Infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, utilities, waste

SP10 - Infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, utilities, waste This strategic policy is supporting Local Plan objectives 2, 6 and 8. SP10: Infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, utilities, waste 1. The Local Plan will aim to ensure that necessary transport, telecommunications, utilities and waste infrastructure is delivered to support planned growth and existing communities across Buckinghamshire. 2. Infrastructure requirements for Local Plan sites are set out in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. 3. The strategic priorities for infrastructure are creating: a) A vision-led and sustainable transport network, prioritising walking, cycling and wheeling, public transport and rail-based movement, and supporting strategic transport corridors, mobility hubs and active travel infrastructure. b) Digital infrastructure, including gigabit-capable broadband and next-generation mobile networks, to support economic growth, service delivery and social inclusion. c) Utilities infrastructure, including water supply, wastewater networks, sewerage treatment, drainage and energy networks, delivered in line with strategic water resource planning, climate resilience and low-carbon objectives. d) Waste management infrastructure sufficient to meet the needs arising from growth and to support a circular economy. 4. Development will be required to: a) Demonstrate that adequate infrastructure capacity exists, or that necessary upgrades can be delivered in a timely and coordinated manner. b) Be phased appropriately so that infrastructure is delivered alongside or in advance of development. c) Avoid unacceptable cumulative impacts on transport networks, environmental assets or other infrastructure and services. The Council will identify critical infrastructure required to support strategic growth locations. Development will not be permitted where this infrastructure cannot be delivered in a timely manner. d) Land and corridors required for strategic transport routes, utilities, waste infrastructure and digital networks will be safeguarded from development that would prejudice their delivery or effective operation. 5.131 Buckinghamshire is expected to accommodate significant levels of housing, employment and population growth over the plan period. To ensure that this growth is sustainable and deliverable, development must be supported by timely, sufficient and well-coordinated infrastructure provision. This includes physical, digital and environmental infrastructure necessary to support communities, economic activity and environmental protection. 5.132 Transport infrastructure plays a critical role in shaping sustainable patterns of growth. The strategy set out in this Plan prioritises a vision-led approach to transport, supporting travel choice and a shift towards walking, cycling, wheeling and public transport, whilst ensuring that the strategic and local road network continues to function effectively. This approach is consistent with national policy objectives to reduce reliance on the private car, improve air quality and support healthier lifestyles. 5.133 Digital connectivity is increasingly essential to economic productivity, access to services and social inclusion. The Plan therefore supports the delivery of high-quality digital infrastructure, including next-generation mobile networks and gigabit-capable broadband, to future-proof Buckinghamshire’s communities and businesses. 5.134 Utilities infrastructure, including water supply, wastewater networks and sewerage treatment, drainage and energy networks, must be capable of accommodating growth while responding to climate change and environmental constraints. The strategic policy provides a framework for DM policies on Infrastructure which ensures that development is informed by evidence such as the latest Water Cycle Study and Strategic Flood Risk Assessment, and that infrastructure provision is co-ordinated with statutory undertakers. Early engagement between developers and water supply or wastewater companies is important to establish there will be capacity to meet the needs of development at the right time. 5.135 Waste management infrastructure is necessary to manage the waste generated by growth and to support the transition towards a circular economy. Strategic provision and safeguarding of facilities ensures that waste can be managed sustainably and close to its source. 5.136 This policy establishes the strategic requirement for infrastructure provision, while detailed matters relating to design, siting, mitigation and delivery are addressed through Development Management policies and the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Infrastructure planning and delivery will be supported through Joint working with infrastructure providers, statutory undertakers, service operators and neighbouring authorities; The Infrastructure Delivery Plan and associated technical evidence; Provision of infrastructure provided by developers and Developer contributions, where necessary, to secure infrastructure. 5.137 More information on the Council’s work on infrastructure delivery to support the growth in the Local Plan is set out in the Infrastructure and Community Facilities Topic Paper.