Post on 06-Feb-2017
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
2015
Transport and Works Act 1992
Transport and Works (Applications and Objections Procedure)
(England and Wales) Rules 2006
THE NETWORK RAIL (TINSLEY CHORD) ORDER
_________________________________________________________
Planning Statement
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Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
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Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................. I
GLOSSARY/ LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................... III
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................... 1
2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 SCHEDULE OF WORKS................................................................................................................. 3
3 DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND SURROUNDING AREA .................................................................. 5
4 PLANNING CONTEXT ..................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................. 5
4.2 PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................................... 6
4.3 BLACKBURN MEADOWS ............................................................................................................... 6
5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................ 6
5.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................. 6
5.2 NEW SIGNALLING AND OVERHEAD LINE ELECTRIFICATION STRUCTURES .......................................... 7
6 NATIONAL PLANNING, TRANSPORT AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES ............................... 9
6.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................. 9
6.2 NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK, DCLG (2012) ........................................................... 9
6.3 TRANSPORT POLICY .................................................................................................................. 12
7 DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICIES ................................................................................................ 14
7.1 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................... 14
7.2 DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICIES .................................................................................................. 14
7.3 SHEFFIELD CITY POLICIES & SITES DOCUMENT .......................................................................... 15
7.4 SHEFFIELD UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ................................................................................. 16
7.5 SHEFFIELD CITY REGION TRANSPORT STRATEGY (SOUTH YORKSHIRE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN) 16
8 ANALYSIS OF TINSLEY CHORD DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ............................................. 16
8.1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 16
8.2 THE TINSLEY CHORD................................................................................................................. 17
8.3 IMPACT ON EXISTING ADJOINING USES AND ALLOCATED REGENERATION SITES ........................... 17
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8.4 FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................ 18
8.5 CONCLUSIONS .......................................................................................................................... 18
9 PLANNING CONDITIONS .............................................................................................................. 19
9.1 RULE 10 (6) DEEMED PLANNING PERMISSION NOTE ................................................................... 19
9.2 PROPOSED PLANNING CONDITIONS ........................................................................................... 19
10 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................ 20
APPENDIX 1: SCHEDULE OF RELEVANT PLANNING APPLICATIONS
APPENDIX 2: SITE EDGE RED PLAN
APPENDIX 3: CORE STRATEGY POLICIES
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GLOSSARY/ LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
DfT Department for Transport
Down The terms “Up” and “Down” are Rail industry standards; and are defined thus:
“Up”: Moving in a direction from Rotherham towards Sheffield, the capital, the
original Railway Company’s headquarters or the lowest mileage. “Down”: In
a direction away from Sheffield, the local capital, the original Railway
Company’s headquarters or towards Rotherham.
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
ES Environmental Statement
NPPF National Planning Policy Framework
OHLE Overhead Electric Line Equipment
SCC Sheffield City Council
SPD Supplementary Planning Document
SYPTE South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive
TWAO Transport and Works Act Order
UDP Unitary Development Plan
Up The terms “Up” and “Down” are Rail industry standards; and are defined thus:
“Up”: Moving in a direction from Rotherham towards Sheffield, the capital, the
original Railway Company’s headquarters or the lowest mileage. “Down”: In
a direction away from Sheffield, the capital, the original Railway Company’s
headquarters or towards Rotherham.
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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 Executive Summary Introduction
1.1.1 Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (“Network Rail”) has applied for a Transport
and Works Act Order to authorise the Tinsley Chord, a new rail link which will
play an important role in providing a direct connection between the Sheffield tram
system at Meadowhall and the Network Rail freight only railway line from Tinsley
to Holmes Junction. This will permit the use of the latter as part of the Supertram
network. This will permit the use of trams, on a trial basis, to run on NR metals
through to Rotherham Central and Parkgate. As the proposed scheme involves
the construction, operation and maintenance of a new rail link and improvements
to existing railway infrastructure beyond the scope of Network Rail’s permitted
development rights and includes powers of compulsory acquisition, a TWAO is
required to authorise the scheme. The application process is governed by the
Transport and Works Act 1992 (“the 1992 Act”) and the Transport and Works
(Applications and Objections)(England and Wales) Rules 2006 (“the Applications
Rules”).
1.1.2 The application under the Transport and Works Act 1992 will be determined by
the Secretary of State for Transport.
1.1.3 Network Rail also seeks, as part of its TWAO application, a direction from the
Secretary of State for Transport under section 90(2A) of the Town and Country
Planning Act 1990 which, if given, would deem the grant of planning permission
for the Tinsley Chord development. Although it is not required by the Applications
Rules, Network Rail has decided to submit this Planning Statement in support of
its request for deemed planning permission.
1.1.4 Section 2 of this Statement comprises a fuller introduction to the document and
describes the scope and purpose of the application for TWAO in relation to
relevant legislative requirements. The location of the site and the surrounding
urban character and landscape is described in Section 3. Section 4 provides a
summary of the relevant planning context, describing current planning
applications and planned developments within and close to the application site.
1.1.5 A description of the Tinsley Chord proposal is contained within Section 5.
1.1.6 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) provides the planning policy
context for this planning request. The NPPF recognises that the planning system
is plan led and that Local Plans must aim to meet the objective of sustainable
development. This means that the assumption in determining planning
applications is that the default answer to development is “yes” except where this
would compromise key sustainable development principles. Within the core
planning principles identified in paragraph 17 of the NPPF, it is recognised that
planning should proactively drive and support sustainable economic development
to deliver homes, business, infrastructure and local places that the country needs;
to encourage effective use of land by reuse, and actively manage patterns of
growth to make the fullest use of public transport, walking and cycling and focus
significant development in locations which are or can be made sustainable.
1.1.7 In relation to local planning policy, Section 38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory
Purchase Act 2004 requires planning applications to be determined in
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accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate
otherwise. The NPPF does not change the status of the Development Plan as the
starting point for decision making.
1.1.8 Sections 6 and 7 of this document outline the policy framework against which the
application for deemed planning permission will be considered, which includes
the Sheffield Development Framework Core Strategy and its associated
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) and the saved polices and
proposals map of the Sheffield Unitary Development Plan (“UDP”). The Sheffield
City Region Transport Strategy (South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan) is also a
material policy document which supports the proposal.
1.1.9 An assessment of the development proposals against all relevant planning
policies is covered in Section 8. This considers the principle of development and
benefits of the Tinsley Chord.
1.1.10 The proposed planning conditions set out in the Tinsley Chord Order are
reviewed in Section 9. Section 10 concludes that the proposed development
accords with planning and transport policies, brings substantial benefits and
should therefore be approved.
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2 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Background
2.1.1 The proposed scheme, the subject of the TWAO, comprises the new ‘Tinsley
Chord’ that will link the existing tramway network line just north of Meadowhall
South tram stop and the freight-only Tinsley to Rotherham railway near to the
former Tinsley East Junction. The proposed Tinsley Chord will provide a direct
rail connection between the Supertram network and the national rail network,
permitting access for tram vehicles onto the railway. This will permit the
development of the tram-train pilot scheme and allow through running from
Sheffield City Centre to Rotherham Central and Parkgate Shopping Centre. The
proposed chord lies wholly within the Sheffield City Council administrative area
and its location can be seen on the Location Plan.
2.1.2 The tram-train pilot scheme is a jointly managed programme with the DfT,
Northern Rail, SYPTE and Stagecoach Supertram. Northern Rail will procure the
vehicles to be used on the new service; SYPTE will own the tram system
infrastructure and vehicles upto a fixed boundary point on the Chord, and
Stagecoach Supertram will operate the system under the terms of a concession
from SYPTE.
2.1.3 The aim of the Tram Train pilot scheme is to demonstrate the costs and benefits
of operating a standard continental design of tram train on the national rail
network with the minimum level of intervention and adaption. The benefits to be
investigated include the potential for lower infrastructure capital and maintenance
costs compared to a heavy rail service; and the level of passenger demand and
satisfaction to be derived from using the new technology.
2.1.4 In addition to the TWAO required to authorise the Tinsley Chord, a number of
other statutory consents and permissions will be needed before the scheme can
be fully implemented.
2.1.5 An application will be made for a certificate from the Secretary of State (for
Communities and Local Government) under section 19(1)(b) of the Acquisition of
Land Act 1981 to confirm that Network Rail’s proposed compulsory acquisition of
a small area of Highway Authority land, for which no exchange land will be
provided, will not be subject to Special Parliamentary Procedure.
2.1.6 This Statement forms part of, and should be read alongside, the suite of
application documents submitted by Network Rail in support of its application for
the Tinsley Chord TWAO.
2.2 Schedule of Works
2.2.1 The new railway chord, in the metropolitan district of the City of Sheffield consists
of a number of works. The works are described in Article 6 (power to construct
and maintain works) and Schedule 1 (scheduled works) of the draft TWAO
submitted with the application. Schedule 1 to the draft Order describes the works
in the following terms:
2.2.2 Work No. 1 — A railway forming a double track tramway (100 metres in length),
commencing by a junction with the LRT system at a point 4 metres north of the
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bridge carrying the LRT system over the River Don, passing north-eastwards
then eastwards beneath the viaduct carrying the M1 Motorway and then north-
eastwards and terminating at a point 100 metres north-east of its commencement
forming a connection to the Sheffield & Rotherham railway.
2.2.3 Work No. 2 — A railway forming a single line of tramway (70 metres in length)
commencing by a junction with the termination of work No.1, passing eastwards
and terminating at a point 70 metres north-east of the viaduct carrying the M1
motorway and A631 trunk road over the Sheffield to Rotherham railway.
2.2.4 In connection with the scheduled works, Article 6 of the draft TWAO authorises
Network Rail to carry out such of the following works as may be necessary or
expedient for the purposes of, or for purposes ancillary to, the construction of the
scheduled works:
electrical equipment and signalling works;
ramps, means of access and footpaths;
embankments, aprons, abutments, retaining walls, wing walls and culverts;
works to install or alter the position of apparatus, including mains, sewers,
drains and cables;
landscaping and other works to mitigate any adverse effects of the
construction, maintenance or operation of the authorised project;
works for the benefit or protection of land affected by the authorised project;
working sites in connection with the construction of the authorised project; and
such other works as may be necessary or expedient for the purposes of or in
connection with the construction of the authorised project.
2.2.5 The following documents make up the TWAO application for the proposed
Tinsley Chord development and have been compiled in accordance with the
Applications Rules:
Draft Order;
Explanatory Memorandum explaining the purpose and effect of each article in
the draft Order;
Statement of Aims;
List of consents, permissions or licences required under other enactments);
Tinsley Chord Consultation Report;
Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Decision;
Environmental Information Report;
Funding Statement;
Works Plans;
Estimate of Costs; and
Land Plans and Book of Reference;
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Formal Request for Deemed Planning Permission.
2.2.6 In addition to the above, the following documents have also been included in
support of the TWAO application:
Planning Statement (this Statement);
Detailed Planning Drawings.
2.2.7 The documents will be available to download on the Network Rail website and
available to inspect during the 42 day objection period.
3 DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND SURROUNDING AREA
3.1.1 The proposed Tinsley Chord development is located on the urban edge of the city
of Sheffield, in the area known as Meadowhall (Grid Reference SK 39713 91287).
The location of the Tinsley Chord can be seen on the Site Edged Red Plan
(Appendix 2), which also identifies the red edge TWA application site boundary,
the Limits of Land affected by the Development (LLAU). The site boundary
encompasses the area of the proposed railway, associated track works required
on existing lines and areas required for site access and construction compounds.
3.1.2 The application relates to an irregular shaped linear site of approximately 120m in
length, which extends from the Meadowhall area, beneath the two-tier Tinsley
Viaduct (conveying the M1 motorway and the A631 road) and joins the existing
railway at the site of the former Tinsley East Junction (NGR 439846/391386).
3.1.3 The first section of the application leaves the existing tramway 120 metres north
of Meadowhall South tram stop, having first crossed the River Don on a girder
bridge. Immediately west of the tramline is the Source building, a gym/nursery in
a modern 2 storey building with associated car park. Beyond lies a substantial
multi-storey car park for the Meadowhall shopping complex. The route turns east
from the tramline, crossing an area of vacant and level cleared land beneath the
road viaduct before joining the course of the former Rotherham-Chapeltown
disused railway chord (closed around 1992), passing through an area of birch/ash
scrub before joining the existing railway at the former Tinsley East Junction.
3.1.4 There are no buildings, business uses or open storage uses in the immediate
vicinity save for a derelict building at the immediate north end of the river bridge.
The cleared site beneath the road viaduct is open, though fenced off with a 3m
high palisade fence for security purposes. The site of the former Tinsley Power
station (decommissioned in 1980) lies to the east of the site.
4 PLANNING CONTEXT
4.1 Background
4.1.1 Given its location in an area of economic re-generation, there have been a
number of development proposals that are relevant to the Tinsley Chord. The two
relevant development proposals are set out in section 4.3 below with full details
provided in the Schedule at Appendix 1.
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4.2 Permitted Development
4.2.1 The length of chord the subject of the TWA is a stand alone length of track; the
connection at the west end onto the tramway, and the length of line at the east end
where it enters Network Rail operational land and runs parallel to the freight line, is
covered by Part 17a to Schedule 2 of the Town & Country Planning (General
Permitted Development) Order 1995.
4.3 Blackburn Meadows
4.3.1 SCC approved an application (LPA Reference: 08/01225/OUT) in September
2008 for a new renewable energy generating plant with associated flood
management works, landscaping and improvements to access on the site of the
former power station. Construction works have commenced on this project, which
lies to the north of the TWAO site.
4.3.2 A second relevant consent is the Tinsley Bus Link Road. This is an 800 metres
length of new highway linking Meadowhall Way and Sheffield Road (LPA
reference: 10/03699) which is designed for priority use by buses. It will also be
utilised during the construction phase of the Chord to provide vehicular access to
the site.
4.3.3 There are no relevant or historical planning applications for the site itself. The
former use of the land was as railway sidings to the adjacent steelworks, which
closed around 1970.
5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
5.1 Background
5.1.1 The proposals as described in this section have been developed after an iterative
process to find the best location and engineering solution for the chord. This
takes into account topography, ground conditions, ease of construction and value
for money.
5.1.2 The proposed Tinsley Chord would be generally level throughout, rising by no
more than 500mm from the existing tram network through to the Network Rail line
to the east. Apart from a small embankment and lineside fencing, there would be
no other significant civil structures, though there would also be the associated
overhead line equipment, plant, junction equipment and signalling. The Tinsley
Chord will comprise a double junction and twin tracks at the west end reducing to
a single track (signalled for bi-directional movement) at a point approximately 100
metres from the west end of the chord. This single line then runs in parallel with
the NR freight line in the Down direction for a distance of approximately 250
metres before joining the line by means of a single set of points.
5.1.3 As part of the access arrangements for Network Rail maintenance purposes an
access track (surfaced with type 1 aggregate only) will be provided running from
a bellmouth on the (under construction) Tinsley/Meadowhall Way link road to the
chord formation. A private user worked crossing (for the exclusive use of the
Highways Agency) will be provided to allow access for continued maintenance of
the road viaduct. In all cases the access track and chord itself will be protected by
3m high galvanised steel palisade fencing.
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5.1.4 The permanent way will comprise 60 foot (18.28 metre) lengths of jointed track
mounted on concrete sleeper blocks fixed 650 mm apart. This will then transmute
into a section of continuous welded rail at approximately chainage 1560 metres.
The standard gauge of 1432 mm (4ft 8.5 inches) will be used. Cess drainage of
ten rectangular catch pits at regular intervals connected by a upvc pipe will be
applied as standard, to tie in with the existing trackside drainage where the chord
joins the tram line and ultimately to discharge into the River Don.
5.2 New signalling and overhead line electrification structures
5.2.1 The application site falls within part of the tram train pilot scheme. As such the
OHLE will be an extension of that currently used for the Supertram system. This
runs on 750 dc electrical current. There will be a combination of two OHLE
structures. Approximately half the chord will utilise masts which will be of similar
design to the existing masts on the Supertram network. The remainder will be
compatible with Network Rail’s traditional “heavy rail” OHLE masts to comply with
the national rail standards for lineside equipment.
5.2.2 Figures x, y and z below show the typical types of installation of OHLE envisaged
along the route of the chord. Structures will be at a height of 6.1metres above
track level. It is anticipated that there will be 13 such structures along the length
of chord, the majority being the figure x version..
Figure X – Typical Tram OHLE Installation As Proposed
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Figure Y Network Rail Standard Single Track Cantilever OHLE As Proposed
Figure Z Standard Twin Track Cantilever Structure As Proposed
5.2.3 The line is to be controlled by three light emitting diode colour light signals affixed
to standard poles. The approximate location of each signal is shown on plan
TIN/PLG/002. A fourth signal, controlling access onto the national rail network, is
provided on NR’s operational land and thus outwith the Order. Troughing carrying
cables for signalling and electrical purposes will be laid in the cess along the
permanent way. In addition a relocatable equipment building is required. This will
contain battery modules and serves as a back up energy supply in times of power
disruption. The building, approximately 4.8 x 2.4m, will be set upon stilts to
prevent damage from flooding. The building will be protected by 2.4m palisade
fencing for security purposes. However it will not include any requirement for
drainage nor lighting. An approximate location is shown on plan TIN/PLG/002.
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6 NATIONAL PLANNING, TRANSPORT AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES
6.1 Background
6.1.1 This section sets out national planning policy and guidance relevant to the Tinsley
Chord development proposals. This covers Government guidance outlined within
the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and national policy documents.
6.2 National Planning Policy Framework, DCLG (2012)
6.2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published by the
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on the 27th March
2012. The NPPF replaces (and cancels) all Planning Policy Statements (PPS)
and Guidance Notes (PPG), with the exception of PPS10: Planning for
Sustainable Waste Management and some circulars, to form a single
consolidated policy document.
6.2.2 Paragraph 14 of the NPPF states that, at the heart of the NPPF, is a presumption
in favour of sustainable development, which should be seen as a golden thread
running through both plan-making and decision-taking. For decision-taking this
means:
Approving development proposals that accord with the development plan
without delay; and
Where the development plan is absent, silent or relevant polices are out of
date, granting permission unless:
any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably
outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the polices in the NPPF
taken as a whole; or
specific polices in the NPPF indicate development should be restricted.
6.2.3 Paragraph 17 sets out 12 core land-use planning principles that should underpin
both plan-making and decision-taking. These recognise that planning should be
genuinely plan-led, empowering local people to shape their surroundings, with
succinct up to date local and neighbourhood plans setting out a positive vision for
the future of the area in a practical framework;
be a creative exercise in finding ways to enhance and improve the places in
which people live their lives;
proactively drive and support sustainable economic development to deliver the
homes, business and industrial units, infrastructure and thriving local places
that the country needs;
always seek to secure high quality design and a good standard of amenity for
all existing and future occupants of land and buildings;
take account of the different roles and character of different areas, promoting
the vitality of our main urban areas;
support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate and
encourage the reuse of existing resources;
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contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment and reducing
pollution. Allocations of land for development should prefer land of lesser
environmental value, where consistent with other policies in the NPPF;
encourage the effective use of land by reusing land that has been previously
developed (brownfield land), provided that it is not of high environmental
value;
promote mixed use developments, and encourage multiple benefits from the
use of land;
conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that
they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future
generations;
actively manage patterns of growth to make the fullest possible use of public
transport, walking and cycling, and focus significant development in locations
which are or can be made sustainable;
take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and
cultural wellbeing for all, and deliver sufficient community and cultural facilities
and services to meet local needs.
6.2.4 The NPPF sets out policy on ‘Delivering Sustainable Development’ from
Paragraphs 18 to 219, which taken as a whole constitutes the Government’s view
of what sustainable development in England means in practice for the planning
system.
6.2.5 The following sections within the NPPF are particularly relevant to the Tinsley
Chord development:
6.2.6 Chapter 1 (Building a strong, competitive economy) outlines the Government’s
commitment to ensuring that the planning system does everything it can to
support sustainable economic growth. It states that planning should operate to
encourage and not act as an impediment to sustainable growth. Therefore
significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth
through the planning system.
6.2.7 Chapter 4 (Promoting sustainable transport) states that transport policies have an
important role to play in facilitating sustainable development and that the
transport system needs to be balanced in favour of sustainable transport, giving
people a real choice about how they travel (paragraph 29). It further states that
encouragement should be given to solutions which support reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions and reduce congestion (paragraph 30). Paragraph 31
maintains that local authorities should work with neighbouring authorities and
transport providers to develop strategies for the provision of viable infrastructure
necessary to support sustainable development.
6.2.8 Chapter 7 (Requiring good design) states that the Government attaches great
importance to the design of the built environment. Good design is a key aspect of
sustainable development, is indivisible from good planning, and should contribute
positively to making places better for people (paragraph 56). Paragraph 58 states
that planning policies and decisions should aim to ensure that developments:
will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short
term but over the lifetime of the development;
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establish a strong sense of place, using streetscapes and buildings to create
attractive and comfortable places to live, work and visit;
optimise the potential of the site to accommodate development, create and
sustain an appropriate mix of uses (including incorporation of green and other
public space as part of developments) and support local facilities and
transport networks;
respond to local character and history, and reflect the identity of local
surroundings and materials, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate
innovation;
create safe and accessible environments where crime and disorder, and the
fear of crime, do not undermine quality of life or community cohesion; and
are visually attractive as a result of good architecture and appropriate
landscaping.
6.2.9 Paragraph 60 further states that planning policies and decisions should not
attempt to impose architectural styles or particular tastes and they should not
stifle innovation, originality or initiative through unsubstantiated requirements to
conform to certain development forms or styles. It is, however, proper to seek to
promote or reinforce local distinctiveness.
6.2.10 The NPPF also notes the importance of local design reviews for development
proposals and early engagement on design (paragraph 62).
6.2.11 Chapter 8 (Promoting healthy communities) stresses the importance of access to
high quality open spaces to the health and well-being of communities. The
planning system is a means of providing safe and accessible developments,
containing clear and legible pedestrian routes, and high quality public space,
which encourage the active and continual use of public areas (paragraph 69).
Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for recreation can make an
important contribution to the health and well being of communities (paragraph
73).
6.2.12 Chapter 10 (Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal
change) outlines that planning has a key role to play in helping shape places to
secure radical reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, minimising vulnerability
and providing resilience to the impacts of climate change, and supporting the
delivery of renewable and low carbon energy and associated infrastructure
(paragraph 93). Paragraph 94 states that local planning authorities should adopt
proactive strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change taking full account of
flood risk, amongst other considerations. Paragraph 103 states that local planning
authorities should ensure flood risk is not increased elsewhere and only consider
development appropriate in areas at risk of flooding where, informed by a site-
specific flood risk assessment following the Sequential Test and, if required, the
Exception Test (as defined in Chapter 10) it can be demonstrated that:
within the site, the most vulnerable development is located in areas of lowest
flood risk unless there are overriding reasons to prefer a different location; and
development is appropriately flood resilient and resistant.
6.2.13 Chapter 11 (Conserving and enhancing the natural environment) sets out key
principles for ensuring that the planning system contributes to and enhances the
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natural and local environment by, inter alia, recognising the wider benefits of
ecosystems, minimising impacts on biodiversity and providing net gains in
biodiversity where possible (paragraph 109).
6.2.14 Chapter 13 (Facilitating the sustainable use of minerals) stresses the importance
of making the best use of finite resources to secure their long-term conservation
(paragraph 142). Paragraph 143 elaborates on the implications of this policy. In
particular, local authorities should take account of the contribution that substitute
or secondary and recycled materials and minerals waste would make to the
supply of materials, before considering extraction of primary materials, whilst
seeking to source minerals supplies indigenously.
6.3 Transport Policy
6.3.1 Britain’s railway plays an essential role in supporting and creating economic
growth by enabling safe, fast, efficient movement of passengers and goods into
and between major economic centres and international gateways.
6.3.2 Consistent with Government transport strategy, the railway industry’s ambition is
to increase rail’s already significant contribution to the country’s economic, social
and environmental welfare linking people and communities in an environmentally
sustainable way.
DfT’s White Paper ‘Delivering a Sustainable Railway, July 2007’
6.3.3 The DfT’s White Paper ‘Delivering a Sustainable Railway, July 2007’ provided
strategic direction for the rail industry.
6.3.4 The White Paper looked at the potential future challenges for the railway over a
30-year horizon. It identified three long-term agendas for the Government and the
rail industry working in partnership;
increasing the capacity of the railway,
delivering a quality service for passengers, and
fulfilling rail’s environmental potential.
Delivering a Sustainable Transport System, 2008
6.3.5 Delivering a Sustainable Transport System, published by the DfT in 2008,
explains Government strategy for tackling both immediate problems and shaping
the transport system to meet longer-term transport challenges which are critical
for future prosperity and way of life.
6.3.6 The document provides five goals which are aimed at helping guide decision
makers in their roles:
To support national economic competitiveness and growth, by delivering
reliable and efficient transport networks.
To reduce transport’s emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases, with the desired outcome of tackling climate change.
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To contribute to better safety security and health and longer life-
expectancy by reducing the risk of death, injury or illness arising from
transport and by promoting travel modes that are beneficial to health.
To promote greater equality of opportunity for all citizens, with the desired
outcome of achieving a fairer society;
To improve quality of life for transport users and non-transport users, and
to promote a healthy natural environment.
Reforming our Railways Command Paper, March 2012
6.3.7 The Government’s ‘Reforming our Railways’ Command Paper released in March
2012 sets out how passenger and freight railways are part of the overall vision for
a transport system that supports economic growth, is more environmentally
sustainable and improves quality of life within our communities. This will be
achieved by relieving congestion on the road network, providing a greener
transport option than road or aviation and facilitating business, commuting and
leisure journeys.
6.3.8 The Command Paper states that reform must deliver against four objectives:
Securing value for the passenger, addressing concerns about rail fares
and the impact they have on hard-pressed families – by ending inflation-
busting increases in average regulated fares at the earliest opportunity
and introducing new ticketing technology.
Dealing with the fiscal deficit, putting public finances on a healthier and
more sustainable footing for the long term – by aggressively searching
out savings and sharing these savings with the taxpayer;
Supporting economic growth – through continued taxpayer investment for
passengers and freight, to enhance capacity, connectivity and service
quality where this is affordable and provides value for money, and by
providing industry with the opportunity to invest in improving our railways;
and
Delivering our environmental goals – by reducing carbon emissions from
trains and stations and by encouraging passengers to use the train rather
than their car.
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
14
7 DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICIES
7.1 Background
7.1.1 The development proposals lie wholly within the administrative area of Sheffield
City Council. The policy documents that constitute the statutory development plan
for the authority are considered in turn below.
7.2 Development Plan Policies
SCC - Local Plan
7.2.1 The City Council has embarked on the preparation of a new Local Plan to replace
the current suite of documents within the Local Development Framework that will,
once completed, set out guidelines for spatial development in Sheffield. The
Local Plan will include the adopted Core Strategy and site allocations document,
along with Supplementary Planning Documents (which provide more detail on
particular topics).
7.2.2 The Sheffield Core Strategy (adopted March 2009) is the principal document that,
once reviewed, will form the bulk of the new Local Plan. This Core Strategy has
superseded significant elements of the Sheffield Unitary Development Plan
(which dates from 1998) and is now the document that sets out the long term
strategic policies for the city’s future development. It will form, with other
documents, the framework that planning applications are to be assessed against.
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) supplement the Local Plan by giving
more information on particular issues. At present, there is no SPD relevant to the
Order proposal.
Sheffield Core Strategy (2009)
7.2.3 Challenges, Objectives and Policies contained within the Core Strategy which are
considered relevant to the Tinsley Chord development proposals include the
following.
7.2.4 Challenge 7: Connecting up the city (para 2.18) – It is recognised that economic
growth will lead to a demand for more travel, along with rising expectations on the
quality and choice of lifestyles. As such there is a need to develop transport
systems which will meet these needs without compromising the environment but
will allow people and goods to move about the city and into the wider city region
conveniently and efficiently.
7.2.5 Challenge 10: Supporting sustainable transport (para 2.21) – It is recognised that
there needs to be a higher proportion of trips around the city made by walking,
cycling and public transport. This will contribute to a number of environmental
objectives including reduction of carbon emissions and air pollution, freeing up
road space for all users and provide for those who do not have access to a car.
The overall objective is to create an environment and transport network in which it
is more attractive to walk, cycle and use public transport.
7.2.6 The objectives stemming from challenges 7 and 10 are listed in chapter 3 of the
Core Strategy:
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
15
Objectives for connecting up the city:
S7.1 provision for transport & other services to improve accessibility for people
getting to work and services
S7.2 Improved access by sustainable transport to areas for economic
development
Objectives for supporting sustainable transport
S10.1 Improvements to public transport supported and energy- efficient and low-
polluting modes of travel given priority
S10.2 Walking and cycling encouraged by design of places and routes and by the
location of facilities
S10.3 New development that generates significant trips carried out only in areas
accessible by a choice of sustainable forms of transport
7.2.7 Policy CS 7 is a specific spatial policy outlining the strategy to be followed for the
Meadowhall area (part of the Lower Don Valley core strategy area). The policy
(included in full in appendix 3) includes a requirement for a “wide range of
transport measures….. including improved public transport services for workers
and visitors, including new bus rapid transit”.
7.2.8 Policy CS47 is relevant in terms of the proposed allocation for the land in
question in the City Policies & Sites document (see below). It states that the loss
of open space would only be permitted in certain circumstances (see appendix 3
for full text).
7.2.9 Policy CS 51 (Transport Priorities) identifies six strategic priorities for transport
(see appendix 3 for full text) including “promoting choice by developing
alternatives to the car”.
7.2.10 Policy CS 56 (Priority Routes For Bus & Bus Rapid Transit) specifically states
that “routes will be identified for Bus/Tram Rapid Transit between Sheffield &
Rotherham” (appendix 3).
7.2.11 Policy CS 67 (Flood Risk Management) is also relevant given the location of the
Chord in an area partly at risk from flooding (flood zone 2). The provision of a
flood risk assessment amongst the suite of TWAO submission documents
addresses the policy in full and confirms there will be no detrimental effect in
terms of flood risk.
7.3 Sheffield City Policies & Sites Document
7.3.1 The City Policies and Sites document (approved April 2013) forms the second of
two city wide Local Plan documents, following on from the adopted Core
Strategy. It has particular relevance for the Order in that it shows the implications
of the spatial policies of the Core Strategy through policy areas and site
allocations that are presented on an Ordnance Survey base.
7.3.2 The document has been through an element of public consultation (Summer
2013) but has not been submitted for public examination, as it will now be
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
16
subsumed into a review of the Core Strategy to produce a new Local Plan, work
on which has now commenced.
Sheffield Local Plan pre-submission proposals map
7.3.3 The pre-submission policy document proposals map allocates the land beneath
Tinsley road viaduct as open space. As such it would be subject to policy CS47,
though it is unclear which allocation is current given the limited weight which can
be placed on the City Policies & Sites document as opposed to the adopted UDP.
However both allocations are considered in section 8 below.
7.4 Sheffield Unitary Development Plan
Sheffield City Unitary Development Plan 1998 - 2008 – (proposals map)
7.4.1 The City of Sheffield Unitary Development Plan (UDP) was adopted in March
1998. Following the introduction of changes to the development plan process
within the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the Council sought a
Direction from the Secretary of State to save a number of policies contained
within this UDP. In addition the proposals map continues to be used for
development control purposes. In terms of allocations the site of the Chord is
identified in the UDP proposals map 5 as “fringe industry and business area”, i.e.
subject to the policy IB6 (east of the road viaduct) and as “regional shopping
centre” west of the road viaduct (UDP policy S9, development at Meadowhall).
7.4.2 Both policies remain extant at present and thus should be used to judge any
application relevant to the site. However the proposals map has been subject to a
review (as below).
7.5 Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy (South Yorkshire Local Transport Plan)
Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy (2011-2026)
7.5.1 The Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy (2011-26) is the current local
transport plan for the city. It aims to improve connectivity between major
settlements. As part of this the strategy states the integration of the Tram Train
scheme between Sheffield and Rotherham will be “strongly pursued” as the
project “will expand the existing tram network by enabling tram access to the
existing rail network and will thus facilitate tram services currently terminating at
Meadowhall to continue towards Rotherham”.
7.5.2 The “enhancement of the Supertram system” is specifically supported by policy G
of the Strategy which seeks:
“to deliver interventions required for development and regeneration”
8 ANALYSIS OF TINSLEY CHORD DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 This section appraises the scheme against the relevant National and
Development Plan Policies set out in Sections 6 and 7 of this statement.
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
17
8.2 The Tinsley Chord
8.2.1 Sheffield’s Core Strategy Policy supports the identification of a route for bus/tram
rapid transit between Sheffield and Rotherham. Both the Tinsley Chord and the
already approved Tinsley bus link are direct manifestations of this policy.
8.2.2 It specifically allows tram vehicles to access the NR network and serve
Rotherham by utilising the existing freight route to Holmes Junction and thence
the passenger route through Rotherham Central station to a proposed new
terminal at Parkgate shopping centre.
8.2.3 By improving capacity and connectivity between Sheffield and Rotherham, the
proposals comply with SCC’s development plan policies and the core land use
planning principles of the NPPF by contributing to low-carbon economic growth
and promoting sustainable travel in the region. The proposals therefore comply
with the aims and policies of the NPPF which promote sustainable transport.
8.2.4 On the local scale, the proposals accord and align with key transport and growth
policies within the Sheffield Core Strategy which seek to deliver a more
sustainable integrated transport system. In particular, they comply with Policies
CS7 (Meadowhall), CS51 (transport priorities) and CS56 (bus/bus rapid transit) of
the Sheffield Core Strategy. The project is therefore considered to be essential
railway infrastructure which supports Government policy on sustainable transport,
supporting reductions in greenhouse gas emission, reducing congestion and
delivering economic benefits.
8.2.5 A presumption in favour of sustainable development is at the heart of the NPPF.
It suggests that patterns of growth should make best use of public transport and
focus on development which are or can be made sustainable. The objective is to
reduce the need to travel and secondly, to encourage a modal shift towards more
sustainable forms of transport.
8.2.6 Railways are generally recognised as being a more sustainable transport system
than the private car. To achieve a modal shift from the private car to trains, the
railway system needs to be made more attractive to users in terms of its reliability
and capacity.
8.3 Impact on Existing Adjoining Uses and Allocated Regeneration Sites
8.3.1 The Tinsley Chord has been designed to comply with area specific planning
policies and development proposals. The surrounding area comprises a mix of
commercial and industrial uses. The chord also extends through areas of vacant
brownfield land with limited potential for redevelopment.
8.3.2 The development is located in close proximity to a new energy generating plant to
the north, but has no direct impact on that facility other than visual proximity.
Other than physically passing underneath the Tinsley road viaduct, again there is
no impact on any land use or access to the Viaduct by the Highways Agency for
maintenance purposes.
8.3.3 There are no identifiable areas of ecological or historic interest along the route of,
or in the vicinity of, the proposed Chord. As such the scheme will have negligible
impact on the surrounding area. This point is confirmed by the result of the
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
18
Secretary Of State’s screening decision on the proposals, which concluded that
EIA was not necessary.
8.3.4 The City Policies & Sites (Pre-submission) document does allocate the land as
open space. However Policy CS47 does contain a number of criteria under which
development would be permitted. In particular the written justification comments
that “some open spaces of poor quality from which the community derives little
benefit may be considered surplus to requirements and their loss acceptable.
This will require careful consideration of the local context and the potential
benefits that could be achieved through development”.
8.3.5 It should be recognised that the land has very limited value as open space – it
has no public access, it is former brownfield land (railway line and sidings), it has
no ecological value and is visually diminished because of the proximity of the
Tinsley road viaduct. The pubic gain no tangible benefit from it as open space
and thus its loss to accommodate the Chord is considered acceptable.
8.3.6 Under the UDP allocations part of the site was identified for development
associated with the retail function of Meadowhall and the remainder for fringe
industrial uses. The retail allocation pre-dated the installation of the tram route to
the shopping centre, and it is likely that the Road Viaduct provided a convenient
and recognisable spatial boundary for the allocation. With the provision of the
tram route to the shopping centre the allocation is no longer viable given the
small area of land between the tram lines and the Viaduct itself.
8.3.7 In terms of the “industrial fringe” allocation the Chord is limited to the southern
part of the site. Although the Tinsley Bus Link also reduces the remaining net
area some land does remain which could have some development potential
within the scope of the UDP policy. However the greater benefits derived from the
tram link in terms of linkages to the City Region outweigh the potential loss of
“fringe” industrial land.
8.3.8 In terms of visual appearance the Chord would be consistent with the adjacent
tram line to Meadowhall itself, with a twin track formation (reducing to one line)
with overhead wires and supports typical of an electrified transport route though
with lighter OHLE than that seen on an electrified heavy rail route. In any case
the visual impact of the Chord is dwarfed by the dominating road viaduct,
rendering its visual significance as negligible within the context of the overall
area.
8.4 Flood Risk Assessment
8.4.1 A flood risk assessment has been carried out prior to the submission of this
application in accordance with SCC’s Core Strategy Policy CS67 on flood risk
and the NPPF. This document is submitted as part of the TWAO submission.
8.5 Conclusions
8.5.1 At the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable development
(paragraph 14). In achieving that objective the Tinsley Chord scheme has been
designed with paragraph 12’s core land use planning policies in mind. This
scheme is highly sustainable; it reuses previously developed brownfield land and
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
19
uses public transport to manage patterns of growth and development in
sustainable locations.
8.5.2 The development has also sought to comply with the requirements set out at
national and local policy in terms of sustainable development. The NPPF sets out
in Chapter 4 the need to promote ‘sustainable transport’ and in Chapter 11 the
importance of ‘facilitating the sustainable use of minerals’. The development has
also considered The Sheffield Local Pan emerging documents, Core Strategy
and UDP and complies with the policies therein.
8.5.3 The development proposals set out in this statement have sought to comply with
the policy requirements set out at national and local level. In terms of transport,
the development promotes Chapter 4 of the NPPF which supports ‘Sustainable
Transport’. At local level, the Sheffield Core Strategy policies, CS7 (Meadowhall),
CS51 (transport priorities) and CS56 (Bus/Bus rapid transit) have all informed
Network Rail’s proposals for the Tinsley Chord.
9 PLANNING CONDITIONS
9.1 Rule 10 (6) Deemed Planning Permission Note
9.1.1 A full list of proposed planning conditions is set out in Schedule 1 to the Request
for deemed planning permission submitted in accordance with Rule 10 (6)
Deemed Planning Permission as part of the TWAO application.
9.2 Proposed Planning Conditions
9.2.1 The proposed planning conditions are summarised below:
9.2.2 Condition 1 limits the commencement of development to five years to comply with
the requirements of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
9.2.3 Condition 2 requires the development to be implemented in accordance with the
planning drawings to ensure that the development is carried out in accordance
either with the consented design or with such other design details as have been
subjected to reasonable and proper controls.
9.2.4 Condition 3 requires a written landscaping scheme prior to the commencement of
the development.
9.2.5 Condition 4 requires that any trees or shrubs which die within five years should
be removed or replaced interests of the visual amenity of the area.
9.2.6 Condition 5 requires a Code of Construction Practice (CoCP) to be produced.
9.2.7 Condition 6 requires a written scheme to deal with the contamination of any land,
including groundwater, within the Order limits which is likely to cause significant
harm to persons or pollution of controlled waters or the environment.
9.2.8 Condition 7 requires written ecological management plan reflecting the survey
results and ecological mitigation and enhancement measures.
9.2.9 Condition 8 requirement for written approval of details of the applications.
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
20
9.2.10 Condition 9 states that any of the above conditions the development must be
carried out in accordance with a scheme or details approved by the local planning
authority.
10 CONCLUSION
10.1.1 At the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable development.
In achieving that objective the Tinsley Chord scheme has been designed with
paragraph 12’s core land use planning policies in mind. This scheme is highly
sustainable, it reuses previously developed brownfield land provides a new
railway route to help manage patterns of growth and development in sustainable
locations.
10.1.2 The scheme brings significant public benefits with the Tinsley Chord and delivery
of this important transport infrastructure which will increase opportunities for
sustainable transport and economic growth in the region, particularly in terms of
linkages between Sheffield and Rotherham and justifies the approval of deemed
planning consent.
10.1.3 The overall design approach of the chord represents a simple but sensible
engineering solution which respects and enhances the location and has been
designed to fit into the street scene and the adjacent traditional railway
infrastructure. All appropriate measures have been taken to ensure the new
structure and associated works harmoniously integrate into the existing urban
fabric.
10.1.4 As set out in this statement the Tinsley Chord TWA Order application has been
designed to ensure that it complies with national and development plan policies.
The Tinsley Chord will bring the joint benefits of providing a sustainable way to
travel in accordance with the NPPF whilst responding to the need to trial a new
form of hybrid vehicle which may have significant implications for the wider
benefit of the country’s transport needs.
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
21
Appendix 1: Schedule of Relevant Planning Applications
Tinsley Viaduct
Application Ref Site Description of Development Decision Date
10/03699/OUT Land off
Meadowhall
Way And
Sheffield
Road, Tinsley
S9 1EA
Outline application for the
construction of new single
carriageway public highway from
Meadow hall Way, passing under
Tinsley Viaduct to Sheffield Road
with pedestrian footways and a
shared cycleway including
construction of two bridges over
the River Don, a level crossing for
the Supertram, a bridge over the
Network Rail freight line, retaining
walls, attenuation ponds, street
lighting and a footpath link to the
Transpennine Trail.
Approved 3 May
2011
14/00472/CONGR3 Land off
Meadowhall
Way And
Sheffield
Road, Tinsley
S9 1EA
Application to discharge conditions
5 (tree protection measures), 6
(infiltration & drainage ponds), 9
(dust control), 10 (light pollution)
12 (culvert design) 13 (footpath
railing design) 14/15
(Landscaping) 16 (mitigation
proposals) 17 (wheel cleaning) 21
(footpath design) 23 (towpath
surfacing) 31 (surface water run
off) and 35 (approved details)
imposed by permission 10/03699
Approved 2 June
2014
14/01026/CONGR3 Land off
Meadowhall
Way And
Sheffield
Road, Tinsley
S9 1EA
Application to approve details in
relation to Condition Nos. 7 (Hard
Surfacing Details to rain shadow
of bridges) 24 (Flood Risk
Assessment Mitigation Measures)
relating to planning permission
10/03699
Approved 2 June
2014
14/0106/RG3 Land off
Meadowhall
Way And
Sheffield
Road, Tinsley
S9 1EA
Reserved Matters application
relating to appearance of two
bridges over the River Don and
reinforced earthwork structure and
Rockwall retaining structure for
new public highway – relating to
outline application 10/03699
Approved 14
August 2014
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
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Application Ref Site Description of Development Decision Date
14/01735/RG3 Land off
Meadowhall
Way And
Sheffield
Road, Tinsley
S9 1EA
Revised proposals for the routing
of the footpath / cycle connection
(application under s73 to remove
condition 13 Footpath Link to
Transpennine Trail) and vary
condition 35 (approved Plans) as
imposed by permission 10/03699
Approved 13
October 2014
14/02442/CONGR3 Land off
Meadowhall
Way And
Sheffield
Road, Tinsley
S9 1EA
Application to approve details
relating to condition 20 (platform to
accommodate a future footpath
link) 22 (foundation design of the
Fitzwilliam bridge and engneering
assessment) 25 (phase 1
preliminay Risk Assessment
Report) 26 (phase ii Intrusive Site
Investigaiton Report) 32
(Archaeological Work) and 36
(design of the soffit to the
Meadowhall Way Bridge) as
imposed by permission 10/03699
Approved 24
October 2014
Blackburn Meadows Former Power Station SIte
Application Ref Site Description of Development Decision Date
08/01225/OUT Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Efrection of a renewable
energy plant with associated
flood management works,
landscaping and
improvements to an existing
access.
Approved 18
September 2008
08/05069/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Submission of 08/01225/OUT
condition details Number 28
Contamination Assessment
Approved 6
November 2008
08/05640/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Submission of 08/01225/OUT
condition details Number 28
Contamination Risk
Assessment
Approved 31
December 2008
08/05795/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Submission of 08/01225/OUT
condition details Number 14
Programme Of
Archaeological Work
Approved 13
February 2009
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
23
Application Ref Site Description of Development Decision Date
09/00754/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Submission of 08/01225/OUT
condition numbers 8 flood
mitigation 15 flood defence
provision and 23 flood
compensation scheme
Approved 22
June 2009
09/00957/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Condition details Condition
no.23 Flood Compensation
Scheme
Approved 22
June 2009
09/01345/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Submission of
08/01225/OUT Condition
details – Nos.10
Management of Construciton;
11 Wheel Cleaning
Equipment; 19 Surface Water
Run Off; 20 tree protection;
30 Foundation Designs & 37
BREEAM rating
Approved 16
June 2009
09/01434/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Submission of
08/01225/OUT Condition
details – Condition 31
Highway Improvements
Approved 16
June 2009
09/03522/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Submission of
08/01225/OUT - Condition
Details Condition 31 re-
alignment and widening of
Aisling Road
Application
Approved 22
December 2009
10/03457/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
in relation to condition
numbers 11 Wheel Cleaning
and 30 Foundation Design
relating to permission
08/01225/OUT
Approved 11
February 2011
10/03607/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
in relation to condition
number 14 Implementation of
a programme of
archaeological work as
imposed by 08/01225/OUT
Approved 20
December 2010
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
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Application Ref Site Description of Development Decision Date
11/01742/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
in relation to condition
number s 25 foul drainage
works & 29 remediation
report relating to permission
08/01225/OUT
Application
Approved 28
July 2011
11/02701/REM Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Erection of a renewable
energy plant with associated
flood management works,
landscaping and
improvements to an existing
access (Approval is sought
for access, appearance,
landscaping layout and scale
approved in outline consent
08/01255/OUT
Application
Approved 8
November 2011
11/02622/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
in relation to condition
numbers 21 Part 3 the design
and extent of green/brown
roofs; 24 pedestrian
evacuation route, 36 Visitor
Facilities, 39 Details of
parking & pedestrian access
arrangements relating to
consent 08/01225/OUT
Application
Approved 16
November 2011
11/03071/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
in relation to condition
numbers 19 scheme for
management of surface
water run off, 21 (part 2)
details of rainwater
harvesting, 27 details of
surface water drainage
petrol/oil interceptor relating
to consent 08/01225/OUT
Approved 16
November 2011
11/03870/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
in relation to condition
numbers 21 Part 1 public art
and 31 part b Highway
Improvements relating to
consent 08/01225/OUT
Approved 27
January 2012
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
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Application Ref Site Description of Development Decision Date
12/01299/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
in relation to condition
number 5 (report including a
scheme or schemes for
utilising heat) as imposed by
consent 08/01225/OUT
Approved 20
July 2012
12/01689/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Submission of 08/01255/OUT
condition details no.9
protocol for construction work
Approved 19
July 2012
12/01932/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to discharge
condition 10 (construction
and operational HGV traffic)
as imposed by consent
08/01225/OUT
Approved 18
September 2012
12/03499/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
relating to condition 9
Protocol for Out Of Hours
working relating to
permission 08/01225/OUT
Approved 28
February 2013
13/02726/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
relating to condition 9
Protocol for Out Of Hours
working relating to
permission 08/01225/OUT
Approved 6
November 2013
13/03760/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
relating to condition 31b
traffic Control pedestrian and
cycle safety measures from
consent 08/01225/OUT
Approved 9 April
2014
14/00551/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
relating to condition 10
construction & operational
traffic management relating
to permission 08/01225/OUT
Approved 17
June 2014
14/04645/COND Former Blackburn
Meadows Power
Station site, Alsing
Road Sheffield S9
1EP
Application to approve details
relating to condition 18
landscaping and habitat
management plan relating to
permission 08/01225/OUT
Pending
Consideration
(as at 1
February 2015)
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
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Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
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Appendix 2: Location Plan (Site Edged Red) ref: TIN/PLG/001
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
28
Appendix 3: Sheffield Adopted Core Strategy - relevant polices
Policy CS 7
Meadowhall
Around the Meadowhall centre, the predominant land uses will be for
employment, including office development and non-office business
uses. Housing may be included as part of a mixed-use development
providing air quality and other environmental conditions can be made
acceptable.
The shopping centre will remain at around its present size and large-scale
leisure uses that cannot be located in the City Centre or at its edge may
also be located close to the Interchange.
All new development around the Meadowhall Centre should be integrated
with the existing development.
A wide range of transport measures, including Travel Plans, will be
employed to mitigate the transport impact of new development on the
strategic road network and the new development and to reduce adverse
impacts on air quality. These will include:
a. improved public transport services for workers and visitors, including
new bus rapid transit
b. connections with the proposed park-and-ride site at Waverley
c. restrictions on long-stay car parking, other than to serve park-and-ride
services to the City Centre, and on other private non-residential
parking levels
d. the creation of a car club
e. provision of the M1 Junction 34 Relief Road (Halfpenny Link).
The scale and density of development will be consistent with the transport
capacity created by these measures.
Policy CS 47
Safeguarding of Open Space
Development of open space will not be permitted where:
a. it would result in a quantitative shortage of either informal or formal
open space in the local area; or
b. it would result in the loss of open space that is of high quality or of
heritage, landscape or ecological value; or
c. people in the local area would be denied easy or safe access to a local
park or to smaller informal open space that is valued or well used by
people living or working in the local area; or
d. it would cause or increase a break in the city’s Green Network.
Development that would still result in the loss of open space will only be
permitted where:
e. as soon as practicable, equivalent or better replacement open space
would be provided in the local area; or
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
29
f. the site is identified as surplus for its current open space function and:
i. a proposed replacement would, as soon as practicable, remedy a
deficiency in another type of open space in the same local area; or
ii. it could not fulfil other unsatisfied open space needs; or
g. the development would be ancillary to the open space and have a
minimal impact on the use or character of the open space.
Open space or sports and recreational facilities of importance beyond the
city will be safeguarded and development or redevelopment will be
permitted only where it would improve the quality of facilities provided in
the city.
Policy CS 51
Transport Priorities
The strategic priorities for transport are:
a. promoting choice by developing alternatives to the car
b. maximising accessibility
c. containing congestion levels
d. improving air quality
e. improving road safety
f. supporting economic objectives through demand management
measures and sustainable travel initiatives.
Policy CS 56
Priority Routes for Bus and Bus Rapid Transit
Bus priority measures on Key Routes will be developed to reduce the
impact of congestion on buses and improve speed, reliability, frequency
and accessibility in the main urban area and on links to economic
regeneration areas. Measures will include traffic management schemes
(including bus lanes), park-and-ride sites, new transport interchanges,
traffic signal technology, improved information and waiting areas for users,
and bus/light rail rapid transit, where appropriate.
The following Key Routes will be improved through bus priority measures
over the period to 2011:
a. A6109 City Centre – M1 J34 North
b. A6178 City Centre – M1 J34 South
c. A6178/B6200 City Centre – Woodhouse
d. A6135 City Centre – Mosborough/Halfway
e. B6388 Heeley – Gleadless
f. A625 Ecclesall Road
g. A61 Penistone Road
Site-specific public transport priority measures will be developed on a
number of other Key Routes, to include:
Network Rail (Tinsley Chord) Order Planning Statement
30
h. A61 Sheffield Inner Relief Road
i. C105 Woodseats Road
j. B6079 Infirmary Road/Langsett Road
Routes will be identified for Bus/Tram Rapid Transit between Sheffield and
Rotherham.
Policy CS 67
Flood Risk Management
The extent and impact of flooding will be reduced by:
a. requiring that all developments significantly limit surface water run-off;
b. requiring the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems or sustainable
drainage techniques on all sites where feasible and practicable;
c. promoting sustainable drainage management, particularly in rural
areas;
d. not culverting and not building over watercourses wherever
practicable;
e. encouraging the removal of existing culverting;
f. not increasing and, where possible, reducing the building footprint in
areas of developed functional floodplain;
g. not locating or subdividing properties that would be used for more
vulnerable uses in areas of developed functional floodplain;
h. developing only water-compatible uses in the functional floodplain;
i. designating areas of the city with high probability of flooding for open
space uses where there is no overriding case for development;
j. developing areas with high probability of flooding only for water-
compatible uses unless an overriding case can be made and adequate
mitigation measures are proposed;
k. ensuring any highly vulnerable uses are not located in areas at risk of
flooding;
l. ensuring safe access to and from an area with a low probability of
flooding.
Where an overriding case remains for developing in a zone with high
probability of flooding, development will be permitted only if:
m. more vulnerable uses, including housing, would be above ground floor
level; and
n. the lower floor levels of any other development with vulnerable
equipment would remain dry in the event of flooding; and
o. the building would be resilient to flood damage; and
p. adequate on and off-site flood protection measures would be provided.
Housing in areas with a high probability of flooding will not be permitted
before 2016/17.
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
2015
Transport and Works Act 1992
Transport and Works (Applications and
Objections Procedure) (England and Wales)
Rules 2006
THE NETWORK RAIL (TINSLEY CHORD)
ORDER
____________________________
Planning Statement
____________________________
Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
1 Eversholt Street
London
NW1 2DN
South Yorkshire Passenger Executive
11 Broad Street West
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S1 2BQ
Eversheds LLP
One Wood Street
London EC2V 7WS
Solicitors and Parliamentary Agents