Evidence base documents

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires councils to ensure that their Local Plan is based on adequate, up-to-date and relevant evidence about the economic, social and environmental characteristics and prospects of the area.

A number of specific research documents have been prepared to support the policies and proposals contained in the Local Plan (Core Strategy).

The table below provides a summary of the purpose and status of each evidence base document.  

Document

Purpose

Status

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)

This study assesses the flood risk potential within the borough and specifically in relation to areas proposed for new development.

Adopted December 2021

Development Viability Study (DVS)

This study provides an analysis of the local development market. It looks at the economic viability of different types of development on sites across the borough.

Approved March 2020

Housing Needs Assessment

This study provides an assessment of housing need and recommends the amount of new housing to be developed in Pendle.

Approved March 2020 

Green Infrastructure Strategy

This study will help to identify Pendle's Green Assets and look at how they can be protected and enhanced through the planning system. It will incorporate a new Open Space Audit and look to provide details on the borough ecological networks. 

Adopted July 2019

Open Space Audit (OSA)

This study provides an audit of all the open space sites in the borough. It assesses the quality of each site and identifies any surpluses or deficiencies in the borough.  

Adopted February 2019

Green Belt Assessment

This study provides an assessment of the Pendle Green Belt. It looks at how the land making up the Green Belt performs against the five purposes of Green Belt as set out in the NPPF. 

Adopted August 2017

Employment Land Review (ELR)

This study provides an assessment of the likely future supply and demand of employment land. 

Approved September 2014

Infrastructure Strategy

This report assesses the quality and capacity of existing infrastructure provision and takes account of the need for new strategic infrastructure.

Approved September 2014

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

This study provides an assessment of sites with the potential to be developed for housing.

Approved September 2014

Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA)

This study provides an assessment of the need for sites and pitches for the Gypsy and Traveller community.

Complete August 2012

Retail Capacity Study (RCS)

This study provides an assessment of the need for retail development in the borough.

Adopted May 2007
Updated August 2012

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Study (RLCES)

This study looks at the capacity of the borough to produce renewable and low carbon energy from a range of technologies.

Adopted December 2010

Biodiversity Audit

This documents provides an audit of the key Biodiversity Assets in the borough and provides a signpost to key sources of information on the natural environment.

Adopted September 2010

Sustainable Settlements Study (SSS)

This study provides key statistics and analysis of the rural settlements in Pendle.

Adopted November 2008