1. Sustainability Appraisal

2. SA process Stage A (Scoping) complete – Scoping Report consulted on from the 7 th April to 12 th May 2008) Stage B and C started - Interim Sustainability Appraisal Report (ISAR) documenting the assessment of the options and Draft SA Report - documenting the appraisal of draft policies.

3. What are the issues? Flood Risk Deprivation Climate Change Vulnerable groups Cumulative effects Equality

4. What were the options? Gypsies and Travellers: –Option A - Use the results from the studies to distribute new provision –Option B - Modify (a) to ensure a minimum level of pitch provision in every district –Option C - Work to agree a more balanced share of meeting need across districts

5. Interim SA findings A number of important sustainability trade- offs to consider Unequal distribution throughout the region Location dependent upon: –Proximity to friends and family –Economic reasons –Opportunities elsewhere on an authorised site are rare

6. Interim SA findings Sensitive location of authorised pitches means that many effects may: –be insignificant or non-existent –decrease over time Gypsy and Traveller population within a given area will always be relatively small However, new pitches must come forward quickly and in areas where there can co-exist.

7. Interim SA findings Option C works with the G&T community to determine exact allocation, but: –A ‘balanced’ premise, so could result in ‘fine- tuning’ at best?? –Requires genuine engagement Option B is an intermediary option Some G&T families could become isolated Option C could achieve a more sustainable outcome for all, but only if developed and implemented well

8. Interim SA findings Recommendations: –Develop the approach by which the statement in Option C would be achieved, in agreement with sub-regional authorities, and taking in to account points raised in the options assessment –Options B and C require a precautionary approach to ensure that relocated Gypsy and Traveller families do not become isolated from the wider Gypsy and Traveller Community

9. Draft SA Report findings The provision of additional pitches, with the requirement for better access to health, education and employment facilities should alleviate environmental and social conditions. The policy identifies and provides for the needs of ‘hidden’ households It is difficult to determine the precise nature of this impact given the siting and design of sites will be at the LDD level. There is provision in para. 10 for the identification of sites suitable for mixed use development which may encourage business start-ups. The policy makes provision for allocation of pitches beyond the review timescale.

10. Draft SA Report Recommendations The explicit requirement of employment access to be considered when locating sites. Explicit mention of coexistence should be made for all locations. In order to not perpetuate the locating of pitches in areas unsuitable for habitation, consultation and engagement with the gypsy and traveller community should be a pivotal point in this policy.

11. Next Steps Draft policies will complete consultation. Responses will be considered by 4NW. There is an opportunity for draft policies to be finalised before the publication of the pre-submission plan.