Manchester UDP Planning Policies

Planning policies from Manchester’s UDP relating to the chorlton and barlow moor area

CB3 Environmental Improvement & Protection

The low-lying area of land adjoining the UMIST Playing fields at Hardy Farm, Chorlton will be protected from development which would materially affect its character as a site of biological importance.

Reason for Policy CB3

This site has been identified by the Greater Manchester Countryside Unit as a Grade B site of biological importance because of its lowland, wetland and other natural history characteristics. As such it forms an important landscape and wildlife feature within the Mersey Valley which should be retained. This policy replaces Proposal 27 of the former Mersey Valley Local Plan which sought its restoration for format recreational use.

The Mersey Valley

The Manchester Plan has incorporated policies from the former Mersey Valley Local Plan. These comprise general proposals for the whole of the valley and detailed, site specific policies for the valley area within Manchester.

The Mersey Valley falls within Areas 13, 15, 16 and 17 of the Manchester Plan. The Valley-wide proposals are set out below as the site specific policies for Chorlton and Barlow Moor (Area 13). The site specific proposals are set out in the relevant area sections.

The Mersey Valley extends about 12 miles through the southern suburbs of Greater Manchester, from the centre of Stockport westwards through Didsbury and Chorlton to the Manchester Ship Canal. The Mersey is different from the other valleys in the area. For the most part it is a wide flood plain bounded by low ridges and terraces.

The pressures of urban growth have affected the use and appearance of this large open area. Many areas became waste land, whilst loss of woodland and trees were especially severe. However, when the time came to increase recreational opportunities and improve the appearance of the valley, the Mersey had some significant advantages. Much of the land was already used for recreation and there was an existing footpath network capable of extension. Much of the land was in public ownership and there was scope to achieve changes over a relatively short period.

The former Mersey Valley Local Plan was adopted in March 1986. Many of the site specific policies have now been implemented and have therefore not been incorporated into the Manchester Plan.

CB15 Mersey Valley Recreation

Existing land will be conserved and improved and will, for the most part, continue in recreation use.

Reason for Policy CB15

To safeguard existing areas and facilities, which form an important element of the proposed recreation structure for the Valley.

CB16 Mersey Valley Recreation

Throughout the Valley further sites for outdoor recreation will be developed, and existing sites improved, to cater for a wide range of mainly informal recreation activities. Where ‘urban’ recreation facilities (such as local play spaces, formal parks and allotments) are needed, provision will be made on suitable sites, generally within and adjoining the built-up areas. Additions to the already large area of playing fields and golf courses will normally be limited to minor extensions of existing sites, where these do not conflict with Local Plan objectives.

Reason for Policy CB16

To provide a choice of recreation areas and activities within the Valley; to help offset the lack of facilities in some urban areas near the Valley. The Valley already fulfils an important role in the provision made for formal sports and team games. Further major extension could be at the expense of informal recreation or agriculture.

CB17 Mersey Valley Recreation

Interest in the natural and local history of the Valley will be promoted in those areas which are able to withstand increased use by the public.

Reason for Policy CB17

To encourage greater awareness of, and respect for, the Valley and its countryside.

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CB18 Mersey Valley Recreation

The development of riding schools and commercial stables will only be permitted where the Council is satisfied that there is adequate grazing, and access to suitable riding routes and the development would not harm the Valley character, or the local amenity.

Reason for Policy CB18

There is a need for greater control over riding centres, some of which have given rise to illegal use of footpaths (sometimes causing excessive damage to surfaces and conflicts with walkers) and damage to the landscape.

CB19 Mersey Valley Recreation

In farming areas, recreation will generally be restricted to those activities which will not unduly interfere with farming.

Reason for Policy CB19

To protect the agricultural livelihood of the Valley.

CB20 Mersey Valley Recreation

There will be a presumption against recreation activities which could spoil the enjoyment of the Valley (e.g. by introducing noise or excessive traffic or because they could damage the Valley’s landscape or appearance). Approval of such activities will only be considered if there is a clear need and they can be sited where no significant disturbance would result. In exceptional cases, disturbance caused should be set against the need for a particular recreational activity to be in a particular location.

Reason for Policy CB20

To prevent undue damage to the landscape, conflict with other recreational pursuits, or excessive noise. This will be complemented by efforts to find suitable sites far such activities and by experiments.

CB21 Mersey Valley Recreation

In developing and improving recreation facilities in the Valley, and access to them, attention will be paid, wherever possible, to the needs of disabled people.

Reason for Policy CB21

To ensure that the special needs of disabled people are taken into account in individual recreation schemes.

CB21 Mersey Valley Recreation

The provision of overnight accommodation and other facilities for tourists may be permitted where this is small in scale and would not harm the Valley character.

Reason for Policy CB22

The Valley’s potential for recreation also makes it of value for visitors. Modest provision to encourage tourism would extend the recreational role of the Valley.

CB23 Mersey Valley Landscape & Nature Conservation

The Council will protect, conserve and improve the landscape quality and natural history of the Valley, encourage the development of a variety of attractive landscape types and, where appropriate, will seek to re-establish a countryside character in the Valley.

Reason for Policy CB23

To encourage retention and better management of important features in the landscape and protect and develop its increasing natural history value. There is a need to provide a more natural setting for informal recreation and other open uses in the Valley. To develop a distinct and attractive character for the area.

CB24 Mersey Valley Landscape & Nature Conservation

The Council will seek the provision of a more enclosed and varied landscape by:-

a) fostering a more natural setting for recreational paths, areas set aside for informal recreation, and the riverside;

b) promoting a general increase in hedgerow and tree cover, paying particular attention to areas of formal recreation and farmland;

c) a major programme of woodland planting and management;

d) carrying out and encouraging tree planting along motorways and other prominent highways in the Valley.

Reason for Policy CB24

Planting is needed, to reduce the openness of the Valley and provide an improved setting for the various activities which take place there. This will lend a more ‘structured’ appearance to the landscape, by linking together existing isolated blocks of planting, creating a series ofdistinct and contrasting areas. Further landscaping is also needed to soften the impact of the motorway and other major roads in open parts of the Valley.From UDP as quoted in mr turleys documen

CB25 Mersey Valley Landscape & Nature Conservation

The Council will:-

a) carry out and encourage planting and management policies which take account of natural history considerations;

b) foster new areas of natural history interest;

c) provide refuges for wildlife in sensitive sites which will be kept free of recreational pressures.

Reason for Policy CB25

To ensure a rich and interesting variety of plant and wildlife is encouraged and maintained.

CB26 Mersey Valley Landscape & Nature Conservation

The Council will not normally permit any development which would damage or destroy those areas or those features, such as woodland and hedgerows, valuable water areas and wetland, identified by the Council as being of landscape or natural history importance.

Reason for Policy CB26

As part of the approach set out in policy CB23 above. To protect those areas and features of greatest value.

CB27 Mersey Valley Landscape & Nature Conservation

Derelict land in the Valley will be restored, generally for recreation, woodland or agriculture. The natural regeneration of despoiled areas will be allowed to continue where this will contribute to natural history or landscape interest.

Reason for Policy CB27

To remove local eyesores and increase opportunities for recreation, woodland and agriculture, or wildlife.

CB28 Mersey Valley Landscape & Nature Conservation

The Council will seek to conserve and enhance those buildings, structures and industrial remains which are considered to make a special contribution towards the history or character of the Valley.

Reason for Policy CB28

To conserve valuable elements in the landscape and to safeguard the potential of some as objects for study and education.

CB29

A network of waymarked footpaths, horse riding routes and cycle routes will be developed and maintained throughout the Valley, segregated where appropriate. Particular emphasis will be given to the need to provide a continuous footpath, along the length of the Valley. Wherever possible, this will be along the riverside.

Reason for Policy CB29

A network of the type now proposed wilt promote better use of the Valley paths, offering a wider choice of routes and catering for cyclists and horseriders as well as walkers. Measures will be taken to make these routes easier to follow.

CB30 Mersey Valley Access

Where appropriate, existing access points into the Valley will be improved, making them more obvious and attractive and new access points will be created.

Reason for Policy CB30

To ensure easier access to the Valley from urban areas at the margins and increase its attractiveness as a major area for outdoor recreation.

CB31 Mersey Valley Access

In improving and increasing public access within the Valley, care will be taken to avoid undue disturbance to sensitive wildlife areas, features of interest and areas of farming.

Reason for Policy CB31

Whilst it is generally desirable that new paths should take advantage of the most attractive routes, there is an overriding need to protect sensitive wildlife areas and farmland from disturbance or trespass.

CB40 Mersey Valley Tipping, Mineral Working & Pollution

The Council will oppose any new development which could result in a significant deterioration in, or hinder the improvement of, either water or atmospheric quality, or introduce unacceptable noise levels.

Reason for Policy CB40

To ensure further improvements in the Valley environment, in line with its increasing role as a major area for outdoor recreation. To safeguard recreational and other activities dependent on quiet conditions for their proper enjoyment.

CB43 Mersey Valley Control & Form of Built Development

Within the area defined for this purpose on the Proposals Map, new urban development will not normally be permitted. The only exceptions considered will be where the development would not lead to the division of the open parts of the Valley into sections and falls within the terms of (a) or (b) below: -

a) Where the area forms part of the green belt, the established green belt policies apply.

b) Where the area does not form part of the green belt, at Least one of the following circumstances is met: -

i) that the development represents limited infilling to an established Valley settlement or industrial area;

ii) that it is an extension to or renewal of an established industry where the economic and employment factors are of overriding importance;

iii) that the development is required in association with an outdoor recreation or appropriate tourist facility;

iv) that the development would be appropriate in a green belt;

v) that the development is necessary to meet an exceptional need which cannot reasonably be met elsewhere.

In determining any planning application, a case of exceptional need must be clearly demonstrated having regard to the objectives of the local plan.

Reason for Policy CB43

This will allow implementation of strategic policies designed to maintained the open character of the Valley.

CB44 Mersey Valley Control & Form of Built Development

Any new development permitted within the Valley shall be of a high standard and by careful attention to siting, design, layout materials and landscape design shall not have a harmful effect on the character of the Valley. Any new development which by reason of its nature, scale or location cannot meet these criteria will not be permitted unless there is an overriding need for the proposed development to be in that particular location.

Reason for Policy CB44

To ensure that new development does not harm the landscape or character of the Valley. Particular attention will be given to development which would be visible from paths and other areas used for public recrea

CB45 Mersey Valley Control & Form of Built development

In considering proposals for development in the Valley the Council will seek to safeguard the line and amenity of existing and proposed footpaths, horse riding and cycle routes. Where changes to existing routes are required, the Council will need to be satisfied that the alternative proposed is at least as attractive as that being replaced.

Reason for Policy CB45

To retain the existing network of public paths in the Valley and to allow for proposals to extend that network. Some minor diversions to routes will be considered where such changes would serve the interests of those using paths in the area.