Appendix 10: Sustainability Appraisal Framework

The Sustainability Appraisal (SA) process is based on an objectives-led approach where potential impacts of a plan are measured in relation to a series of aspirational objectives for sustainable development. The objectives provide a benchmark against which the effects of the plan are assessed. The SA Framework consists of objectives and their associated targets (where these exist) as well as indicators.

It should be noted that the SA objectives are distinct from the UDP objectives though they may in some cases overlap with them. SA objectives should focus on outcomes (or ends), not on how the outcomes will be achieved (inputs or means), as UDP objectives will often tend to do.

The objectives for the Gateshead UDP are outlined below. For more information on sustainability appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) please see paragraph 1.13

Sustainability Appraisal Objectives

Will the UDP...?

Objective 1 - To ensure high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share and contribute to greater prosperity

1. Provide an adequate supply of land for business development and employment generation?

2. Promote employment opportunities on previously developed land?

Objective 2 - To encourage high and stable levels of economic growth

1. Provide an adequate supply of land for business development and employment generation?

2. Help to promote inward investment within Gateshead?

Objective 3 - To raise educational achievement across the region

1. Facilitate the development of educational institutions?

2. Promote the development of life-long learning and vocational skills?

Objective 4 - To ensure everyone has the opportunity of living in a decent and affordable home

1. Promote housing development within Gateshead?

2. Direct development towards previously developed land?

3. Provide an adequate supply of affordable housing?

Objective 5 - To ensure good local air quality for all

1. Reduce congestion on arterial routes into Gateshead?

2. Reduce dependency on the private car by promoting more sustainable modes of transport?

Objective 6 - To protect and enhance the quality of the region's ground, river and sea waters

1. Promote the efficient use of water in the construction and operation of new development opportunities?

2. Protect the quality of ground water resources?

3. Protect the quality of seawater?

Objective 7 - To reduce the causes and the impacts of climate change

1. Promote high standards of energy efficiency in new developments?

2. Promote the development of renewable energy technologies?

3. Ensure that new developments are not exposed to flood risk?

Objective 8 - To protect and enhance the region's biodiversity

1. Safeguard and enhance the condition of SSSIs?

2. Support the aims of the Durham Biodiversity Action Plan?

3. Promote natural habitat creation within new developments?

Objective 9 - To reduce the amount of waste produced and increased the amount recycled

1. Help to minimise the amount of household and domestic waste that is produced in Gateshead?

2. Promote recycling initiatives?

3. Encourage the use of recycled material within the construction industry?

Objective 10 - To promote sustainable forms of development and sustainable use of natural resources

1. Encourage the use of recycled material within the construction industry?

2. Provide public transport links between land uses?

3. Promote development opportunities on previously developed land?

Objective 11 - To protect and enhance the quality and diversity of the region's rural and urban land, and landscapes

1. Promote the implementation of urban design principles to create an attractive environment to live and work?

2. Conserve, protect and enhance Gateshead's natural assets, such as open spaces?

3. Promote the re-use of abandoned and derelict land/buildings?

Objective 12 - To protect and enhance the region's cultural heritage and diversity

1. Conserve, protect and enhance Gateshead's cultural heritage assets, such as listed buildings and Heritage Coasts?

2. Increase access for all to cultural heritage resources?

Objective 13 - To reduce crime and the fear of crime

1. Help to reduce crime levels and the fear of crime through design, such as more secure housing developments or protected parking facilities?

Objective 14 - To improve the health and well-being of the population and reduce inequalities in health

1. Ensure that new developments (particularly those for housing) are accessible to health care facilities?

2. Promote the retention and development of recreational sports facilities within the community?

Objective 15 - To ensure good accessibility for all to jobs, facilities, goods and services in the region

1. Promote compact development principles that ensure land use is integrated and accessible through a choice of public transport options?

2. Help to reduce the need for travel, in terms of the length and number of journeys made, especially by private car?

Objective 16 - To increase public involvement in decision-making and civic activity

1. Facilitate community discussion with respect to key sustainability issues?

2. Promote social inclusion within Gateshead