settlement and population and to reduce current traffic pressure.

- Local retailing to support local needs.

- A luxury shopping outlet and Water park will be introduced as the tourism focus in order to boost the economy and as a gimmick. It also helps to offer a diverse employment opportunities and -Development will avoid removal of community facilities and proposal of public assembly place would be considered to provide a place for gathering and relax in order to enhance social cohesion.

CSP9

Recreational and amenity land

Decision based on the Allocation Plan of each major town to ensure the location permitted recreational land use

CSP5

3.1 A new transport means to connect the three major town: Cable car The aim of cable car development is 1.) To enhance the tourism status and connectivity between each town; 2.) To offer excitement apart from a basic transport means; 3) Alternative means of transport to allow residence to reach the town centre during flooding which block the vehicular path.

The proposed route is along the A4151 and the Gloucestershire Way and the extension to link With Lydney from the cable car station stop (

) at Coleford and Cinderfold connecting to the

Cheltenham down town. The aerial construction reduce the floor space for Construction and minimize the Disruption to the natural environment.

Cable car at the Blue Mountain, Sydney to allow tourists to visit the beautiful landscape. There is a specific route for “excitement experience” at fast speed.

Cable car at the Mountain of Montserrat. People can enjoy the panoramic view when taking the cable car which is something extra from taking vehicular transport.

13

Central Forest In between Cinderford and Lydney

Cinderford and Lydney Coleford and Lydney Cinderford, Coleford and Lydney

3.2 Sketch of the Settlement Planning and Design Framework

Cable car to connect three towns

Cinderford as major Educational centre among three towns at the Northern Quarter Renewable energy: solar Park near Cinderford.

Cheltenham Town Centre

Forest of Dean Shopping outlet at

Water Park at Lydney as the Tourism focus town

Coleford

`

14

3.3 Settlement Planning Framework of Cinderford: The settlement planning framework of Cinderford referring the Core Strategy of CSP5, CSP10 and related allocation plan. The total dwellings assigned to Cinderford is 1050 dwellings with 0.03DPH with 26ha for employment land proposed for college, recreation, biomass plant, office, accommodation at the Northern Quarter Mixed development The total hectare required for housing is 31.67 ha in which 8.9ha with 291 dwellings and 1.52ha employment land allocated at the Valley Road allocated by the Allocation Plan. Cinderford and the Forest Vale, Cinderford.

Details of land allocation referred to AP has been stated below: AP30 Cinderford Town Centre: Within the town centre boundary a variety of uses will be permitted including retail, offices, financial and professional services, community, and residential uses.

Conversion of ground floor space to residential will not be permitted and premises will not be expected to retain a ground floor shop front.

AP31: Environmental Improvement Area Cinderford Town Centre. Particular attention will be paid to achieving better connectivity between the various parts of the town. Including changes for pedestrian to provide a better environment overall and other public realm improvements. The area allocated is in part within a high risj area in respect of former coal mining activities and further consultation with the Coal Authority will be required, as will a Coal Mining Risk Assesssment.

AP32: 24 High Street, Cinderford and related area: 0.32 ha is allocated for continuing use for retail and ancillary uses. The design style should include continuous ground floor retails uses of an appropriate design along the entire High Street and Market Place frontage.

AP33: Station Street, Cinderford Housing Allocation (4.5ha). Land off Station Street is allocated for about 150dwellings. “Development proposals must demonstrate that the treatment of waste water and any run off can be adequately provided for and that no adverse effects on the integrity of the River Severn SAC, SPA and Ramsar sites result” AP34: Cinderford Football Club and adjoining land: 4.2ha of land to include about 80 dwellings, at least 1ha formal accessible recreational space (which may be shared with the Football Club using it as their pitch) and 0.5ha informal open space. “2.4ha residential land use with 0.03dph and1.3ha for sport and 0.5ha informal open space” AP 35 Land off Sneyd Wood Road, Cinderford: About 0.6ha of land at Sneyd Wood Road is allocated for about 18dwellings.

AP37 Valley Road, Cinderford: 2.6ha of land at Valley Road is allocated for mixed development to include about 45 dwellings on “1.4ha of land and about 1.2ha of employment generating uses.”

AP36 Forest Vale, Cinderford for Employment Area AP38 Linear Park, Cinderford: It is an important recreational and natural resources which should be protected from its development plan as informal recreational. The Forest Vale area of Cinderford as a location for employment use and protecting the area. The Northern Quarter AAP contains some of the Linear Park and the remainder is covered by the AP. The policy above is written to ensure Map of Allocation Plan

its continuation as an important recreation resource and item of green infrastructure.

Extra of 22.77ha of land for residential development (759dwellings) are required with 24.48ha employment land for development to meet the vision of the Core Strategy. The proposed area is at Northward of Cinderford. Represents the proposed area for further residential and employment area excluding the Grade2 agricultural land use as an extension of Cinderford development. The residential units to be offered will be ranged from flat to semi-detached house and detached housing with majority of medium sized to cater for the decreasing household size stated at the Core Strategy document.

Stated at the Core Strategy, each town should have its own character. This planning framework aims to propose Cinderford as the Educational focus, Coleford as the Shopping area while Lydney with major tourism development. The “Gloucestershire College at the Northern Quarter, Cinderford has been in operation to emphasize its importance in educational role with sustainability concept.

The proposed cable car station is located at the intersection point of A4151 and the Gloucestershire Way. Local business store need to be developed along with the housing units to support the daily needs of local residence. Attraction of international brand of restaurants to set up business at the town with the theme of hillside restaurant with panoramic view which would attract tourist to come and spend a day for walking at the forest trail and have a nice meal there afterward.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

University of Oxford Royal Garden

Bergius Botanic Garden at Stockholm

A research centre is proposed to support the Gloucestershire College and the University. To fully utilise the natural environment and valuable species from the Forest and surrounding natural environment. The proposed centre is mainly to doing research in planting with a “Research Garden”. It does not only for research but also open for the public to visit, the entrance fee is for research funding. It also a place students studying related subject to have planting knowledge. It is popular worldwide and in UK as well, for example, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The University of Oxford Royal Garden and Bergius Botanic Garden at Stockholm.

15

3.4 Settlement Planning Framework of Coleford: The Settlement Planning Policy framework of Coleford has been based on the CSP1 and CSP5 and referring the Allocation Plan AP55, AP56, AP57, AP58, AP59, AP60, AP61, AP62, AP63, AP64, AP65, AP66, AP67, AP68, AP69

According to CSP14, the dwellings assigned to Coleford is recommended to be 650 dwellings and recommended dwellings per hectare is 10 dwellings per 0.3hectare. There is 16.56 hectares of land assigned for residential land use with some specified with dwellings offered and some are calculated based on DPH0.3/hectare, offering 483 dwellings allocated at the Allocation plan. There are 167 extra dwellings required in Coleford which requires 5.01 hectares of land to be assigned for residential development. By considering the AONB and the AP69, Coleford, Locally Valued Landscape, those area are under environmental protection and are not recommended to development. The extra land required will be at the Southern Part of Coleford. Total hectares of land required for residential land use will be 21.57 hectares. With a 6.8ha employment land.

Allocation Policy related to the residential land use are listed as below: AP55: Coleford Town Centre: With retail, financial and professional services and other uses that remain an active frontage. Conversion of ground floor space to residential will not be permitted and premises will be expected to retain a ground floor shop front.

AP56: Lawnstone House: Allocated for retail, business and or community use and for residential development (12 flats) Town centre 0.2ha for residential land use.

AP57: Former Courts and Police Station: Allocated for community uses including a place of assembly and new housing development will be permitted.“ 0.4ha for residential land use.

AP58: King’s Head Public House: Allocated for redevelopment and conservation to residential use. (Affordable housing CSP5) Within “Conservation area and close to listed building.

12flats to be offered.

AP59: Land at Berry Hill: (18ha) allocated for mixed development including the retention of some exiting uses. It will include education, recreation, tourism, open space, employment, community and housing. “18ha as total, in which 7.5ha remains as present open land for recreation, 0.7ha employment, 80dwellings as maximum. (80/33.33=2.4ha required) , limitation of the “ College and leisure centre which requires 0.7ha for employment land use., Berry hill institute as community use, former bus garage as housing “Existing trees as environmental enhancement.

AP63: Land at Poolway Farm, Coleford: 5.9ha of land at Poolway Farm is allocated for up to about 140 dwellings and associated space and landscaping.

AP64: 1.6ha of land off Ellewood Road Milkall is allocated for about 48 dwellings.

AP65: North Road Broadwell, 2.4ha allocated for residential land use with 70 dwellings to be offered.

AP66: Kings Meade Coleford, 1.6ha 48 dwellings which is suggested for older person’s housing scheme, such as “retirement housing” AP67: Tuftthorn Avenue, Coleford. 1.7ha allocated for 60 dwellings and employment for B1 use

The types of residential units to be offered mainly focus on small to medium size of flat for small size household needs. Semi-detached and detached house would be offered but a smaller supply. To fulfil the CSP5, 40%affordable housing would be constructed. Affordable housing would be mainly concentrated at the Southern boundary of the Coleford with more private housing located mainly at the town centre.

Internal accessibility will be enhanced by an extension of exiting vehicular path B4028 in a ring pattern in 2-3 layers for private and public use.

There will be extension of bus service to access the site.

According to CSP5 and CSP7, residential development need to be developed along with the economic development. The proposed employment land use occupies 20.0 hectares of area minly located at the Tufthorn Avenue and Pingry farm.

AP59: Land at Berry Hill: (18ha) allocated for mixed development including the retention of some exiting uses. It will include education, recreation, tourism, open space, employment, community and housing.

“18ha as total, in which 7.5ha remains as present open land for recreation, 0.7ha employment, 80dwellings as maximum. (80/33.33=2.4ha required) limitation of the “College and leisure centre which requires 0.7ha for employment land use AP60: Land adjoining Suntory Factory Coleford, 6.7ha (B1, B2 and B8) for Employment land use.

AP61: Tufthorn Avenue and Pingry Farm_ Employment: 18.3ha for employment (Tufthorn avenue), 1.1ha at Pingry Farm, 1.4ha undeveloped land- employment generating uses AP62: Staunton Road, Coleford Employment and Hotel site: ”Character: adjoining woodland and need to pay attention with respect to forest setting The Proposed cable car station is proposed at the Berry Hill.

Apart from the traditional local stores to meet the need to purchase of daily necessities, a proposed low density luxury shopping outlet is proposed at the Tufthorn Avenue and Pingry which helps to increase the expenditure level and the status of the site. It is a good chance to attract young generation to come and spend their leisure time. The landscape and surrounding low density environment are suitable for low density outlet development. It can also strength the linkage with the tourist development at Lydney. Bicester Village, London is a successful example located at the outskirt of Bicester, a town of Oxfordshire.

“AP68: Former Bells Field for Recreation Allocation: 3.5ha of land, the former playing field of Bells School off Lords Hill is allocated for recreational use as public open space” Green Space with some sport facilities is proposed at this area For Public use in a local scale, for example, Burrows Playing Field, Leckhampton

Bicester Village, Oxfordshire

Burrows Playing Field, Leckhampton 16

3.5 Settlement Planning Framework of Lydney: The Planning framework of Lydney based on the studies on CSP5, CSP10, CSP12 and CSP14 in which CSP12 stated that 1900 dwellings (calculated as 57ha based on the suggested DPH, 10 dwellings per 0.3 hectare). With15ha employment land at Hurst farm and 7ha at Mead lane. CSP5 need to be considered at every housing development with 40% affordable housing included. Related Allocation plan has been studied and listed as below: AP39: Lydney town Centre: A variety of land use will be permitted including retail, offices, financial and professional services, community, and residential uses. Conversion of ground floor space to residential will not be permitted and premises will be expected to retain a ground floor shop front.

Town centre mixed land use development with residential and ground floor commercial land use: The development plan is to design a mixed land use with local retail to serve the town centre especially to support the basic needs such as grocery, café. “ A shopping street” at the town centre would be proposed mainly for local retail with dining area based on AP40,41 and 48. Accessibility would need be improved by extension of existing vehicular path and installation of traffic signals mentioned at AP41. A primary school and a hospital are proposed to be set up near the residential area.

“AP40: Lydney Town Centre, Retail and mixed use including Public Space: 1.9ha of land is allocated for mixed uses to include retails space based on a redevelopment of the site to make it a key part of the town centre. Land set aside for public access and circulation will be required to include space for assembly (0.08ha) and access along the riverside. Development need to pay attention of flood risk as River Lyd passing through the town centre.

AP41: Lydney Town Centre Highway Improvements. “The improvement of the Bream Road, Hill Street and High Street based around the installation of traffic signals at the junction of Hill Street and Bream Road” AP48: Employment uses including Foundry site: With 5.7ha allocated for employment generating uses.”

Proposed Water Park at the South East of Lydney near Harbour Road” Proposed water park will be proposed at the Lydney Boating Lake (Grid: 637025) extending to “Exiting industrial Estate” which is allowed for recreational land use to the Yatch club. (650015) Pedestrian and cycling walking path would be design along the Lydney Harbour and connect to the Water park which use the land stated at AP44 There are existing industrial development which would be relocated to Mead Lane. The water park is the focus of tourism development. Tourist accommodation can be developed as water park resort. The design and density would cope with the surrounding natural environment. The site is served by A48 and Lydney Railway which has higher accessibility for tourists to access the site. One of the proposed cable car station stop.

Public open space including pedestrian, cycling and green space would be developed around the Lydney Harbour with the allocated land use of AP42.

“AP42: Lydney Harbour: For recreation and tourism base uses including access for walking and cycling, offer of utilities, conservation an retention of existing buildings within ancient monument, green infrastructure.

AP43: Pine End Works and Land to the North, 10.6ha of land including Pine End Works and land to the rear allocated for employment use with leisure and tourism focus with access from Harbour Road or via industrial access. Other uses including retail, food and drink, education and tourist accommodation as well as residential are permitted.

AP44: Lydney Industrial Estate offering 24ha for employment generating uses including tourism and recreation purpose.

AP46: Lydney Harbour Area: Allocated for Cycling and Walking”

Allocated land for “Industrial Development” and other kind of employment land use at the Western side of Lydney, Mead Lane” The original industrial development with vacant and abandoned industrial buildings already. It is a waste of the land to be occupied by mostly vacant buildings near the great potential site of Lydney Harbour. Relocation of industrial building allows more space for other more suitable land use such as residential, commercial and tourism land use at the town centre and Lydney Harbour. Aoart from the industrial area, local retail and non-retail service would be “AP49 Mead Lane Lydney: 6.5ha employment generating uses AP50: Mead Lane (existing employment area): 22ha off Mead Lane for employment uses AP51: Railway Station Area: An area of 2.2ha north of the mainline railway is allocated for the development of the station with mixed uses.

AP52: Land north of the mainline railway with about 18.2 ha of land allocated for recreational use. It has the potential to provide a number of routes for cycling and walking between town and station.”

Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park

Thorpe Lakes Aqua Park

AP45: Lakes South of the Mainline Railway: 18ha of land south of the mainline railway is allocated.

Proposed Residential Development Area: Low density of housing would be design with the major supply of medium sized property for the trend of reducing size of household. The residential development would be mainly focused at the Eastern part of Lydney which is stated at AP47 and AP54.

“AP47: East of Lydney: Allocated for employment sites and housing, a neighbourhood centre and public recreation space. Proposed of 1684 dwellings within 25.8ha of employment generating uses, a neighbourhood centre, a public park and associated recreation space and land for an additional primary school.

AP54: Augusttus Way, Lydney: About6.5ha of land of Augustus Way and Court Road Lydney allocated for about 120 dwellings.”

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3.6 Conclusion of calculation for land uses are designated as follows: Cinderford: 1050 house development= 31.67 Ha Housing Land +26 Ha Employment Land (Proposed at CSP10) +40% Green Infrastructure = 80.738 Ha of development land required

Coleford:

650 house development= 21.57 Ha Housing Land +6.8 Ha Employment Land (Proposed at CSP14) +40% Green Infrastructure = 39.718 Ha of development land required

Lydney:

1900 house development= 57 Ha Housing Land (Proposed at CSP 12) Extra 1000 house development = 30 Ha Housing Land + 32.19 Ha Employment Land (Water park occupies most of the employment land) +40% Green Infrastructure =166.866Ha of development land required

1400 remaining housing development which will be allocated at Yorkley, Ordcrodt, Drybrook, Newnham= 42 Ha Housing Land. The CSP16 stated that the development at Villages will be required to comply with the “Core Policies” and the scale is referred to the statement of the CSP16 with 100 dwellings at Drybrook, 65 dwellings a Newnham, 45 dwellings at Yorkley. Oldcroft located at the Northward of Lydney which would have 1190 dwellings (35.7 Ha housing development)With the development at the Lydney, Yorkley and Oldcroft in order to increase the connectivity and accessibility of the existing“Discontinuous landscape pattern” in U.K. Lydney, Oldcroft and Yorkley are served by the Yorkley Lane via Parkend to connect with Clearwell and Coleford or to connect the B4234 to connect with Coleford and Cinderford.

Drybrook:

Newnham:

100 house development= 3 Ha Housing Land

Yorkley:

45 house development= 1.35 Ha Housing Land

+1.11 Ha Employment Land (Local Retail)

+ 0.4995 Ha Employment Land (Local retail)

+40% Green Infrastructure

+40% Green Infrastructure

= 4.3 Ha of development land required

= 2.5893 Ha of development land required

65 house development= 1.95 Ha Housing Land

Oldcroft:

190 house development= 5.7Ha Housing Land

+0.7215 Ha Employment Land (Local Retail)

+2.109 Ha Employment Land (Local retail)

+ 40% Green Infrastructure

+40% Green Infrastructure

=3.7401 Ha of development land required

=10.9326 Ha of development land required

Total required hectare of land for development = 308.884 Hectares 18

4.0 Site suitability of Solar Park by GIS analysis: The selected site is at Grid SO61 covering the town, Drybrook, Cinderford and Newnham. Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) with Boolean logic and fuzzy logic area used for site suitability analysis by reclassification with 0=not required and 1= required. Online paper has been reviewed, and the variables for the site suitability based on DTM, Slope, Aspect and Global Horizontal Irradiance. The criteria is aspect is preferably at SE and SW, slope change <10%, avoiding the area with settlement, road, power line and land use. Besides, there is no restrict restriction on GHI at UK. The higher the GHI, the more efficient the solar energy produced. It is suggested annual GHI is larger than 1050 kWh/m2 should be minimum requirement for suitable site of solar park, areas with GHI around 800950kWh/m2 can also set up solar park.

The GIS layer above shows the GIS map of the DTM with the maximum elevation is 339.7m. The reclassification done with the areas with 0-195.8m are selected. The green colour part represents the suitable elevation.

Aspect with SE and SW are reclassified at suitable for solar park site with the formula is “ “0-112.51=0, 112.511-157.51=1, 157.511-202.51=0, 202.5-247.51=1, 247.511-360=0”

The suitable site for solar park is labelled as ( ) where is next to Cinderford ( ). With no settlement and not agricultural land use or woodland area there.

The SW part fulfil the requirements, however; there is the central forest which is not the best site for solar park to avoid deforestation.

The slope change greater than 10% is not recommended. The reclassification formula is is “5.72- 47.61=0, 0-5.711=1 for SW slope”, “5.72-48.9=0, 0-5.711=1 for the SE slope”,

“5.72-38.9=0, 0-5.711=1 for the NE slope”, “5.72-53.9=0, 0-5.711=1 for the NW slope” The yellow part represents the suitable slope for solar park which is largely reduced after the

The above GIS map shows the combines reclassification result of Elevation, Slope and Aspect. It shows that central part is not fulfilling the requirement, mainly the area at the right left corner bottom corner fulfil the criteria for site selection.

reclassification.

19

The site does not fall into the area with GHI1050kWh/m2 but it does fulfil the requirement of GHI955.5kWh/m2

Another advantage of the site ( ) is that is located between Cinderford and Lydney where is convenient for renewable energy transferring for the usage to both towns.

AD7604 Reference www.rossgazette.com/article.cfm?id=105425&headline=A%20potential%20Ross-on-Wye%20site%20for%20Travellers,%20Gypsies%20and%20Travelling%20Show%20People&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2 FOD local council: FOD _ CS _ Adopted version _ February,2021 https://www.fdean.gov.uk/media/2487/cs-adopted-version-february-2012.pdf FOD Allocation plan: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/residents/planning-building/planning-policy/local-plan-new/allocations-plan/ https://www.fdean.gov.uk/residents/planning-building/planning-policy/local-plan-new/core-strategy/ http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/3526102 ((NCA105 Forest of Dean and Lower Wye) http://www.wyedeantourism.co.uk/system-images/files/Geomap%20Leaflet.pdf http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/35012(Agricultural Land Classification: protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land (TIN049)) https://www.royalforestofdean.info/places-to-visit.shtml https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/lorry-gets-stuck-forest-dean-3855610(Flooding at the FOD) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_of_Dean (Photo of Forest of Dean) https://www.snaptrip.com/c/area/visit-forest-of-dean/ (Photo 2 of Forest of Dean) https://www.forestryengland.uk/the-forest-of-dean (Photo3 of Forest of Dean) https://www.forestofdeanhistory.org.uk/resources/sites-in-the-forest/category/other-buildings-and-monuments?start=12 (Valuable historical and monuments) https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/media/1521160/forest_of_dean-1.pdf http://localstats.co.uk/census-demographics/england/south-west/forest-of-dean https://www.ilivehere.co.uk/statistics-forest-of-dean-gloucestershire-13771.html (Social economic analysis) https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/media/1521160/forest_of_dean-1.pdf https://www.fdean.gov.uk/residents/environment/climate-change/news-and-updates/ https://www.fdean.gov.uk/news/2020/march-2020/council-trials-gas-saving-central-heating-additive/ https://www.fdean.gov.uk/news/2019/february-2019/council-progresses-its-plans-to-make-the-forest-of-dean-carbon-neutral-by-2030/ https://www.fdean.gov.uk/news/2020/march-2020/council-trials-gas-saving-central-heating-additive/ http://www.gloscol.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2018/09/our-stunning-new-campus-in-cinderford-is-open/ https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-hillside-restaurant-on-a-tea-plantation-on-the-hillside-of-cameron-20666743.htm (Hilltop restaurant) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/galleries/the-best-mountain-restaurants-in-switzerland/ (Restaurant at mountain) https://www.rbge.org.uk/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Oxford_Botanic_Garden https://www.guidebook-sweden.com/en/guidebook/destination/bergianska-traedgarden-botanical-garden-stockholm https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/thorpe-lakes-3 https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g642238-d6956256-Reviews-Thorpe_Lakes-Chertsey_Surrey_England.html https://www.bioregional.com/projects-and-services/case-studies/bedzed-the-uks-first-large-scale-eco-village http://www.wyedeantourism.co.uk/discover/things%20to%20do/t-1554%7Ct-1871%7C/i-4747-Forest_of_Dean_Sculpture_Trail https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_of_Dean_Sculpture_Trail https://www.fdean.gov.uk/media/4291/section-4-forest-of-dean-landscape.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_of_Dean

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