Relationship with other Strategies and Policies
Lee Valley Regional Park Act 1966
The Lee Valley Regional Park Act defined the boundary of the Park and established the Park Authority, conferring it with the power to be both a public body (for the provision of leisure, recreation and sports facilities), and a guardian of the Park’s environment and wildlife (Section 12 (1) Park Act 1966).
We have a statutory duty under Section 14 of the Act to produce a plan of proposals for the future use and development of the Regional Park. The Park Development Framework meets the requirements of Section 14.
Park Plan 2000
The Lee Valley Regional Park Plan sets out both a Strategic Policy Framework (adopted by the Authority in 1998) and site specific Proposals (adopted by the Authority in 2000).
The Park Development Framework is intended to replace the existing Park Plan. However, we recognise that the current Framework is untested and we have identified a number of areas for improvement in the coming years. These will include the important integration of a Delivery Plan, as well as other areas for improvement that may become apparent once the Framework has been adopted and tested.
For this reason we will operate a transitional period once the Framework has been put in place, Policies and proposals of the Park Plan will remain relevant for any areas not addressed by the Framework. We propose that this transitional period operates for one year, during which time any such areas will be identified and the Framework reviewed to address any gaps.
Strategic Business Plan (2000 – 2010) and A Vision for 2017
In 2000, we produced a ten year Strategic Business Plan. This document expanded on the strategic policy framework of the Park Plan, and set out our vision, objectives, key business strategies and development programme. Most of the key development aspirations set out in the 2000 Plan have been delivered.
In 2005 an interim review of our strategic direction was undertaken in light of pressure on the Park from the London 2012 Olympics’ development, and the increased housing and employment growth targets adjoining the Lea Valley.
The A Vision 2017 plan provided us with an updated vision, aims and objectives that have guided our work over the past few years. This supported us while the Park Development Framework was being developed and refined. The Framework will, once adopted, replace the Strategic Business Plan
(2000–2010), and A Vision for 2017.
Our existing strategies, policies and plans
We have a number of existing strategies, policies and plans that provide specific direction for a range of delivery areas. Typical examples include:
- Lee Valley Biodiversity Action Plan 2000
- Sport and Leisure Policy 2002
- Volunteers Strategy 2006
These will be reviewed over time with regard to the Framework.
Central Governments Growth Agenda
The Regional Park lies within two major ‘growth areas’: the London-Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough corridor and the London Thames Gateway (Sustainable Communities Plan 2003). Many of the riparian boroughs including Enfield, Haringey, Waltham Forest and Hackney, have been defined as growth boroughs by the Department of Communities, and Local Government. These will be required to accommodate significant numbers of new homes; many within the large development sites located adjacent to the Park.
Ongoing growth will continue to highlight the importance of the Park and its role as a regional resource supporting sustainable communities. A growing population and the supporting infrastructure it requires is likely to bring pressure on the Park’s infrastructure and facilities.
The Framework sets out our response to these anticipated pressures, highlighting the Parks future role as a regional resource for sport and recreation, biodiversity, social and community activities. It identifies how we propose to develop the Park in order to protect and enhance the landscape and heritage, accommodate increased visitor use, and support the environmental infrastructure needs of the growing population.
Regional Spatial Strategies and Local Development Plans
The Park Development Framework is not a statutory development plan as defined by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. However the Park Act requires that riparian authorities include such proposals in their development plans, or Local Development Frameworks.
We have chosen to adopt, as far as practical, the principles of the Local Development Framework spatial plan. The Park Development Framework has taken account of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the East of England, the Spatial Development Strategy for London (the ‘London Plan’), and the emerging riparian Local Development Frameworks.
Sustainability Appraisal, Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment
We are undertaking an integrated sustainability appraisal of the Park Development Framework that combines the following three processes:
- Sustainability Appraisal (SA). This is a requirement of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. It is to be undertaken for all documents that form part of the Local Development Framework. The SA process enables the environmental, social and economic effects of proposals and policies to be assessed. While the requirement to prepare a SA does not apply to our Park Development Framework, we have elected to undertake this appraisal to ensure that we, together with our partners and stakeholders, are able to fully assess the effects of our proposals.
- Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required by European law (EU Directive 2001/42/EC) to take on board plans, policies and programmes at an early stage of decision making.
- Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) is required by regulation 85 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) (Amendment) Regulations (2007). This assessment focuses on how the Framework can effect the nature conservation interests and the integrity of European protected sites near the Park.
The PDF focuses on the development and management of the Park for leisure, recreation, nature conservation, sport and entertainment (as required by the Park’s remit section 12(1) of the Park Act). It also sets out the positive social and environmental outcomes that the Regional Park can deliver to the region and how it can contribute