Provisional Joint Local Transport Plan

A five-year document setting out local Authorities' objectives for improving transport and detailing the ways in which this is to be achieved. All local authorities in England are required to produce an LTP and report back to the government each year on their progress in achieving its objectives. LTP's do not just focus on individual transport schemes, but take a broader view of how transport measures can help to achieve wider and longer-term objectives. Measures contained in LTP’s can help to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in towns and cities, and in rural areas, by connecting them to jobs and services, and to each other.   

Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study

The Government Office for the South West (GOSW) has commissioned a Strategic Transport Study to address the current and future transport needs within the Greater Bristol area. The aim of this study is to develop an integrated transport strategy to address the impact of through traffic, particularly on the World Heritage City of Bath. The study seeks to deal with strategic issues of determining and managing the most suitable routes and to make a detailed assessment, which will identify resources required to address the traffic and environmental problems in Bath caused by both through and local traffic.   

Forest of Avon Plan

The Forest of Avon was established in 1991, as part of a National Programme of Community Forests across England. It is a partnership of the four West of England Unitary Authorities, the Forestry Commission, Natural England and other regional and sub regional partners. The Forest’s creation is guided by an approved 40-year plan for 570 square kilometres of land in and around Bristol. This sets out strategies for 32 areas of the Forest focusing on woodland, wildlife, heritage and recreation. These strategies and the principals of the Forest Plan, now applying to much of the West of England Sub Region, are reflected in a range of positive policies in both Local Plans and also in newly adopted Planning Guidance for developers in each of the four Unitary Authorities. Version 4.1 of the Draft RSS identifies the Forest of Avon as a regionally important asset in Section 7.2.1 and highlights the role of Forest Plans in identifying areas of opportunity and targets for GI in Section 6.2.19.   

The Avon Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)

This offers support to Biodiversity Action Plans and Processes developed by Unitary Authorities through the provision of an over-arching conservation strategy for the Avon area. It has been produced on behalf of the Avon Biodiversity Partnership and is the result of extensive involvement by a wide range of local experts and organisations, ensuring it is comprehensive, accurate, forward thinking and widely supported. The BAP gives an overview of nature conservation objectives in Avon as a whole and provides a ten-year strategic framework for management and enhancement of biodiversity, in-line with the UK’s biodiversity process.  

River Catchment Management Plans

A comprehensive approach to flood management aiming to understand the factors that contribute to Flood Risk within a catchment, such as how the land is used and to recommend the best ways of managing the risk of flooding within the catchment over the next 50 to 100 years.  These should be considered not just in respects to where the flood plain is but to where issues of water supply and management should be considered.  All GI design for development should consider sustainable use of water both in supply, runoff and pollution control.