Evidence Base

The evidence base includes an assessment of:

• How the district works in spatial terms and how it deals with places and their relationships with each other;

• The main issues, problems and opportunities;

• The local distinctiveness of the area;

• The changes that are likely to affect the area over the period to 2026;

• All relevant national and regional policies and proposals that have a bearing on the use of space within the District.

Principal Studies and Documents

A number of pieces of research have been prepared, or are currently being finalised, to support the preparation of the Local Development Framework.

All of the documents listed below can be downloaded from the Related Documents section at the bottom of this webpage.

Strategic Transport Issues Report (2010)

In order to support the preparation of the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Joint Core Strategy, Derbyshire County Council commissioned Scott Wilson Ltd. to collate relevant information on traffic that currently exists, to provide additional analysis and compile relevant evidence where available.  The focus of this report is to identify the strategic transport implications of those developments being considered in the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy areas. As such, it shows;

(1) which locations are more sustainable (in transport terms) than others, and,
(2) the key congestion “hot-spots” on the County network.

From this, it is shown where development could be sited to maximise transport-sustainability and minimise impact on the local highway network.

A Stage 2 will follow later in 2010. This Stage 2 report will allow for more objective assessment of the impacts of development in any one particular location.

Habitats Regulations Screening Assessment (March 2010) 
 
Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) is required under the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) for any proposed plan or project which may have a significant effect on one or more European Sites and which is not necessary for the management of those sites. European Sites are Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). The purpose of the HRA is to determine whether or not significant effects are likely and to suggest ways in which they could be avoided.

This report is a record of the screening of the joint core strategy options, undertaken to determine whether the draft plan could have significant effects on the conservation objectives of any European site.

Natural England has been consulted on this Screening Report and continues to be involved in the ongoing HRA work.  An Appropriate Assessment of the draft policies set out in the joint core strategy is being undertaken to investigate the potential effects of the draft plan in more detail.  The draft HRA report is subject to consultation between 3 June and 15 July 2010 as part of the consultation on the sustainability appraisal of the joint core strategy.

Affordable Housing Viability Assessment (2010)

In tandem with the preparation of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), Consultants have developed an affordable housing toolkit to assist Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Borough Council negotiate appropriate affordable housing provision associated with residential development proposals. The toolkit has been developed in consultation with developers.

 The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Sustainable Community Strategy 2009-2014 

The Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Local Strategic Partnership has produced a new Sustainable Community Strategy for the period 2009-2014. The Strategy sets out a vision and four key challenges to improve the quality of life in the area, which have emerged from extensive consultation with key stakeholders and local communities.  The vision and objectives will provide the vision and overarching policy framework for the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Core Strategy.

Derbyshire Dales Rural Accessibility Study (2009)

Derbyshire Dales District Council and Derbyshire County Council have carried out the study jointly. This study identifies the main travel routes in the District and assesses the need to improve the services to meet local needs.

Green Infrastructure Assessment (2009)

Green Infrastructure (GI) is the network of multi functional open spaces and the linkages between them that exist, to a greater or lesser degree, within urban areas, on the urban fringe and out into the open countryside.

The Council believes that the District is well served by multi functional green spaces, which can be easily accessed through a linked network of public rights of way. In partnership with the Peak District National Park Authority and High Peak Borough Council, the District Council is in the process of mapping existing GI throughout the Peak sub region with a view to developing a strategy for its management and enhancement.

Peak Sub Region Climate Change Study – Focussing on the Capacity and Potential for Renewable & Low Carbon Technologies (2009)

In response to the issue of climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions, research has been commissioned to identify potential locations for development of renewable energy and low carbon technologies across the region. The research will help the District Council and its partners develop their planning policies as part of the local development frameworks.

Peak Sub-Region PPG17 Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study (2009)

This study has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines set out in Planning Policy Guidance 17: Planning for Open Spaces, Sport and Recreation. It includes a comprehensive audit of existing provision of different types of open space; and assessment of supply and demand for open space and in consultation with local communities to identify local need.

Peak Sub Region Retail and Town Centre Assessment (2009)

The Peak Sub Region Retail (and Town Centre) Assessment provides a composite picture of retail provision with the Sub Region, identifying potential requirements for new retail floorspace in the principle centres of Ashbourne, Bakewell, Buxton, High Peak Central (Chapel-en-le-Frith, New Mills and Whaley Bridge), Glossop, Matlock and Wirksworth in the period to 2026.

Peak Sub Region Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (2009)

The SHLAA is a requirement of Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing, and provides evidence of land available for housing development up until 2026. It includes detailed information of how annual housing targets will be met and the District's five-year supply.

The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment was prepared by ekosgen and Arup for High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council and the Peak District National Park Authority.

It is important to note the role of the SHLAA is not to allocate land for residential development but to provide evidence, alongside other studies, to help inform the site allocation and / or decision process as part of the Local Development Framework and development control decisions. The SHLAA identifies potential housing sites but leaves the policy judgements as to which sites should be allocated for housing to the Core Strategy / Allocations of Land Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and to decisions on planning applications.  So, while the SHLAA indicates whether sites might be suitable for housing, it only means they are suitable provided they are not required for other purposes and are required to meet plan targets. It does, however, identify constraints on the sites and consider how they might be overcome.

Derbyshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (2008)

The Derbyshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment was commissioned by Derbyshire Traveller Issues Working Group. The main objective of the study was to assess the need for additional authorised Gypsy and Traveller site provision within Derbyshire over the next five years.

Peak Sub Region Employment Land Review (2008)

The Peak Sub Region Employment Land Review has assessed the suitability of continued or potential use for economic purposes of a range of sites across the Peak Sub Region up until 2026. It has reviewed the current supply of employment land in both qualitative and quantitative terms and also identified new potential sites.

Peak Sub Region Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2008)

This document examines the balance between housing supply and demand; the scale of need and demand for affordable and market provision; to what extent affordability is an issue in the area and to what extent high demand is an issue within the area in order to inform the spatial planning process and housing strategies.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2008)

The Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is a technical report and has been prepared to support the application of the Sequential Test outlined in Planning Policy Statement 25, providing information and advice in relation to potential land allocations.

If you would like to view the Flood Risk Assessment maps please contact the Planning Policy Team.

Ashbourne Economic Assessment (2007)

This study examines the economic conditions in Ashbourne and the rural hinterland in order to identify regeneration priorities.

Climate Change and Floodrisk (October 2007)

The Core Strategy has a critical role in responding to climate change. In particular the policies and proposals produced can contribute towards improving progress against national emission targets and the effects of climate change.

Crime and Community Safety (September 2007)

Crime, and fear of crime are an important issue to the residents of Derbyshire Dales. This topic paper examines the patterns of crime across the local planning authority area, and how the Core Strategy can contribute towards safe and sustainable neighbourhoods.

Heath (September 2007)

This topic paper examines the health profile of the area and how the Core Strategy maybe able to address the issues that it identifies.

Leisure (September 2007)

Recreation and leisure activities have grown in recent years. This topic paper examines how the core strategy can seek to ensure that opportunities exist for members of the community to participate in both formal and informal activities, as a means of enriching their quality of life.

Natural and Historic Environment (October 2007)

The quality of the Derbyshire dales natural and historic environment makes the area an attractive place to live, work and visit. The quality of life for residents and visitors is influenced by the condition of the surrounding environment. Protecting and enhancing the natural and built heritage is important because of the high proportion of sites protected by international, national and regional legislation. This topic paper examines how the core strategy can achieve this.

Peak Sub Region Housing Needs Survey (2007)

The Survey provides information about local housing needs at the sub-regional and local authority level areas. It seeks to advise on how affordable housing policy in the Local Development Framework should respond to the scale of the housing need identified.

Sustainable Development and Development Strategy (June 2007)

This topic paper outlines the characteristics of the Derbyshire Dales local planning authority area and sets out (for illustrative purposes) a number of options for future broad locations of development.

Transport (January 2008)

This topic paper reviews all the main modes of transport provision across the local planning area and seeks to identify the issues pertinent for sustainable travel.