Explanation ENV1

13.8

Policy ENV1 aims to ensure that new development, where it is not adequately controlled by other pollution control legislation, will not be permitted where it would cause harm to air, land or water quality. 

13.9

 Polluting industrial processes (and emissions to air, land and water, noise, heat, waste, energy and raw material usage) are controlled under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations Act 1999. This legislation is implemented by the Council’s Environmental Health and Consumer Protection officers and the Environment Agency.

13.10

In considering proposals for development it will be necessary to take into account the effect that any pollution which may result from the development may have on amenity of the surrounding area and also the effect on amenity of measures that may be needed to comply with other pollution control legislation. For example, pollution controls under other legislation may require the use of high chimney stacks or other pollution control measures to serve new development. These can in themselves have a significant visual impact and such measures therefore need to be identified at the original design stage so that the full effects of a proposed development can be considered at the outset.   

Impact of new development on air quality

13.11

Under the National Air Quality Strategy, the Council may adopt Air Quality Management Action Plans. These plans may be adopted on the declaration of Air Quality Management Areas identified by the Council in accordance with the Environment Act 1995. The Council is currently identifying priority areas in which developers will have to demonstrate that their proposals will not affect Air Quality Standards.

13.12

Air pollution will be a material consideration in any planning decision which may affect air quality (either within or outside Air Quality Management Areas). Separate policies in chapter 8 “Transport” require that development which would generate significant amounts of traffic within an Air Quality Management Area may require the submission of detailed transport assessments or Travel Plans.

Impact of new development on the quality of land and soil

13.13

New development, for example for industrial uses, waste disposal or mineral extraction, can, if not adequately controlled cause contamination of soil and reduce the quality of the land. Waste management operations are controlled by the Environment Agency through the Waste Management Licensing Regulations. Planning controls will be used where necessary to complement these other controls to prevent contamination arising from new development. A separate policy within this chapter (policy ENV5) deals with how the Council will assess proposals for new development on sites which are already contaminated.

Impact of new development on water quality

13.14

Bodiesof water, in the form of groundwater, watercourses and lakes, are valuable for wildlife, the quality of life of local people and provision of water supplies.  These environmental assets are sensitive to pollution.  Developments that may give rise to an increase in the level of pollution of the water environment could have a detrimental impact on fish populations and other species. Many streams run through Knowsley and the Borough is underlain by rocks that serve as valuable groundwater reservoirs.  It is important to maintain the quantity and quality of these groundwater resources.  Protection of the Borough’s water resources will be achieved through the continued support of the Mersey Basin Trust and the Alt 2000+ Partnership action plans. The Environment Agency will be consulted on developments that may have an impact on rivers, streams or groundwater resources. The Environment Agency has the power to control discharge to controlled waters under the Water Resources Act 1991.

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