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Future North West: Our Shared Priorities Consultation Report November 2010
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1. Introduction and purpose Future North West: Our Shared Priorities was published on 16th August 2010 and feedback was sought over an eight week period ending on 8th October 2010. This report provides a summary and analysis of the comments received. It also sets out a response to the recommendations from the Sustainability Assessment of Future North West carried out in July 2010. 2. Background In 2008, the North West set out to develop a strategic framework that would unite private, public and third sector partners behind a shared vision, outcomes and actions to bring together economic, environmental and social priorities in an integrated way. Originally developed as RS2010, this looked to focus on how we can use the North West’s major assets, strengths and unique offer to take advantage of future opportunities to drive mutually reinforcing sustainable economic growth across all areas. That is, economic growth that can be sustained and is within environmental limits but also enhances the environment and social wellbeing. Future North West is the result of that work. Future North West was developed in close consultation with an Advisory Group containing nearly 60 organisations covering key public, private and third sector partners and stakeholders. It was also supported by an extensive evidence base, developed over the last two years, which has been independently peer reviewed and assessed as robust, leading edge and fit for purpose. 3. Consultation and engagement The development of Future North West took account of comments made and issues raised in two public consultation exercises, on the RS2010 Principles and Issues Paper in 2009, and on the RS2010 Part 1 Document in early 2010. A total of 49 organisations and individuals from the North West’s public, private and third sectors provided detailed and informed feedback on Future North West. The full list of respondents is set out in Annex 1 to this report. 4. Summary of consultation This high-level summary is intended to provide a concise and illustrative overview of the feedback received. Because of the detailed nature of much of the feedback, it does not seek to reflect every comment received. A summary of more detailed comments is contained in Annex 2. All feedback received will be made publicly available so all points made can be considered in any further development of Future North West. Overall, there was strong support for Future North West and the strategic priorities it sets out, although there were a very small number of dissenting voices. The majority of comments received were very specific, highly detailed recommendations to improve the clarity and strength of the document and to address perceived weaknesses and omissions. ‘…we congratulate the team putting this together and producing a solid foundation for future activity in what ever new landscape we find ourselves in.’
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‘‘Overall, we feel the document presents a comprehensive framework vision for the region to help guide stakeholders over the next decade and commend the process of development to reach this final stage’. Many respondents acknowledged the challenges involved in delivering the priorities during a time of significant shifts in sub-national structures and policy, as well as considerable economic uncertainty, but underlined the importance of meeting these challenges. ‘Who will inspire and mobilise, and who will maintain and sustain momentum across the ‘sub national’ region without a coordinating body? It is essential that through the Local enterprise Partnerships or by some other means, a network is devised to produce coordination of regional activity.’ The most commonly raised issues were – •
Broad support for the stated ‘Vision’, the four Themes and the 12 “Big Ticket Issues”.
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The absence of a ‘Big Ticket’ issue addressing climate change adaptation and resource efficiency.
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Strong support for the inclusion of the Environmental Limits section but some concerns over the lack of ‘read across’ to the objectives and actions set out in the rest of the document.
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Strong support for the objectives and actions focused upon improving the efficiency, accessibility and affordability of transport connectivity within the region and beyond.
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Concerns that the assets and opportunities of specific places and sectoral interests have not been given enough prominence.
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Concerns about potential conflicts between some objectives, for example, international travel and carbon reduction.
A number of respondents highlighted the deeply collaborative approach to the development of Future North West as a key strength. For some, this collaboration, and the partnerships and relationships that have been developed over the last couple of years, are arguably as important as the final document itself. There was a strong desire that this must not be allowed to disappear as a result of changing sub-national institutional structures and governance arrangements. ‘We believe that the true achievement, as we have hinted, lies in the process we have gone through; a process that has been about learning and contribution, partnership and making connections. And this is the strength in developing a framework for integrated economic development and regeneration that we sought and should still aim to find.’ The comprehensive and robust evidence base was seen as a key strength, which lends Future North West genuine credibility and authority.
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It is clear from the tone and content of the document that it is underpinned by a substantial programme of work by private, public and third sector partners from across the North West. It certainly provides a very useful framework for local and regional bodies to work together on issues that will ensure continued growth and prosperity for the sub-regions and regions as a whole’ A small number of respondents questioned who will deliver the strategic priorities in Future North West: how will it be used and be of value, given the changing policy and institutional framework for sub-national economic growth? A few suggested that, without any statutory status, Future North West will have no power to compel action to deliver the identified priorities; whilst others felt that the document fails to clearly articulate its purpose or offer any clarity on future governance and delivery mechanisms. ...there is some concern about how the priorities and actions will be implemented at a local level, given the lack of any statutory status to compel actions in accordance with the document. There is a danger that some of the aspirations will not be delivered unless responsibilities for actions are clearly specified and targets set’ ...it would also be useful for the document to articulate more clearly its intended audience and ownership in terms of driving forward its aspirations’ Most respondents, however, while recognising that it will be extremely challenging in the new economic development policy landscape, expressed strong commitment to continuing to work together to deliver Future North West. ‘We continue to seek to play a full and active role with our partners in the development and delivery of Future North West’. 5. Sustainability Assessment The development of Future North West was informed by an independent Sustainability Assessment (SA) carried out by Scott Wilson. The SA work was used proactively to shape the content of the document, and Future North West: Our Shared Priorities’ Sustainability Assessment - Final Report was published in July 2010. The SA covered: biodiversity; climate and flooding; health and health equality; communities, equality and diversity; innovation, economy and employment; heritage and landscape; housing; land, waste and water resources; rural areas; transport and air quality. The SA report presented a set of recommendations for improving Future North West. Annex 3 explains what changes were made in the Future North West document to address some recommendations and suggests how the remainder should be dealt with. 6. Next steps It is clear from the feedback received that there is strong support for Future North West, coupled with a genuine commitment by many respondents to maintain and deliver this highlevel strategic framework in the new economic development policy and institutional landscape. Apart from a very small number of respondents who questioned the lack of prominence given to particular places or issues, most comments were aimed at improving the clarity and strength of a well-supported document. 4
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This is not surprising given that Future North West was developed on the back of a substantial programme of leading-edge work over last two years. It was informed by a strong and robust evidence base, has been developed with intensive partner and stakeholder engagement and has been subject to an ongoing, iterative Sustainability Assessment. It identifies key issues which cross local or sub-regional boundaries and where a collaborative approach is needed or where action in one area can benefit others. As such, it can inform/steer the new LEP-based policy and institutional landscape on the key challenges and opportunities facing the NW over the next 20 years which it makes sense to tackle across local areas. After all, while institutions and policies may change, the underlying issues, challenges and opportunities remain to be addressed. Faced with competition from across the UK for scarce resources, it will be an advantage to have a set of agreed priorities for investment across the North West that all can agree upon. The development of Future North West was led by 4NW and the NWDA, supported by an Advisory Group of nearly 60 key organisations covering private, public and third sectors. Given the changes ahead, now would be an appropriate time for us to hand over Future North West to others to take forward and develop in the light of the feedback from the consultation exercise. In many respects, the need for all areas and interests to collaborate on the “big ticket issues� and underpinning thematic and spatial priorities set out in Future North West is as strong in the new sub-national economic development policy environment as it ever was. Future North West derives its authority not from being a statutory plan but as an evidence-based, stakeholder-backed statement of the most important priorities for the North West on which local areas can collaborate for mutual benefit. As such, we believe it should carry substantial weight in influencing future strategic choices and decisions.
NWDA & Northwest Regional Leaders Board November 2010
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Annex 1 – List of respondents 5050 Vision Blackpool Council British Waterways Campaign for National Parks Chamber of Commerce North West Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) North West Region Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Commission Chorley Borough Council Confederation of Passenger Transport Cumbria County Council Dr Peter Hirst East Lancashire Chambers of Commerce Environment Agency Forestry Commission Halton Borough Council Halton Housing Trust Highways Agency Knowsley Borough Council Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board Lancashire Economic Partnership Lancaster City Council Mersey Travel Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority Morecombe Bay Partnership Natural England North West Business Leadership Team North West Environment Link North West Coastal Forum North West Federation of Museums and Art Galleries North West RAF North West Rural Strategy Group North West Transport Roundtable North West Universities Association Peel Land and Property Pennine Lancashire Authorities - PLACE Rossendale Borough Council Royal London Asset Management RSPB Skills Funding Agency St Helens Council The Mersey Partnership Trade Union Congress Transition Network TravelWatch NorthWest Voluntary Sector North West Warrington Borough Council West Lancashire Borough Council Wigan Council Wirral Council Wirral Council WEDS Partnership 6
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Annex 2 – Summary of detailed comments In order to assist the future development of Future North West, this Annex seeks to summarise all substantive comments made, whether by one or several organisations/individuals. As noted in the main report, there was strong overall support for Future North West. The majority of comments received were very specific, highly detailed recommendations to improve the clarity and strength of the document and to address perceived weaknesses and omissions. This Annex therefore needs to be considered in that context. Section A – Setting the Context This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
The document should recognise that the North West has extensive heritage assets outside of city centres
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The automotive sector should be identified as advanced manufacturing
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The creation of community cohesion and tackling social exclusion should be identified as a specific long-standing issue
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It should be made clear that reference to landscapes also includes seascapes
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The National Park’s landscape should be recognised for its cultural as well as natural importance
Section B – Vision and Approach There was general support for the Vision with just a few respondents suggesting that further revision is required. The issues raised were •
Climate change is not given enough prominence. There should be a clear commitment to climate change mitigation
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There should be stronger reference to the protection of the region’s biodiversity
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There should be a reference to coastal communities
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Towns and communities should be environmentally, in addition to economically and socially, sustainable
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Aspirations to achieve ‘minimal deprivation and child poverty’ are negative and should be replaced by ‘reduce deprivation and eradicate child poverty’
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The Vision should refer to the Liverpool City Region rather than Liverpool alone
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The role of the Lake District needs further clarification
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The need to develop an agreed set of principles on how we work together to achieve the Vision
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There was significant support for the emphasis on Environmental Limits. A number of respondents called for greater read-across from this section to the rest of the document, particularly to the natural environment/green infrastructure objectives. It was felt that more work is needed to identify specific limits for the North West and to support stakeholders to better understand and effectively utilise the concept of environmental limits. Issues raised were – •
Reducing emissions to air should include carbon emissions as well as air quality pollutants
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The approach to the historical environment needs to be strengthened
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Reference should be made to statutory landscape designations in addition to biodiversity designations
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There is a need to go much further than simply ensuring no deterioration of water environments, as we currently do not have perfect water quality
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Reference should be made to national and EU policy on coastal and marine environments, such as the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009
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Improved access to informal open space should only refer to village greens and open access land
Section C – Themes Theme 1 – Low Carbon, Climate Change and Resource Efficiency 1a: Make the North West a world-class place for nuclear technologies, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and exploit opportunities in other low carbon and environmental goods and services. This objective was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
There needs to be greater recognition of the potential contribution that onshore wind development could make towards meeting energy requirements
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There needs to be recognition of the significant levels of investment in transport, critical, social and health infrastructure required to support nuclear new build programmes
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Alternative wording was suggested for progressing a deep geological repository in Cumbria to better reflect the current stage of the process
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Opportunities for marine and offshore wind energy in the Liverpool City Region should be better highlighted
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There should be greater recognition of the potential impacts upon landscapes, biodiversity and habitats, National Parks etc. of nuclear, renewable and transmission infrastructure, including explicit recognition that careful planning of the location, scale and type of renewable energy development will be needed to avoid damage to European sites and valuable landscapes. 8
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1b: Ensure the North West understands and adapts to the implications of unavoidable climate change This objective was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
There should be greater recognition of the role landscapes and natural systems can play in adaptation
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There needs to be recognition of the importance of creating a greater understanding of how individuals can practically and affordably make a difference
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The issue of peak oil should be recognised
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The importance of land management skills and knowledge should be recognised
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Reference should be made to shoreline management plans and to the issue of increased storminess
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There should be recognition of the need to encourage smarter tourism travel
1c: Stimulate key sectors, including housing, transport and industry, to develop low carbon and resource efficient solutions and alternatives. This objective was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
This objective should be the lead objective for this theme – it is the most climate change focused of the three objectives
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Reducing the need to travel is about more than just digital technology – getting development in the right place is vital
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Needs greater recognition of the strong connections between waste, resource efficiency and low carbon
Theme 2 – Competitive Advantage and Distinctiveness 2a: Develop our strength in internationally competitive manufacturing, biomedical and digital/creative industries by supporting businesses to be innovative, enterprising and export driven. This objective received relatively few comments. Issues raised were •
Support for internationally competitive sectors needs to be flexible, so as not to preclude emerging technologies
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There should be explicit recognition of the importance of the maritime sector to the North West economy
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Major developments such as Wirral Waters, which have the potential to attract international firms, should be recognised
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Greater recognition of the regional importance of Media City 9
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2b: Strengthen our concentration of knowledge-based assets driven by our universities and research, science and innovation base. This objective was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
Inter–university collaboration through physical infrastructure and technology assets will be less viable in the current economic environment. A better approach might be to build upon human capital and intellectual resources to support the growth of technology and research specialisms beyond the capacity of a single institution
•
Museums and galleries should be recognised as part of the NW’s knowledge/research assets
2c: Improve our international connectivity through the Liverpool Superport, including John Lennon Airport, and Manchester Airport. This objective was generally supported, although a minority highlighted the potential conflicts between increased internationalism and environmental priorities. Issues raised were •
Need to develop better local economic linkages – shorter supply, production and consumption chains
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Need to recognise the importance of the Manchester Ship Canal as well as Liverpool SuperPort
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High speed rail links to Scotland should include stops in Cumbria
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The potential of Blackpool International Airport with respect to international connectivity should be recognised
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The Parkside Rail Freight interchange should be recognised as a key element of Liverpool SuperPort
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The expansion of ports and airports will place increased pressure upon biodiversity and habitats.
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A carbon balance calculation approach needs to be incorporated to balance increased emissions from international trade and aviation, with carbon savings from other sectors
2d: Develop our world class sporting/culture/quality of place offer and the attraction of Manchester, Liverpool, Chester and the Lake District as international destinations. This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
Need to recognise that tourism growth may create pressures upon sensitive landscapes, habitats and biodiversity.
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Recognise Blackpool as an international destination. In addition recognise the role of other coastal resorts – Southport, Morecambe etc
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There should be support for tourism development throughout the NW, not just the destinations identified 10
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The heritage offer of Birkenhead should be recognised alongside Carlisle, Chester and Lancaster
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There should be a greater emphasis on the role of cultural assets in enhancing diversity and promoting the development of cultural industries
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The document should reflect the cultural offer of the whole region rather than simply Liverpool, Lake District etc.
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Sports and culture should be addressed as separate issues
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There is a need to invest in, as well as exploit, the region’s sporting, cultural and environmental assets
Theme 3 – Release Potential and Tackle Poverty 3a: Increase the potential of the workforce by improving employment levels and skills, including an increase in technical skills and apprenticeships. This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
There should be recognition of opportunities for the accreditation of existing skills
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Should recognise the opportunity to capitalise on and develop the skills of older workers and the need to improve employer attitudes to older workers
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The document should make reference to ‘procurement clauses’ to support skills development
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There should be greater emphasis placed upon the importance of apprenticeships
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There is too much focus on high growth sectors
3b: Build on our strong third sector and strong tradition of social enterprise. This objective received relatively few comments. Issues raised were •
Some concern that social enterprises may not be able to deliver mainstream public services.
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There should be a greater focus on support for the public sector and recognition of the role it plays in supporting private sector jobs and enterprise.
3c: Revitalise areas with deep-seated economic and social challenges and build strong communities.
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This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
Regeneration activities need to be balanced with renewal, working with individuals and communities
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The affordability of public transport should be recognised as a major issue for many residents of disadvantaged areas
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The hardships faced by rural communities should be recognised
3d: Tackle the serious challenges raised by multiple disadvantage. This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
There is a need to recognise the problem of ‘in work’ poverty
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Under-employed groups should include people with no skills
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There is a need to look beyond local authority data when examining issues such as worklessness - should adopt an approach that identifies ‘hotspots’
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The document is weak on the accessibility of jobs, education and training
3e: Address the implications of demographic change for our workforce and services. This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were •
The document should recognise opportunities for product and service development aimed at an ageing population
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The document should recognise the changing housing needs of an ageing population
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The document should recognise the need to invest and safeguard future provision of health and support services for older and vulnerable people
Theme 4 – Housing and Infrastructure 4a: Secure high-quality housing in locations which support sustainable economic growth and communities. This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were – •
The need for a reference to specific housing numbers for the region is questionable. The figure quoted is arguably outdated
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There is a need to clarify that addressing under-occupancy does not mean by compulsion
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Some concerns that the private rented sector is not a viable and attractive alternative for many people
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The document should recognise recently announced delivery models for affordable 12
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housing, particularly in rural areas – Local Housing Trusts etc •
The document needs to recognise that some local authorities will need to look beyond existing urban areas to meet growth aspirations and may include development in the Green Belt
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The document should acknowledge that for many vulnerable areas, public and private investment will continue to be necessary to stimulate growth
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The document should recognise that there is a continued need to prioritise brownfield sites over greenfield development
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The issue of access to mortgage finance should be acknowledged
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The document needs to say more about meeting the housing needs of vulnerable people
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The document should recognise that Local Development Frameworks will be central to housing deliver rather than Local Investment Plans
4b: Ensure high-quality digital connectivity to stimulate enterprise, improve service delivery and reduce the need to travel. This objective received relatively few comments. Issues raised were – •
The need to ensure that the needs of rural areas are reflected in digital upgrading
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Some concerns over the potential for a ‘digital divide’
4c: Improve internal connectivity through a sustainable transport infrastructure which better connects opportunity and need. Many respondents expressed strong support for the major transport infrastructure priorities such as Northern Hub, Electrification etc. There was also strong support for developing better links between land use planning and transport to make best use of existing resources. Issues raised were – •
The document should recognise the importance of Mersey Gateway to the North West’s economy
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The document should reference proposals for – Halton Curve, Todmorden Curve, improvements to the Hazel Grove to Buxton line, and the upgrading of the East Lancashire Railway
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There should be recognition of the role light rail and train/tram can play as a resource efficient way of improving city centre access
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With reference to Intermodal freight, the document needs to set out how the needs of the North West will be identified.
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Transport infrastructure should be defined as ‘critical’ infrastructure
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4d: Develop the critical infrastructure the region needs to support sustainable economic growth. This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were – •
Waste management infrastructure should be recognised as critical infrastructure
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The role of developer contributions for the delivery of infrastructure should be recognised
4e: Safeguard the natural environment and develop green infrastructure to provide economic, environmental and social benefits. There was strong support for including a specific objective focusing upon green infrastructure. A number of respondents provided highly detailed suggestions for improving the objective. Further issues raised were – •
There should be recognition that green infrastructure can deliver additional natural assets
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The cultural value of landscapes should be recognised
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Reference should be made to the value of agricultural and common land
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Reference should be made to the management of natural water resources
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Green infrastructure should be considered to be critical infrastructure
Section D – Places General issues raised were – •
There are inconsistencies when referring to universities – references are made to some but not for all areas
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There are weakness in the treatment of natural and historical environments
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It would be helpful if the economic geography map included a key
Comments were made on the specific spatial priorities put forward. Liverpool City Region Detailed suggestions for improving the place profile were provided. Other issues raised were – •
Mersey Gateway should be included as a priority
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There needs to be consistent use of the term Liverpool City Region rather than Liverpool/Merseyside – including on maps
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Tackling deprivation should be recognised as a key priority for the Liverpool City Region
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Reference should be made to assets such as Knowsley Industrial Park
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Remove outdated references to Multiple Area Agreements (MAA) 14
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Reference should be made to linkages from the Wirral to west Cheshire and North East Wales
Lancashire Issues raised were •
No Pennine Lancashire towns are identified as having the potential for growth. Pennine Lancashire is typecast as an area of deprivation rather than growth.
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Recognise importance of improving Pennine Lancashire rail links, including upgrading the East Lancashire Railway
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There is no recognition of the Blackpool growth agenda
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Morecambe Bay should be recognised as a meaningful social-economic unit that crosses administrative boundaries
Cumbria Issues raised were •
The supply chains of BAE and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in West Cumbria reach to other parts of the North West. Therefore, investment should not be directed solely to the Manchester and Liverpool city regions
•
Barrow, Workington and Whitehaven should be recognised as areas suitable for major development in addition to Carlisle
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Reference should be made to the important cultural, social, economic and transport links to North East England
Cheshire and Warrington Issues raised were – •
The GVA figure in the place profile needs revising for accuracy
•
The map appears to suggest that Cheshire and Warrington is fragmented when in reality it has significant self-containment in terms of journeys to work
•
Clarification is needed that growth in Warrington will be through regeneration rather than outward growth
Atlantic Gateway A number of respondents suggested that further clarity on Atlantic Gateway is needed. Detailed suggestions for alternative wording were also proposed. Further issues raised were – •
There should be recognition that growth will be focused on existing towns and cities and that brownfield sites will be prioritised over greenfield/green belt sites
•
The city to city terminology does not make it clear that places such as the Wirral have 15
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extensive assets and opportunities which will form a significant element of the aspirations for Atlantic Gateway •
There should be reference to housing growth in addition to economic growth
Links with places outside the North West Issues raised were – •
There needs to be greater reference to the importance of links with international markets such as China and the opportunities they present
•
This section should include links to other regions within the UK
•
The aesthetic importance of the North West Coast to the Irish Sea should be recognised
Section E – Focus and Ambition There was strong support for the ‘Big Ticket Issues’. However, a commonly voiced concern was the absence of any reference to addressing climate change adaptation and improving resource efficiency. Other issues raised were – •
There are too many, so lack focus. There should be a much sharper focus on a small number of large transformational projects
•
BTI 11 should also include protecting natural environments
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BTI 10 should include Blackpool
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BTI 7 should include reference to the Manchester Ship Canal
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BTI 6 should include electrification of rail lines
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The inter-relationships between the ‘Big Ticket Issues’ should be recognised
•
The issue of child poverty in the Vision does not translate across to BTI 8
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Comments
Biodiversity
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It is assumed that the document will be read ʻas a wholeʼ. Therefore having upfront overarching principles on Environmental Limits, including taking account of specific biodiversity issues, avoids the need for repetition throughout the document.
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Need for HRA – There are proposals within ʻFuture North West: An additional paragraph was Our Shared Prioritiesʼ which have the potential to have significant added to the Environmental adverse impacts on biodiversity and on European sites in Limits section acknowledging particular. It will be crucial that rigorous ecological impact and this issue. appropriate assessments of such proposals are undertaken in the future at appropriate levels (project, LDF and possibly cityregion/Local Enterprise Partnership level) in order that avoidance, mitigation and compensation of any impacts can occur. Recognition of this point within the Strategy is recommended, either in association with the Environmental Limits text or Objective 4e, or indeed in both locations. Reiteration of this point within the introduction to Section 3 may also be advisable. Environmental Limits - The reference to Environmental Limits is The Environmental Limits an important component of the Regional Strategy, providing section was presented in a protection for biodiversity, as well as other elements of the ʻtext boxʼ, making it visually environment. The section on Environmental Limits could usefully more prominent. be given more prominence, i.e. put in a ʻtext boxʼ like the other foci for action. Recognition of Specific Biodiversity Issues - The inclusion of this protective over-arching statement has resulted in the removal of statements within other ʻstatements of focus for actionʼ regarding the need to avoid potential impacts on the environment. Whilst this streamlines the document, there are occasions where the risk to biodiversity is so significant that specific reference would provide appropriate balance. This expansion is further justified in areas where there is particular concern (such as associated with recreation, especially in the Lake District, renewables, Liverpool Superport combined with other development around the Mersey) because there is little detail on how the principles expressed in the section on Environmental Limits should be used as a basis for decision-making. The specificity in Section 3 (which mentions, for example, offshore wind in the Liverpool Bay area, Carlisle Airport and Power from the River Mersey etc) does encourage reference to specific HRA issues.
Future North West 2:Future North West
Changes made in August document
Annex 3 – Response to recommendations from Sustainability Assessment Final Report
Recommendations to improve ʻFuture North Westʼ
Changes made in August document
The Environmental Limits section recognises the need to reduce harmful emissions. The actions set out in Objective 4c will clearly result in reductions in NOx emissions. However, the supporting text should be amended to recognise the importance of reducing NOx emissions This is beyond the scope of the document. The location, scale and type of renewable energy development are issues which will be determined in accordance with local and national policy
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Renewable Energy – It would be appropriate to recognise that the need for careful planning of location, scale and type of renewable energy technology deployed is crucial, in order to emphasise the importance of avoiding damage to European sites and other important sites for biodiversity. Reference to the need for review of the potential impacts of renewable energy targets to be updated regularly, as this is an uncertain and fast-moving field with much ongoing research, monitoring and development, may be relevant.
Consideration could be given to expanding Big Ticket Issue 12 to recognise water resource efficiency in addition to energy efficiency
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Air Quality and Transport - For natural habitats, reducing nitrogen emissions from transport is an equally key aim as decarbonising. This is a significant issue for European sites in the North West and so the opportunity to promote the reduction in N pollution should be taken, probably in Objective 4c.
This should be considered alongside Natural Englandʼs alternative text for Objective 4e
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Environmental Protection - Objective 4e (Safeguard the natural environment) could usefully be strengthened and more context provided with respect to biodiversity priorities. Linkage to, and possible elaboration on the use of, the Environmental Limits would be of value here. Water Efficiency - There are some inconsistencies within the text of Objectives 1c and 4a recognise the importance of water ʻFuture North West: Our Shared Prioritiesʼ. Energy efficiency is efficiency. repeatedly mentioned but water efficiency is mentioned only infrequently… the need for water efficiency would be mentioned more frequently – and, in particular, would be included explicitly in the introductory text associated with Objective 1c (ʻresource-efficient solutionsʼ) and also in the last of the 12 ʻbig ticketʼ issues. Encouraging retrofitting of water efficient measures more widely (as with energy efficient measures) would also be valuable; this is currently restricted to Objective 4a in respect of water efficiency.
Comments
Future North West 2:Future North West
Recommendations to improve ʻFuture North Westʼ
Section 3 Irish Sea - There should be reference to the large number of marine European sites in the Irish Sea Region (as well as World Heritage Sites).
The Irish Sea section (page 45) could be amended to reference European marine sites
It is assumed that the document will be read ʻas a wholeʼ. Therefore having upfront overarching principles on Environmental Limits avoids the need for repetition throughout the document.
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Objective 4e explicitly supports the delivery of the Northwest Regional Forestry Framework. The Framework is the most appropriate forum for setting out the detailed strategic approach to planting in the Region.
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Woodland Planting – Reference to the need to plan location and type of planting to maximise biodiversity benefits and to deliver regional biodiversity targets for woodland expansion would be valuable. The most appropriate place for this reference may be under Objective 4e. Section 3 - Section 3 would also benefit from, as a minimum, a strong cross-reference to the Environmental Limits statements and Environmental Protection objective in the earlier sections of the document. This is the section where the conflict between biodiversity and individual projects is most exposed, given the increased level of specificity in this section.
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Changes made in August Comments document Tourism and Recreational Pressure – It would be appropriate This is beyond the scope of the document. The location, scale to recognise the need to avoid damage to important biodiversity and nature of new tourism development are issues which will as a consequence of encouraging tourism and recreation, by be determined in accordance with local and national policy. the addition of a similar protective phrase to that used in association with World Heritage Sites (Objective 2d). A similar Objective 4c recognises the need for effective travel demand caution should be recorded in Section 3 (key priority g). management in areas where visitor pressures may impact upon local environments and habitats Green Infrastructure - The importance of Green Infrastructure Objective 4e should be amended to reflect this point in providing alternative open-space to sensitive sites, reducing the risk of damage from recreational over-use, is mentioned in one location (Environmental Limits) but not others, and this point should be picked up in Objective 4e, Focus for Action b).
Future North West 2:Future North West
Recommendations to improve ʻFuture North Westʼ
Changes made in August document
Comments
Climatic Factors and Flooding Page 10 lists a number of ʻassumptionsʼ on which the document is based. The assumption that businesses, individuals and communities will be willing and able to make the massive changes that are required to adapt to climate change should be included in this list. On a similar note, the challenges of climate change adaptation for individuals, businesses and communities should be included as one of the ʻbig ticket issuesʼ on page 18. While the focus for action under objective 1a c) lists a number of Theme1 was significantly ways to encourage and promote behavioural change by restructured. Objective 1c businesses, households and individuals, when this list is explicitly recognises the examined closer, all of the actions relate to changes for importance of improving business, and none of them in fact relate to households or domestic energy and individuals. This is the same situation under objective 1b c) and resource efficiency under objective 1c c); again, none of these actions are within the individual control of households or individuals. Either the text ʻencourage behavioural change by businesses, households and individualsʼ should be amended in these ʻfoci for actionʼ, or further actions must be adopted which households and individuals can take responsibility for – and this will be key to ensuring the relevance of the document to individuals and communities, not just big business.
We are not sure that this is an assumption. It is more about recognising the importance of behavioural change in taking effective action to address climate change. This is picked up in the document.
Objective 2c – Focus for Action – An explanation as to how ʻsustainable growthʼ will be defined should be provided at the Implementation Plan stage.
This is beyond the scope of the document. The detailed policy approach to airport growth will be set out in the forthcoming Aviation National Policy Statement and individual Airport Masterplans
Should consider expanding BTI 4 to recognise the importance of adapting to climate change
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Comments
Health and health Equality This could be considered alongside Natural Englandʼs alternative text for Objective 4e
In sub-regions where health deprivation is particularly entrenched, this should be highlighted as a key issue in Section 3.
This point is adequately addressed in Objectives 3c and 3d
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Objective 4(e) – the benefits of green infrastructure could be better articulated by rewording to state: ʻIt is vital that the benefits of providing green infrastructure in particular for promoting healthy lifestyles, neighbourhood amenity, social inclusion, leisure and recreation, transport and industry is recognised.
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Changes made in August documents
Comments
Communities, Equality and Diversity Adaptation to unavoidable climate is an issue that the whole region faces. We agree that different communities will face different challenges: however, actions to address local challenges and community needs are best determined at a local level.
Executive summary, table on themes, outcomes, objectives and targets – Fourth theme, fourth outcome – reword as: ʻImproving the range, accessibility and depth of quality employment opportunities for all…ʼ The 12 big ticket issues – Issue 8 – reword as: Reduce levels of ill-health, deprivation and inequalityʼ.
Consider amending outcome as suggested
Section 1 Context and Vision, Introduction, paragraph 4 – reword sentence: ʻSuch as increasing skills, employment, enterprise and productivity levels which are currently among the lowest in the UK, as well as tackling ill-health, in-equalities and discrimination, poor housing and addressing areas of considerable deprivation…ʼ
Consider amending paragraph as suggested.
Assumptions, page 10 – include bullet point addressing other sources of inequality and discrimination, not just health. Without behavioural change to address discrimination and/or intervention, in-equalities experienced by BME communities, LGBT people, young people and the elderly will continue.
This is adequately addressed in Objectives 3d and 3e
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Executive summary, table on themes, outcomes, objectives and targets – First theme, second objective – reword as ʻEnsure that the North West understands and adapts to the implications of unavoidable climate change, and provides assistance in adaptation for deprived communities, recognising that they are more likely to be disproportionately affectedʼ.
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Consider revised wording suggested.
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Changes made in August document
Comments Specific targets may need to be identified, but this could only be done once the delivery and governance mechanisms have been established
Theme – ʻEnsure the right housing and infrastructure for sustainable growth – first outcome, reword as: ʻCreating balanced housing markets across the North West that support economic growth and are located close to economic opportunities, strengthen inclusion and ensure that everyone has access to welldesigned, high-quality, affordable housing in mixed, sustainable communitiesʼ.
This is adequately addressed in Objective 4a
Objective 1(b) Focus for North West Action, (c), reword as: ʻEnsuring that the risks and opportunities from climate change for North West businesses and communities (especially deprived communities who are less able to respond), are clearly understood and potential responses developed and applied to increase the resilience of services, transport, critical infrastructure, green infrastructure, natural systems, landscapes, habitats, land use, food production and the urban fabric, including housingʼ. Objective 2(b) – Emphasis should be placed on up-skilling the local population first, reword text to state: ʻWe need to develop, attract and retain skilled peopleʼ in text and focus for action statements.
Consider amending Objective 1b to add reference to food production and housing as suggested
Objective 3b – Focus for Action (c) – recognise the need to build the capacity of third sector support for LGBT people.
It is not clear why LGBT should be recognised specifically given that no other group is identified.
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The theme ʻrelease the potential of our people and tackle poverty byʼ identifies a number of targets – this section would benefit from specific targets which relate to the needs of specific equalities groups, many of these targets pose additional challenges for equalities groups, which are not currently acknowledged. To release potential and tackle poverty we need to specifically target those groups which are performing lower than the North West average.
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The meaning of this suggested change is unclear
Changes made in August documents
Comments
This is adequately addressed in the actions for Objective 3d in the annex
Objective 3d- Focus for Action (b) – reword second bullet point as follows:ʻ…-by focusing on the social, economic and environmental causes of ill health and ensuring high quality primary care services, including tailored services where necessary for equalities groupsʼ.
This is adequately addressed in the actions for Objective 3e in the annex
Objective 3d- Focus for Action (c) – Reword third bullet point: (This will include activity within the North West to address antidiscrimination, anti-racism, homophobia, hetrosexism and bullying)
This is adequately addressed in the actions for Objectives 3d and 3e in the annex
Objective 3d- Focus for Action (d) – Reword second bullet point – ʻ…so that all people in the North West can live wellʼ – as the current text currently excludes some equalities groups.
Consider amending Objective 3d action in the annex as suggested
Objective 3e – Focus for Action (c) – Add additional bullet point – ʻTackle bullying and discrimination in schools and workplacesʼ
This is adequately addressed in the actions for Objectives 3d and 3e in the annex
Objective 4a – Focus for Action (a) – Bullet point 2 – add ʻemployment opportunitiesʼ after economic growth, and add an additional bullet point ʻ Improving access to services and employment for existing communitiesʼ.
This would add little value. Employment is an intrinsic element of sustainable economic growth. The second point is addressed a number of times throughout the document.
Objective 4d – Introductory text – reword final paragraph – ʻLinking employment opportunities with both existing and future housing will be importantʼ.
This would add little value to the document
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Objective 3d- Focus for Action (b) – This section should also refer to the need to tackle barriers such as low aspirations and community influence.
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We do not believe the evidence supports LGBT being classed as an ʻunder-employedʼ group
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Objective 3d- Focus for Action (a) – include LGBT in the list of under-employed groups.
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Objective 4d – focus for Action (a) – Add additional bullet point after final bullet point – ʻSupport regeneration and employment opportunities for deprived communitiesʼ. Section 3, sub-section (c) – reword fifth bullet point – ʻfocus development within existing towns and cities particularly the regeneration of appropriate brownfield sites which provide accessible employment opportunities for local communitiesʼ.
Comments The final bullet should be amended to recognise the regeneration role of some strategic sites
This paragraph was removed, as the location of development is a matter for local determination in accordance with national policy
Innovation, Economy and Employment
Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region are the areas most affected by employment deprivation. These areas should be targeted for skills development in section 3 of ʻFuture North West: Our Shared Prioritiesʼ.
Skills development is central to the economic health of all parts of the region. The approach to skills development is set out in Objective 3a
It is recommended that Objective 2d also promotes the potential role of other areas of the North West (beyond the established destinations) in developing the tourism sector. Spreading the value of tourism throughout the region is consistent with sustainable economic growth.
Objective 2d intentionally focuses upon those destinations which are considered to be internationally and nationally important.
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We believe there is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of home working to improve resource efficiency
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It is recommended that ʻFuture North Westʼ seeks to promote home working, on the back of the roll-out of Next Generation Access broadband articulated in Objective 4b. The encouragement of opportunities for home working in Objective 1c would have multiple positive implications for the economy, helping to reduce the need to travel, reduce congestion, improve air quality and potentially improve the viability of the rural economy; and would link in with the aspirations set out in Objective 4b.
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Changes made in August document
Comments The location of development is a matter for local determination in accordance with national policy
There is need to ensure that a wide range of employment opportunities are developed in the region, in order to meet the employment needs of existing residents alongside attracting talented individuals to move to the North West. In Objective 3a include a new bullet point after bullet point 3 which states “Investment and employment creation will also be encouraged in other employment sectors such as the visitor and tourism sector and creative industries, in order to supplement targeted growth in high value employment sectors. The region will continue to be outward-looking and responsive to external economic pressures and new opportunities for growth.”
Objective 3a supports both high value and high employment sectors
Include a reference in Objective 3a to the need for strong governance arrangements to ensure linkages between the private sector and supporting education institutions, local authorities, emerging LEPs and central government. This issue should also be addressed in the Implementation Plan.
Consider addition to text making this point.
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Objective 2d was amended to refer to the promotion of Cumbria and Pennine Lancashireʼs adventure tourism offers.
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Heritage and Landscape Objective 2d – remove the reference to the Lake District being the “adventure capital” of the UK. Amend bullet point 8 to read: ʻPromoting, protecting and enhancing the North Westʼs distinctive historic and natural environments, in particular - … This will make this bullet point consistent with the approach taken for the final bullet point, which refers to protecting and enhancing Liverpool and Hadrianʼs Wall World Heritage Sites.
6/12/10
Objective 4d - insert a new bullet point into paragraph 2 section ʻa)ʼ which states that “where sustainable in planning terms, strategic employment sites will be located close to those areas suffering most from employment deprivation.”
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Section 3, subsections (f) and (g) (page 50) – insert the word ʻprotectʼ into the text in relation to areas of heritage value within the North West, to act as a balance for developing and promoting them. Recognise that the need for careful planning of the location, scale and type of renewable energy technology deployed across the region, in order to avoid damage to European sites or highly valued landscapes. A reference to this effect should be made under Objective 1a.
Beyond the scope of this document. Heritage assets are protected through national and local policy.
The principles set out in the Environmental Limits section apply to all forms of development including renewable energy generation. It is assumed that the document will be read ʻas a wholeʼ. Therefore having upfront overarching principles on Environmental Limits avoids the need for repetition throughout the document. This is a matter for local determination in accordance with national policy
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There should continue to be a focus in areas of most need – to focus effort and investment (public and private) on the full range of activities need to create sustainable communities, i.e. not just housing. This targeting of effort should address areas most likely to benefit (change for the better) as a result of such investment. Consideration should be given to identifying the specific areas in the region which should be targeted for regeneration activity, based on the evidence base and expanding on the limited focus on housing issues in Section D.
Comments
6/12/10
Housing Objective 4a should encourage the identification of sites (with suitable pitch and plot provision) for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, which support the development of inclusive mixed communities and where they have access to facilities and services such as health care and schools.
Changes made in August document
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Objective 3c sets out a strategic approach to the regeneration of communities, which was developed in close collaboration with sub regional partners
Changes made in August documents
Comments
Land (including waste) and water resources The issue of contaminated land is a matter for local determination in accordance with national policy
Objective 4e: add a reference within the text and ʻfocus for actionʼ that addresses the importance of protecting and conserving soil resources within the North West, particularly the role they play in maintaining food security. Objective 1c: add a section to bullet point four within the ʻFocus for North West actionʼ that addresses the need to ensure that hazardous waste is managed sustainably within the region.
This is addressed in the Environmental Limits section
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Objective 1c, ʻFocus for Action b), bullet point 2 – add a further sub-bullet point in relation to retrofitting of existing housing stock and business premises with water efficiency measures.
6/12/10
Objective 4d: to address the issue of contaminated land, a new paragraph should be inserted to the introductory text on page 43 which reads: "The North West was at the forefront of the industrial revolution and to this day remains one of the UKʼs major manufacturing centres. This past industrial activity means that contaminated land acts a development constraint in many areas of the region such as north Liverpool. Successful remediation of contaminated land is fundamental to improving the image of the region and also to ensuring that former industrial areas can contribute positively to economic growth and competitiveness of the region, attract investment, and where appropriate provide attractive sites for residential development. The development of greenfield sites should be controlled at the local authority level so as to encourage the remediation and subsequent development on contaminated sites."
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This is covered in the detailed actions for Objective 1c in the annex
Objective 1c recognises the importance of water efficiency
Rural Areas Objective 3e – this section should make reference to the migration of young people from rural areas to urban, reflecting the lack of affordable housing, services and job opportunities.
Changes made in August document
Comments
The social and economic challenges that the regionʼs rural communities face are set out in Section D – Places, Priority (i). Could amend to recognise the issue of outmigration Priority (i) should be amended to recognise opportunities around renewable energy generation and forestry
The references to food security in the strategy are welcomed; however the strategy could give greater recognition to the importance of the regionʼs rural areas for food production in the context of the need to reduce the distance food travels and thus contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Strengths in food production are recognised in Section D, Priority (i)
Objective 1b (c) encourage and promote behavioural change… this list should be expanded to include ʻfood securityʼ – it is implicitly recognised within ʻnatural systemsʼ but should be explicitly included.
Objective 1b could be amended to include food production processes
Page 15 - Under outcomes for ʻreleasing the potential of our people and tackle povertyʼ, include reference to addressing the unique circumstances and needs of deprived rural and coastal communitiesʼ
The social and economic challenges that the regionʼs rural communities face are set out in Section D – Places, Priority (i).
6/12/10
Priority (i) in the ʻpriorities for places sectionʼ recognises the contribution of the North Westʼs rural areas, including agriculture, food production and processing, tourism/recreation, and carbon storage, but should be expanded to include explicit reference to the importance of the renewable energy generation and forestry industries in rural areas, recognising that these industries help to sustain rural economies and contribute to management of the environment, as well as contributing to adaptation to climate change.
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Objective 3(b) – introductory text, second paragraph – this paragraph makes reference to rural deprivation and identifies issues of access to services, lack of affordable housing and low household incomes. This should be expanded to include the impacts of an aging rural population and outward migration of young people as a result of lack of affordable housing and low household incomes, and what the subsequent implications will be for service provision and the rural labour pool.
The social and economic challenges that the regionʼs rural communities face are set out in Section D – Places, Priority (i). Recommendations made for amending Priority (i) will address this issue
Objective 3(d) – introductory text, final paragraph – relates to the social determinants of health. This section should be expanded to refer to the problems caused by inability to access health services, which are also a contributor to poor health – this is a particular issue for deprived rural communities and even more so, for elderly people within those communities.
The social and economic challenges that the regionʼs rural communities face are set out in Section D – Places, Priority (i). This specifically recognises the importance of equitable access to services.
Objective 3(e) – introductory text – this explains a number of the key demographic trends which have implications for the North West workforce and services. Outward migration of young people from rural areas and the rapidly aging rural population in some areas should also be identified as a key demographic issue in this section.
The social and economic challenges that the regionʼs rural communities face are set out in Section D – Places, Priority (i). Recommendations made for amending Priority (i) will address this issue
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This is adequately addressed in the document
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Objective 1(b) introductory text – the second paragraph highlights the extensive physical and emotional damage that floods can cause in local areas, this should be expanded to state ʻparticularly in deprived or isolated rural and coastal communitiesʼ to recognise the disproportionate affect of flooding in these areas.
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Objective 4(c) – introductory text – first paragraph on page 42, include additional text to the effect that: ʻIn much of the countryside, its economic success will always be dependent on car and road based freight transport, which creates issues of inequality for those without ready access to private transportʼ.
Changes made in August documents
Comments The social and economic challenges that the regionʼs rural communities face are set out in Section D – Places, Priority (i). Recommendations made for amending Priority (i) will address this issue
Implementation Plan – Ensure evidence-based targeting of regeneration programmes is designed to reflect equitable opportunity for rural and urban communities. Transport and Air Quality
The need to reduce emissions is recognised in the supporting text to Objective 4c. Delivery of the range of actions identified under this objective will contribute towards reductions in emissions.
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This would repeat established national policy and therefore add little value
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The document sets out only those transport issues of strategic importance to the NW as a whole. Other transport priorities are for local determination in accordance with national policy
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Objective 4c - seeks to improve internal connectivity in the region through improvements to sustainable transport infrastructure, which better connects opportunity and need. In order to maximise the benefits of Objective 4c, specific areas in need of improvements in connectivity such as Cumbria should be identified (informed by the evidence base). This could also be reflected in Section 3. Objective 4c – Focus for Action (a) – Insert new bullet point at top of list: ʻIntegrating land use and transport planning to reduce the need to travelʼ. Air quality is identified as a key issue in the environmental limits section of ʻFuture North West: Our Shared Prioritiesʼ. Therefore more emphasis should be placed in Objective 4c on the need to reduce emissions from transport, particularly in the urban areas of the region. Under bullet point two b) a new sub-bullet point should be added which reads “Reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from transport, particularly in urban areas”.
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The Northwest Regional Development Agency PO Box 37 Renaissance House Centre Park Warrington WA1 1XB Tel: +44 (0)1925 400 100 Fax: +44 (0)1925 400 400 www.nwda.co.uk
North West Regional Leaders Board c/o St Helens Council Town Hall Victoria Square St Helens Merseyside WA1 1HP Michelle Stoddart Tel: +44 (0)1744 671 644 E-mail: michellestoddart@sthelens.gov.uk