Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Contents

CORNWALL LDF: CORE STRATEGY PLACE-BASED ISSUES 1 PAPER: CORNWALL GATEWAY COMMUNITY NETWORK AREA Summary 1 Purpose of paper 1 Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area 2 Key Facts 3 Introduction 4 Housing 5 Local Economy 6 Retail and Town Centres 8 Transport and Accessibility 10 Community facilities 11 People 12 Coast 13 Environment 15 Summary and Key Spatial Issues 16 Appendix A: Community Planning Area Visions / Key Objectives 16 Appendix B: Landscape Character information from the 2007 17 Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Contents Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012 1

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area

Summary

Table .1

This paper summarises the key emerging issues for the Community Network Area for Saltash and Torpoint (known as the Cornwall Gateway Community Network), brought together to inform the Cornwall Core Strategy.

The key issues:

Issue 1 – Support the regeneration of Saltash and Torpoint town centres.

Issue 2 – Enable the provision of affordable housing (low overall housing requirement).

Issue 3 – Support the improvement of public transport between the rural and urban areas and beyond.

Issue 4 – Consider the influence of Plymouth for provision of jobs and services.

Purpose of paper

This is one of a series of papers whose main purpose is to identify the key issues for a specific area of Cornwall. There are nineteen Community Network Areas in Cornwall, based on groupings of parishes as shown on the map below. Community Network Areas were introduced to give communities a stronger voice in helping them deal with complex issues. In this they offer a valuable conduit through which proposed Core Strategy area policies can be refined to reflect local issues through engagement, policy formulation, delivery and local ownership. Further information on Community Network Areas can be found at www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=12439.

The various issues have been identified from a variety of sources including plans and proposals of other organisations. Parish Plans have been very useful in identifying issues and a summary of the main issues for each of the Parish Plans undertaken in the Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area is included in Appendix 1. Appendix 2 gives a summary of the vision or main objectives set out within these plans. These place-based papers, along with the topic-based Issues Papers, will form the first stage of the development of options for the Core Strategy. A full list of the Core Strategy Issues Papers accessed on the Council’s website www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=22887. 2 Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area

Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area

Description ~ The Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area covers 12 Parishes in total. Saltash is the main settlement within this area, and acts as the main local service centre to the many smaller settlements surrounding it. Larger villages in the area include Kingsand, Cawsand, and Millbrook. There is also a large network of small villages and hamlets throughout the functional area.

Links to other areas:

The Cornwall Gateway Network Area is relatively remote from the largest service centres in Cornwall, and therefore residents are as likely to look to Plymouth for access to jobs and services. Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012 3

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area

Key Facts

Key facts about the Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area include the following:

PARISHES: Antony, Botusfleming, Landrake with St Erney, Landulph, Maker-with-Rame, Millbrook, Saltash, Sheviock, St Germans, St John and Torpoint.

POPULATION: (Saltash 16,400, Torpoint 8,400, Millbrook 2,200) The population of the Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area is 33,200 in an area of 10,737 hectares. The population growth rate for the period 2001-2008 is slightly lower (5%) than the Cornwall average (6%). Although the age distribution is similar to the Cornwall average, there are slightly lower proportions of the population in the 65 plus age groups.

ENVIRONMENT: Much of the coast is designated as a Site of Scientific Interest as well as the Lynher Estuary. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation covers the Tamar Valley and Maker with Rame. The higher risk flood areas are concentrated along the River Tamar, Kingsmill Lake and the rivers feeding into the Lynher Estuary. There are 13 building conservation areas. It is a predominantly rural environment with density of approx. 2 people per hectare.

HOUSING: There were around 15,000 dwellings in 2010. There has been about a 15% increase in dwelling numbers in the period 1991-2010 (average of 20% across Cornwall). As at 31st March 2010 there were 52 dwellings under construction and 138 unimplemented planning permissions. 4 Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area

About 1.4% of dwellings were registered as empty properties - Cornwall average 1.7%, and 7.5% of properties were registered as second homes – Cornwall average 10.7% (Council Tax, 2011). These figures indicate that a low proportion of dwellings remain vacant, and that there is minimal competition from other types of dwelling occupiers – most dwellings are used by permanent residents. 84 affordable homes are required each year to meet need.

EMPLOYMENT: There is an emphasis on wholesale/retail, education and health/social work.

TRAVEL: The A38 trunk road, coach services and the national rail link enter Cornwall at Saltash and provide access to towns along the south coast and towards London and the north. Access to the Rame Peninsula is limited to one main road along the Lynher valley to Torpoint where there is a vehicle ferry service over the River Tamar. There are also passenger ferry services between Cremyll and Plymouth.

FACILITIES: Saltash has largest retail provision in the area, though does not compete with neighbouring Plymouth. The town has a leisure centre and the China Fleet Country Club but also boasts a landscape and coastline that provides for a wide range of leisure facilities.

Options Consultation Feedback

Feedback from the public exhibition held in Saltash on 17th March 2011 show that 60% opted for medium growth across Cornwall (48,000 new homes) whilst 25% opted for high growth (57,000 new homes) and 15% opted for low growth (38,000 new homes).

In addition, 45% preferred the dispersed approach to distribution (growth split between main towns and villages) whilst 30% preferred growth to be focussed in Cornwall’s main towns and 21% opted for the economy-led option which focuses on key regeneration areas.

During the consultation Saltash Town Council stated a preference for the dispersed growth option; whilst Sheviock, Maker with Rame, Landolph and Landrake with St Erney Parish Councils chose the economy-led option. Millbrook Parish Council however preferred the dispersed approach. Most of the parish councils also stated that they wished to see low growth in the area.

Introduction

The following tables provide the link between the ‘Topic Based Issues Papers’ and the ‘Place Based Issues Papers’. Each table explores the evidence relating to this Community Network Area against the main themes from a policy and community viewpoint, and concludes by identifying specific issues. Housing

Table .2 Cornwall

Housing: This table will explore the evidence relating to housing – future growth, balance in the housing stock, tenure mix, quality, deprivation, second homes, in-migration, affordability and housing need. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. LDF:

Evidence & Policy Context Community View(1) Issues for Consideration Core The RSS had directed 500 homes to be provided in Identify potential sites for Determine housing Saltash/Torpoint towns and 5,500 homes to be provided affordable housing requirement for the area in rest of former Caradon area (i.e. rest of Need for housing High affordable housing need Strategy Saltash/Torpoint, Callington and the Liskeard/Looe solutions for young in this area. Network Areas) but housing distribution will now need to people. be determined locally

Affordable housing need is high with over 800 additional Place-based affordable homes required over the next 10 years for Gateway those already in housing need. Cornwall There is a shortage of residential and transit pitches for gypsies and travellers Gateway Community Summary: As affordable housing need is shown to be an important issue through housing register statistics and community plans, there may be an opportunity to concentrate on affordable housing provision in this network area when Issues Place determining the level of growth for the area Based Paper: Issues Network Paper Cornwall - January Area 2012 1 The views in this column reflect the views expressed by communities, predominantly in their parish and town plans, where these are available. A more comprehensive list of views as expressed in parish and town plans in this Community Network Area is shown as an appendix to this document. 5 6 Cornwall Gateway Local Economy Cornwall

Table .3 Gateway

Local Economy: This table will explore the evidence relating to the local economy, including regeneration and tourism – economic Community LDF: activity, unemployment, deprivation, regeneration, dominant industries, occupation levels, skills, and the ability to work locally. Place Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at Based the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration Issues Paper Strategy

11 hectares of employment land allocated on edge of The regeneration of Town centre regeneration at Network Saltash(2) Saltash and Torpoint Saltash and Torpoint - Retention of existing premises and employment growth town centres is a key Employment generation January on towns encouraged.(3) priority. needed to boost Saltash as a 2012

Unemployment sits at just under 15% compared with Develop a tourism distinct location Place-based Area 17.9% for the rest of Cornwall.(4) strategy. Education and retail employ around 40% of the area’s Local economy of workforce compared with around 30% countywide.(5) Saltash needs 13% of employment in former Caradon area related to strengthening and a tourism.(6) distinctive community Low levels of self-contained employment compared with needs to be (7) Issues rest of Cornwall as other service centres such as established. Plymouth, Tavistock and Liskeard provide alternative options.

A more accurate assessment of overall employment could Paper: be achieved if self-employed figures were available. Cornwall

2 2007 Caradon Local Plan First Alteration Policy ALT23 3 Caradon Local Plan First Alteration Policies EM1, EM2 4 Cornwall Council Community Intelligence 5 Cornwall Council Community Intelligence - Figures exclude self-employment 6 Value of Tourism Report 2007 7 Saltash Gateway Community Strategic Plan 2006 Summary: The relationship between the network area and Plymouth has grown rapidly since the Tamar Bridge was opened in the 1960s. By 1996, the population of Saltash had doubled and over half its residents worked in Plymouth. There is an aspiration within the Saltash community to regain the distinctive character of Saltash by improving employment Cornwall provision. LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Gateway Cornwall Gateway Community Issues Place Based Paper: Issues Network Paper Cornwall - January Area 2012 7 8 Cornwall Gateway Retail and Town Centres Cornwall

Table .4 Gateway

Retail and Town Centres: This table will explore the evidence relating to retail and town centres – levels of convenience, Community LDF: comparison and service retail outlets, self-containment, competition from other centres’, shopper needs, capacity for growth, and Place loss of facilities. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the Based summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration Issues Paper

(8) Strategy

The 2010 Retail Study indicates that: - Decline of town centres' Retention of rural shops Network retail capacity requires

Town centre regeneration at -

(13) January At present a significant number of shopping trips regeneration. Saltash and Torpoint leak from the Saltash area to Plymouth Need for regeneration of

There will be relatively low levels of quantitative 2012 Fore Street (Saltash) Place-based Area capacity in the future, although there is justification, Need for regeneration of based upon qualitative factors, for an improvement Torpoint town centre in the range of retail facilities. There is a shortage of based on heath, fire, sites in the town centre however. police station and library sites Less than 15% of food shopping is self-contained within (9) the network area. Issues Saltash retains only 2% for clothes shopping, with 82% using Plymouth.(10)

Large-scale retail development encouraged in town Paper: centres.(11) Existing identified shopping cores (Saltash and Torpoint) protected from non-retail usage.(12) Cornwall

13 Torpoint and Saltash community plans 8 GVA Grimley, Cornwall Retail study 2010 9 2008 Retail phone survey 10 2008 Retail phone survey 11 2007 Caradon Local Plan First Alteration Policy ALT6 12 2007 Caradon Local Plan First Alteration Policy ALT7 Summary: Saltash and Torpoint are the main service centres within the network area. The influence of Plymouth as the largest retail centre in the sub-region has meant that growth within the network area has declined. The challenge for the Cornwall Gateway Community Network will be to deliver genuine regeneration within its two main towns. Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Gateway Cornwall Gateway Community Issues Place Based Paper: Issues Network Paper Cornwall - January Area 2012 9 10 Cornwall Gateway Transport and Accessibility Cornwall

Table .5 Gateway

Transport and Accessibility: This table will explore the evidence relating to transport and accessibility – opportunities for walking Community LDF: and cycling, use of private vehicles and public transport, road/rail/air/water networks, and connections within and outside the area. Place Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at Based the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration Issues Paper Strategy

Tamar Bridge and Saltash tunnel are Improved public transport links (particular Develop joint approach to Network 'pinch points' restricting traffic flows.(14) interest in the Torpoint ferry and access to traffic management with - Park and ride scheme being schools, hospitals, doctors and dentists) Plymouth City Council. January investigated in Saltash linking the town Review and develop a strategy for foot and (16) 2012

with Plymouth. cycle routes. Place-based Area Saltash and St. Germans have rail links Maintain and improve Torpoint Ferry link from west Cornwall to the rest of the Maintain and improve Saltash rail link country. Potential for river transport hub (Saltash) Bus service within Saltash considered Environment Agency advise that the (15) very good. growth options (Feb 2011) require a complement of green infrastructure. The Issues effectiveness of any Green Infrastructure delivery programme will be dependant to some degree on cross boundary

co-operation with Plymouth. Paper:

Summary: As shown in the transport issues paper, the main road link between Plymouth and Cornwall experiences congestion. With schemes such as 'park and ride' and improved rail links, public transport could be improved to relieve pressure on the main transport links within the area. Cornwall

14 Plymouth City Council: Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 16 Saltash Gateway Community Strategic Plan 2006 15 Transport Policy Section, Cornwall Council Community facilities

Table .6 Cornwall

Community facilities: This table will explore the evidence relating to community facilities, including health, recreation and open space – health care, education, meeting places, formal and informal sports spaces, open space, and loss of facilities. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. LDF:

Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration Core Saltash and Torpoint provide key Identification of new site for Saltash School Assessment of local need for facilities such as primary/secondary linking training, employment and community facility provision.

(17) Strategy schools, supermarkets, doctors, dentists industry. Do parish plans reflect latest and leisure centres. Desire to increase neighbourhood watch community views? Large network of smaller villages that areas. rely on travel to access the majority of Village hall and youth centre provision

services in the area. needed. Place-based Gateway Local assessment of community facility Provision of municipal swimming pool in (18)

provision needed. Torpoint. Cornwall

Summary: Despite the larger settlements providing a greater range of community facilities than the more remote areas Gateway

within the Cornwall Gateway area, there is a community desire to increase the level of provision throughout. The area Community is lacking an up-to-date assessment of this need, and the results of the findings will need to be reflected in the Core Strategy. Issues Place Based Paper: Issues Network Paper Cornwall - January Area 2012 17 Saltash Gateway Community Strategic Plan 2006 18 Torpoint & Rame Peninsula: Our 2020 Vision 1 1 12 Cornwall Gateway People Cornwall

Table .7 Gateway

People: This table will explore the evidence relating to people, including demographics, education & skills, social inclusion, crime Community LDF: & anti-social behaviour – age profile, social deprivation, health, safety, perceptions’ of crime, qualifications and skills. Evidence Place that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of Based the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. Core Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration Issues Paper Strategy

Total population is approximately Desire to re-introduce Neighbourhood Network 31,300. Watch Schemes in rural parishes. - Saltash, Torpoint and Millbrook parishes January have a population of approx. 26,700. 2012

83% of people live within the three main Place-based Area settlements. Density of approximately 3 people per hectare compared with 1.5 for Cornwall. Higher than Cornwall average of 35-44 year olds. Most deprived area is Torpoint(19) Issues

Summary: Crime and anti social behaviour levels are relatively low. None of the population of this area is within the 20% most deprived wards in England (compared to a Cornwall average of 11%). Paper: Cornwall

19 Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 Coast

Table .8 Cornwall

Coast: This table will explore the evidence relating to the coast. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. LDF: Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration

Coastal area includes Whitsand Bay, Need to protect coastline Need to define coastal zone. Core Portwrinkle harbour, Rame Head, the Redevelop waterfront at Saltash Balance recreation/tourism estuarine areas of the River Lyhner, the Promote and improve Torpoint waterfront opportunities and pressures Cornwall side of the Tamar Estuary Environment Agency advise that transport with need to safeguard natural Strategy The Tamar Estuary hosts a number of infrastructure within the area at threat from and historic environment. strategically important ports and tidal flood risk will require careful Protection and enhancement maritime facilities with range of military, consideration over the plan period. The of AONB and undeveloped

commercial and recreational activities. plan needs to ensure delivery of coastal coast. Place-based Gateway Plymouth Sound and Estuaries SAC. adaptation, notably at Millbrook.(20) Public access to the coast.

Coast at Rame Peninsular is designated Conservation of the SAC. Cornwall AONB. Future of Portwrinkle Harbour. Rame Head is defined Heritage Coast. Gateway Torpoint ferry provides additional vehicle Community crossing and Cremyll Ferry is a foot Issues

crossing. Place Important infrastructure (A38) link: the Tamar and Brunel Bridges. Based Paper:

Objectives of the Cornwall SMP2 for this Issues area: allow naturally functioning Network

coastline at undefended cliffs/beaches. Paper

At Portwrinkle: initially protect heritage Cornwall -

interests and community but manage January

transition to Area 2012

20 See Options Response Schedules for full details www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=22887 13 14 Cornwall Gateway naturally functioning coastline in the Cornwall medium to longer-term. Gateway

Summary: The coast in this network area is an important natural asset and is protected. The coast supports a wide Community LDF: variety of functions for leisure, business, tourism and environment. Place Based Core Issues Paper Strategy Network - January 2012 Place-based Area Issues Paper: Cornwall Environment

Table .9 Cornwall

Environment: This table will explore the evidence relating to the environment – biodiversity, geodiversity, landscape & seascape, historic environment, flooding, soil, air and water. Evidence that highlights specific issues for this area will be identified under ‘Issues for consideration’ and in the summary box at the end of the table – evidence that shows no difference between this area and the average for Cornwall will not. LDF:

Evidence & Policy Context Community View Issues for Consideration Core Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Improved recycling facilities required. Protection of landscape which cover much of estuary and coastline. Need to protect coastline and natural includes national and 13 designated conservation areas. environment. internationally designated Strategy Flood risk less of an issue than other Promote Torpoint for its quality surrounding areas. parts of Cornwall. natural environment Conservation and Historic parks and gardens including management of historic parks

Antony House Port Eliot, Pentillie and and gardens. Place-based Gateway Mount Edgcumbe.

Landscape character: The area contains Cornwall (parts of) a number of landscape character areas as described in

(21) Gateway Appendix B Community Historic regeneration of Saltash and (22) Issues Torpoint. Place

Summary: The network area is well covered by various national and international designations, and it will be important Based

to ensure development does not have a negative impact on the area as a whole. Paper: Issues Network Paper Cornwall - January Area 2012 21 Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment (2007) 22 www.historic-cornwall.org.uk/csus/project.htm 15 16 Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area

Summary and Key Spatial Issues

Table .10

The key issues:

Issue 1 – Support the regeneration of Saltash and Torpoint town centres.

Issue 2 – Enable the provision of affordable housing (low overall housing requirement).

Issue 3 – Support the improvement of public transport between the rural and urban areas and beyond.

Issue 4 – Consider the influence of Plymouth for provision of jobs and services.

Appendix A: Community Planning Area Visions / Key Objectives

Table .11

Document Summary of “vision”

Landrake with St. Emey (No expressed Vision) Parish Plan (2005) Provision of affordable homes to rent by locals. Dangerous access from ‘A’ road.

Landulph Parish Plan (No expressed Vision) (2010) Priorities include local services, facilities/activities for young people and children as well as a model for recycling. Mixed views on new housing but with greatest support for affordable housing. Need for improved internet access.

Maker with Rame Parish (No expressed Vision) Plan (2004) Additional employment space encouraged on suitable sites. Provision and retention of community facilities. Coastline in need of protection from erosion. Supports infill and affordable housing. Second home occupation an issue.

Pillaton Parish Plan (No expressed Vision) (2004) Access to services and facilities needs improving. Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012 17

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area

Saltash Gateway (2006) In the next 20 years we will unlock the potential of the Saltash Gateway to become a centre of commercial, educational, cultural and sporting excellence….Healthy, prosperous communities will be our living legacy for the future.

Sheviock Parish Plan (No expressed Vision) (2004) Recognition of benefits of tourism and need for improved access to beaches. Encourage affordable housing only. Improve IT for local employment opportunities.

Torpoint & Rame Create new facilities for young people; Enjoying a high quality of life Peninsula (2006) in Torpoint and our villages; Creating community owned businesses and social enterprises; Developing sustainable tourism and realising the potential of the Town Centre and Water Front.

Millbrook Village Plan (No expressed Vision) (2005) Further housing not fully supported – affordable to be provided if any. Traffic calming needed. Protection of environment. Promote historic identity for tourism purposes.

Pelynt Parish Plan (No expressed Vision) Provision of affordable housing in perpetuity. Traffic calming welcomed.

Botus Fleming Parish (No expressed Vision) Plan (2011) Strong support for retaining the greenfield sites. Need for more leisure and social facilities for young people and adults. Other issues include better internet access, opening up footpaths and bridleways, green composting, planting cherry trees, tree preservation, dangerous pavements and right to light problems.

Appendix B: Landscape Character information from the 2007 Cornwall Landscape Character Assessment

COMMUNITY NETWORK AREA 14 – CORNWALL GATEWAY

Evidence and Policy Context

Landscape Character Areas (LCA):

LCA 22 - South East Cornwall Plateau LCA 25 - Lynher and Tiddy River Valleys 18 Cornwall Gateway Place Based Issues Paper - January 2012

Cornwall LDF: Core Strategy Place-based Issues Paper: Cornwall Gateway Community Network Area

LCA 26 - East Cornwall and Tamar Moorland Fringe LCA 27 – Lower Tamar and Tavy Valleys

www.cornwall.gov.uk/cornwall_landscape (underscore between cornwall and landscape)

Issues for Consideration

Provide positive incentives for replanting and management of orchards. Enhance biodiversity and river landscapes by encouraging retention and extension of semi-natural habitats in river valleys. Conserve the heritage of the Tamar Valley mining through the implementation of the World Heritage Site Management Plan. Conserve unsettled landscape character by resisting all applications for waterside development. Conserve open landscape character of grazing marshes. Link the management and strategic planning of Network Area 14 with other adjacent network areas:-

Tamar Valley - Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - Network Areas 3,10,14.