Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations SPD
The Holcroft Moss Planning Obligations SPD applies across the whole PfE Plan area and is, therefore, being prepared jointly by the nine PfE Plan authorities. They are the “responsible bodies” regarding Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and “competent authorities” regarding HRA for the purposes of the SPD document.
This SPD seeks to provide further guidance on how criterion 17 (in particular) of Policy JP-C8 of the PfE Plan will be implemented. Criterion 17 seeks to ensure new development does not have an adverse impact on the protected habitats and species of Holcroft Moss, which is within the Manchester Mosses Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The SPD is applicable to all nine PfE Plan local authority areas (excluding that part of Oldham within the Peak District National Park).
A screening, based on Schedule 1 of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, has been undertaken by the responsible authorities (i.e. the nine PfE Plan authorities) for this SPD. As set out in the document, the screening concludes that it is not likely that the SPD will have any significant environmental impacts and therefore a SA/SEA is not required for the SPD.
Similarly, an initial screening determination has been made, in respect of the need for a HRA. As set out in the document, it has been determined that no “appropriate assessment” is required to be made under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), in relation to the SPD.
In accordance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 three statutory bodies (The Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England) have been asked if they agree with the outcome of these screenings.
It is currently anticipated that public consultation will take place in the autumn in relation to this supplementary planning document.