Keele neighbourhood plan proposal documents

Version: 1.0

Date: April 2026

Contents

Introduction

Meeting legal requirements

Sustainable development

National policy and guidance

Local policy

EU obligations

Human rights

Conclusion

Contact

Introduction

Purpose of this statement

This is a basic conditions statement, prepared to accompany the submission of the Keele neighbourhood plan.

The statement explains how the Keele neighbourhood plan meets the basic conditions and other legal requirements. It includes an equalities assessment to help demonstrate compliance with human rights law.

Meeting legal requirements

General legal requirements

Qualifying body 

The draft neighbourhood plan is being submitted by Keele Parish Council, which is the qualifying body for neighbourhood planning.

Scope and statutory process

The draft neighbourhood plan relates to the use and development of land and has been prepared in accordance with the statutory requirements and processes set out in planning legislation, policy and guidance. This includes designation of the neighbourhood area, screening and statutory consultation.

Period of effect

The draft neighbourhood plan states the period for which it is to have effect in Paragraph 1.2 (from the date it is made until the end of 2035).

Excluded development

The draft neighbourhood plan does not deal with mineral extraction, waste development, nationally significant infrastructure or any other matters set out in Section 61K of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.  

Neighbourhood area

The draft neighbourhood plan relates to the Keele neighbourhood area (Keele Parish) and to no other area. There are no other neighbourhood plans relating to the Keele neighbourhood area.

The basic conditions

The basic conditions that neighbourhood plans must meet are as follows:

• must be appropriate having regard to national policy

• must contribute to the achievement of sustainable development

• must be in general conformity with the strategic policies in the development plan for the local area

• must be compatible with EU obligations

In addition, the plan must meet requirements of human rights law.

Regulations specify an additional basic condition that a plan does not breach the requirements of chapter 8 of part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, which set out the habitat regulation assessment process for land use plans, including consideration of the effect on habitats sites.

The following chapters of this statement deal with the basic conditions and human rights law in more detail.

Changes to the basic conditions

The basic conditions will change in January 2027, though it is envisaged that the plan will be in place before then. The basic condition relating to general conformity with strategic local policies will be replaced by a requirement that the plan should not deliver less housing. The neighbourhood plan would meet this requirement.

Also, there will be new requirements to contribute to the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change, and to take account of any local nature recovery strategy (LNRS).

Climate change is a key theme throughout the plan in policies that address mixed use, active travel, conservation and other matters. The green guidance note includes practical measures to address and mitigate climate change. The sustainable development chapter of this statement looks at sustainability in more detail.

There is not yet any local nature recovery strategy in place, though one is in preparation. The neighbourhood plan includes policies to support biodiversity and to protect or enhance habitats.

Sustainable development

Dimensions of sustainable development

The National Planning Policy Framework states that sustainable development has economic, social and environmental objectives.

The draft plan proposal takes a balanced approach to enabling growth, also considering economic, social and environmental sustainability. This is reflected in the plan’s aims:

• to support proportionate housing development, to meet local need

• to support a range of community facilities and employment opportunities

• to ensure that development is sustainable and well designed

• to reinforce the rural and historic character of the area

• to support opportunities for sustainable and active travel

• to support the development of the Keele University Campus, whilst managing impacts on the wider parish

Policies for sustainable development

The neighbourhood plan policies seek to deliver sustainable growth by the following means:

KNP-1: Residential development

Residential development is supported for built areas, subject to specified parameters. Other policies seek to ensure that housing is well designed and sustainable.

KNP-2: Residential mix and affordable housing

The policy promotes a mix of accommodation to meet local need, and affordable housing to be an integral part of a scheme, where possible.

KNP-3: Employment

The policy supports development and diversification of employment, subject to consideration of impacts. It also supports diversification of agriculture. Supporting employment helps to meet diverse local needs and to reduce the need for car journeys.

KNP-4: Community facilities

Retention and diversification of community faculties is supported, subject to consideration of impacts. Enhancing local facilities helps to meet diverse local needs and to reduce the need for car journeys.  
 
KNP-5: Sustainable design and character

The plan recognises the importance of good design and deals with various issues, including safety, pedestrian permeability and connectivity, quality of public realm, carbon use and biodiversity, urban context and character. The plan also includes an advisory green guidance note.

KNP-6: Keele Village conservation area, KNP-7: Keele Hall conservation area and historic park and garden

These policies help to ensure that development is informed by an understanding of the special architectural or historic interest and character of the conservation areas and historic park and garden.

KNP-8: Rural and natural environment, KNP-9: Landscape setting and coalescence

The policies seek to protect different aspects of the rural and natural environment, for current and future generations.

KNP-10: Local green space (LGS)

Two spaces are designated as LGS, based on their value to the local community.

KNP-11: Sustainable transport

The policy supports balanced transport provision, including sustainable modes of transport and active travel. This is important for maintaining a walkable neighbourhood.

KNP-12: Keele University campus

The policy supports the development of the Keele University estate, as a strategically important site. 

Achieving sustainable development

The combination of policies: 

• support growth (employment and rural diversification, housing, community facilities and development of the Keele University estate)

• provide protection for the rural, natural and historic environments

• support sustainable design and active travel

Collectively, they address economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability.

The plan helps to achieve sustainable development, including practical measures to address climate change. The policies take account of the needs of current and future generations.

National policy and guidance

The draft plan has regard to the previous version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and is compliant with the latest NPPF December 2024 and Planning Practice Guidance (PPG).
 
Chapter 2 of the NPPF deals with achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development has economic, social and environmental objectives, set out in Paragraph 8.

Paragraph 11a) states:

all plans should promote a sustainable pattern of development that seeks to: meet the development needs of their area; align growth and infrastructure; improve the environment; mitigate climate change (including by making effective use of land in urban areas) and adapt to its effects

This principle has underpinned the draft neighbourhood plan, which has the aims/objectives set out in part 3 of this statement.

Chapter 3 of the NPPF deals with plan-making. Paragraph 16 requires plans to be prepared with the objective of contributing to the achievement of sustainable development, to be aspirational but deliverable; to be shaped by early, proportionate and effective engagement and contain policies that are clearly written and unambiguous.

The policies are based on evidence and the outcomes of community engagement and have been written to provide a clear framework for decision-making. Feedback from previous neighbourhood plan independent examinations has informed the drafting of the policies.

The neighbourhood plan is based on a range of evidence, in line with the NPPF and planning practice guidance. This includes evidence on housing, employment, the natural and historic environments, transport, the Keele University masterplan and other economic, social and environmental factors.
 
The submission of the neighbourhood plan is accompanied by a full list of relevant evidence documents and reports.

NPPF policy areas

The following table details the policy areas that are most relevant to the Keele neighbourhood plan.

Local policy

Strategic policies

Strategic policies are to be found in the following:

• Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent Core Spatial Strategy 2006-2026 (adopted October 2009)

General conformity

General conformity relates to the policies of the neighbourhood plan taken as a whole, considered against adopted strategic local policies taken as a whole.

The draft neighbourhood plan has been drafted against the context of strategic local policies and helps to deliver and does not undermine and the spatial strategy set out in the local plan.

Policy comparison

The following table compares the policies in the neighbourhood plan to the relevant corresponding local plan policies.

Emerging local policy

There has been consultation on a replacement Newcastle-under-Lyme local plan. The emerging local plan is at the examination stage.

The evidence base underpinning the emerging local plan has been taken into account in the preparation of the neighbourhood plan.

EU obligations

Strategic environmental assessment

The plan has been screened by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to determine whether full Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is required.

The screening report concluded that the neighbourhood plan would be unlikely to have significant environmental effects, so full SEA would not be required.

Consultation with national statutory bodies (Natural England, the Environment Agency and Historic England) confirmed their opinion that full SEA would not be required.

Habitat regulations assessment

There are no European sites within the neighbourhood area and four within 15km of the neighbourhood area which are also RAMSAR sites and one is also designated as a special area of conservation (SAC). These are:

• Betley Mere

• Black Firs and Cranberry Bog

• Wybunbury Moss and

• Oakhanger Moss

The screening report concluded that the Plan would not require full Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA).

EU obligations

Given the screening outcomes, which took account of the responses of national statutory bodies, the draft neighbourhood plan meets the basic conditions relating to not breaching EU obligations and chapter 8 of part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Extract from section 6 of the screening report in relation to a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

“Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has concluded that the emerging Keele neighbourhood plan is not likely to have any significant environmental effects, and accordingly will not require a strategic environmental assessment (SEA). The main reasons for this conclusion are:

• the neighbourhood plan seeks to align itself with the Borough Council’s adopted development plan which includes the Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent joint core strategy, and Newcastle-under-Lyme local plan 2011 ‘saved’ policies. Additionally the neighbourhood plan is subject to a habitats regulations assessment screening

• the neighbourhood plan does not provide any specific site allocations for development

• future development could potentially have minor impacts to the natural and historical designations/assets, particularly within the Audley settlement due to the presence of the conservation area, listed buildings and locally listed buildings and structures. However, some of the effects have the potential to be mitigated by the neighbourhood plan’s own policies which seek to promote and deliver environment protection/enhancement. As a result, it is difficult to foresee any significant environmental effects

• the neighbourhood plan seeks to avoid or minimise the environmental effects of future developments, especially with impacts to the natural and historic environment. It presents development management themed policies to conserve, protect and enhance environmental, historical, cultural and heritage assets for determining future development proposals

• the spatial extent and the magnitude of the population affected are not considered significant for the purpose of the strategic environment assessment (SEA)

In addition to the SEA screening of the Keele neighbourhood plan screening document, there is a need to assess the likelihood of the plan having an adverse impact on internationally designated wildlife sites. The habitats regulations assessment (HRA) is required by the European Habitats Directive, and screening will be undertaken for this separately.”

Extract from section 7 of the screening report in relation to HRA

“As a result of the assessment above, it is considered unlikely that any likely significant effects on European sites would occur from the implementation of the Keele neighbourhood plan. This is because the neighbourhood plan does not allocate specific sites for development and there are no logical or obvious pathways between the neighbourhood area and the European or Ramsar Sites identified. If the plan changes, following the Regulation 14 pre submission consultation, it may be necessary to re-screen the plan. However at this stage, the Keele neighbourhood plan screening document does not require a further HRA appropriate assessment to be undertaken.”

Human rights

Equalities assessment

This part of the statement comprises an equalities assessment, to help demonstrate that the neighbourhood plan meets human rights requirements.

Community engagement

The neighbourhood plan needs to cater for the diverse range of needs of the population. There is evidence to suggest that diversity is an important factor in achieving sustainable growth.

The draft plan is based on evidence (including economic, social and environmental data and analysis) and also the outcomes of engagement with the local community and stakeholders, from the earliest stages of the process.

Statutory consultation (Regulation 14) was undertaken, and this took account of consultation case law, including compliance with Gunning principles.

Legal requirements

The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on all public authorities in the exercise of their functions to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, to advance equality of opportunity, and to foster good relations between persons who have a “protected characteristic” and those who do not. Protected characteristics are defined in the Equality Act as age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Everyone has at least two protected characteristics and this can change over someone’s lifetime.

An equalities assessment is a systematic analysis of policies in order to scrutinise the potential for adverse impact on a particular group or community, in particularly those with a protected characteristic.

An assessment has been made on whether the neighbourhood plan has a positive, negative or neutral impact on each of the protected characteristics. If the impact is negative, this is given a high, medium or low assessment.

Keele general population characteristics

Sourced from the 2021 census and other key statistics the following illustrates key population characteristics for the parish.

Population

2,887 (2021 census)

Age and gender

Gender (E 2024)

Males: 41.5% (1,358)

Females: 58.5% (1.912)

Age groups (E 2024)

0 to 17 years: 211

18 to 64 years: 2,842

65+ years: 217

Age distribution (E 2024)

80+ years: 66

70 to 79 years: 105

60 to 69 years: 113

50 to 59 years: 145

40 to 49 years: 141

30 to 39 years: 148

20 to 29 years: 1,233

10 to 19 years: 1,233

0 to 9 years: 96

Impacts on protected characteristics

The policies of the neighbourhood plan are as follows:

• KNP-1: Residential development

• KNP-2: Residential mix and affordable housing

• KNP-3: Employment

• KNP-4: Community facilities

• KNP-5: Sustainable design and character

• KNP-6: Keele Village conservation area

• KNP-7: Keele Hall conservation area and historic park and garden

• KNP-8: Rural and natural environment

• KNP-9: Landscape setting and coalescence

• KNP-10: Local green space

• KNP-11: Sustainable transport

• KNP-12: Keele University estate

These policies are augmented by a green guidance note.

Equalities assessment requires consideration of the impact of these policies on each of the protected characteristics. These are:

• age

• disability

• gender reassignment

• marriage and civil partnership

• pregnancy and maternity

• race

• religion or belief

• sex

• sexual orientation

It should be noted that the needs, attitudes and opinions of people within any of these groups are often as diverse as in the wider population, sometimes with polarised views.

The plan should potentially benefit all members of the local community, through the creation of local economic opportunities and community facilities to meet a range of needs. It seeks to shape housing development to meet diverse local needs.

In addition, the plan protects the natural and historic environments and promotes high-quality and sustainable design, with an emphasis on ease of movement and pedestrian convenience. The plan addresses climate change through a range of practical requirements or suggestions.

With regard to specific protected characteristics, the following factors of particular relevance.

Age

Age can have implications for mobility, including limited access to a car (especially older and younger groups), reliance on local facilities, housing needs and health.

The plan seeks to maintain or enhance local economic opportunities for people of all ages (KNP-3, KNP-4, KNP-12). Housing should meet local needs, including by supporting smaller housing and accommodation suitable for older people (KNP-1, KNP-2). The plan supports sustainable and active travel (KNP-5, KNP-11) and protects green spaces (KNP-10). The green guidance note responds to climate change, taking account of community concerns, including interests of younger and future generations. The impact on all ages will be positive.

Disability

Disability can have implications for accessibility, legibility, housing needs, access to employment, access to facilities and other factors.

The plan seeks to cater for people with diverse needs, including mobility and other challenges (KNP-5, KNP-11). The plan supports housing suitable for older people (KNP-1, KNP-2). The impact on people with disabilities will be positive.

Gender reassignment

Gender reassignment may have implications for housing, community facilities, safety and a range of other planning matters.

The plan cannot directly address the social attitudes that underpin prejudice and hate crimes. However, the plan places emphasis on diversity, including in housing (KNP-1, KNP-2), employment and local facilities (KNP-3, KNP-4, KNP-12). The impact will be positive.

Pregnancy and maternity

Maternity has implications for numerous factors, including ease of movement, changing housing needs, and access to local facilities. 

The plan provides for diverse housing needs (KNP-1, KMP-2) and places emphasis on creating a safe and convenient environment, making it easy to get around (KNP-5, KNP-11). The impact on pregnant people will be positive.

Race

Race and culture can be factors in housing needs, community facilities, safety and a range of other planning matters.

The plan cannot directly address the social attitudes that underpin prejudice and hate crimes. However, the plan seeks to cater for diverse needs in housing (KNP-1, KNP-2), employment and local facilities (KNP-3, KNP-4, KNP-12). The impact will be positive on people of different races. 

Religion or belief

Some religious beliefs may have implications for housing, community facilities, safety and other planning matters.

The plan places emphasis on diversity, including in housing (KNP-1, KNP-2), employment and local facilities (KNP-3, KNP-4, KNP-12). The impact will be positive. 

Sex

Sex can have implications for a range of factors, including housing needs, community facilities, safety and a range of other planning matters.

The plan seeks to shape housing (KNP-1, KNP-2) and support local facilities (KNP-4) and economic opportunity (KNP-3 and KNP-12). It supports active travel and creation of safe and convenient places (KNP-5, KNP-11). The impact will be positive. 

Sexual orientation

LGBT+ status may have implications for housing, community facilities, safety and a range of other planning matters.

The plan cannot directly address the social attitudes that underpin prejudice and hate crimes. However, the plan places emphasis on diversity, including in housing (KNP-1, KNP-2), employment and local facilities (KNP-3, KNP-4, KNP-12). The impact on LGBT+ people will be positive.

Economic deprivation

Economic status is not a protected characteristic. However, economic deprivation affects a proportion of the population and can affect different people at different times, and can sometimes be associated with protected characteristics, especially where those characteristics affect work.

The neighbourhood plan seeks to enhance local economic opportunities and also supports local facilities, reducing the need (and cost) of travel (KNP-3, KNP-4, KNP-12). It supports sustainable transport and active travel, recognising the needs of those without access to a car (KNP-11).

Equalities conclusions

The neighbourhood plan provides policies for the development of the neighbourhood area, to create sustainable growth and protection of the local environment. These will result in positive benefits for the local community, including those with protected characteristics.

The neighbourhood plan would not breach human rights law.

Conclusion

Legal compliance

The neighbourhood plan meets the basic conditions, is compatible with human rights law and meets other legal requirements, as demonstrated in this statement.

Contact

Urban Vision Enterprise

Website

Email: info@uvecic.co.uk

Phone: 01538 386221 (Leek Office)

North-west office

Suite 15 O

Midlands office

Foxlowe Arts Centre (1st Floor), Stockwell Street, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 6AD

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