2.1.1 The main strategic elements within the Local Plan are set by the Humberside Structure Plan. The Structure Plan contains aims and policies which give emphasis to particular types of development, as well as setting a framework for the scale and geographical distribution of development between districts, and between particular areas and settlements within districts. An important function of the Local Plan is to translate this Structure Plan guidance into site specific policies and allocations, but in so doing the Local Plan must provide interpretation of the Structure Plan policies and strategy and refine it to suit the particular circumstances of the plan area.
2.1.2 Key strategic policies for the plan in the Structure Plan cover the scale of new housing development required, and the broad locations for new housing and industrial development. The recently approved 'Alteration No. 1' requires that between the years 1989 and 2006 sufficient land should be provided in the former Borough for 5,500 dwellings. This development is to be concentrated firstly in the designated 'Urban Centre' of Goole, and secondly in ten designated 'Selected Settlements' in the plan area. The Plan also identifies one strategic location for industry in the plan area at Goole. Industrial development and job creation is a key strategic element of the Structure Plan, and indeed the first Structure Plan policy states:
'A high priority will be given to the provision of land for new economic development and the creation of jobs'.
2.1.3 Other policies in the Structure Plan include those relating to transport and environment. All relevant strategic policies will be referred to in the different sections of the Local Plan.
2.1.4 In addition to the Structure Plan, strategic guidance is provided by Central Government in the form of Circulars and Planning Policy Guidance Notes. Again these will be referred to where relevant in the Local Plan. An important theme arising from this guidance in recent years has been the environmental impact of development proposals. The Government's White Paper `This Common Inheritance' makes it clear that development plans should be drawn up in such a way as to take environmental considerations comprehensively and consistently into account. This should not just include the familiar environmental issues of landscape, nature conservation and built environment, but also newer concerns such as global warming and the consumption of nonrenewable resources. As development patterns established now will endure long into the future, it is important that any adverse environmental impacts of new development, such as increased demand for travel brought about by out of centre development, are taken into account at an early stage. Central Government is, therefore, firmly committed to incorporating `sustainability' into the planning system (see Environment chapter).
2.1.5 Having regard to the terms of the Plan and the available guidance, the Council considers that the following aims and guiding principles should be adhered to in the preparation of the Plan:
1. To consider the need for development together with the need to maintain the quality of the environment.
2. To allocate sufficient industrial development land to cater for the needs of the former Borough's population.
3. To meet the projected need for housing development in the former Borough.
4. To guide development to where it is needed and where it will serve the community to best effect.
5. To enhance Goole's role as an important urban centre for the provision of services, employment, shopping and leisure.
6. To protect and improve the quality of the environment in the plan area for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
7. To ensure that the scarce and valuable resources of land and investment are used to best effect.
8. To enhance sport, recreation and leisure opportunities for those living, working or visiting the plan area.
2.1.6 The Plan's geographic strategy concentrates future residential and industrial development within or adjacent to the main settlements in the plan area. Additional services and facilities such as shopping are also to be concentrated in these centres. This will help to establish/consolidate a network of 'service centres' where basic services, facilities, housing and employment opportunities will exist to serve the surrounding area. The main exception to this strategy will be the further industrial development at a number of disused airfields in the plan area, although these are usually within fairly easy reach of a nearby main settlement. This framework of service centres is particularly appropriate in such a rural area as Boothferry.
2.1.7 A strategy such as this is also economical in the use of resources. Generally speaking infrastructure costs are less for development in the main centres, where sewerage facilities etc. are usually available. Furthermore, by attempting to secure additional services, and housing and employment opportunities in centres throughout the plan area, future residents may have the opportunity to satisfy their service and employment needs more locally, and reduce the amount of travelling and thus the use of finite resources which is compatible with the overall sustainable strategy of the Local Plan.
2.1.8 Within the framework of 'service centres' particular attention will be given to Goole and Howden where the main growth area of the plan area is proposed. Goole is the only designated `Urban Centre' in the Structure Plan, but it was considered that Howden should receive the same designation. This will be examined through the review of the Structure Plan. Goole is in a unique position as a port and at the junction of the M62 and M18 motorways to provide much needed industrial growth. Significant residential growth in Howden will assist in securing much needed investment in the historic town centre without harming the overall character and setting of the town.
2.1.9 Increasing awareness of green issues has highlighted the often unforeseen implications that land use and other planning policies can have on the environment, globally and locally. In recognition of this the Government, in PPG 12, Development Plans and Regional Planning Guidance, now requires local authorities to appraise the implications of their policies for the environment, as part of the Plan preparation process.
2.1.10 An Environmental Appraisal has been carried out of the policies in the Local Plan and the results of this are given in Appendix A. Some policies which remain in the plan will appear unsustainable but it should be remembered that the Local Plan is an attempt to reconcile the conflict between development and the environment and not just to control or preclude development.
2.1.11 The allocation of major housing sites in the smaller settlements and industrial land on remote airfields increases journey lengths and car use and is not as sustainable as concentrating development in Goole and Howden. Other policies in the plan including town centre improvements and countryside and environment protection are broadly consistent with environmental considerations.