4.55 A majority of utility services are the subject of direct negotiation between the relevant utility companies and developers or users. The Council therefore has only a limited role in their planning and provision. In most instances services such as electricity and water can be provided to a site, providing the intending developer is prepared to meet the costs of installation. In addition, the environmental impact of the provision of these services, at a local level, is normally minimal.
4.56 However, the provision of sewage disposal services warrants special consideration within the Local Plan. This is because the lack of adequate sewerage represents a real constraint on further development in a number of the District's settlements and improvements will also be required to meet changing statutory requirements. While properly designed septic tanks or other treatment systems may be acceptable to meet the needs of an individual dwelling where no mains services are available, this is unlikely to be the case where larger scale development is proposed.
4.57 There is concern too, to ensure that development is not put at risk by flooding, nor that flooding problems are exacerbated as a result of development.
4.58 In view of the foregoing concerns, and in particular in response to Plan Principles 3 and 4 the following objectives have been identified.
Objective 38 to promote the provision of adequate sewage disposal facilities where required in order to serve planned development or to resolve existing environmental problems.
Objective 39 to ensure that development does not take place in locations of known flood risk nor increase the likelihood of flooding elsewhere.
Objective 40 to secure the protection of existing and provision of further services and facilities to meet identified needs.
Sewerage Disposal
Policy SE1
Development proposals that will not have a significant adverse impact on either the efficiency of the sewage disposal system or on the local environment as a result of foul or surface water drainage will be permitted.
4.59 In some settlements within the Local Plan area the existing drainage systems are of limited capacity. In consequence, new development in some locations or of excessive size could lead to overloading and flooding. Where advised of this possibility the Council will seek the programming of development to coincide with appropriate improvements or will resist development if no improvement is possible.
4.60 Housing land allocations have been made in Policy HS1 which include some in settlements which have an inadequate sewerage system. This represents an immediate constraint on planned development proceeding in Calthwaite, Cliburn, Crosby Ravensworth, Great Asby and Ousby. Larger scale developments in Brough, Kirkoswald, Langwathby, Long Marton, Plumpton, Renwick and Tebay may also be constrained.
4.61 Other settlements do not at present have a mains sewerage system. In certain cases additional development would result in an unacceptable impact on the environment due to the resultant density of septic tanks or pollution to water courses. Where the Council is advised that this is the case planning consents will be subject to conditions which will preclude development from proceeding until adequate drainage arrangements can be provided in association with the development and will press the relevant water company to give priority to the provision of an adequate sewerage system in locations where development faces constraint.
Protection of Flood Risk Areas
Policy SE2
Development which would have an adverse affect on river floodplain or areas at risk from flooding resulting from the raising of the floor of the floodplain, increasing the rate or volume of surface water run off, interfering with existing river defences or restricting access to main rivers will not be permitted unless appropriate alleviation or mitigation measures are included. This applies to areas at risk from flooding and to the floodplains of the rivers Caldew, Eden, Eamont, Leith, Lowther, Lune, Lyvennet, Nent, Petteril, South Tyne and Tees and their tributaries which are all subject to periodic flooding.
4.62 Structure Plan Policy 24 indicates that the erection of buildings or the raising of land will not normally be permitted where there would be a direct risk from erosion or flooding, or where such action would be likely to increase the risk of flooding elsewhere. Policy SE2 indicates that the Council will resist development which would adversely affect floodplain or flood risk areas either directly, as a result of a loss of volume of floodplain, or indirectly through an increase in surface water run off. In addition, it is important to protect both established flood defences and access to main rivers. Only where a proposal is able to incorporate appropriate mitigation measures will consent be granted. This protection applies to floodplain and areas at risk from flooding as identified on the Local Plan Proposals Map.
Village Facilities
Policy SE3
Proposals which assist the provision or retention of village facilities including village halls and public houses will be permitted.
4.63 The retention of a range of community facilities is important to the continued vitality of the District's rural communities. Policies elsewhere in the Local Plan address this issue in relation to shops, post offices and recreational provision. In addition, a variety of other facilities are also important, not least village halls and pubs. Wherever possible, the Council will seek to support such facilities, including granting planning permission for proposals which will contribute to the provision or enhancement of facilities, providing there is no significant adverse impact on other interests of importance.
Land for Cemetery Extension
Policy SE4
A site of 1.45 ha. of land at Beacon Edge, Penrith is reserved for an extension to the cemetery.
4.64 This land is required in the long-term and in the meantime is protected from other development.
Development Involving Overhead Lines
Policy SE5
In considering proposals for the replacement of existing, and installation of new, power lines the Council will support those where care has been exercised to minimise impact on the landscape or townscape and upon nature conservation interests. Proposals to underground lines in Conservation Areas or rural locations will be encouraged except where there would be resultant damage to interests of acknowledged importance.
4.65 The Council is concerned about the adverse visual impact of overhead power supply lines in both urban and rural locations. Accordingly, proposals which either by care in alignment or, where practicable, undergrounding of cables will be supported especially where benefit will accrue to sensitive locations.
Telecommunication Development
Policy SE6
Planning permission for telecommunications development will be granted provided:
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the proposal location can be justified:
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there is not better alternative site available;
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there is no reasonable possibility of sharing existing facilities;
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in the case of radio masts, there is no reasonable possibility of erecting antennas on an existing building or other structure.
Any development should be sited and designed to minimise its visual impact subject to technical and operational considerations.
4.66 The Government policy on telecommunications is to facilitate the growth of new and existing systems while protecting interests of recognised importance. Policy SE6 is intended to support this approach while facilitating the protection of environmental and amenity interests. In particular, the Policy seeks to promote the sharing of facilities and use of existing structures wherever this is feasible.
