20North%20West%202-Future%20North%20West

Future North West: Our Shared Priorities

Consultation Report

November 2010

Future North West 2:Future North West 6/12/10 14:24

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1. Introduction and purpose

Future North West: Our Shared Priorities was published on 16th August 2010 and feedback

was sought over an eight week period ending on 8th October 2010. This report provides a

summary and analysis of the comments received. It also sets out a response to the

recommendations from the Sustainability Assessment of Future North West carried out in July

2010.

2. Background

In 2008, the North West set out to develop a strategic framework that would unite private, public

and third sector partners behind a shared vision, outcomes and actions to bring together

economic, environmental and social priorities in an integrated way. Originally developed as

RS2010, this looked to focus on how we can use the North West’s major assets, strengths and

unique offer to take advantage of future opportunities to drive mutually reinforcing sustainable

economic growth across all areas. That is, economic growth that can be sustained and is within

environmental limits but also enhances the environment and social wellbeing. Future NorthWest is the result of that work.

Future North West was developed in close consultation with an Advisory Group containing

nearly 60 organisations covering key public, private and third sector partners and stakeholders.

It was also supported by an extensive evidence base, developed over the last two years, which

has been independently peer reviewed and assessed as robust, leading edge and fit for

purpose.

3. Consultation and engagement

The development of Future North West took account of comments made and issues raised in

two public consultation exercises, on the RS2010 Principles and Issues Paper in 2009, and on

the RS2010 Part 1 Document in early 2010.

A total of 49 organisations and individuals from the North West’s public, private and third sectors

provided detailed and informed feedback on Future North West. The full list of respondents is

set out in Annex 1 to this report.

4. Summary of consultation

This high-level summary is intended to provide a concise and illustrative overview of the

feedback received. Because of the detailed nature of much of the feedback, it does not seek to

reflect every comment received. A summary of more detailed comments is contained in Annex

2. All feedback received will be made publicly available so all points made can be considered in

any further development of Future North West.

Overall, there was strong support for Future North West and the strategic priorities it sets out,

although there were a very small number of dissenting voices. The majority of comments

received were very specific, highly detailed recommendations to improve the clarity and

strength of the document and to address perceived weaknesses and omissions.

‘…we congratulate the team putting this together and producing a solid foundation forfuture activity in what ever new landscape we find ourselves in.’


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Many respondents acknowledged the challenges involved in delivering the priorities during a

time of significant shifts in sub-national structures and policy, as well as considerable economic

uncertainty, but underlined the importance of meeting these challenges.

The most commonly raised issues were –

• Broad support for the stated ‘Vision’, the four Themes and the 12 “Big Ticket Issues”.

• The absence of a ‘Big Ticket’ issue addressing climate change adaptation and resource

efficiency.

• Strong support for the inclusion of the Environmental Limits section but some concerns

over the lack of ‘read across’ to the objectives and actions set out in the rest of the

document.

• Strong support for the objectives and actions focused upon improving the efficiency,

accessibility and affordability of transport connectivity within the region and beyond.

• Concerns that the assets and opportunities of specific places and sectoral interests have

not been given enough prominence.

• Concerns about potential conflicts between some objectives, for example, international

travel and carbon reduction.

A number of respondents highlighted the deeply collaborative approach to the development of

Future North West as a key strength. For some, this collaboration, and the partnerships and

relationships that have been developed over the last couple of years, are arguably as important

as the final document itself. There was a strong desire that this must not be allowed to

disappear as a result of changing sub-national institutional structures and governance

arrangements.

The comprehensive and robust evidence base was seen as a key strength, which lends FutureNorth West genuine credibility and authority.

‘Who will inspire and mobilise, and who will maintain and sustain momentum acrossthe ‘sub national’ region without a coordinating body? It is essential that through theLocal enterprise Partnerships or by some other means, a network is devised toproduce coordination of regional activity.’

‘We believe that the true achievement, as we have hinted, lies in the process we havegone through; a process that has been about learning and contribution, partnershipand making connections. And this is the strength in developing a framework forintegrated economic development and regeneration that we sought and should stillaim to find.’

‘‘Overall, we feel the document presents a comprehensive framework vision for theregion to help guide stakeholders over the next decade and commend the process ofdevelopment to reach this final stage’.


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A small number of respondents questioned who will deliver the strategic priorities in FutureNorth West: how will it be used and be of value, given the changing policy and institutional

framework for sub-national economic growth? A few suggested that, without any statutory

status, Future North West will have no power to compel action to deliver the identified priorities;

whilst others felt that the document fails to clearly articulate its purpose or offer any clarity on

future governance and delivery mechanisms.

Most respondents, however, while recognising that it will be extremely challenging in the new

economic development policy landscape, expressed strong commitment to continuing to work

together to deliver Future North West.

5. Sustainability Assessment

The development of Future North West was informed by an independent Sustainability

Assessment (SA) carried out by Scott Wilson. The SA work was used proactively to shape the

content of the document, and Future North West: Our Shared Priorities’ SustainabilityAssessment - Final Report was published in July 2010.

The SA covered: biodiversity; climate and flooding; health and health equality; communities,

equality and diversity; innovation, economy and employment; heritage and landscape; housing;

land, waste and water resources; rural areas; transport and air quality. The SA report presented

a set of recommendations for improving Future North West. Annex 3 explains what changes

were made in the Future North West document to address some recommendations and

suggests how the remainder should be dealt with.

6. Next steps

It is clear from the feedback received that there is strong support for Future North West,coupled with a genuine commitment by many respondents to maintain and deliver this high-

level strategic framework in the new economic development policy and institutional landscape.

Apart from a very small number of respondents who questioned the lack of prominence given to

particular places or issues, most comments were aimed at improving the clarity and strength of

a well-supported document.

...it would also be useful for the document to articulate more clearly its intendedaudience and ownership in terms of driving forward its aspirations’

...there is some concern about how the priorities and actions will be implemented at alocal level, given the lack of any statutory status to compel actions in accordance withthe document. There is a danger that some of the aspirations will not be deliveredunless responsibilities for actions are clearly specified and targets set’

‘We continue to seek to play a full and active role with our partners in the developmentand delivery of Future North West’.

It is clear from the tone and content of the document that it is underpinned by asubstantial programme of work by private, public and third sector partners from acrossthe North West. It certainly provides a very useful framework for local and regionalbodies to work together on issues that will ensure continued growth and prosperity forthe sub-regions and regions as a whole’


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This is not surprising given that Future North West was developed on the back of a substantial

programme of leading-edge work over last two years. It was informed by a strong and robust

evidence base, has been developed with intensive partner and stakeholder engagement and

has been subject to an ongoing, iterative Sustainability Assessment.

It identifies key issues which cross local or sub-regional boundaries and where a collaborative

approach is needed or where action in one area can benefit others. As such, it can inform/steer

the new LEP-based policy and institutional landscape on the key challenges and opportunities

facing the NW over the next 20 years which it makes sense to tackle across local areas. After

all, while institutions and policies may change, the underlying issues, challenges and

opportunities remain to be addressed. Faced with competition from across the UK for scarce

resources, it will be an advantage to have a set of agreed priorities for investment across the

North West that all can agree upon.

The development of Future North West was led by 4NW and the NWDA, supported by an

Advisory Group of nearly 60 key organisations covering private, public and third sectors. Given

the changes ahead, now would be an appropriate time for us to hand over Future North Westto others to take forward and develop in the light of the feedback from the consultation exercise.

In many respects, the need for all areas and interests to collaborate on the “big ticket issues”

and underpinning thematic and spatial priorities set out in Future North West is as strong in the

new sub-national economic development policy environment as it ever was. Future NorthWest derives its authority not from being a statutory plan but as an evidence-based,

stakeholder-backed statement of the most important priorities for the North West on which local

areas can collaborate for mutual benefit. As such, we believe it should carry substantial weight

in influencing future strategic choices and decisions.

NWDA & Northwest Regional Leaders Board

November 2010


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Annex 1 – List of respondents

5050 Vision

Blackpool Council

British Waterways

Campaign for National Parks

Chamber of Commerce North West

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) North West Region

Cheshire and Warrington Enterprise Commission

Chorley Borough Council

Confederation of Passenger Transport

Cumbria County Council

Dr Peter Hirst

East Lancashire Chambers of Commerce

Environment Agency

Forestry Commission

Halton Borough Council

Halton Housing Trust

Highways Agency

Knowsley Borough Council

Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board

Lancashire Economic Partnership

Lancaster City Council

Mersey Travel

Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority

Morecombe Bay Partnership

Natural England

North West Business Leadership Team

North West Environment Link

North West Coastal Forum

North West Federation of Museums and Art Galleries

North West RAF

North West Rural Strategy Group

North West Transport Roundtable

North West Universities Association

Peel Land and Property

Pennine Lancashire Authorities - PLACE

Rossendale Borough Council

Royal London Asset Management

RSPB

Skills Funding Agency

St Helens Council

The Mersey Partnership

Trade Union Congress

Transition Network

TravelWatch NorthWest

Voluntary Sector North West

Warrington Borough Council

West Lancashire Borough Council

Wigan Council

Wirral Council

Wirral Council WEDS Partnership


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Annex 2 – Summary of detailed comments

In order to assist the future development of Future North West, this Annex seeks to summarise

all substantive comments made, whether by one or several organisations/individuals. As noted

in the main report, there was strong overall support for Future North West. The majority of

comments received were very specific, highly detailed recommendations to improve the clarity

and strength of the document and to address perceived weaknesses and omissions. This

Annex therefore needs to be considered in that context.

Section A – Setting the Context

This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were -

• The document should recognise that the North West has extensive heritage assets

outside of city centres

• The automotive sector should be identified as advanced manufacturing

• The creation of community cohesion and tackling social exclusion should be identified as

a specific long-standing issue

• It should be made clear that reference to landscapes also includes seascapes

• The National Park’s landscape should be recognised for its cultural as well as natural

importance

Section B – Vision and Approach

There was general support for the Vision with just a few respondents suggesting that further

revision is required. The issues raised were -

• Climate change is not given enough prominence. There should be a clear commitment to

climate change mitigation

• There should be stronger reference to the protection of the region’s biodiversity

• There should be a reference to coastal communities

• Towns and communities should be environmentally, in addition to economically and

socially, sustainable

• Aspirations to achieve ‘minimal deprivation and child poverty’ are negative and should be

replaced by ‘reduce deprivation and eradicate child poverty’

• The Vision should refer to the Liverpool City Region rather than Liverpool alone

• The role of the Lake District needs further clarification

• The need to develop an agreed set of principles on how we work together to achieve the

Vision


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There was significant support for the emphasis on Environmental Limits. A number of

respondents called for greater read-across from this section to the rest of the document,

particularly to the natural environment/green infrastructure objectives. It was felt that more work

is needed to identify specific limits for the North West and to support stakeholders to better

understand and effectively utilise the concept of environmental limits.

Issues raised were –

• Reducing emissions to air should include carbon emissions as well as air quality

pollutants

• The approach to the historical environment needs to be strengthened

• Reference should be made to statutory landscape designations in addition to biodiversity

designations

• There is a need to go much further than simply ensuring no deterioration of water

environments, as we currently do not have perfect water quality

• Reference should be made to national and EU policy on coastal and marine

environments, such as the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009

• Improved access to informal open space should only refer to village greens and open

access land

Section C – Themes

Theme 1 – Low Carbon, Climate Change and Resource Efficiency

1a: Make the North West a world-class place for nuclear technologies, accelerate thedeployment of renewable energy and exploit opportunities in other low carbon andenvironmental goods and services.

This objective was broadly supported. Issues raised were -

• There needs to be greater recognition of the potential contribution that onshore wind

development could make towards meeting energy requirements

• There needs to be recognition of the significant levels of investment in transport, critical,

social and health infrastructure required to support nuclear new build programmes

• Alternative wording was suggested for progressing a deep geological repository in

Cumbria to better reflect the current stage of the process

• Opportunities for marine and offshore wind energy in the Liverpool City Region should be

better highlighted

• There should be greater recognition of the potential impacts upon landscapes,

biodiversity and habitats, National Parks etc. of nuclear, renewable and transmission

infrastructure, including explicit recognition that careful planning of the location, scale and

type of renewable energy development will be needed to avoid damage to European

sites and valuable landscapes.


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1b: Ensure the North West understands and adapts to the implications of unavoidable climatechangeThis objective was broadly supported. Issues raised were -

• There should be greater recognition of the role landscapes and natural systems can play

in adaptation

• There needs to be recognition of the importance of creating a greater understanding of

how individuals can practically and affordably make a difference

• The issue of peak oil should be recognised

• The importance of land management skills and knowledge should be recognised

• Reference should be made to shoreline management plans and to the issue of increased

storminess

• There should be recognition of the need to encourage smarter tourism travel

1c: Stimulate key sectors, including housing, transport and industry, to develop low carbon andresource efficient solutions and alternatives.


• This objective should be the lead objective for this theme – it is the most climate change

focused of the three objectives

• Reducing the need to travel is about more than just digital technology – getting

development in the right place is vital

• Needs greater recognition of the strong connections between waste, resource efficiency

and low carbon

Theme 2 – Competitive Advantage and Distinctiveness

2a: Develop our strength in internationally competitive manufacturing, biomedical anddigital/creative industries by supporting businesses to be innovative, enterprising and exportdriven.

This objective received relatively few comments. Issues raised were -

• Support for internationally competitive sectors needs to be flexible, so as not to preclude

emerging technologies

• There should be explicit recognition of the importance of the maritime sector to the North

West economy

• Major developments such as Wirral Waters, which have the potential to attract

international firms, should be recognised

• Greater recognition of the regional importance of Media City


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2b: Strengthen our concentration of knowledge-based assets driven by our universities andresearch, science and innovation base.


• Inter–university collaboration through physical infrastructure and technology assets will

be less viable in the current economic environment. A better approach might be to build

upon human capital and intellectual resources to support the growth of technology and

research specialisms beyond the capacity of a single institution

• Museums and galleries should be recognised as part of the NW’s knowledge/research

assets

2c: Improve our international connectivity through the Liverpool Superport, including JohnLennon Airport, and Manchester Airport.

This objective was generally supported, although a minority highlighted the potential conflicts

between increased internationalism and environmental priorities. Issues raised were -

• Need to develop better local economic linkages – shorter supply, production and

consumption chains

• Need to recognise the importance of the Manchester Ship Canal as well as Liverpool

SuperPort

• High speed rail links to Scotland should include stops in Cumbria

• The potential of Blackpool International Airport with respect to international connectivity

should be recognised

• The Parkside Rail Freight interchange should be recognised as a key element of

Liverpool SuperPort

• The expansion of ports and airports will place increased pressure upon biodiversity and

habitats.

• A carbon balance calculation approach needs to be incorporated to balance increased

emissions from international trade and aviation, with carbon savings from other sectors

2d: Develop our world class sporting/culture/quality of place offer and the attraction ofManchester, Liverpool, Chester and the Lake District as international destinations.


• Need to recognise that tourism growth may create pressures upon sensitive landscapes,

habitats and biodiversity.

• Recognise Blackpool as an international destination. In addition recognise the role of

other coastal resorts – Southport, Morecambe etc

• There should be support for tourism development throughout the NW, not just the

destinations identified


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• The heritage offer of Birkenhead should be recognised alongside Carlisle, Chester and

Lancaster

• There should be a greater emphasis on the role of cultural assets in enhancing diversity

and promoting the development of cultural industries

• The document should reflect the cultural offer of the whole region rather than simply

Liverpool, Lake District etc.

• Sports and culture should be addressed as separate issues

• There is a need to invest in, as well as exploit, the region’s sporting, cultural and

environmental assets

Theme 3 – Release Potential and Tackle Poverty

3a: Increase the potential of the workforce by improving employment levels and skills, includingan increase in technical skills and apprenticeships.


• There should be recognition of opportunities for the accreditation of existing skills

• Should recognise the opportunity to capitalise on and develop the skills of older workers

and the need to improve employer attitudes to older workers

• The document should make reference to ‘procurement clauses’ to support skills

development

• There should be greater emphasis placed upon the importance of apprenticeships

• There is too much focus on high growth sectors

3b: Build on our strong third sector and strong tradition of social enterprise.

This objective received relatively few comments. Issues raised were -

• Some concern that social enterprises may not be able to deliver mainstream public

services.

• There should be a greater focus on support for the public sector and recognition of the

role it plays in supporting private sector jobs and enterprise.

3c: Revitalise areas with deep-seated economic and social challenges and build strongcommunities.


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• Regeneration activities need to be balanced with renewal, working with individuals and

communities

• The affordability of public transport should be recognised as a major issue for many

residents of disadvantaged areas

• The hardships faced by rural communities should be recognised

3d: Tackle the serious challenges raised by multiple disadvantage.


• There is a need to recognise the problem of ‘in work’ poverty

• Under-employed groups should include people with no skills

• There is a need to look beyond local authority data when examining issues such as

worklessness - should adopt an approach that identifies ‘hotspots’

• The document is weak on the accessibility of jobs, education and training

3e: Address the implications of demographic change for our workforce and services.


• The document should recognise opportunities for product and service development

aimed at an ageing population

• The document should recognise the changing housing needs of an ageing population

• The document should recognise the need to invest and safeguard future provision of

health and support services for older and vulnerable people

Theme 4 – Housing and Infrastructure

4a: Secure high-quality housing in locations which support sustainable economic growth andcommunities.

This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were –

• The need for a reference to specific housing numbers for the region is questionable. The

figure quoted is arguably outdated

• There is a need to clarify that addressing under-occupancy does not mean by

compulsion

• Some concerns that the private rented sector is not a viable and attractive alternative for

many people

• The document should recognise recently announced delivery models for affordable


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housing, particularly in rural areas – Local Housing Trusts etc

• The document needs to recognise that some local authorities will need to look beyond

existing urban areas to meet growth aspirations and may include development in the

Green Belt

• The document should acknowledge that for many vulnerable areas, public and private

investment will continue to be necessary to stimulate growth

• The document should recognise that there is a continued need to prioritise brownfield

sites over greenfield development

• The issue of access to mortgage finance should be acknowledged

• The document needs to say more about meeting the housing needs of vulnerable people

• The document should recognise that Local Development Frameworks will be central to

housing deliver rather than Local Investment Plans

4b: Ensure high-quality digital connectivity to stimulate enterprise, improve service delivery andreduce the need to travel.

This objective received relatively few comments. Issues raised were –

• The need to ensure that the needs of rural areas are reflected in digital upgrading

• Some concerns over the potential for a ‘digital divide’

4c: Improve internal connectivity through a sustainable transport infrastructure which betterconnects opportunity and need.

Many respondents expressed strong support for the major transport infrastructure priorities such

as Northern Hub, Electrification etc. There was also strong support for developing better links

between land use planning and transport to make best use of existing resources.


• The document should recognise the importance of Mersey Gateway to the North West’s

economy

• The document should reference proposals for – Halton Curve, Todmorden Curve,

improvements to the Hazel Grove to Buxton line, and the upgrading of the East

Lancashire Railway

• There should be recognition of the role light rail and train/tram can play as a resource

efficient way of improving city centre access

• With reference to Intermodal freight, the document needs to set out how the needs of the

North West will be identified.

• Transport infrastructure should be defined as ‘critical’ infrastructure


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4d: Develop the critical infrastructure the region needs to support sustainable economic growth.

This section was broadly supported. Issues raised were –

• Waste management infrastructure should be recognised as critical infrastructure

• The role of developer contributions for the delivery of infrastructure should be recognised

4e: Safeguard the natural environment and develop green infrastructure to provide economic,environmental and social benefits.

There was strong support for including a specific objective focusing upon green infrastructure. A

number of respondents provided highly detailed suggestions for improving the objective.

Further issues raised were –

• There should be recognition that green infrastructure can deliver additional natural assets

• The cultural value of landscapes should be recognised

• Reference should be made to the value of agricultural and common land

• Reference should be made to the management of natural water resources

• Green infrastructure should be considered to be critical infrastructure

Section D – Places

General issues raised were –

• There are inconsistencies when referring to universities – references are made to some

but not for all areas

• There are weakness in the treatment of natural and historical environments

• It would be helpful if the economic geography map included a key

Comments were made on the specific spatial priorities put forward.

Liverpool City Region

Detailed suggestions for improving the place profile were provided. Other issues raised were –

• Mersey Gateway should be included as a priority

• There needs to be consistent use of the term Liverpool City Region rather than

Liverpool/Merseyside – including on maps

• Tackling deprivation should be recognised as a key priority for the Liverpool City Region

• Reference should be made to assets such as Knowsley Industrial Park

• Remove outdated references to Multiple Area Agreements (MAA)


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• Reference should be made to linkages from the Wirral to west Cheshire and North East

Wales

Lancashire

Issues raised were -

• No Pennine Lancashire towns are identified as having the potential for growth. Pennine

Lancashire is typecast as an area of deprivation rather than growth.

• Recognise importance of improving Pennine Lancashire rail links, including upgrading

the East Lancashire Railway

• There is no recognition of the Blackpool growth agenda

• Morecambe Bay should be recognised as a meaningful social-economic unit that crosses

administrative boundaries

Cumbria

Issues raised were -

• The supply chains of BAE and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in West Cumbria

reach to other parts of the North West. Therefore, investment should not be directed

solely to the Manchester and Liverpool city regions

• Barrow, Workington and Whitehaven should be recognised as areas suitable for major

development in addition to Carlisle

• Reference should be made to the important cultural, social, economic and transport links

to North East England

Cheshire and Warrington


• The GVA figure in the place profile needs revising for accuracy

• The map appears to suggest that Cheshire and Warrington is fragmented when in reality

it has significant self-containment in terms of journeys to work

• Clarification is needed that growth in Warrington will be through regeneration rather than

outward growth

Atlantic Gateway

A number of respondents suggested that further clarity on Atlantic Gateway is needed. Detailed

suggestions for alternative wording were also proposed. Further issues raised were –

• There should be recognition that growth will be focused on existing towns and cities and

that brownfield sites will be prioritised over greenfield/green belt sites

• The city to city terminology does not make it clear that places such as the Wirral have


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extensive assets and opportunities which will form a significant element of the aspirations

for Atlantic Gateway

• There should be reference to housing growth in addition to economic growth

Links with places outside the North West


• There needs to be greater reference to the importance of links with international markets

such as China and the opportunities they present

• This section should include links to other regions within the UK

• The aesthetic importance of the North West Coast to the Irish Sea should be recognised

Section E – Focus and Ambition

There was strong support for the ‘Big Ticket Issues’. However, a commonly voiced concern was

the absence of any reference to addressing climate change adaptation and improving resource

efficiency.

Other issues raised were –

• There are too many, so lack focus. There should be a much sharper focus on a small

number of large transformational projects

• BTI 11 should also include protecting natural environments

• BTI 10 should include Blackpool

• BTI 7 should include reference to the Manchester Ship Canal

• BTI 6 should include electrification of rail lines

• The inter-relationships between the ‘Big Ticket Issues’ should be recognised

• The issue of child poverty in the Vision does not translate across to BTI 8


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An

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Recommendations to improve ʻFuture North Westʼ Changes made in Augustdocument

Comments

Biodiversity

Need for HRA – There are proposals within ʻFuture North West:Our Shared Prioritiesʼ which have the potential to have significantadverse impacts on biodiversity and on European sites inparticular. It will be crucial that rigorous ecological impact andappropriate assessments of such proposals are undertaken in thefuture at appropriate levels (project, LDF and possibly city-region/Local Enterprise Partnership level) in order that avoidance,mitigation and compensation of any impacts can occur.Recognition of this point within the Strategy is recommended,either in association with the Environmental Limits text orObjective 4e, or indeed in both locations. Reiteration of this pointwithin the introduction to Section 3 may also be advisable.

An additional paragraph wasadded to the EnvironmentalLimits section acknowledgingthis issue.

Environmental Limits - The reference to Environmental Limits isan important component of the Regional Strategy, providingprotection for biodiversity, as well as other elements of theenvironment. The section on Environmental Limits could usefullybe given more prominence, i.e. put in a ʻtext boxʼ like the other focifor action.

The Environmental Limitssection was presented in aʻtext boxʼ, making it visuallymore prominent.

Recognition of Specific Biodiversity Issues - The inclusion ofthis protective over-arching statement has resulted in the removalof statements within other ʻstatements of focus for actionʼregarding the need to avoid potential impacts on the environment.Whilst this streamlines the document, there are occasions wherethe risk to biodiversity is so significant that specific referencewould provide appropriate balance. This expansion is furtherjustified in areas where there is particular concern (such asassociated with recreation, especially in the Lake District,renewables, Liverpool Superport combined with otherdevelopment around the Mersey) because there is little detail onhow the principles expressed in the section on EnvironmentalLimits should be used as a basis for decision-making. Thespecificity in Section 3 (which mentions, for example, offshorewind in the Liverpool Bay area, Carlisle Airport and Power from theRiver Mersey etc) does encourage reference to specific HRAissues.

It is assumed that the document will be read ʻas awholeʼ. Therefore having upfront overarchingprinciples on Environmental Limits, including takingaccount of specific biodiversity issues, avoids theneed for repetition throughout the document.



Comments

Environmental Protection - Objective 4e (Safeguard the naturalenvironment) could usefully be strengthened and more contextprovided with respect to biodiversity priorities. Linkage to, andpossible elaboration on the use of, the Environmental Limits would beof value here.

This should be considered alongside NaturalEnglandʼs alternative text for Objective 4e

Water Efficiency - There are some inconsistencies within the text ofʻFuture North West: Our Shared Prioritiesʼ. Energy efficiency isrepeatedly mentioned but water efficiency is mentioned onlyinfrequently… the need for water efficiency would be mentioned morefrequently – and, in particular, would be included explicitly in theintroductory text associated with Objective 1c (ʻresource-efficientsolutionsʼ) and also in the last of the 12 ʻbig ticketʼ issues.Encouraging retrofitting of water efficient measures more widely (aswith energy efficient measures) would also be valuable; this iscurrently restricted to Objective 4a in respect of water efficiency.

Objectives 1c and 4a recognisethe importance of waterefficiency.

Consideration could be given to expanding BigTicket Issue 12 to recognise water resourceefficiency in addition to energy efficiency

Air Quality and Transport - For natural habitats, reducing nitrogenemissions from transport is an equally key aim as decarbonising. Thisis a significant issue for European sites in the North West and so theopportunity to promote the reduction in N pollution should be taken,probably in Objective 4c.

The Environmental Limits section recognises theneed to reduce harmful emissions. The actions setout in Objective 4c will clearly result in reductionsin NOx emissions. However, the supporting textshould be amended to recognise the importance ofreducing NOx emissions

Renewable Energy – It would be appropriate to recognise that theneed for careful planning of location, scale and type of renewableenergy technology deployed is crucial, in order to emphasise theimportance of avoiding damage to European sites and other importantsites for biodiversity. Reference to the need for review of the potentialimpacts of renewable energy targets to be updated regularly, as this isan uncertain and fast-moving field with much ongoing research,monitoring and development, may be relevant.

This is beyond the scope of the document. Thelocation, scale and type of renewable energydevelopment are issues which will be determinedin accordance with local and national policy



Comments

Tourism and Recreational Pressure – It would be appropriateto recognise the need to avoid damage to important biodiversityas a consequence of encouraging tourism and recreation, bythe addition of a similar protective phrase to that used inassociation with World Heritage Sites (Objective 2d). A similarcaution should be recorded in Section 3 (key priority g).

This is beyond the scope of the document. The location, scaleand nature of new tourism development are issues which willbe determined in accordance with local and national policy.

Objective 4c recognises the need for effective travel demandmanagement in areas where visitor pressures may impactupon local environments and habitats

Green Infrastructure - The importance of Green Infrastructurein providing alternative open-space to sensitive sites, reducingthe risk of damage from recreational over-use, is mentioned inone location (Environmental Limits) but not others, and thispoint should be picked up in Objective 4e, Focus for Action b).

Objective 4e should be amended to reflect this point

Woodland Planting – Reference to the need to plan locationand type of planting to maximise biodiversity benefits and todeliver regional biodiversity targets for woodland expansionwould be valuable. The most appropriate place for thisreference may be under Objective 4e.

Objective 4e explicitly supports the delivery of the NorthwestRegional Forestry Framework. The Framework is the mostappropriate forum for setting out the detailed strategicapproach to planting in the Region.

Section 3 - Section 3 would also benefit from, as a minimum, astrong cross-reference to the Environmental Limits statementsand Environmental Protection objective in the earlier sections ofthe document. This is the section where the conflict betweenbiodiversity and individual projects is most exposed, given theincreased level of specificity in this section.

It is assumed that the document will be read ʻas a wholeʼ.Therefore having upfront overarching principles onEnvironmental Limits avoids the need for repetition throughoutthe document.

Section 3 Irish Sea - There should be reference to the largenumber of marine European sites in the Irish Sea Region (aswell as World Heritage Sites).

The Irish Sea section (page 45) could be amended toreference European marine sites



Comments

Climatic Factors and Flooding

Page 10 lists a number of ʻassumptionsʼ on which the documentis based. The assumption that businesses, individuals andcommunities will be willing and able to make the massivechanges that are required to adapt to climate change should beincluded in this list. On a similar note, the challenges of climate change adaptationfor individuals, businesses and communities should be includedas one of the ʻbig ticket issuesʼ on page 18.

We are not sure that this is an assumption. It is more aboutrecognising the importance of behavioural change in takingeffective action to address climate change. This is pickedup in the document.

Should consider expanding BTI 4 to recognise theimportance of adapting to climate change

While the focus for action under objective 1a c) lists a number ofways to encourage and promote behavioural change bybusinesses, households and individuals, when this list isexamined closer, all of the actions relate to changes forbusiness, and none of them in fact relate to households orindividuals. This is the same situation under objective 1b c) andunder objective 1c c); again, none of these actions are withinthe individual control of households or individuals. Either thetext ʻencourage behavioural change by businesses, householdsand individualsʼ should be amended in these ʻfoci for actionʼ, orfurther actions must be adopted which households andindividuals can take responsibility for – and this will be key toensuring the relevance of the document to individuals andcommunities, not just big business.

Theme1 was significantlyrestructured. Objective 1cexplicitly recognises theimportance of improvingdomestic energy andresource efficiency

Objective 2c – Focus for Action – An explanation as to howʻsustainable growthʼ will be defined should be provided at theImplementation Plan stage.

This is beyond the scope of the document. The detailedpolicy approach to airport growth will be set out in theforthcoming Aviation National Policy Statement andindividual Airport Masterplans


Recommendations to improve ʻFuture North Westʼ Changes made in Augustdocuments

Comments

Health and health Equality

Objective 4(e) – the benefits of green infrastructure couldbe better articulated by rewording to state: ʻIt is vital thatthe benefits of providing green infrastructure in particularfor promoting healthy lifestyles, neighbourhood amenity,social inclusion, leisure and recreation, transport andindustry is recognised.

This could be considered alongside Natural Englandʼsalternative text for Objective 4e

In sub-regions where health deprivation is particularlyentrenched, this should be highlighted as a key issue inSection 3.

This point is adequately addressed in Objectives 3c and 3d



Comments

Communities, Equality and Diversity

Executive summary, table on themes, outcomes, objectives andtargets – First theme, second objective – reword as ʻEnsurethat the North West understands and adapts to the implicationsof unavoidable climate change, and provides assistance inadaptation for deprived communities, recognising that they aremore likely to be disproportionately affectedʼ.

Adaptation to unavoidable climate is an issue that thewhole region faces. We agree that different communitieswill face different challenges: however, actions to addresslocal challenges and community needs are bestdetermined at a local level.

Executive summary, table on themes, outcomes, objectives andtargets – Fourth theme, fourth outcome – reword as: ʻImprovingthe range, accessibility and depth of quality employmentopportunities for all…ʼ

Consider amending outcome as suggested

The 12 big ticket issues – Issue 8 – reword as: Reduce levelsof ill-health, deprivation and inequalityʼ.

Consider revised wording suggested.

Section 1 Context and Vision, Introduction, paragraph 4 –reword sentence: ʻSuch as increasing skills, employment,enterprise and productivity levels which are currently amongthe lowest in the UK, as well as tackling ill-health, in-equalitiesand discrimination, poor housing and addressing areas ofconsiderable deprivation…ʼ

Consider amending paragraph as suggested.

Assumptions, page 10 – include bullet point addressing othersources of inequality and discrimination, not just health.Without behavioural change to address discrimination and/orintervention, in-equalities experienced by BME communities,LGBT people, young people and the elderly will continue.

This is adequately addressed in Objectives 3d and 3e



Comments

The theme ʻrelease the potential of our people and tackle povertybyʼ identifies a number of targets – this section would benefit fromspecific targets which relate to the needs of specific equalitiesgroups, many of these targets pose additional challenges forequalities groups, which are not currently acknowledged. Torelease potential and tackle poverty we need to specifically targetthose groups which are performing lower than the North Westaverage.

Specific targets may need to be identified, but this couldonly be done once the delivery and governancemechanisms have been established

Theme – ʻEnsure the right housing and infrastructure forsustainable growth – first outcome, reword as: ʻCreating balancedhousing markets across the North West that support economicgrowth and are located close to economic opportunities,strengthen inclusion and ensure that everyone has access to well-designed, high-quality, affordable housing in mixed, sustainablecommunitiesʼ.

This is adequately addressed in Objective 4a

Objective 1(b) Focus for North West Action, (c), reword as:ʻEnsuring that the risks and opportunities from climate change forNorth West businesses and communities (especially deprivedcommunities who are less able to respond), are clearlyunderstood and potential responses developed and applied toincrease the resilience of services, transport, criticalinfrastructure, green infrastructure, natural systems, landscapes,habitats, land use, food production and the urban fabric, includinghousingʼ.

Consider amending Objective 1b to add reference tofood production and housing as suggested

Objective 2(b) – Emphasis should be placed on up-skilling thelocal population first, reword text to state: ʻWe need to develop,attract and retain skilled peopleʼ in text and focus for actionstatements.

The meaning of this suggested change is unclear

Objective 3b – Focus for Action (c) – recognise the need to buildthe capacity of third sector support for LGBT people.

It is not clear why LGBT should be recognisedspecifically given that no other group is identified.



Comments

Objective 3d- Focus for Action (a) – include LGBT in the list ofunder-employed groups.

We do not believe the evidence supports LGBT beingclassed as an ʻunder-employedʼ group

Objective 3d- Focus for Action (b) – This section should alsorefer to the need to tackle barriers such as low aspirations andcommunity influence.

This is adequately addressed in the actions for Objective3d in the annex

Objective 3d- Focus for Action (b) – reword second bullet pointas follows:ʻ…-by focusing on the social, economic andenvironmental causes of ill health and ensuring high qualityprimary care services, including tailored services wherenecessary for equalities groupsʼ.

This is adequately addressed in the actions for Objective3e in the annex

Objective 3d- Focus for Action (c) – Reword third bullet point:(This will include activity within the North West to address anti-discrimination, anti-racism, homophobia, hetrosexism andbullying)

This is adequately addressed in the actions forObjectives 3d and 3e in the annex

Objective 3d- Focus for Action (d) – Reword second bullet point– ʻ…so that all people in the North West can live wellʼ – as thecurrent text currently excludes some equalities groups.

Consider amending Objective 3d action in the annex assuggested

Objective 3e – Focus for Action (c) – Add additional bullet point– ʻTackle bullying and discrimination in schools and workplacesʼ

This is adequately addressed in the actions forObjectives 3d and 3e in the annex

Objective 4a – Focus for Action (a) – Bullet point 2 – addʻemployment opportunitiesʼ after economic growth, and add anadditional bullet point ʻ Improving access to services andemployment for existing communitiesʼ.

This would add little value. Employment is an intrinsicelement of sustainable economic growth. The secondpoint is addressed a number of times throughout thedocument.

Objective 4d – Introductory text – reword final paragraph –ʻLinking employment opportunities with both existing and futurehousing will be importantʼ.

This would add little value to the document



Comments

Objective 4d – focus for Action (a) – Add additional bullet pointafter final bullet point – ʻSupport regeneration and employmentopportunities for deprived communitiesʼ.

The final bullet should be amended to recognise theregeneration role of some strategic sites

Section 3, sub-section (c) – reword fifth bullet point – ʻfocusdevelopment within existing towns and cities particularly theregeneration of appropriate brownfield sites which provideaccessible employment opportunities for local communitiesʼ.

This paragraph was removed, asthe location of development is amatter for local determination inaccordance with national policy

Innovation, Economy and Employment

It is recommended that ʻFuture North Westʼ seeks to promotehome working, on the back of the roll-out of Next GenerationAccess broadband articulated in Objective 4b. Theencouragement of opportunities for home working in Objective1c would have multiple positive implications for the economy,helping to reduce the need to travel, reduce congestion, improveair quality and potentially improve the viability of the ruraleconomy; and would link in with the aspirations set out inObjective 4b.

We believe there is insufficient evidence to support theeffectiveness of home working to improve resourceefficiency

Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region are the areasmost affected by employment deprivation. These areas shouldbe targeted for skills development in section 3 of ʻFuture NorthWest: Our Shared Prioritiesʼ.

Skills development is central to the economic health ofall parts of the region. The approach to skillsdevelopment is set out in Objective 3a

It is recommended that Objective 2d also promotes the potentialrole of other areas of the North West (beyond the establisheddestinations) in developing the tourism sector. Spreading thevalue of tourism throughout the region is consistent withsustainable economic growth.

Objective 2d intentionally focuses upon thosedestinations which are considered to be internationallyand nationally important.



Comments

Objective 4d - insert a new bullet point into paragraph 2 sectionʻa)ʼ which states that “where sustainable in planning terms,strategic employment sites will be located close to those areassuffering most from employment deprivation.”

The location of development is a matter for localdetermination in accordance with national policy

There is need to ensure that a wide range of employmentopportunities are developed in the region, in order to meet theemployment needs of existing residents alongside attractingtalented individuals to move to the North West. In Objective 3ainclude a new bullet point after bullet point 3 which states“Investment and employment creation will also be encouraged inother employment sectors such as the visitor and tourism sectorand creative industries, in order to supplement targeted growth inhigh value employment sectors. The region will continue to beoutward-looking and responsive to external economic pressuresand new opportunities for growth.”

Objective 3a supports both high value and highemployment sectors

Include a reference in Objective 3a to the need for stronggovernance arrangements to ensure linkages between the privatesector and supporting education institutions, local authorities,emerging LEPs and central government. This issue should alsobe addressed in the Implementation Plan.

Consider addition to text making this point.

Heritage and Landscape

Objective 2d – remove the reference to the Lake District being the“adventure capital” of the UK. Amend bullet point 8 to read:ʻPromoting, protecting and enhancing the North Westʼs distinctivehistoric and natural environments, in particular - … This will makethis bullet point consistent with the approach taken for the finalbullet point, which refers to protecting and enhancing Liverpooland Hadrianʼs Wall World Heritage Sites.

Objective 2d was amended torefer to the promotion of Cumbriaand Pennine Lancashireʼsadventure tourism offers.



Comments

Section 3, subsections (f) and (g) (page 50) – insert the wordʻprotectʼ into the text in relation to areas of heritage value withinthe North West, to act as a balance for developing andpromoting them.

Beyond the scope of this document. Heritage assets areprotected through national and local policy.

Recognise that the need for careful planning of the location,scale and type of renewable energy technology deployedacross the region, in order to avoid damage to European sitesor highly valued landscapes. A reference to this effect shouldbe made under Objective 1a.

The principles set out in the Environmental Limits sectionapply to all forms of development including renewableenergy generation.

It is assumed that the document will be read ʻas a wholeʼ.Therefore having upfront overarching principles onEnvironmental Limits avoids the need for repetitionthroughout the document.

Housing Objective 4a should encourage the identification of sites (withsuitable pitch and plot provision) for Gypsies, Travellers andTravelling Showpeople, which support the development ofinclusive mixed communities and where they have access tofacilities and services such as health care and schools.

This is a matter for local determination in accordance withnational policy

There should continue to be a focus in areas of most need – tofocus effort and investment (public and private) on the fullrange of activities need to create sustainable communities, i.e.not just housing. This targeting of effort should address areasmost likely to benefit (change for the better) as a result of suchinvestment. Consideration should be given to identifying thespecific areas in the region which should be targeted forregeneration activity, based on the evidence base andexpanding on the limited focus on housing issues in Section D.

Objective 3c sets out a strategic approach to theregeneration of communities, which was developed inclose collaboration with sub regional partners



Comments

Land (including waste) and water resources

Objective 4d: to address the issue of contaminated land, a newparagraph should be inserted to the introductory text on page 43which reads:"The North West was at the forefront of the industrial revolutionand to this day remains one of the UKʼs major manufacturingcentres. This past industrial activity means that contaminated landacts a development constraint in many areas of the region such asnorth Liverpool. Successful remediation of contaminated land isfundamental to improving the image of the region and also toensuring that former industrial areas can contribute positively toeconomic growth and competitiveness of the region, attractinvestment, and where appropriate provide attractive sites forresidential development. The development of greenfield sitesshould be controlled at the local authority level so as to encouragethe remediation and subsequent development on contaminatedsites."

The issue of contaminated land is a matter for localdetermination in accordance with national policy

Objective 4e: add a reference within the text and ʻfocus for actionʼthat addresses the importance of protecting and conserving soilresources within the North West, particularly the role they play inmaintaining food security.

This is addressed in the Environmental Limitssection

Objective 1c: add a section to bullet point four within the ʻFocus forNorth West actionʼ that addresses the need to ensure thathazardous waste is managed sustainably within the region.

This is covered in the detailed actions for Objective1c in the annex

Objective 1c, ʻFocus for Action b), bullet point 2 – add a furthersub-bullet point in relation to retrofitting of existing housing stockand business premises with water efficiency measures.

Objective 1c recognises theimportance of water efficiency



Comments

Rural AreasObjective 3e – this section should make reference to themigration of young people from rural areas to urban, reflectingthe lack of affordable housing, services and job opportunities.

The social and economic challenges that the regionʼsrural communities face are set out in Section D –Places, Priority (i). Could amend to recognise theissue of outmigration

Priority (i) in the ʻpriorities for places sectionʼ recognises thecontribution of the North Westʼs rural areas, includingagriculture, food production and processing, tourism/recreation,and carbon storage, but should be expanded to include explicitreference to the importance of the renewable energy generationand forestry industries in rural areas, recognising that theseindustries help to sustain rural economies and contribute tomanagement of the environment, as well as contributing toadaptation to climate change.

Priority (i) should be amended to recogniseopportunities around renewable energy generationand forestry

The references to food security in the strategy are welcomed;however the strategy could give greater recognition to theimportance of the regionʼs rural areas for food production in thecontext of the need to reduce the distance food travels and thuscontributions to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Strengths in food production are recognised in SectionD, Priority (i)

Objective 1b (c) encourage and promote behavioural change…this list should be expanded to include ʻfood securityʼ – it isimplicitly recognised within ʻnatural systemsʼ but should beexplicitly included.

Objective 1b could be amended to include foodproduction processes

Page 15 - Under outcomes for ʻreleasing the potential of ourpeople and tackle povertyʼ, include reference to addressing theunique circumstances and needs of deprived rural and coastalcommunitiesʼ

The social and economic challenges that the regionʼsrural communities face are set out in Section D –Places, Priority (i).



Comments

Objective 1(b) introductory text – the second paragraphhighlights the extensive physical and emotional damage thatfloods can cause in local areas, this should be expanded to stateʻparticularly in deprived or isolated rural and coastalcommunitiesʼ to recognise the disproportionate affect of floodingin these areas.

This is adequately addressed in the document

Objective 3(b) – introductory text, second paragraph – thisparagraph makes reference to rural deprivation and identifiesissues of access to services, lack of affordable housing and lowhousehold incomes. This should be expanded to include theimpacts of an aging rural population and outward migration ofyoung people as a result of lack of affordable housing and lowhousehold incomes, and what the subsequent implications willbe for service provision and the rural labour pool.

The social and economic challenges that the regionʼsrural communities face are set out in Section D –Places, Priority (i). Recommendations made foramending Priority (i) will address this issue

Objective 3(d) – introductory text, final paragraph – relates to thesocial determinants of health. This section should be expandedto refer to the problems caused by inability to access healthservices, which are also a contributor to poor health – this is aparticular issue for deprived rural communities and even moreso, for elderly people within those communities.

The social and economic challenges that the regionʼsrural communities face are set out in Section D –Places, Priority (i). This specifically recognises theimportance of equitable access to services.

Objective 3(e) – introductory text – this explains a number of thekey demographic trends which have implications for the NorthWest workforce and services. Outward migration of youngpeople from rural areas and the rapidly aging rural population insome areas should also be identified as a key demographicissue in this section.




Comments

Objective 4(c) – introductory text – first paragraph on page 42,include additional text to the effect that: ʻIn much of thecountryside, its economic success will always be dependent oncar and road based freight transport, which creates issues ofinequality for those without ready access to private transportʼ.


Implementation Plan – Ensure evidence-based targeting ofregeneration programmes is designed to reflect equitableopportunity for rural and urban communities.

Transport and Air Quality

Objective 4c - seeks to improve internal connectivity in theregion through improvements to sustainable transportinfrastructure, which better connects opportunity and need. Inorder to maximise the benefits of Objective 4c, specific areas inneed of improvements in connectivity such as Cumbria shouldbe identified (informed by the evidence base). This could alsobe reflected in Section 3.

The document sets out only those transport issues ofstrategic importance to the NW as a whole. Othertransport priorities are for local determination inaccordance with national policy

Objective 4c – Focus for Action (a) – Insert new bullet point attop of list: ʻIntegrating land use and transport planning to reducethe need to travelʼ.

This would repeat established national policy andtherefore add little value

Air quality is identified as a key issue in the environmental limitssection of ʻFuture North West: Our Shared Prioritiesʼ. Thereforemore emphasis should be placed in Objective 4c on the need toreduce emissions from transport, particularly in the urban areasof the region. Under bullet point two b) a new sub-bullet pointshould be added which reads “Reducing carbon dioxide andother greenhouse gas emissions from transport, particularly inurban areas”.

The need to reduce emissions is recognised in thesupporting text to Objective 4c. Delivery of the rangeof actions identified under this objective will contributetowards reductions in emissions.


The Northwest Regional Development AgencyPO Box 37Renaissance HouseCentre ParkWarrington WA1 1XBTel: +44 (0)1925 400 100Fax: +44 (0)1925 400 400

www.nwda.co.uk

North West Regional Leaders Boardc/o St Helens CouncilTown HallVictoria SquareSt HelensMerseyside WA1 1HP

Michelle StoddartTel: +44 (0)1744 671 644E-mail: [email protected]


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