Environment

Adopted Unitary Development Plan

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Introduction

5.1 'Environment', in the broadest sense, covers almost every aspect of life within Salford, and it is of enormous significance to the quality of life enjoyed by the City's residents. The creation of a pleasant and safe environment is essential to the Plan's urban regeneration aims, particularly by improving the City's image and encouraging investment. The protection and improvement of the City's environment is therefore a key aspect of the Plan's overall strategy.

5.2 Components of "the environment" include the City's built form and townscape, landscape, open space, natural habitats, transport corridors and the atmosphere. The City has many environmental assets:

about one third of its area is made up of land within the Green Belt
there are substantial areas of woodland, including Worsley Woods, Botany Bay Wood and Middlewood
the Croal-Irwell Valley is a major green wedge which penetrates into the heart of the City
there are 16 conservation areas and over 250 listed buildings; and
there are many pleasant residential and industrial areas.

However, the City also has a number of environmental problems, which take the form of congested and obsolescent areas, poor quality old (and some newer) housing estates, the intermixture of housing and industry, poorly-maintained open spaces, and the adverse effects of traffic.

5.3 Although people tend to think of Salford as an urban area, over half of the City is made up of open land. This varies in character from the intensively farmed areas of Chat Moss (the largest area of Grade 1 agricultural land in the County) to parts of the Croal-Irwell Valley despoiled by industrial activity. The City's open land is of vital importance for landscape and nature conservation, as a buffer between built-up areas, and for the provision of leisure and recreation. Open land is, however, subject to changes in farming methods, development pressures and the sometimes conflicting interests of those who use and enjoy the countryside. The UDP aims to safeguard the countryside for its own sake and will seek to protect and conserve non-renewable and natural resources.

5.4 Within the City's built-up area, the environmental issues are even more diverse. The quality of the residential and industrial parts of the City varies enormously. Environmental quality tends to be better in the outer areas of the City than in the more congested inner areas, but a substantial proportion of the City's conservation areas and listed buildings are found in the six Inner City wards. Despite Salford's record of being the first major industrial city to achieve 100% smoke control, other problems of pollution, especially of water courses, and also noise pollution, remain to be tackled. Hazardous installations also continue to pose problems, as well as to provide employment.

5.5 The City Council has adopted a number of strategies to tackle particular aspects of the City's environment. These include an Environmental Strategy, a Countryside Recreation Strategy and a Moss lands Strategy, the latter having been produced and adopted in conjunction with Wigan M.B. A number of new strategies are also proposed including a Landscape Strategy, a Nature Conservation Strategy, and an Access Strategy.

5.6 These various strategies develop further the broad policy framework established in the UDP. They also present an opportunity to put forward Council policies which are not entirely land use based and which cannot therefore find expression in the UDP.

5.7 The City Council has undertaken an Environmental Audit in order to assess the current state of the local environment, the factors influencing it and the environmental impact of the City Council's working practices. The audit will be used as a baseline against which to assess the effectiveness of existing environmental policies and, in conjunction with the UDP, it will be used to develop a new broad Environmental Strategy for the City.

Strategy

5.8 The overall task of creating a pleasant and safe environment involves a commitment to:

conserving and improving the City's environmental assets;
removing or upgrading environmentally unsatisfactory features;
pursuing quality in all aspects of environmental planning; and
achieving a balance between development and environmental protection.

5.9 In particular, the City Council will not normally permit development within the Green Belt unless this accords with the provisions of policy EN2, and it will not normally permit development on all other open land unless it accords with the provisions of policy EN3. In addition the City Council will not normally permit development which would have an unacceptable impact on sites and features of ecological, landscape or archaeological importance and areas of architectural and historic interest.

5.10 The all-embracing nature of "the environment" requires that action is needed on a number of different levels if significant improvements are to be achieved. The City Council will encourage improved standards of maintenance and promote environmental care through education and awareness campaigns. It will also continue its drive to improve industrial and housing areas through the promotion of area based improvement initiatives wherever this is feasible and appropriate. Experience suggests that the concentration of activity and resources within particular areas will provide the greatest benefits. The City Council's priorities will centre upon:

the Inner City, particularly Central Salford
the remainder of the defined Investment Priority Area
areas of particular landscape, ecological and nature conservation significance and especially the Croal-Irwell Valley
the town centres of Eccles, Walkden, Swinton and Salford Precinct, and
the transport corridors.

5.11 This strategy, and the policies and proposals which follow, together make up the City Council's approach to all aspects of the environment. The approach is in accordance with Strategic Planning Guidance, in that it incorporates the Greater Manchester Green Belt, as presently defined, provides for farming needs, and for the protection and enhancement of river valleys and open land. It also addresses the issues posed by ecological, scenic, cultural and heritage considerations, and the need for nature conservation.

Green Belt

Policy (Part I)
EN1 - The Greater Manchester Green Belt within Salford will comprise land defined by policy EN22 as identified on the Proposals Map.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The City Council supports the principle of the Greater Manchester Green Belt. The purposes of the Green Belt area:

   i. to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas
   ii. to prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another
   iii. to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment
   iv. to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and
   v. to assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict land and other urban land.

Green Belts also play a positive role in fulfilling the following objectives:

to provide opportunities for access to the open countryside for the urban population
to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation near urban areas
to retain attractive landscapes, and enhance landscapes, near to where people live
to improve damaged and derelict land around towns
to secure nature conservation interest; and
to retain land in agricultural, forestry and related uses.

In Salford's case the Green Belt contains areas which are of scenic importance, areas of high grade agricultural land and features of ecological value. They will be protected in accordance with the other policies in the Plan. Having given detailed consideration to development needs within the City in other sections of the Plan, it is considered that there is no overriding need to allocate sites for development within the existing Green Belt.

Development Within Green Belt

Policy (Part I)
EN2 - The character of the Green Belt will be preserved by:

   i. maintaining a general presumption against inappropriate development within it
   ii. protecting its visual amenity by resisting proposals for development within or conspicuous from the Green Belt which, although they would not prejudice the purposes of including land in the Green Belt, might be visually detrimental by reasons of their siting, materials, or design; and
   iii. permitting the working of minerals, provided that high environmental standards are maintained and that the affected sites are well restored.

The construction of new buildings within the Green Belt will be considered to be inappropriate unless it is for the following purposes:

agriculture and forestry (unless permitted development rights have been withdrawn)
essential facilities for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation, for cemeteries, and for other uses of land which preserve the openness of the Green Belt and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it, as defined in the reasoned justification to policy EN1; or
limited extension, alteration or replacement of existing dwellings, provided this would not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building, or in the case of replacement the new dwelling is not materially larger than the one it replaces.

The re-use of buildings within the Green Belt will not be considered to be inappropriate providing:

a. it does not have a materially greater impact than the present use on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land within it
b. any extension of re-used buildings, and any associated uses of land surrounding the building do not conflict with the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land in it (e.g., because they involve extensive external storage, or extensive hardstanding, car parking, boundary walling or fencing); c) the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction, and are capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction; and d) the form, bulk and general design of the buildings are in keeping with their surroundings.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The policy indicates the way in which the City Council will consider planning applications within the Green Belt. The aim of the policy is to ensure that the Green Belt's most important attribute, its openness, is maintained and that inappropriate development does not take place.

Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and such development will not be approved except in very special circumstances. Very special circumstances to justify inappropriate development will not exist unless the harm, by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm, is clearly outweighed by other considerations. In view of the presumption against inappropriate development the City Council will attach substantial weight to the harm to Green Belt when considering any planning application concerning such development.

Agriculture and forestry are traditional uses within the Green Belt. They form an important part of the rural economy and can help to secure the proper management of Green Belt land. Outdoor recreation facilities and cemeteries are uses which have a low proportion of buildings to land area and can therefore normally be accommodated within the Green Belt without undue detriment to the rural character of the area. Essential facilities associated with such uses, referred to in criterion 2 of the policy, should be genuinely required for uses of land which preserve the openness of the Green Belt and do not conflict with the purposes of including land in it. Possible examples of such facilities include small changing rooms or unobtrusive spectator accommodation for outdoor sport, or small stables for outdoor sport and outdoor recreation.

Provided that it does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building, the extension or alteration of dwellings is not inappropriate in the Green Belt. The replacement of existing dwellings need not be inappropriate, provided the new dwellings are not materially larger than the dwellings they replace.

Mineral extraction operations need not be incompatible with Green Belt objectives provided that high environmental standards are maintained and the site is well restored. The City Council will, therefore, give special consideration to such proposals, considering each case on its own merits and in accordance with the detailed guidance contained within the Minerals and Waste Disposal Section of the UDP.

The statutory definition of development includes engineering and other operations and the making of any material changes in the use of land. The carrying out of such operations and the making of material changes in the use of land are inappropriate development unless they maintain openness and do not conflict with the purposes of including land in the Green Belt.

With suitable safeguards, of the types listed within policy EN2, the re-use of buildings should not prejudice the openness of the Green Belt. It can help to secure the continuing stewardship of land, especially by assisting farmers in diversifying their enterprises, and may contribute to the objectives for the use of land in the Green Belt.

Protected Open Land

Policy (Part I)
EN3 - The City Council will seek to protect and enhance all existing areas of open land. On all open land not protected by Green Belt, planning permission will normally be refused for all development except for that in the following categories:

   i. development required by or in conformity with the UDP as a whole
   ii. the construction of new buildings or the change of use of existing buildings for uses associated with agriculture and forestry, outdoor sport, cemeteries, institutions standing in extensive grounds or other uses consistent with open land status
   iii. the working of minerals provided that high environmental standards are maintained and the affected sites are well restored
   iv. the re-use of buildings for purposes which would help to diversify the rural economy, provided that they are capable of re-use without significantly changing their existing form, character and setting. Adequate standards of vehicular access will also be required
   v. development which is essential for the protection of an established source of employment
   vi. limited infilling which would not adversely affect the character or scale of the existing settlements and open spaces; and
   vii. development which is essential to the provision and improvement of public services and utilities.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

Important areas of open land are not confined to the Green Belt. All open land, whether in a rural, edge of town or urban setting can make a significant contribution to the quality of life within the City and is of value for a variety of reasons, for example:

it contributes to the character or identity of a specific part of the City
it provides relief within a built up area
it provides an opportunity for formal or informal recreational provision
it provides a buffer between incompatible or conflicting uses
it provides an open space link between the urban area and the open countryside or between key areas of open space
it is important in landscape and amenity terms; or
it is of wildlife and nature conservation importance

The need to channel development into the urban area must be balanced against the need for open space and recreation facilities. The protection of open land within urban areas and in the urban fringe is therefore as important as the protection afforded to Green Belt.

Agriculture

Policy (Part I)
EN4 - The City Council will safeguard the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a). The City Council will not normally grant planning permission for non-agricultural use of such land if the development would be likely to result in the loss of the land in the longer term as a high quality agricultural resource. Where less versatile land becomes surplus to agricultural requirements there will be a presumption in favour of proposals which safeguard the open character of the land and are of recreation, landscape or nature conservation value, subject to compliance with other policies and proposals of the UDP.

The possibility of severance or fragmentation of farm holdings resulting from development proposals will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

Agriculture is a major land use within the City and also an important economic asset. Much of this land is of high quality (Grades 1, 2 and 3a) and should be protected from loss in accordance with Strategic Guidance and Central Government advice.

Nature Conservation

Policy (Part I)
EN5 - The City Council will seek to improve the environment for nature through:

   i. the identification, protection, improvement and promotion of an integrated network of wildlife habitats and corridors as shown on the Proposals Map as an Area of Search
   ii. the protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Biological Importance, and as far as possible other sites of ecological or geological value; and
   iii. the management of land

Within the Area of Search referred to in point (i) above, all new development will be evaluated for the impact that it would have on the value of the wildlife corridor. Development will not normally be permitted where this would

   a. significantly impair the continuity of a wildlife corridor
   b. significantly impair the efficient functioning of a wildlife corridor for the colonisation or movement of flora and fauna in either a local or strategic sense
   c. result in a significant reduction of habitat of demonstrable value within the wildlife corridor, or
   d. result in significant harm to any protected species known to be dependent on the use of the affected part of the wildlife corridor for migration, breeding, feeding or shelter.

The Council will seek to ensure that any development permitted within a wildlife corridor will minimise any detrimental impact on the area affected by the proposal by appropriate siting, design and landscaping;

Nature conservation will be a material consideration in evaluating development proposals and planning permission will not normally be granted for development which would have an unacceptable impact on any site or feature of ecological or geological importance, or would prejudice the intended functioning of a wildlife corridor, or would result in harm to a protected species or its habitat, or would otherwise prejudice the implementation of this policy.

Where development is permitted, development proposals should minimise adverse effects on nature conservation features. The design of new development, including landscaping, should where possible enhance existing and/or provide new wildlife habitats. Planning applications should describe provision for long-term after care of the site to ensure that nature conservation benefits are maintained.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

Our natural heritage is of national and international importance and it therefore deserves to be both protected and nurtured.

An integrated network of wildlife habitats and corridors will assist the migration of wildlife throughout the City and create an environment in which it can thrive. However, wildlife is not static and its very dynamism can make it difficult to place precise boundaries on the areas functioning as a wildlife corridor. Nevertheless the recently completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 Habitat Surveys have enabled the identification of an Area of Search within which there functions a strategic network of wildlife corridors. This Area of Search comprises a mixture of linked open land and linear features such as rivers, canals and railways. The major criteria used for the identification of corridors are:

continuity of open land and associated habitats within Salford and between Districts
continuous linkage between open country and the urban heartland
minimum width equivalent to that of a narrow canal or railway line.

There is potential for the wildlife value of the corridor network to be improved by site protection, sensitive management and habitat creation. Such measures will be explored in more detail through the preparation of a Nature Conservation Strategy.

It is important to recognise that wildlife corridors may function in a variety of ways and development which may be proposed within a wildlife corridor may not necessarily prejudice that function. It should not be assumed that every parcel of land within the Area of Search will be of significant wildlife value. Each proposal and corridor to which it relates must be regarded on its merits and the net impact regarded as a material consideration in the determination of any proposals. In considering the impact of a proposal, particular attention will be paid to:

   a. the existing wildlife value of the site affected
   b. the existing and potential value of the site affected as part of the wildlife corridor as a whole
   c. the net value of any proposed landscaping scheme submitted as an integral part of the development proposed.

In a highly urbanised environment sites and features of importance for the conservation of wildlife and nature constitute a scarce resource, having enormous conservation, recreation, education and aesthetic value. Once destroyed, such resources are difficult or impossible to replace. The best sites in Salford are represented as Sites of Biological Importance. There are, however, many other sites of less ecological value than SBI's but which, nevertheless, deserve protection wherever possible.

At present there are 34 Sites of Biological Importance (SBI) within Salford. They are listed below, and are indicated on the Environment Strategy Diagram. Over the Plan period it is probable that the boundaries and gradings of some SBI's will change and that new SBI's will be identified.

Site	Ward
Botany Bay Wood	Worsley & Boothstown
Ponds at New Manchester	Walkden South
Blackleach Reservoir	Walkden North
Clifton Moss	Walkden North
Middlewood	Worsley & Boothstown
Worsley Woods	Worsley & Boothstown
Brickfield Wood	Worsley & Boothstown
Agecroft PFA Site	Pendlebury
Oakwood	Pendlebury
River Irwell Old Course	Irlam & Cadishead
Bridgewater Canal	Eccles, Winton, Barton
Great Woolden Wood	Cadishead
Land adj. Lancashire Tar Distillery	Cadishead
Land North of Moss Farm	Irlam
Bittern Pits Wood	Worsley & Boothstown
Marsh Near Clifton Junction	Pendlebury
Unity Brook	Pendlebury
Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal	Pendlebury
Grassland and Heath off Clively Avenue	Pendlebury
Dawney's Hill, Brindleheath	Pendlebury
How Clough	Walkden South
Whittlebrook Reservoir, Walkden	Walkden South
Greenheys Marsh	Little Hulton
Kersal Dale	Kersal
Little Woolden Moss	Cadishead
Foxhill Glen	Winton
Alder Forest Marsh	Winton
Three Sisters	Eccles
Kersal Moor	Kersal
Kersal High School Grounds	Kersal
Springside Reservoir	Walkden North
Brindleheath Junction	Pendleton
Town Gate Marsh	Irlam
Salford Quays North	Ordsall

Details relating to the precise location and extent of Sites of Biological Importance can be obtained from the Register of Sites of Biological Importance which is held by the Local Planning Authority.

The City Council is seeking to designate Clifton Moss as a Local Nature Reserve (see Proposal EN26) and will consider the designation of other Local Nature Reserves as appropriate.

Many areas important for nature conservation require careful and special management in order to ensure that their value for wildlife is not diminished.

The preparation of detailed management plans and the use of management agreements with landowners can provide the opportunity to ensure that such management is carried out.

Existing open spaces can also be managed to promote wildlife, for example, by developing a range of wildlife habitats as an alternative to mown grass.

The City Council will prepare a Nature Conservation Strategy which will provide detailed guidance on the implementation of policies related to the improvement of the City for nature conservation. Many of the policies will relate to land management. However, the principal land use policies contained within the Nature Conservation Strategy will be those contained in policies EN5(i) and EN5(ii) of the UDP. To that extent the Nature Conservation Strategy will act as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the Unitary Development Plan, particularly in respect of the implementation of policy EN5. The Nature Conservation Strategy will be subject to public consultation and will set out in detail the guidelines for the implementation of the City Council's UDP policies in respect of the protection of sites and features of ecological and geological value, the protection of wildlife corridors, as well as any other management policies with respect to habitat management, education and information.

The identification of protected sites and the boundary of the Area of Search for Wildlife Corridors has already been undertaken. The Area of Search for Wildlife Corridors is shown on the Proposals Map. Protected sites are not shown on the Proposals Map but this information will be included in the Nature Conservation Strategy as Supplementary Planning Guidance. In addition, the Nature Conservation Strategy will define areas of wildlife deficiency in which the City Council will seek to create new areas of wildlife interest through habitat creation. In addition to already identified Sites of Biological Importance, the Nature Conservation Strategy will set out criteria and guidelines for the protection of more local sites and features of wildlife interest such as reservoirs, ponds, hedgerows, copses, etc.

The Strategy will seek to promote land management techniques which will encourage wildlife and habitat diversity, particularly in open space and amenity areas. The Strategy will have due regard to policies and practices contained within other City Council strategies including those for Landscape, Access and Open Space.

New development can pose a threat to nature conservation but it can also create new opportunities for habitat creation. The City Council will therefore wish to assess the likely impact of any development proposal on sites and features of ecological or geological importance and wildlife corridors in order to ensure that wherever possible this impact creates benefits for wildlife.

In cases where development proposals would damage a protected site, the City Council would require the applicant to demonstrate that the potential benefits of the proposed development exceed the decrease in nature conservation value of the site, and that any such decrease has been kept to a minimum and compensated for by habitat creation/enhancement elsewhere within the site or surrounding area.

Conservation of the Moss lands

Policy (Part I)
EN6 - The City Council will protect and enhance the Moss lands. Within the Moss lands Strategy Area as identified on the Proposals Map, planning permission will not normally be granted for proposals which would be detrimental to the wildlife of the Moss lands or which would not provide an afteruse which is of positive benefit to Moss lands wildlife. Within the Remnant Moss lands as identified on the Proposals Map, planning permission will also not normally be granted for mineral extraction (including peat extraction) and/or the disposal of waste and/or the improvement of land for agriculture where this falls within the scope of planning control.

Within the Moss lands the local planning authority will seek to renegotiate conditions on appropriate extant planning permissions, in order to provide an afteruse which is of positive benefit to wildlife.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The Moss lands of Greater Manchester have been dramatically altered by drainage, agriculture and peat extraction. In 1988, only 5% of the area of moss land that existed in 1943 remained free from development, including agriculture. Of this nearly 40% was already under pressure for peat extraction.

The Moss lands are still of considerable value in terms of nature conservation, landscape, archaeology and palaeobotany. In recognition of this fact the City Council, in conjunction with Wigan MBC, have adopted a Moss lands Strategy which seeks to preserve and enhance their value. The Moss lands Strategy comprises supplementary planning guidance to the Unitary Development Plan, and contains more detailed policies on protection, enhancement and management issues.

Many species of plant and animal traditionally found within moss lands have been lost as a result of development and changes in land management. Those species which remain must therefore be protected and encouraged to flourish. In exceptional cases careful removal of peat may create the right conditions under which lowland mosses can regenerate and recolonise. By applying afteruse conditions to planning applications for peat extraction, and re-negotiating conditions attached to existing permissions the City Council can ensure that peat extractions create the right kind of conditions under which the regeneration and recolonisation process may occur.

The Remnant Moss lands which are identified on the Proposals Map are those areas of semi-natural, uncultivated moss which, although dried out and degraded, nevertheless still provide an important indication of the Moss lands' former natural history. Although within Salford they cover only a very small part of the Moss lands area, the Remnant Moss lands remain of considerable nature conservation and landscape interest and are of potential archaeological and palaeobotanical importance. By seeking to control development such as peat extraction, waste disposal and cultivation, the value of the Remnant Moss lands can be preserved and/or enhanced.

In order to implement this policy, consideration will be given to the renegotiation of restoration conditions attached to relevant extant planning permissions, the acquisition of the Remnant Moss lands by either the City Council or other agencies such as a local Nature Conservation Trust, or alternatively the use of management agreements with land owners.

Conservation of Trees and Woodlands

Policy (Part I)
EN7 - The City Council will encourage the conservation of trees and woodland by:

   i. supporting the retention of trees, woods, copses and hedgerows;
   ii. identifying and taking opportunities to increase the area of trees and woodland within the City;
   iii. ensuring that new tree planting is designed to contribute to wildlife conservation, recreation and education opportunities as well as landscape quality; and
   iv. making Tree Preservation Orders or entering into management agreements as necessary.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

Woodland and trees are of considerable ecological, recreational, educational and landscape value within both the rural and urban environment. A high priority is therefore placed upon their protection and enhancement. The loss of mature and semi-mature trees can be particularly damaging, given the length of time required for trees to reach this condition. In exceptional circumstances, where the loss of trees in unavoidable, a developer will be required to replace such trees to the satisfaction of the City Council.

This policy is aimed at preserving and enhancing the amenity of the City and does not purport to deal with commercial forestry activities, which are expected to continue to play their part in the economy of the area.

Community Forest

Policy (Part I)
EN8 - The City Council will seek to promote the establishment and long term development of a Community Forest within the City's urban fringe by:

   i. protecting existing trees and woodlands in accordance with policies EN7, EN10, EN23, EN25, MW8, MW15 and DEV1
   ii. promoting additional woodland planting where appropriate, by seeking landscape improvements as a condition to development permitted; and
   iii. promoting where appropriate the use of trees and woodland planting as part of any scheme for the reclamation of derelict land in accordance with policy EN9.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The Countryside Commission have recently announced a major initiative to establish a new "forest for the community" along the western edge of the Greater Manchester conurbation (the Red Rose Forest). Such an initiative will increase the attractiveness of the City and will present recreational, economic and wildlife benefits. Within Salford implementation of the Red Rose Forest will have regard to the policies and proposals of the Unitary Development Plan and will also be guided by relevant Council strategies (which will act as Supplementary Planning Guidance in accordance with PPG12).

Derelict and Vacant Land

Policy (Part I)
EN9 - The City Council will promote and encourage the reclamation of derelict and vacant land for appropriate uses. In establishing priorities for reclamation account will be taken of:

   i. the contribution which reclamation would make to achieving the aims of urban regeneration
   ii. the degree of danger posed by the site
   iii. the existing and potential ecological and recreational value of the site; and
   iv. the potential contamination problem posed by the site, including that to surface and ground waters.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

Derelict and vacant land provides both an opportunity for environmental improvement and/or development and an environmental problem. This problem may often take the form of contamination, such as to pose a threat to the environment, including surface and ground waters. Such land should therefore be looked upon as a positive resource for better use. Many sites remain under-utilised because of the problems associated with dereliction. The improvement of such sites often enables them to realise their development potential. The re-use of derelict land, either for built development such as housing or industry, or open land uses such as recreation or amenity open space, can help relieve pressure on the Green Belt and other protected open land. In some instances, derelict land has an intrinsic value as an ecological or recreational resource and is worthy of retention and enhancement for this purpose. The City Council will wish to take this into account in determining the need for reclamation, appropriate after uses, and details such as scheme design and methods of reclamation. Where appropriate an objective environmental assessment should be undertaken as part of a development proposal.

Landscape

Policy (Part I)
EN10 - The City Council will seek to protect and enhance landscape quality within the City through:

   i. the protection and wherever possible the enhancement of features of the landscape which are of intrinsic value or which make a contribution to the quality of the landscape in which they are found
   ii. the improvement of existing landscape in terms of quality, diversity and maintenance; and
   iii. the provision of improved standards of landscaping within all new developments.

Landscape features to be considered for protection in accordance with criterion (i) of the policy will include, trees (single or grouped), woodlands, hedges, ponds, streams, ditches and lakes.

In considering the impact of a proposal on a landscape feature particular attention will be paid to:

   a. The value of the landscape feature per se
   b. the value of landscape feature within its wider setting
   c. the value of the landscape feature for wildlife
   d. the contribution that the landscape feature makes towards the viability of a wildlife corridor
   e. the contribution that the landscape feature makes towards the local amenity of the area in which it is found.

In pursuing the policy the City Council will, in particular, encourage the provision and protection of landscaping which is conducive to wildlife.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

Landscape plays a vital part in creating an attractive and pleasant environment for the people of Salford, through its impact on open spaces, parks, woodlands, transport corridors, the urban fringe and rural and urban environments. A rich and diverse landscape also helps to support an abundance of wildlife. By protecting the best of the City's landscape from adverse development and improving the quality of new and existing landscaping across the City as a whole, the attractiveness and image of the City can be enhanced.

The City Council will produce a Landscape Strategy which will provide a detailed interpretation of the policy in terms of landscape protection, provision and improvement. It will provide supplementary planning guidance to the Unitary Development Plan and it will be subject to public consultation.

The Strategy will establish the framework for the protection and enhancement of the sites and features covered by this policy. It will also identify those parts of the City where landscape quality is poor and where there will be an emphasis on landscape improvement measures.

The Strategy will encourage the creation of a diverse range of landscapes across the City, reflecting the individual identity of local communities. It will provide guidance on the design of landscaping associated with new development and it will establish a code of practice for landscape maintenance.

The Strategy will seek to foster nature conservation and the improved management of trees and woodlands, although detailed policies in this respect will be incorporated within specific strategies dealing with these respective topics.

Protection and Enhancement of Conservation Areas

Policy (Part I)
EN11 - The City Council will seek to preserve or enhance the special character of areas of architectural and historic interest. In considering any planning application for development within a conservation area the City Council will consider the extent to which that development is consistent with the desirability of preserving or enhancing the conservation area. In seeking to preserve or enhance conservation areas the City Council will have regard to the need to:

   i. review the boundaries of existing conservation areas and designate new conservation areas, as appropriate;
   ii. encourage the retention and improvement of existing buildings
   iii. promote environmental improvement and enhancement programmes
   iv. encourage high standards of development which are in keeping with the character of the area
   v. encourage the retention of existing mature trees.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The preservation or enhancement of conservation areas is very desirable to retain Salford's heritage, and is consistent with Government advice.

There are 16 conservation areas within the City, as listed below. Further information about them is available from the City Council.

Area	Ward
i) Flat Iron	Blackfriars
ii) The Crescent	Blackfriars
iii) Adelphi & Bexley Square	Blackfriars
iv) The Cathedral	Blackfriars
v) The Cliff	Kersal/Broughton
vi) Ellesmere Park	Eccles
vii) Monton Green	Eccles
viii) Barton-Upon-Irwell	Barton
ix) St. Augustines	Pendlebury
x) Irlams o'th Height	Claremont
xi) Radcliffe Park Road	Claremont
xii) St. Marks	Worsley & Boothstown
xiii) Worsley Village	Worsley & Boothstown
xiv) Worsley Old Hall	Worsley & Boothstown
xv) Roe Green/Beesley Green	Worsley & Boothstown
xvi) Mines Rescue Station	Worsley & Boothstown

The City Council will issue design guidance for conservation areas in order to encourage appropriate standards of development and improvement. This will form supplementary planning guidance as detailed in Section 1 of the Plan. The Council will also undertake environmental improvement works which are in keeping with and will enhance the appearance of such areas.

The use of development control powers, for example, to restrict permitted development rights, designate areas of special advertisement control, or prevent the demolition of buildings, may sometimes be necessary in order to prevent unsympathetic development.

The presence of mature trees often greatly enhances the character of an area and they should be protected.

Protection and Enhancement of Listed Buildings

Policy (Part I)
EN12 - The City Council will not normally permit any development which would detract from the architectural and historic character of a Listed Building, would destroy or obscure any significant architectural or historic feature, or would be detrimental to the setting of a Listed Building or the environmental quality of the surrounding area.

The City Council will seek to safeguard buildings which have been included in the statutory list as being of special architectural or historic interest by:

   i. monitoring the condition of all such buildings
   ii. directing grant aid to those buildings in risk of serious deterioration
   iii. refusing consent for the demolition of such buildings (or parts thereof) in accordance with Policy EN13;
   iv. ensuring that all alterations or extensions are in keeping with the character of the building; and
   v. encouraging new uses for such buildings, where it can be shown that the buildings are no longer able to support their original use.

In seeking to encourage new uses for listed buildings, favourable consideration will generally be given to new uses which meet the following criteria:

a) they respect the architectural and historic character of the building; b) they do not destroy or obscure any significant architectural or historic features; c) they are compatible with surrounding land uses and are not detrimental to the existing environment and the quality of the surrounding area; and d) they do not conflict with the other policies of the UDP.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

There are almost 300 Listed Buildings in Salford. They form an important part of the City's heritage which should be conserved. By reviewing buildings considered worthy of inclusion in the statutory list, the City Council will ensure that the buildings of architectural and historic interest are preserved. In certain cases the City Council may well be able to provide financial assistance for special works to these buildings, although resources are likely to be limited and they will need to be carefully targeted. In respect of Listed Building consent for demolition, the onus will be on the applicant to justify conclusively that the building cannot be retained.

The marketing and promotion of appropriate new uses for vacant buildings will help to ensure their purposeful long term retention, and may provide tourism development opportunities within the City. However, the City Council is keen to ensure any such uses do not adversely affect the character or appearance of the buildings and do not have an adverse effect on the amenity and environmental quality of the surrounding area.

Works to Listed Buildings and Buildings Within Conservation Areas

Policy (Part I)
EN13 - The City Council will not normally grant consent for the demolition of listed buildings (or any part of such buildings). The demolition in whole or in part of unlisted buildings in Conservation Areas will also be critically considered. In considering proposals to demolish or alter listed buildings or buildings within a conservation area the City Council will have regard to the following criteria:

   i. the importance of the building both intrinsically and relatively, bearing in mind the number of other buildings of special architectural or historic interest in the neighbourhood
   ii. the condition of the building; the cost of repairing and maintaining it to ensure its continued survival in relation to its importance; the provision of clear evidence to show that steps have been taken to secure re-use; and whether or not grants from public funds have already been received or been promised; and
   iii. the importance of any alternative use for the site and, in particular, whether the use of the site for some public purpose would make it possible to enhance the environment and especially other listed buildings in the area, or whether in a rundown area a limited redevelopment might bring new life to the area and make the other listed buildings more economically viable.

In assessing the importance of a building in accordance with criterion (i), the City Council will take into account the architectural merit and historic interest of the building, not only in terms of its historical associations, but also in terms of the way the design, plan, materials or location of the building illustrates the character of a past age or the development of a particular skill, style or technology.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The number of buildings of special architectural and historic interest in Salford is limited. Those buildings that appear on the statutory list are listed in their entirety, not just for their façades or interiors; but some parts of the listed building may be more important than others. The list description is intended for identification purposes and does not provide a comprehensive record of all the features. The City Council is of the view that it is most important to preserve the listed buildings that exist and also unlisted buildings that make a material contribution to the character or appearance of a conservation area, except where a strong case can be made for granting consent for demolition after the application of the specified criteria.

However, in some cases, demolition of such buildings may be inevitable. Where such cases arise, the City Council will generally require the applicant to enter into a Legal Agreement to treat or redevelop the site, in accordance with an approved scheme, within a specified period of time. This should prevent the site from remaining unsightly for many years, detracting from the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Archaeology and Ancient Monuments

Policy (Part I)
EN14 - The City Council will seek to identify, protect, enhance and promote sites and structures of archaeological importance and ancient monuments by:

   i. maintaining a Sites and Monuments Record
   ii. recognising archaeological sites and ancient monuments (whether scheduled or not) as material considerations in determining planning applications and not normally permitting proposals which would involve unacceptable alteration or cause unacceptable damage to a valuable site or which would have a major impact on its setting
   iii. entering, where appropriate, into arrangements to excavate and record archaeological evidence prior to development where it is not considered essential or feasible to preserve remains (either on or off the site)
   iv. promoting archaeology through education, interpretation and links with tourism

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

Archaeological remains are irreplaceable and must be regarded as finite and non-renewable resources, in many cases highly fragile and vulnerable to damage and destruction. The key consideration is to balance the need for new development against the protection and recording of the City's heritage. By preparing and continually enhancing a Sites and Monuments Record for Salford which will form Supplementary Planning Guidance as detailed in paragraph 1.5 of Chapter 1 of the Plan, a preservation and management programme for archaeologically important sites can be established. This will provide the basis for considering planning applications and will be used to direct field evaluation, excavation, recording and general advice. Sites of major significance must be preserved for posterity but most importantly their significance should be brought to life through enhancement and interpretation.

The City Council will in appropriate cases enter into legally binding arrangements with developers to ensure that there is ample opportunity to excavate and record material which is of interest.

Environmental Improvement Corridors

Policy (Part I)
EN15 - The City Council will promote environmental improvements along its main road, rail and waterway corridors. Within these corridors there will be an emphasis on:

   i. the removal of dereliction
   ii. the refurbishment of existing properties
   iii. the promotion of environmental improvement measures
   iv. the encouragement of high standards of design and maintenance
   v. the preservation and enhancement of historical/tourism related features
   vi. in appropriate cases, the improvement of public access; and
   vii. in appropriate cases, wildlife enhancement measures

The City Council will not normally permit any development which would prejudice the improvement of the environmental corridors.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The corridor approach to improving Salford is the backbone of the City's Environmental Strategy. Through this approach the concentration of limited resources will produce the greatest environmental benefits. By co-ordinating individual proposals and incorporating them into a programme of improvements, the image of the City will be enhanced and business confidence increased. In appropriate cases, the City Council will consider the use of grant aid to encourage private sector investment in the improvement of a Corridor.

This policy applies to the following road, rail and water corridors:

i) the Strategic Highway Network, particularly:

the A6 (Chapel Street, Salford to Manchester Road West, Little Hulton)
the A57 (Eccles New Road/Liverpool Road) and
the A56 (Bury New Road)

ii) the rail network, particularly:

the Manchester/Liverpool line
the Manchester/Bolton line and
the Manchester/Wigan line

iii) the waterway network, particularly:

the River Irwell/Manchester Ship Canal
the Bridgewater Canal and
the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal

The principal corridors are identified on the Environmental Strategy Map.

Improving the Urban Environment

Policy (Part I)
EN16 - The City Council will seek to improve the urban environment particularly through the promotion of area based improvement initiatives. Priority will be given to housing and industrial areas within the Investment Priority Area and to the City's District Centres (Salford Precinct, Eccles, Swinton and Walkden). Wherever possible, the City Council will seek to involve the local community in all area based initiatives through consultation and participation.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The Investment Priority Area suffers from a concentration of environmental problems. These range from older housing areas where housing quality is often poor and there is a general lack of open space, to newer housing areas which suffer from problems such as poor design and layout, low standards of land and property maintenance and a high incidence of vandalism. They also include older industrial areas with such problems as traffic congestion and dereliction.

In addition, the City's District Centres also suffer from environmental problems, in part related to the poor quality of many of the precinct developments but also due to factors such as litter, graffiti, vandalism and traffic congestion.

By promoting area based improvement initiatives the City Council can ensure that its actions and the actions of other agencies, are carefully tailored to the specific needs of a local area and that resources and improvement activity are directed towards areas of greatest need.

By involving the local community in the instigation and management of such initiatives the City Council can ensure that local needs are met.

Many such area based initiatives are referred to elsewhere in the UDP (see especially EC14, H7, H8 and S6).

Croal-Irwell Valley

Policy (Part I)
EN17 - The City Council is committed to conserving and improving the Croal-Irwell Valley as a significant environmental, wildlife and recreational resource and to re-establishing the countryside character of the Valley.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The Croal-Irwell Valley is a strategic wedge of open land which extends from the very heart of Salford to the City's boundary at Clifton and beyond. The Valley provides a welcome relief from the otherwise densely developed urban area and in recent years the City Council, in conjunction with Bolton and Bury Councils, has worked to improve the appearance of, and access to, the Valley and to promote its development as a recreational asset. This policy, together with the more detailed policy framework provided by policy EN23, will provide a firm basis for this work to continue.

Worsley Greenway

Policy (Part I)
EN18 - The City Council will seek to preserve the open character of the Worsley Greenway and will seek to improve the appearance and use of the Greenway for amenity, wildlife, conservation, agricultural and recreational purposes.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The Worsley Greenway is an important "green wedge" within the Worsley area which provides a valuable function both in terms of provision of amenity open space and recreational land and as an area containing attractive landscape and nature conservation interest.

Mersey Basin Campaign

Policy (Part I)
EN19 - The City Council supports the Mersey Basin Campaign and its role in the regeneration of the region and the improvement to its waterways. Through this initiative the City Council will work with other agencies to improve the water quality of all rivers and watercourses to a standard that will at least sustain fish (classifications 1A, 1B and 2) and will encourage economic development which will secure the improvement of the waterside environment.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The Mersey Basin Campaign is an important regional initiative aimed not only at improving water quality but also at encouraging waterside developments to stimulate economic regeneration. It is therefore of considerable importance to Salford with its many water courses which include the River Irwell, the Manchester Ship Canal, the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal.

Pollution Control

Policy (Part I)
EN20 - The City Council will encourage and support measures to reduce air and water pollution, land contamination and the problems of noise, dust and vibration. Development will not normally be allowed if it is considered likely to:

   i. have an unacceptable effect on the quality of the City's rivers, water courses, water bodies and ground waters, or
   ii. cause unacceptable ground contamination, or
   iii. cause an unacceptable increase in existing air pollution, noise or vibration levels, particularly around sensitive uses such as housing, schools or hospitals.

Unacceptable air, water, noise, odour or other sorts of pollution will be judged by reference to standards set by relevant regulatory bodies such as Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution and the National Rivers Authority (to become the Environment Agency in April 1996), the Health and Safety Executive as well as the Local Authority itself.

Environmentally sensitive development, such as housing, schools, or hospitals, will not normally be permitted where existing pollution (including air, water, noise, land contamination, dust, vibration and odour) is unacceptable unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the City Council that the development includes sufficient improvement measures to reduce the nuisance to an acceptable level.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The prevention of pollution is an important first step towards improving the environment of the City. The potential sources of pollution are many and varied and the Council's controls over some are far greater than they are over others. However, the City Council can seek to influence where it does not have specific powers, for instance, as in the case of car exhaust emissions. By ensuring that new or additional pollution sources are restricted and that environmentally sensitive uses such as housing and schools are not sited close to existing pollution sources, existing environmental standards can be safeguarded.

In applying this policy the Council will have regard to:

National Planning Policy Guidance on Planning and Pollution Control as currently set out in PPG23 (Planning and Pollution Control, July 1994)
National Planning Policy Guidance on Planning and Noise as currently set out in PPG24 (Planning and Noise, September 1994); and
the compatibility and capacity of existing sewage works and systems

A large part of Salford overlies a major aquifer (water resource) supplying businesses and private properties and this resource needs to be safeguarded from contamination.

Renewable Energy

Policy (Part I)
EN21 - There will be a presumption in favour of proposals for the provision of renewable energy, subject to compliance with other policies and proposals of the Unitary Development Plan and normal development control considerations.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The Government's policy is to stimulate the exploitation and development of renewable energy sources, wherever this proves economically attractive and environmentally acceptable. This will reduce dependence on traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear power and give added security to long term energy supply. It will also help to reduce harmful emissions to the environment.

Renewable energy sources include those which occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment, for example, from the sun, the wind, the fall of water and the oceans, as well as from the heat of the earth (geothermal energy). They also include energy from the combustion of renewable plant materials and from the combustion or digestion of industrial, agricultural or domestic waste materials.

In considering planning applications for renewable energy developments the City Council will have regard to the economic, social and environmental impact of the development.

Green Belt

Policy (Part II)
EN22 - The Greater Manchester Green Belt, as adopted within Salford, is confirmed in its present form as shown on the Proposals Map.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The policy identifies the extent of the Green Belt within Salford to which policies EN1 and EN2 will apply.

The extent of the Green Belt is defined on the Proposals Map. It includes the Green Belt as originally identified in the Greater Manchester Green Belt Local Plan (adopted January 1984) and extended by Swinton Local Plan (adopted 1985), together with a small additional area of land to the east of Boothstown Basin.

Croal-Irwell Valley

Policy (Part II)
EN23 - The Croal-Irwell Valley, as identified on the Proposals Map, will be improved as an environmental and recreational resource in accordance with policy EN17.

Within the Valley there will be a particular emphasis on:

   i the protection of Green Belt and other areas of open land, in accordance with policies EN1, EN2 and EN3
   ii. the conservation and improvement of the landscape and natural history of the Valley, in accordance with policies EN5 and EN10
   iii. the conservation of trees and woodlands, and the development of a community forest in accordance with policies EN7 and EN8
   iv. the restoration of derelict land, essentially for recreation, agriculture or wildlife, in accordance with policy EN9
   v. the protection, enhancement and promotion of sites and structures of archaeological importance, in accordance with policy EN14
   vi. the protection and improvement of water, rail and road corridors within the Valley, in accordance with policy EN15
   vii. the protection and improvement of recreation land and facilities in accordance with policies R1 and R4
   viii. the provision of linked open spaces and country parks in accordance with policies R3 and R5
   ix. the recreational development of water features in the Valley, where appropriate, in accordance with policy R6
   x. the provision of ancillary facilities, where appropriate, in accordance with R9
   xi. the development and maintenance of a network of waymarked footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes, including Strategic Recreation Routes, in accordance with policies R7, R8, T10, T11 and T12
   xii. the improvement and promotion of access to the Valley in accordance with policy R8;
   xiii. the improvement of public transport links to the Valley in accordance with policy T4
   xiv. the protection of agricultural land holdings in the Valley in accordance with policy EN4
   xv. the improvement of the Valley's industrial areas in accordance with policies EC4 and EN16
   xvi. the control of unsympathetic industrial development and, where necessary the relocation of bad neighbour uses in accordance with policies EC6 and EC8
   xvii. the improvement and screening of peripheral housing estates, where appropriate, in accordance with policies EN16, H2 and H3
   xviii. the promotion of high standards of design in any development within the Valley in accordance with policy DEV2
   xix. not normally permitting mineral extraction in the Valley unless this is in accordance with the mineral policies of this Plan, particularly MW1, MW3 and MW8
   xx. not normally permitting new tipping or extensions to existing tips within the Valley unless these are in accordance with the waste disposal policies of this plan, particularly MW9, MW10 and MW15; and
   xxi. the reduction of pollution and not normally permitting any development likely to increase water pollution, air pollution, ground contamination, noise disturbance or vibration, in accordance with policy EN20
The City Council will give consideration to the preparation of a management plan for the Valley in conjunction with Bolton and Bury Councils.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

This proposal identifies the Croal-Irwell Valley to which policy EN17 applies and sets out those policies in the Plan which will be particularly relevant to the conservation and improvement of the Valley.

In recent years the City Council, in conjunction with Bolton and Bury Councils, has worked to improve the appearance of, and access to, the Valley and to promote its development as a recreational asset. This work has been guided by the Croal-Irwell Valley Local Plan. The City Council is keen to ensure that these joint working arrangements continue throughout the UDP period. The preparation of a non-statutory plan for the Valley based upon the Croal-Irwell Valley Local Plan but updated to reflect progress in the Valley, UDP policies and proposals, changing Government guidance and evolving management practices, will provide a basis for these joint working arrangements. This non-statutory plan will provide supplementary planning guidance to the UDP and will be a material consideration in determining planning applications within the Valley.

Until such time as the management plan is prepared, the Croal-Irwell Valley Local Plan will function as a non-statutory plan for the Valley, providing a management framework which augments the statutory land use policies and proposals of the UDP.

Conservation of the Moss lands

Policy (Part II)
EN24 - The City Council will seek to protect and enhance the Moss lands and the Remnant Moss land areas, each as identified on the Proposals Map, in accordance with policy EN6.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

This proposal identifies the area of the Moss lands and of the Remnant Moss lands within Salford to which policy EN6 applies. Policy EN6 seeks to implement and strengthen the Moss lands Strategy which has been adopted by the City Council and Wigan MBC.

The boundaries of the Moss lands and the Remnant Moss lands as defined on the Proposals Map correspond with those of the Moss lands Strategy (albeit updated in the case of the Remnant Moss lands to take account of recent changes), and are based upon an analysis of geological maps to determine the extent of peat deposits.

Worsley Greenway

Policy (Part II)EN25 - The City Council will seek to preserve the open character of the Worsley Greenway in accordance with policy EN18 and will seek to improve the appearance and use of the Greenway for amenity, wildlife, conservation, agricultural and recreational purposes.

Within the Greenway there will be a particular emphasis on:

   i. the protection of open land in accordance with policy EN3
   ii. the conservation and improvement of the landscape and natural history of the Greenway in accordance with policies EN5 and EN10
   iii. the conservation of trees and woodlands, the enhancement of Worsley Woods and the development of a community forest in accordance with policies EN7 and EN8
   iv. the protection and enhancement of listed buildings and buildings within Conservation Areas in accordance with policies EN11, EN12 and EN13
   v. the protection, enhancement and promotion of sites and structures of archaeological importance and ancient monuments in accordance with policy EN14
   vi. the protection and improvement of recreational land and facilities, and areas of open space in accordance with policies R1, R3 and R4
   vii. the provision of ancillary recreation facilities, where appropriate, in accordance with policy R9
   viii. the improvement of public access to the Greenway and the development and maintenance of a network of waymarked footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes, including Strategic Recreation Routes, in accordance with polices R7, R8, T10, T11 and T12
   ix. the protection of agricultural land holdings in the Greenway in accordance with policy EN4
   x. the improvement of public transport links to the Greenway in accordance with Policy T4; and
   xi. not normally permitting mineral extraction or waste disposal in the Greenway except where this is in accordance with minerals and waste disposal policies, particularly MW1, MW3, MW8, MW9, MW10 and MW15

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

This proposal identified the Worsley Greenway to which policy EN18 applies. Policy EN18 seeks to protect and enhance the Greenway as an important "green wedge" within the Worsley area.

Clifton Moss

Policy (Part II)
EN26 - The City Council will seek to conserve and enhance Clifton Moss as an area of ecological and landscape value and will promote the area as a local nature reserve.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

Clifton Moss is an area of high landscape and ecological value, a significant part of which is a Site of Biological Importance. A feasibility study has been undertaken with a view to designating and developing the Moss as a Local Nature Reserve.

Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal

Policy (Part II)
EN27 - The City Council will improve the appearance and develop the recreational potential of the Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal. The City Council will preserve the line of the Canal wherever this is technically feasible and is acceptable when balanced against other policies and proposals of the Unitary Development Plan. Consideration will also be given to the development of a landscaped walkway based as closely as possible on the original line of the canal.

Reasoned Justification (Part II)

The Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal is an important linear feature which extends from the regional centre to the City's boundary at Clifton and beyond. For the vast majority of its length the canal is situated within the Croal-Irwell Valley where there is a strong emphasis on environmental improvement and recreational development.

Much of the canal has in the past been drained and infilled although some stretches, particularly in the Clifton area, remain in water and are of acknowledged ecological value (a Site of Biological Importance).

The water areas are considered to offer potential for recreational uses such as fishing and canoeing, subject to careful management. In the longer term, it may also be possible to extend these water areas by restoring other sections of the canal.

Even where the canal has been filled in, it still offers potential for recreational development particularly through the creation of a linear walkway. In implementing this policy, therefore, the City Council will promote footpath and landscape enhancement works, with a view to providing a continuous walkway along the length of the canal.

Where the former line of the canal is blocked by built development the City Council will seek to identify and establish alternative pedestrian links, as close as possible to the original line of the canal. Where such premises fall vacant, the City Council will also investigate the potential for acquisition, either by the City Council or the Canal Society, in order that the original line of the canal may be restored.

The City Council will wish to ensure that any improvement works are undertaken in a sensitive manner so as not to adversely affect the wildlife value of the canal to an unacceptable degree.

NEXT: Housing

This page was last updated on 22 October 2009

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