Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Planning for a Better Watford
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council
Contents
Executive Summary 2 Introduction 1 Introduction 7 2 Methodology 9 3 Limitations of the Study 9 4 Watford in context 9 4.1 Location 10 4.2 Population 11 4.3 Housing requirements 12 4.4 General Transport 14 5 Strategic planning and partnerships 14 Assessment of Infrastructure Capacity 6 Assessment of Infrastructure capacity 16 7 Social Infrastructure 16 7.1 Health 16 7.2 Social care 20 7.3 Education and schools 22 7.4 Emergency services 28 7.5 Cultural services 30 8 Green Infrastructure 35 9 Physical Infrastructure 37 9.1 Strategic Transport 37 9.1.1 Croxley Rail Link 37 9.1.2 Watford Junction Redevlopment 39 9.1.3 Abbey Line Tram 40 9.1.4 M25 Widening 41 9.1.5 Health Campus 42 9.2 Local transport 42 9.3 Energy Infrastructure 46 9.4 Water infrastructure 47 9.5 Waste Infrastructure 50 10 The Way forward 51 Appendices I Glossary and Abbreviations 52 Infrastructure Delivery Schedule II Social Infrastructure Projects 58 III Green Infrastructure Projects 66 IV Physical Infrastructure Projects 70 2 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Executive Summary
Background
The purpose of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) is to provide an understanding of the future infrastructure needs of the borough and an evidence base on infrastructure for the Local Development Framework (LDF). Formulating a programme to meet infrastructure needs is now a mandatory part of LDF preparation.
Infrastructure planning is an important corporate tool and not just a town planning document. A robust and integrated IDP has the potential to support funding bids and influence decision making. Such a plan can become or form the basis of a key strategic document for the borough, the Local Strategic Partnership, the Local Enterprise Partnership and other delivery agencies.
Local Planning Authorities will be responsible for administering and securing infrastructure delivery through agreeing appropriate scheme design and appropriate S106 planning obligations with developers, or directly through other delivery agencies such as for water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
Housing and Population
The revocation of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) along with the abolition of the housing targets (announced July 2010) gives freedom for the borough to establish its own housing target for the period 2010-2031.
The current SHLAA study shows that Watford has the potential capacity to accommodate 6,200 new dwellings in the period 2010 -2031, equivalent to 295 dwellings per annum. This compares with the RSS housing target of 5,200 new dwellings for the period 2001-2021, equivalent to an annual target of 260 dwellings.
The housing target may have to be adjusted pending the outcome of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment study (SHLAA) and identification of sites for housing that are yet to come forward in the LDF Site Allocations Document. However for the time being we are continuing with the 260 per annum target of the revoked RSS
The Office for National Statistics 2006 based population projections anticipate that Watford’s population will increase by 12 percent over the period 2006-2031. The most recent ONS projection (2008) anticipates a population increase of 23 percent over the period 2008-2033. This is the highest figure in the County.
The housing targets and population projections indicate that demand for new infrastructure such as school places and doctor’s surgeries will need to be closely monitored, and that this could have an impact on other areas such as the provision of social and community services. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 3
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Education and Schools
A significant infrastructure requirement that will need to be addressed over the next 5 years, is the provision of sufficient primary and secondary school places in order to accommodate the additional demand that will arise.
The Local Education Authority (LEA) informs us that this is the third year of growth in reception class numbers, and that this trend is expected to continue to 2012/13. Eventually this will feed into demand for additional places in secondary schools. Therefore, two sites for two forms of entry (60 pupils) primary schools are required to meet this demand.
The greatest area of need is in central and west Watford, around the Central Primary and Chater schools. This demand does take account of the projected population growth, however, it does not consider the specific potential growth from the from the Watford Junction and Health Campus development proposals.
It is critical to respond to changing needs rapidly and flexibly. This can be done without adding permanent additional capacity in the short to medium term. Current plans include the provision of temporary places in the short term to cater for known increased demand. A feasibility study is needed to ascertain the most appropriate long term solution for creating the required additional capacity.
Transport
Road traffic is predicted to grow by 35% by 2021 (from a 2001 baseline). Sustainable transport initiatives are therefore required to try and counter balance the predicted increase in congestion.
The major transport projects including Watford Junction redevelopment, Croxley Rail Link, Abbey Line improvements0 aim to relieve congestion in the town and also provide feasible alternatives to the car.
The Croxley Rail Link in particular will improve accessibility from the area around Watford General Hospital, which has the lowest level of car ownership in the borough, the highest population density and is the least accessible area for rail services.
The Watford Junction Improvement Scheme combines improved access for all modes of transport to the station and the new Colonial Way Link Road which will relieve pressure on St Albans Road.
Further work has been commissioned on developing a network of high frequency radial bus services in the area, linking the main retail, commercial and service areas in south-west Hertfordshire.
The Council aims to support and improve local neighbourhood centres to serve as a focus for key services within walking or cycling distance. 4 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
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The Council has delivered 14.1 km of new cycle routes over the last 6 years. Cycle route usage has increased at all monitored sites.
The Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy Study (HISS), identifies priority infrastructure needs in the Borough, such as the Watford Junction rail interchange, and the Abbey Flyer. The proposal for the Watford Junction interchange, would contribute to improving connectivity and efficiency of the road network within Watford, including benefits for the bus network. Whilst the Abbey Line (Abbey Flyer) would improve rail connections between St Albans and Watford. The Croxley rail link scheme involves the extension of the Metropolitan line, onto the disused Croxley Green Branch line, connecting Watford High Street and Watford Junction overground Stations, which connect with London Underground. These transport infrastructure needs would significantly contribute to improving connectivity within Watford and Watford’s connectivity with West Hertfordshire and London
Emergency Services
There are no current gaps in provision, and future demand will need to be continually assessed. The police services required depend on criminality rates rather than population.
There should be an emphasis placed on “designing out crime” to reduce the potential need for an increased police or fire and rescue service presence in Watford.
Health
The most significant health infrastructure planned for the borough, is the Health Campus development. The Health Campus proposal includes the replacement of the existing Watford General Hospital with a new 600 bed “Major Acute” hospital and primary care and health clinic facilities, business uses, a hotel and housing.
In terms of General Practitioner (GP) capacity, the level is broadly sufficient to serve the size of the population. There are two areas in the borough, Callowland and Central wards, which may be least able to cope with proposed growth and may require some moderate additional investment in the future.
Housing growth in Callowland and Central wards could give rise to an estimated 5,500 additional registrations, equating to 3.1 full time GPs and support staff.
The WatCom study reveals that in terms of projected housing growth, if all housing developments identified came forward, at best case, GP supply would exceed the worst case demand for registrations. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 5
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Social Care
There are a total of 511 bed spaces provided in Watford’s care homes. By 2020/21 an additional 400 bed spaces will be required, ideally through the provision of flexicare and extra care flats as an alternative to residential care. There is therefore a significant need for housing for older people but little demand. Demand is restricted to those who are proactive in seeking retirement housing and those who have little choice but to move because of an urgent health problem. The most prevalent reason for delayed discharge from hospital for an older person is difficulty in finding residential or nursing home placements.
Arts and Cultural Amenities
Watford has one multiplex cinema which is located in the north of the borough at Woodside. However, there is an intention to locate a cinema in the heart of the town centre as part of the Charter Place development. The Council has committed £5.2 million from its 2010 budget for the refurbishment of the Watford Colosseum to provide a first class entertainment facility to enrich the cultural life of residents and become a focus for the regeneration of this part of the town centre.
The long-term aim of the Cultural Study is to provide improved museum and library facilities.
Cemeteries
The borough currently has two cemeteries, at Vicarage Road and North Watford. A new cemetery will be required to serve the borough by 2014.
Water Infrastructure
The findings of the Water Cycle Study indicate that Watford has adequate water resources and the borough should not experience supply shortages within the next 20 years.
Wastewater and Sewage
Maple Lodge Sewage Treatment Works serves Watford, St. Albans and Hemel Hempstead. It is anticipated that Maple Lodge will experience capacity issues by 2016, which means capital investment will be required to increase capacity in the future. 6 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
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Thames Water is undertaking a 5 year investment programme (from April 2010) which includes the maintenance and upgrade of the sewer system in Watford and interventions to protect homes and businesses from flooding. The programme will also include the expansion of the sewer network and treatment capacity to meet the demands of new development, thereby enabling 200,000 new dwellings to connect to the sewer system between 2010 and 2015.
Whilst this five year investment programme will not impact directly on Maple Lodge the improvements may need to be included in the next programme.
Municipal Waste
The treatment and disposal of municipal waste is a county responsibility. The Municipal Waste Strategy prepared by the Waste Disposal Authority seeks to promote the provision of a new waste facility, supported by strategically located waste transfer stations, needed in Hertfordshire by 2015.
Watford is currently provided for by the Waterdale Waste facility at Garston. This provides waste transfer facilities in the west of the County and is an efficient facility. As a result the new waste facility for Hertfordshire is unlikely to be required in this location.
The Way Forward
The key messages from this IDP will be included in the production of the Local Development Framework, and in particular the Core Strategy, including the formulation of appropriate policies for dealing with infrastructure delivery. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 7
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
1 Introduction
1.0.1 This Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) provides an assessment of the infrastructure necessary to support the existing and planned increase of new homes and jobs within the Borough up to 2031. It takes account of the projected population growth in the Borough and the need to encourage sustainable development and mitigate climate change. The assessment includes a review of the existing provision and an analysis of the required future provision, and where known, its location, when it will be provided, how it will be funded and who will be responsible for delivery.
1.0.2 The IDP has been informed by information from a range of service providers; County and District Council services, (such as education, libraries, highways etc), the Local Strategic Partnership and infrastructure providers external to the Council (such as the Primary Care Trust, emergency services and utility companies). It focuses on key infrastructure needs derived from various plans and strategies of each of these partners.
1.0.3 The IDP is accompanied by an Infrastructure Delivery Schedule (Appendix II-IV) which sets out the infrastructure schemes that are currently proposed to take place during the Core Strategy plan period to 2031.
1.0.4 The IDP is not a policy document and information contained within it does not override or supersede the Core Strategy policies and commitments contained within the formal suite of LDF documents. It provides a key piece of evidence base and will further provide a robust basis on which the Council will seek to influence public, private and agency funding and priorities.
Policy background
1.0.5 Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development (2005) introduces a spatial planning approach to the preparation of local development documents.
1.0.6 PPS1 states: “Spatial planning goes beyond traditional land use planning tobring together and integrate policies for the development and use of land with otherpolicies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they can function”.
1.0.7 This document enables an informed and coordinated approach to the planning of the infrastructure necessary to support housing and economic development. The Core Strategy alongside the IDP will help to inform other business plans and strategies of all partners in order to help shape and influence development within the Borough.
1.0.8 Planning Policy Statement 12: Local Spatial Planning (2008) sets out the framework for the production and delivery of LDFs. A key sustainability objective for the preparation of the new Local Development Framework (LDF) should be for new development to be co-ordinated with the infrastructure it demands and to take into account the capacity of existing infrastructure.
1.0.9 The LDF and Core Strategy are seen as key to delivering infrastructure, and the Core Strategy needs to be supported by robust evidence of what infrastructure is needed to enable the amount of development proposed for the area, taking account of its type and distribution. This is provided in this IDP. 8 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
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1.0.10 Local Planning Authorities are required to set out within their Core Strategies the infrastructure that is needed to support the level of development being proposed within their Local Development Framework. However, PPS12 clearly states that this should not be a wish list of infrastructure provision that does not have a reasonable chance of being delivered. The infrastructure planning process needs to identify not only the infrastructure that is required but also the cost of delivery, the phasing of delivery, how it will be funded and who is responsible for delivery.
Planning Obligations
1.0.11 Under the 2008 Planning Act, the Government introduced the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The aim of the CIL was to encourage development to contribute to the provision of strategic infrastructure. The current S106 contributions provide only a partial and variable response to funding major pieces of infrastructure. It was intended that the CIL would operate alongside S106 obligations, which would be ‘scaled back’ and be limited to site specific requirements and affordable housing.
1.0.12 The direction of policy now appears to be moving away from CIL and towards non site-specific planning obligations (Source: Green Paper-Open Source Planning). A single unified local tariff applicable to all residential and non-residential development (even a single unit), could be introduced but at graded rates depending on the size and scale of the development.
1.0.13 Currently the Council seeks contributions in respect of residential development. The contributions normally sought on new residential developments are payable to Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council. These contributions are for:
Public open space Children’s play space Healthcare provision Amendment of CPZ Traffic order (parking permit) Affordable housing
Contributions sought by Hertfordshire County Council are for:
Sustainable transport measures for pedestrians and cyclists Education Childcare Youth facilities Libraries Fire Hydrants
1.0.14 The Policy Green Paper Open Source Planning (January 2010) published by the Conservatives (now leading the Coalition government) advocates that each local planning authority should be responsible for setting its own local tariff rates and should publish these as part of the Local Development Framework.
1.0.15 However, in the absence of further guidance and planning legislation regarding local tariffs, the Council will continue to operate its existing framework of Section 106 planning contributions. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 9
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2 Methodology
2.0.1 The methodology was developed using guidance from the Communities and Local Government, (CLG), the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) and other best practice guidance. This IDP was produced by the Council in consultation with a number of service providers. Workshops and meetings were also held with the infrastructure providers. Where this was not possible telephone and email conversations took place. The aim of this initial engagement was to establish existing infrastructure capacity as well as future requirements so as to accommodate the levels of growth being proposed. Providers were also asked to provide information to help justify their infrastructure proposals.
2.0.2 The methodology involved identifying the types of infrastructure within the borough, followed by identification of relevant agencies/bodies responsible for providing the infrastructure. An initial assessment of infrastructure provision and capacity within the borough was undertaken. This information establishes the baseline position of infrastructure in the area, together with the infrastructure gaps and capacity issues.
2.0.3 The Infrastructure Delivery schedule outlines the cost involved in delivery, the potential funding sources and gaps in funding and whom will be responsible for delivery and timescales. Ongoing dialogue with infrastructure providers is essential to plan for infrastructure needs on an ongoing basis.
2.0.4 The Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy (November, 2009) supplements this document and provides information about the infrastructure that will be required across the County in future years.
3 Limitations of the Study
3.0.1 A number of infrastructure service providers only plan on a 3-5 years time cycle, while others, such as some of the utility providers, simply react when proposals are at the planning application stage. This has obvious limitations in terms of planning ahead within the LDF timeframe to 2031. Emphasis has therefore been placed on ensuring a detailed understanding of infrastructure requirements for the early phases of Plan delivery. A further updated infrastructure plan will be needed to inform the requirements for later phases. Engaging some providers was sometimes problematic; others were unable to provide the detail of information required for the IDP; this is noted within the relevant section of the Report.
4 Watford in context
4.0.1 Population growth, socio-economic profile and the economy are important factors which shape the approach to infrastructure planning. It is recognised that these factors can change over time and updates of the IDP will allow flexibility in planning for any future trends. This section provides the local context in which future infrastructure needs to be planned in the Borough. 10 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
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4.1 Location
4.1.1 The Borough of Watford is predominantly urban in nature and covers an area of 2,142 hectares (8.3 sq. miles). However, almost 20% of the Borough forms part of the Metropolitan Green Belt which encloses much of the built-up area. The Colne Valley Linear Park, the Gade Valley and Cassiobury Park, which extends almost into the centre of Watford, provide the main open space and nature resources in Watford.
Watford
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0 0.15 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.2 LDF Base Map - Version 1 ± Kilometers ORDNANCE SURVEY LICENCE AGREEMENT This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material Watford Borough Council with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationary Office Town Hall, Scale: Watford, 1:30,000 © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Hertfordshire WD17 3EX Produced by Paul Morton, Corporate GIS, October 2010 at A4 Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil Visit the Watford Borough Council website proceedings. (100018689) 2010. www.watford.gov.uk
4.1.2 Situated in the South West of Hertfordshire, Watford has several locational advantages due to its excellent communication links. The M1 motorway, with a direct link to the town centre, and the London to Glasgow railway pass through the Borough. London Euston can be reached in 20 minutes by rail, while the nearby M25 motorway has enhanced road access to the major airports at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. Watford has major A-road links to adjoining areas and is also connected to the underground rail network with the Metropolitan Line terminus adjacent to Cassiobury Park. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 11
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4.2 Population
4.2.1 The most recent population estimate for Watford is 83,800(1). At the time of the 2001 Census, the total resident population for the borough was 79,726 (Census 2001). The population comprised a significantly larger percentage of people aged 25 to 44 (34.6%) compared with England as a whole (29.3%). Children under the age of 15 make up a higher proportion of the population (19.4%) than people aged 60 or over (17.3%). This age profile distribution is contrary to the County and national trend(2).
Figure 1 Population pyramid for Watford – Source: Census 2001
1 Office for National Statistics (ONS) Mid-2009 Population Estimate 2 Watford Borough Council Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) 2009 12 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
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Ward Approximate Population Density Population (number of persons per Hectare)
Central 6577 34.22
Callowland 6635 79.46
Holywell 7176 37.3
Leggatts 7044 51.99
Meriden 6865 34.42
Nascot 6532 36.49
Oxhey 6395 41.93
Park 6192 14.37
Stanborough 6852 49.33
Tudor 5591 31.83
Vicarage 7149 75.33
Woodside 6700 40.02
Total 79726 37.21
4.2.2 The Census 2001 data, illustrates that Vicarage and Callowland Wards comprise relatively high population densities.
4.2.3 The 2008-based ONS population projections estimates Watford’s population will rise to 101,400 by 2033. This represents an increase of 22.90 % (between 2008-2033). This population increase is slightly higher then the projection for Hertfordshire (20.60%) as a whole.
4.3 Housing requirements
4.3.1 The now revoked East of England Plan (EEP), also known as the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) established a target of 5,200 new dwellings to be provided in Watford between 2001-2021. This equates to an annual target of 260 dwellings. The revocation of the RSS alongside the abolition of the housing targets (announced July 2010), introduces the requirement for local planning authorities to review and establish housing targets for their areas. Local authorities are advised to continue to collect and use reliable information to justify their housing supply polices. In determining appropriate housing targets for the borough, it is important to consider the projected population growth and housing supply.
4.3.2 The ONS 2006-based population projections estimates, Watford’s population will increase by 12.2%, equivalent to 9,700 people, over the 25 year period (2006-2031). Whilst the most recent ONS mid-year 2008 population projection, indicates Watford’s population will increase by 22.9% over a 25 year period (2008-2033). This change represents a significant proportional increase in the population. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 13
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
4.3.3 The ONS 2006-based household projections estimated an increase of 6,000 households over a 25 year period, which equates to an average of 240 households per annum (6,000/25=240 p.a). The 2008 household projections are expected to be published late 2010 or early 2011 and is likely to reflect the increased population projections and therefore show an increase in projected households. In the absence of updated household population data, it is reasonable to continue the current target of 260 dwellings per annum.
4.3.4 The annual target of 260 dwellings equates to an overall target of 6,500 dwellings over the Core Strategy period (2006/7 to 2030/31). Taking into consideration those sites which have progressed within the planning system, and those sites identified as remaining to come forward; there is a capacity to deliver 4,971 dwellings. A shortfall of 665 dwellings is identified against the overall target. The shortfall identified in the long-term could change, as sites come forward, for example windfall sites.
Housing Target and Supply Summary
1 Housing Target 2006/07 to 6500 2030/31
2 Net housing completions 2006/07 to 864 2008/09
3 Provision to be met in Core Strategy period 5636 (1-2)
4a Sites under construction 1152
4b Sites with detailed planning permission 928
4c Sites with outline planning permission 51
4d Allocated housing sites remaining (from 180 WDP2000)
4e Other identified sites 2660
5 Total supply (1) 4971
6 Shortfall in housing supply (3-5) 665
Source AMR 2009
1. Housing supply figures are quoted as at 31 March 2009
4.3.5 The current SHLAA study shows that Watford has the capacity to accommodate 6,200 new dwellings in the study period 2010-2031, equivalent to 295 dwellings per annum (6,200/21=295). However some of these identified sites came forward earlier for development (i.e. by grant of planning permission). Therefore the ultimate capacity for additional new dwellings will need to be reviewed further pending the outcome of other studies. Furthermore not all these sites will be taken forward for the Site Allocations DPD. 14 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
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4.4 General Transport
4.4.1 The Borough is served by excellent transport links, and is ranked fifth best connected district in the country(3) . Transport links include the direct mainline rail connections to London, Gatwick Airport, the Midlands and the North, Metropolitan Line underground connection to London, community rail connections to St Albans, national coach services to Heathrow, Luton and Stansted airports, and convenient road links via the M1, M25 and A41.
4.4.2 Watford is relatively well served by buses. The Arriva Bus company operates the major bus routes throughout Watford.
4.4.3 Car ownership in Watford is the lowest in Hertfordshire with the exception of Stevenage. 79% of households in Watford have at least 1 car. This is below the Hertfordshire average of 82% (Census 2001). Watford has the highest net in-commuting in Hertfordshire, and over 60% of people travel to work by car, either as a car driver or passenger. This contributes to the problem of traffic congestion in Watford(4).
4.4.4 Traffic in Watford is predicted to grow more in line with forecasts for the County overall. From the base year of 2001, Hertfordshire’s traffic is predicted to grow by 20.1% by 2011 and 35.6% by 2021 and Watford’s traffic is predicted to grow by 20.5% by 2011 and 35.1 % by 2021. Whilst the growth in traffic in Watford is predicted to be no worse than that for Hertfordshire as whole. Traffic congestion has an adverse impact on air quality and leads to increases in green house gas emissions that contributes to climate change. Therefore alleviating congestion on the roads and the promotion of sustainable transport measures, are considered important issues to be addressed by the Core Strategy.
5 Strategic planning and partnerships
Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy
5.0.1 The Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy (HIIS) published November 2009 was commissioned by the ten Hertfordshire District Councils and the County Council to address the infrastructure implications of the RSS which identified significant growth for Hertfordshire for the period up to 2031. The HIIS Study examined the strategic infrastructure that would be required to accommodate growth in the County including growth areas and the Key Centres for Development and Change (KCDCs) as identified in the now revoked East of England Plan. The Study identifies Watford Junction rail interchange and the Abbey Line (Abbey Flyer), as priority interventions needed in Watford.
Local Strategic Partnership
5.0.2 One Watford, the borough’s Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) was set up in 2002 and brings together the borough’s key organisations from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors that all have a role to play in improving the quality of life of Watford residents. Current members of the One Watford Board include:
Watford Borough Council Hertfordshire County Council Hertfordshire Police Authority
3 Local Futures Group 'State of the Borough' report 2006 4 Source: Census 2001 Workplace table W203 Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 15
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
John Lewis Watford Safer Watford partnership Watford and West Herts Chamber of Commerce Watford Community Housing Trust Watford Council for Voluntary Services Watford District Children's Trust Partnership Watford Football Club Watford Observer Wenta West Hertfordshire NHS Primary Care Trust West Herts College
5.0.3 The Board has responsibility for developing the borough’s Sustainable Community Strategy that identifies both a long-term vision for Watford and the objectives and priorities that will help deliver this vision.
5.0.4 One Watford’s vision for Watford is 'a town to be proud of, where people will always choose to live, work and visit' and its objectives for achieving this are to focus on delivering:
A well-planned town with homes to suit all needs A safer town A healthy town A prosperous and educated town A well-informed community where everyone can contribute; and A town that protects its environment and heritage
5.0.5 In the last year, the partnership has received a sum of money (known as Performance Reward Grant) that has been used to support some specific projects that the Board has identified as really making a difference to the borough and the delivery of the One Watford vision. These have supported the following objectives in particular:
A safer town – funding allocated to support three ‘Partnership Protected Area Projects’ A prosperous and educated town – funding allocated to support the Watford For You initiative, including an Inward Investment Manager, a new look website and community activities and events A well-informed community where everyone can contribute – funding allocated to the creation of a purpose-built Resource Centre for the voluntary sector plus the setting up of a Watford Community Assembly. A town that protects its environment and heritage – funding two schemes; one to promote the Watford commuter project to business and one to support businesses reduce their carbon emissions and operate in a more environmentally sustainable way. 16 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
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6 Assessment of Infrastructure capacity
Infrastructure can take many forms, and information has been gathered for the services and facilities detailed in the following table.
Infrastructure Sector Infrastructure Type Category
Social Infrastructure Health GPs, Hospitals/Acute Provision, Dentists
Social care Adult Care Services
Education Primary and Secondary Education, Nurseries
Emergency Police, Fire Services
Cultural Libraries, Cemeteries, the Colosseum, the Services Watford museum, Watford Palace Theatre
Youth facilities Youth projects and facilities
Green Infrastructure Green and Parks, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Wildlife Open spaces Corridors
Physical Infrastructure Water Sourcing, Treatment, Distribution, Waste Water Infrastructure
Municipal Waste waste
Strategic Croxley Rail Link, M25 Widening, Watford Transport Junction interchange improvements
Local Transport Traffic Management & Highway Improvements, Road, rail and Bus network, Cycle Facilities
Energy Electricity Distribution, Gas Distribution Infrastructure
7 Social Infrastructure
7.1 Health
7.1.1 The WatCom Locality cluster group is a Practice Based Commissioning Consortium (“PBC”) of 28 GP practices covering the Watford and Three Rivers area. The PBC’s ‘Estates Plan’ report was produced in 2009 and considers the health infrastructure that will be required over the planning period of the Core Strategy. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 17
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Local healthcare (GPs)
7.1.2 Generally, in Watford the health of the population is better than regional and national benchmarks but challenges remain in Central Watford. According to the WatCom report, at the WatCom PBC group level, GP capacity is broadly sufficient and local practices operate out of a total floor space appropriate for the size of the population. However there are variations and some proposed housing development areas need to be examined closely to ensure capacity will be available.
7.1.3 The areas that seem least able to cope with the proposed growth and may require some moderate additional investment are Callowland and Central Wards. A considerable amount of housing development is forecast to come forward within the Callowland Ward; the largest single development being the Watford Junction site. The Watford Junction development may lead to an estimated additional 3,500 registrations. This equates to possibly two whole time GPs with associated support staff. The report reveals, that if there is rapid development of the Watford Junction site, patients may need to travel some distance to Meriden or Bridgewater House surgeries to register.
7.1.4 There are five surgeries which serve the Central Ward area. The report reveals, that if the identified housing developments came forward in this area, an additional 2,000 registrations would result, equivalent to 1.1 whole time GPs with associated support staff. However housing developments in Park,Holywell and Vicarage Wards, will give rise to manageable numbers of registrations. Almost all the growth in the Vicarage Ward is attributed to the Health Campus proposals. The report highlights that Commissioners may need to consider how existing surgeries can serve developments in the Park and Vicarage Wards.
7.1.5 In terms of projected housing growth, if all housing developments identified came forward, at best case, GP supply would exceed the worst case demand for registrations.
Local Health Care (GPs)
Lead Agency West Herts PCT
Evidence base WatCom Locality Commissioning Group – WatCom Estates Plan 2009 East & North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCTs Strategic Plan 2009/2010 – 2013/2014
Existing provision 14 GP practices
Gaps in provision At present there are no gaps in provision within the borough
Planned provision There are no planned increases or improvements in provision of local health care facilities
Impact of development The most significant proposal within the Callowland Ward, proposals includes the redevelopment of the Watford Junction site, which may lead to an additional estimated 3500 registrations equating to 2 GPs and support staff. Development in the Central Ward may lead to 2000 registrations, this equates to 1.1 GPs and support staff. 18 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
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Potential for Delivery At present the developers pay S106 contributions towards Health care provision
Potential delivery Developer S106 contributions mechanisms in the LDF
Hospitals/Acute Provision
7.1.6 Health services are provided through the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). The East and North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCT are supported by a single management team. They have overall responsibility for healthcare in Hertfordshire and have produced a joint strategic plan for Hertfordshire covering a five year period.
7.1.7 There are currently 4 major acute hospitals in Hertfordshire. Whilst these provide over 60% of acute care for the population, residents can also access services at several other acute hospitals outside Hertfordshire. Nearly 98% of Hertfordshire residents, based on modelled travel times, live within 30 minutes by car from an acute hospital.
7.1.8 The key strategic health provision for the area is the acute hospital at Watford General, Vicarage Road. This site was previously identified as an area needing development. The West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust, intend to redevelop the site and have obtained outline planning permission to deliver a Health Campus. The Health Campus proposal includes; a new 600 bed “Major Acute” hospital and primary care and health clinic facilities, business uses, a hotel and housing. The proposed Health Campus site lies in Vicarage Ward but is well placed to serve Central Ward and West Hertfordshire, once transport links are in place.
Strategic Health Care (Hospitals)
Lead Agency West Herts PCT
Evidence base WatCom Locality Commissioning Group – WatCom Estates Plan 2009 East & North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCTs Strategic Plan 2009/2010 – 2013/2014
Existing provision Watford General Hospital
Gaps in provision These will be determined on a countywide basis
Planned provision A new acute hospital and ancillary facilities
Impact of development Growth in residential development in Watford and across proposals Hertfordshire will see increasing demand being placed on strategic health services. However changes in the way services are provided and the provision of a new Acute Hospital will contribute to increasing capacity of services.
Potential for Delivery The Health Campus proposal has outline planning permission. The key stakeholders include West Herts Hospital Trust, Watford Football Club, Watford Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 19
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Delivery mechanisms in Core Strategy and Site Allocations DPDs LDF
Dentists
7.1.9 Independent Dental Practices provide the majority of NHS dental care under contract. The Watford area has 16 General and Specialist Dental Practices. Like other areas in England, the West Hertfordshire PCT area has seen a decline in the numbers treated under the new NHS dental contract. The PCT has more dentists per head of population than regional and national averages. Unlike NHS dental services General Dental Practitioners are not NHS employees but like GPs are independent contractors. The reimbursement framework for Dentists under the current contract terms provides a single income stream for an agreed volume of NHS work.
7.1.10 The contract sum contains a notional element for premises and staffing but these are not reimbursed or identified separately. Unlike the way in which GPs operate, Dentists are not precluded from mixing a considerable private income with an NHS contract.
7.1.11 This single rolled up payment makes it hard to strategically plan dental infrastructure outside of the NHS. For a commercial dentist the choice of premises may be as much guided by the potential residual value of a property as its suitability for a wide patient group. Location may be more influenced by the likelihood of a good private income as meeting an unmet health need. This has led to many independent dental practices being located in hard to access premises, for example converted domestic homes or above retail units.
Dentists
Lead Agency West Herts PCT
Evidence base WatCom Locality Commissioning Group – WatCom Estates Plan 2009 East & North Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire PCTs Strategic Plan 2009/2010 – 2013/2014
Existing provision 16 Dentists
Gaps in provision At present there are no gaps in provision. WatCom have concluded that more information will need to be gathered to map local hot spots of dental deprivation and when considering new infrastructure developments, Commissioners should discuss the latest position with regards to Dental activity with PCT leads.
Planned provision The Council is currently unaware of any planned provision
Impact of development An increase in dwellings could require additional provision of proposals NHS Dentists
Potential for Delivery At present the developers pay S106 contributions towards Healthcare provision
Delivery mechanisms in Developer S106 contributions LDF 20 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
7.2 Social care
Adult Care Services/ Older People Services
7.2.1 The HIIS study reveals there is a trend towards more personalised care and care provided by the private and voluntary sectors, moving away from direct Council provided care services. It is therefore important that the planning system allows land for such adult care development opportunities to arise, both in forward planning and via ad hoc planning applications.
7.2.2 Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services (ACS) is an enabling provider for special needs housing and housing for the frail elderly. It works in partnership with private and public sector organisations to secure provision.
7.2.3 Hertfordshire's Accommodation Services for Older People (ASOP) programme was launched in 2008 following a detailed analysis of the market for older people's accommodation. The predicted growth in the provision of older people’s accommodation (no. of units) with care provision to 2010/11 and 2021 are as given below:
Projected Further Growth Needed by Base Line 2005 Growth Needed 2010/11 2020/21
Private
Extra Care Housing 0 Not calculated 305
Residential 197 6 49
Nursing 57 1 13
Social
Flexicare (Extra 32 165 58 care)
Residential 207 -46 -24
Nursing 18 4 -1
TOTAL 511 130 400
Source: Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2010.
7.2.4 In 2007 a coalition of Hertfordshire County Council and its constituent boroughs, the local NHS Trusts and Vincent and Gorbing (chartered architects and town planners) published ‘Accommodation for frail and older people, increasing capacity and choice.’ Its purpose was to ensure a sufficient supply of specialist care home placements for older people and to develop more extra care housing and reduce the amount of residential care home beds. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 21
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
7.2.5 There are 511 bed spaces provided in care homes. By 2020/21 an additional 400 bedspaces/flexicare flats will be required. This future requirement is split between social rented and private housing tenures, comprising extra/flexi care housing units and residential and nursing units.(5)
7.2.6 There are 1148 (at 2005) sheltered housing units within the borough, of which 751 are social rent schemes managed by a number of Social landlords and by Three Rivers District Council.
7.2.7 Commissioners and providers of accommodation for older people are engaged in reviewing care and housing related support provided within sheltered housing and the physical suitability of accommodation across a number of sheltered housing schemes to reconfigure existing bedspaces at residential care homes and explore opportunities to link care provision to sheltered housing schemes.
7.2.8 In summary, although there is much need for housing for older people there is little demand. Demand is restricted to those who are proactive and seek retirement housing and those who have little choice but to move because of an urgent health problem.
Frail and elderly people
Lead Agency Hertfordshire County Council
Evidence base LCB West Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) 2010 Accommodation for Frail and older People: Increasing Capacity and Choice 2007 Vincent and Gorbing
Existing provision 511 bedspaces are provided in Care homes, there are also 1148 sheltered housing units.
Gaps in provision Projected growth needed of 400 bedspaces/flexicare flats by 2020/21
Planned provision Commissioners and providers of accommodation for older people are engaged in reviewing care and housing related support provided within sheltered housing and the physical suitability of accommodation across a number of sheltered housing schemes to reconfigure existing bedspaces at residential care homes and explore opportunities to link care provision to sheltered housing schemes.
Impact of development Development proposals will provide opportunities to deliver proposals additional older people’s accommodation
Potential for Delivery Scope exists to incorporate older peoples’ accommodation as part of larger residential developments
Delivery mechanisms in May be a suitable use for a residential site allocation LDF
5 Accomodation for Frail and Older People: Increasing Capacity and Choice 2007, Vincent and Gorbing 22 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
7.3 Education and schools
7.3.1 The Government’s approach to Education provision has been one based on improving the choice of parents and using competition between schools to drive up standards. However the need to improve school infrastructure and continue to invest in new school buildings has been recognised through the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and Academies programme. These have focused on improving school buildings in the most deprived areas of the Country, however the BSF programme has now been stopped under the new coalition government.
7.3.2 Hertfordshire is similar to the national picture where there has been a substantial increase in demand for school places, largely resulting from the increasing number of births. Live births in England and Wales increased for the sixth successive year in 2007 – 690,013 in 2007 compared to 669,601 in 2006, a 3% increase.
7.3.3 In Watford children under 15 make up a higher proportion (19.4%) of the population than people aged 60 or over (17.3%), which is contrary to the county and national trend.
Primary schools
7.3.4 In line with national trends, Hertfordshire experienced a period of falling demand for primary school places between 2000 and 2007 during which it reduced provision along with Audit Commission guidance.
7.3.5 At a county-wide level 2009/10 is the third year of growth in reception class numbers. This increase is expected to continue to 2012/13. The 2010 forecast shows that the numbers will then stabilise at this increased rate across the county. However, it is impossible to tell with any degree of certainty how long this pattern will continue for.
7.3.6 Therefore it is critical to respond to changing needs rapidly and flexibly, this can be done without adding permanent additional capacity unless there are good grounds for believing it will be required in the medium to long term. Current plans include provision of temporary places in the short term to cater for known or forecast increased demand. If it is determined that more permanent provision will be required appropriate arrangements can be made. So far seven forms of entry have been created in this way in Hertfordshire including 3 forms of entry (90 places) in Watford.
7.3.7 On existing school sites where there is some certainty of longer term need then permanent expansion has been allocated only where it can be completed in time to meet demand. The county council is currently planning to increase provision for school places by 5 forms (150 places) of entry in the next two years, and has already allocated funding in addition to Holywell Primary School, Watford expanding by 0.5 forms of entry (15 places) in September 2009. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 23
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Figure 2
7.3.8 The above diagram shows the surplus and deficit of Primary provision across Hertfordshire in 2012/13. A significant shortage of places is forecast in Watford, rising to five forms of entry (150 places) with no surplus capacity in 2012-13. However, forecast demand is not evenly spread across the town with a significant concentration of demand in central and mid Watford.
Hertfordshire County Council outline the following for Watford with regards to the forecast deficit.
Forecast 2010/ 2011 2011/ 2012 2012/ 2013 2013/ 2014
Demand 1049 1061 1099 1083
Shortage -89 -101 -139 -123
% Shortage -9.3% -10.5% -14.5% -12.8%
Data as of April 2010 24 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Action taken
7.3.9 2003/2004: A review of primary places in the area was undertaken to address levels of surplus places, with decisions to rationalise school provision and reduce places by 3 f.e. (90 places) in the north of the town.
7.3.10 2005: Implementation of review outcomes: The amalgamation of schools (Alban Wood Infant and Junior; Garston Infant, Lea Farm Junior and Meriden Schools) to create 2 new schools: Alban Wood Primary School (1 f.e) and Berrygrove Primary School (3 f.e.) on the former Garston Infant/Lea Farm Junior site.
7.3.11 Reduction of the admission numbers at Leavesden Green from 60 to 30 places. The outcome of the review has been successful and this pattern of school provision in north Watford is broadly in line with the forecast numbers for that part of the town.
7.3.12 2009/10: Holywell Primary School’s Planned Admission Number (PAN) increased from 45 to 60 from September 2009 to meet a growing demand for places in west Watford. A building project is currently underway with funding provided from the county council’s capital programme.
7.3.13 2010/11: PANs were increased by 30 places each at:
Laurence Haines School, from 60 to 90 Beechfield Primary School, from 30 to 60 and Cassiobury Infant school, from 60 to 90.
7.3.14 These schools are the closest to the area of greatest demand with sufficient site capacity to accommodate additional pupils. Temporary accommodation has been provided.
7.3.15 2011/12: To continue to respond to the change in demand the County Council is consulting on the following proposals:
Laurence Haines and Cassiobury Infants Schools’ PANs to remain at 90. Beechfield Primary Schools PAN to remain at 60. Cherry Tree Primary School’s PAN to increase from 30 to 60 places.
Next steps
7.3.16 2012/13: Options for permanent expansion are limited. Feasibility work is required to ascertain the most appropriate long term solution for creating the required additional capacity in the town. This could be through the expansion of existing provision, or creating new schools in the town. It is recognised that Watford is a densely populated urban area, and therefore opportunities to create any additional provision in the areas of greatest demand are limited. It would therefore be prudent to identify two sites for two forms of entry primary schools to accommodate the future demand, (each requiring 21/2 hectares) if possible.
Secondary schools
7.3.17 Inevitably rising pupil numbers in primary schools eventually translate to rising pupil numbers in secondary schools. Recent projections show 2014/15 as the start of a long period of sustained growth. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 25
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
7.3.18 The pattern of growth over time is more consistent than the primary sector, due to the longer time period, the effects of increased dwelling numbers have a proportionally greater effect. Secondary aged pupil numbers are more predictable five or more years in advance so the planning of expansions to meet demand is a more certain process.
Figure 3
7.3.19 The above map shows the surplus and deficit of Secondary provision across Hertfordshire in 2012/13. There is a significant deficit across Watford Borough and Three Rivers District. A shortage of school places is forecast from 2011/12.
Hertfordshire County Council outlined the following for Watford.
Forecast 2010/ 2011 2011/ 2012 2012/ 2013 2013/ 2014 2014/ 2015
Demand 1154 1170 1129 1197 1236
Surplus/Shortage -19 -35 +6 -62 -101
% Shortage -1.6% -3% 0 -5.4% -8.8%
Data accurate April 2010 26 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Action taken
7.3.20 2006: Westfield Community College Planned Admission Number (PAN) increased from 180 to 210.
7.3.21 2009: Bushey Hall School closed to become Bushey Academy. Its PAN was reduced from 240 to 210 from 2009.
7.3.22 2011/12: To respond to the growing demand the County Council has agreed to Westfield Community College’s PAN increasing from 211 to 240.
Next steps
7.3.23 Feasibility work is required to ascertain the most appropriate long term solution to create the required additional capacity within Watford. This could be through establishing new provision, the expansion of existing schools, or a combination of both.
7.3.24 There is a relationship between Watford and nearby area of Rickmansworth in Three Rivers, in which there is substantial deficit, as parts of those areas are geographically close. There is also a relationship between Watford and Bushey, in which there are currently 72 places available. The planning of school places is therefore complex across all three areas. It is anticipated that, together with some surplus places to allow for parental satisfaction, 12 f.e. (360 places) could be required up to 2021 across Watford and Rickmansworth.
7.3.25 The greatest area of need is in Central and West Watford – around Central Primary and Chater Schools. This demand comes from existing housing stock and does not take into account growth arising from the Watford Junction, Health Campus proposals.
7.3.26 Future child care provision is closely linked to the future primary and secondary school provision outlined in detail above. Suitable land needs to be set aside for both the school and the child care elements of the educational needs.
7.3.27 The Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy indicates a need for additional children’s services arising from growth. In the growth locations, the County Council envisage developing a children’s centre alongside or as part of any new primary school. Child care spaces will be provided on the basis of a new building for every 800 children. 82 new centres were operational by March 2010.
Primary & Secondary Education
Lead Agency Hertfordshire Education Authority-Hertfordshire County Council
Evidence base Meeting the rising demand for school places December 2009 – Hertfordshire County Council
Building Schools for the Future Programme
Primary Capital Programme – Strategy for Change – Hertfordshire County Council 2008
Regular meetings with Hertfordshire County Council. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 27
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Existing provision There are 33 Primary Schools, 8 Secondary Schools and a further 4 Independent Schools providing primary and secondary education in the Borough.
Gaps in provision The forecasts show that there is some pressure on secondary places in Watford, during the period 2010/2011 to 2013/2014 and that from 2014/2015 onwards this pressure will become much more acute. The greatest need for secondary education places is Central and West Watford.
Planned provision The need to provide the additional forms of entry has been recognised within the County’s ‘Meeting the rising demand for school places’ report and regular discussions with Hertfordshire County Council. Work is now underway to seek to identify ways of expanding capacity serving these areas on a permanent basis from 2014/2015 by either expansion of existing schools or provision of two 2.fe primary schools.
However, no decision has been made as to where these additional forms of entry will be provided. Any growth in the next 5 years will be accommodated in existing schools and temporary buildings.
Impact of development This demand comes from the existing housing stock and does proposals not take into account planned growth. New housing will contribute to the increase in the number of children and young people and the need for school places. Hertfordshire County Council has taken account of predicted housing growth in their plans and recognises that these will have to be reviewed on an on-going basis due to the difficulty in predicting the number of places that will be required.
Potential for Delivery Due to the current funding levels and Hertfordshire County Council’s status as a floor authority, investment demands to meet the predicted demands in both primary and secondary school places cannot be met from grant funding alone, and so funding for implementing their strategy will need to be considered through their Integrated Planning Process. The Department for Children, Schools and Family (DCSF) will continue to make additional investment available for primary schools through the Primary Capital Programme. The County Council also rely on developer contributions.
Delivery mechanisms in The Site Allocations Development Plan Document will consider LDF suitable sites for two new schools. In the interim, the Council is working with County Council to identify potential sites. Developer contributions currently contribute to the funding of child places. 28 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Early Years Education in Watford
7.3.28 Watford is well supplied with a variety of childcare facilities for preschool children, including seven Children’s Centres which provide a range of integrated education, care and family support and health services; some of these are attached to schools. Sixteen schools have nurseries attached to them and there are over 30 private nurseries, preschools and playgroups providing education for the under 5s.
7.4 Emergency services
Police Services
7.4.1 The Hertfordshire Constabulary is responsible for policing the District, and the Hertfordshire Police Authority (HPA) ensure that it delivers efficient and effective policing. The need for the HPA to review how and where it operates its services is dependant on a number of factors including:
Population growth Type and design of any new developments Supporting infrastructure such as a road network etc Need to reflect operational changes in delivering service such as changes in technology.
7.4.2 There are also changes to the way policing works in relation to a growing emphasis on community policing through the Safer Neighbourhoods programme, changing crime patterns, a need to modernise its working environments, provide effective flexible space to respond to the changes in the Police force and a move towards more effective joint-working with other agencies.
7.4.3 The HPA’s Policing plan sets out their policing priorities for 2009-2012 as:
Reduce the most serious violent, organised and acquisitive crimes Protect vulnerable people, including victims of sexual offences Bring more serious offenders to justice Improve public confidence and satisfaction in police services Increase people’s feelings of safety Reduce anti-social behaviour, including alcohol-related disorder
7.4.4 The number of staff needed to police an area is based on criminality rather than population. This is influenced by the type of housing, population density, housing quality and whether there is a stable population. It is, therefore, difficult to assess future demand for police services as a result of housing growth.
7.4.5 There are currently 2 police stations in Watford; one in the Town Centre, Shady Lane, off Clarendon Road, the other in North Watford, on the North Orbital Road. The long term aim of the Police Authority is to vacate the existing Town Centre site and move to an alternate location.
7.4.6 There will be the need for a ‘Type 2’ facility to remain in Watford, it is probable that the North Watford site will also remain to provide policing to that part of Watford. A ‘Type 2’ facility contains Intervention, Neighbourhood Teams, Police Community Support Officers and a Public Enquiry Office. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 29
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Police
Lead Agency Hertfordshire Police Authority
Evidence base Policing Plan 2009/2012 – (HPA)
Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy 2009
Hertfordshire Constabulary, Estates & Facilities
Existing provision 2 police stations in Watford
Gaps in provision No gaps in provision
Planned provision Planned relocation of the Town Centre Police Station. A suitable site is required.
Impact of development Increasing importance of ‘Designing Out Crime’ to maintain the proposals quality of the built environment.
Potential for Delivery It is anticipated that the Constabulary and the HPA will identify the most cost effective method of supplying any necessary infrastructure.
Delivery mechanisms in Policies that maintain the quality of the local built environment LDF and incorporating ‘Designing Out Crime’ criteria to reduce the potential need for an increased police presence. Identify a suitable alternate site through the Site Allocations DPD.
7.4.7 In response to Watford’s Core Strategy Preferred Options consultation Hertfordshire Police stressed the importance of ‘Designing out Crime’ to maintain the quality of the built environment. The safety module of HCCs Building Futures sustainable development guide provides information on designing out crime for developers.
Fire Services
7.4.8 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Services (HFRS) are responsible in providing the fire and rescue service in Watford. The HFRS is split into five areas, each of which have a District Plan. Watford is covered by the Watford and Three Rivers District Plan.
7.4.9 The HFRS has two main functions, to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and property losses from fire by delivering community fire safety initiatives across the county and, to respond to emergency calls to fires, road traffic collisions and other emergencies.
7.4.10 Fire services plan using a local risk management approach rather than one based on population and general response times. Services are provided in a way that best manages risk. Greater attention is now paid to reducing the incidence of fire and accidents rather than the reactive fire and rescue services. 30 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
7.4.11 Substantial investment in recent years has ensured that the community fire safety team have developed a number of fire safety initiatives that are delivered by both educational officers and operational crews. Coordination of this strategy is overseen by the community fire safety division, whose expertise is spread across the county.
7.4.12 The Watford and Three Rivers District Plan identifies areas of deprivation in Holywell, Stanborough, Meriden and Central wards – these areas have an increased probability of suffering a primary fire. HFRS are working with Watford Borough Council in the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) to reduce this probability through Protective Partnership Area initiatives. Community safety initiatives are set to continue in these areas.
7.4.13 A new two pump fire station has just been completed on the Lower High Street, Watford costing approximately £5 million. There have since been improvements in attendance times to certain areas of the borough which was the primary reason for the move. There are also fire stations in St Albans Road, Garston and Rickmansworth that serve the Watford area.
Fire and Rescue Services
Lead Agency Hertfordshire County Council Fire Authority
Evidence base Herts Fire & Rescue Service Watford & Three Rivers District Plan 2009 Herts County Council Fire Authority Community Safety Plan 2009/12
Existing provision Fire Station at Lower High Street
Gaps in provision None following the relocation of Watford Fire Station.
Planned provision n/a
Impact of development Fire & Rescue services are not based on population levels but proposals on risk. An increase in housing may not attach a greater risk level in itself, this will depend on the type of housing and where it is located. In addition, new housing is more likely to be safer than older properties.
Potential for Delivery It is anticipated that the Fire and Rescue service will identify the most cost effective method of supplying any necessary infrastructure.
Delivery mechanisms in Policies in the LDF to ensure that developers provide sufficient LDF access for emergency vehicles.
7.5 Cultural services
Libraries
7.5.1 In 2003 the Government introduced the first national public library strategy ‘Framework for the Future’. A long-term strategic vision for public library services in England. This vision is to create a shared sense of purpose, promote reading and learning, provide access to digital skills and services and promote community cohesion and civic values. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 31
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
7.5.2 Library provision is undertaken by the County Council and the above action plan fed into the local ‘‘Libraries for the 21st Century’ Change for Excellence 2005-2015’ document produced by Hertfordshire County Council. This focuses on an upgrade of existing facilities throughout the county, the provision of ICT equipment and increased opening times.
7.5.3 There are two libraries in Watford – Central Library, on Hempstead Road, and North Watford Library on St Albans Road. There is also a mobile library service travelling around the borough 3 days per week.
7.5.4 Watford Central Library is one of the county’s most heavily used libraries, with over 800 visits a day in 2008/09. Therefore it was the pilot for Sunday opening in 2005 resulting in an increase in visitor figures of 10%. Sunday opening has now been extended throughout the county.
7.5.5 North Watford Library has been identified in the ‘Implementing the Hertfordshire Vision for Libraries in the 21st Century’ as: “A well located building, but with an internal layout that makes it unsuitable for 21st century service delivery. Herts Property are looking at a comprehensive scheme to include HCC properties on both sides of the St Albans Road. Options to explore include a new library on the opposite side of the road to the existing one, in conjunction with other community facilities, or a new library on the same side of the road closer to Asda.
Libraries
Lead Agency Hertfordshire County Council
Evidence base HCC; Framework for the Future, DCMS; Libraries for the 21st Century Change for Excellence 2005-2015 (HCC); Implementing the Hertfordshire Vision for Libraries in the 21st Century (HCC).
Existing provision There are two libraries in the borough
Gaps in provision There are no gaps in library provision in the borough
Planned provision There is no planned provision for a new library within the borough.
Impact of development Increased residential development may place pressure on library proposals services and require the need for refurbishment of some libraries, in particular in terms of ICT.
Potential for Delivery The upgrade of the Watford Central Library is identified as part of the Cultural Study.
Delivery mechanisms in Protection of community facilities through the Core Strategy and LDF other LDF documents.
Arts, leisure and cultural amenities
7.5.6 Watford Borough Council commissioned AECOM (formerly known as EDAW) to undertake a cultural study for the town centre. The Town Centre Cultural Study (December 2009) is not a statutory planning document, however it provides further evidence of the cultural need and aspiration for the town centre. The Study acknowledges that Watford town 32 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
centre has a strong cultural offering. Amongst the town’s cultural assets, are the Palace Theatre, the Colosseum, Watford Museum and the Library. The Theatre sells over 80,000 seats per annum. Watford Museum had an attendance of 65,000 in 2007/08 and is growing steadily.
7.5.7 The Study identifies scope to build further on the cultural strengths of the town centre. The opportunity exists to co-locate the museum with the Library (including refurbishment) to create a complex comprising visual arts and ancillary facilities such as a café, meeting rooms education and display rooms. There is an aspiration to establish a bespoke Community Practice and performance facility for drama, performance and music.
7.5.8 Other strategies include improving the visual quality of the underpass that links the Town Hall and the Parade, enhancing the public realm, including a new civic space within the Parade and redesign the pond and water feature to incorporate a natural reed filtration system as part of sustainable drainage system (SuDs).
7.5.9 These projects will require inward investment. To date, in the last five years, a number of new cultural and educational bodies have invested in facilities. These include:
Watford Leisure Centre Central (open 2008) West Herts College (a new campus to open in 2011) Clarendon Muse, Watford Grammar School For Boys (a £5m music centre opened in 2007).
7.5.10 Further investment is planned, the Council has committed £5.2 million from its 2010 budget for the refurbishment of the Watford Colosseum to provide a first class entertainment facility to enrich the cultural life of residents and become a focus for the regeneration of this part of the town centre. The cultural study also identifies scope to improve the access of Watford Palace Theatre and create a more pedestrian friendly environment.
7.5.11 The Study identifies a case for bringing a cinema to the town centre. Currently there is one cinema in the Borough which is located at Woodside at North Watford. The proposal for a new cinema forms part of the Charter Place redevelopment project.
7.5.12 The delivery of the aspirations set out in the Study, will be dependent on funding availability. In the short-term, it is identified that S106 contributions will form part of the funding strategy, together with a long-term funding approach, involving collaborative working to fund raise and attract investment from public bodies and the private sector. Further information of the town centre proposal options are detailed in the Cultural Study.
Arts, leisure and cultural amenities
Lead Agency Watford Borough Council
Evidence base AECOM Town Centre Cultural Study 2009
Existing provision A range facilities are accessible in the town centre, including the Library, Watford Museum, Palace Theatre, the Colosseum.
Gaps in provision Currently Watford has one cinema located at Woodside in the North of the Borough. The provision of a cinema is included in the Charter Place development proposal options. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 33
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Planned provision A range of arts and cultural facilities are proposed as part of the Town Centre Cultural Study, including public realm enhancements, improving the appearance of the underpass that links the Town Hall and the Parade, co-location of the museum and library, together with visual arts centre and café. A new Town Centre cinema as part of the Charter Place development.
Impact of development Significant housing growth is likely to lead to an increase demand proposals for arts and cultural services and facilities.
Potential for Delivery The prevailing economic downturn, may prove difficult to raise funding from large public delivery bodies in the short to medium term. Alternative options, could involve Watford Council forward funding elements of the town centre proposals.
Delivery mechanisms in Potential to seek S106 contributions for town centre LDF improvements.
Youth provision
7.5.13 HCC Youth Connexions is the integrated youth support service for young people in Hertfordshire. Alongside the voluntary and commercial sectors it delivers services to young people. The District Children’s Trust Partnership in Watford through the 11-19 Sub Group co-ordinates and promotes this work. The group is chaired by the Youth Connexions District Manager for Watford.
7.5.14 Education & Inspections Act 2006, Part 1, Section 6; Education Act 1996, Section 507B “Local authorities must, so far as reasonably practicable, secure for qualifying young persons in the authority’s area access to sufficient educational leisure-time activities which are for the improvement of their well-being. In addition, sufficient facilities for such activities, sufficient recreational leisure-time activities which are for the improvement of their well-being and sufficient facilities for such activities must be provided.”
7.5.15 Youth Connexions provides youth work / positive activities, information, advice, guidance and support to all 13-19 year olds (up to 25 for LDD).
7.5.16 Youth Connexions operates in a variety of settings including Youth Connexions Centres, schools, colleges, community centres, youth projects, One Stop Shops, training provisions and detached locations such as parks and streets.
7.5.17 Youth Connexions projects in Watford include:
A One Stop Shop in the town centre provides information, advice & guidance on health, drugs, sex, relationships, homelessness, lifestyles, training and careers. . Youth Council. Members represent the views of young people in Watford. Music, dance, arts & drama projects Specialist projects for young carers and young volunteers Sports and fitness projects Asian young women’s project 34 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Projects for young people with special needs Skateboarders project Friday night and Saturday night projects and events Educational off site visits
Youth provision
Lead Agency HCC Youth Connexions
Evidence base Discussions with County
Existing provision There are a range of Youth facilities for young people provided in the borough.
Gaps in provision No gaps in provision
Planned provision No planned provision
Impact of development New development places an added burden on both existing and proposals planned service provision.
Potential for Delivery At present the developers pay s106 contributions towards youth provision
Delivery mechanisms in S106 Developer contributions, protection of community facilities LDF through the LDF.
Cemeteries
7.5.18 Watford Borough Council is responsible for the cemetery provision and maintenance within the District and all administration is carried out by the Community Services Section. The Borough has two cemeteries; Vicarage Road and North Watford Cemetery.
7.5.19 Vicarage Road Cemetery is full, and no new grave spaces are available. The only burials taking place now are those in common graves and the Garden of Rest. At North Watford Cemetery, sections are available for the principal religious denominations and there are special sections for children, and for different religious denominations. Although North Watford has 8 years burial space available a new cemetery in Watford will be required by 2014 to allow for the demand for different burial areas.
Cemeteries
Lead Agency Watford Borough Council
Evidence base Watford Borough Council Community Services
Existing provision Two cemeteries at Vicarage Road and North Watford Cemetery
Gaps in provision A new cemetery will be required by 2014
Planned provision No planned provision Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 35
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Impact of development Population increase is likely to result in a higher annual demand proposals in burial space
Potential for Delivery N/A
Delivery mechanisms in Potential sites for a new Cemetery will be identified in Local LDF Development Documents.
8 Green Infrastructure
8.0.1 Green Infrastructure is a relatively new term . Defined by English Nature as: “A strategically planned and delivered network comprising the broadest range of high quality spaces and other environmental features. It should be designed and managed as a multi-functional resource capable of delivering those ecological services and quality of life benefits required by the communities it serves and needed to underpin sustainability. Its design and management should also respect and enhance the character and distinctiveness of the area with regard to habitats and landscape types.
Green infrastructure includes established green spaces and new sites and should thread through and surround the built environment and connect the urban area to its wider hinterland. Consequently, it needs to be delivered at all spatial scales from sub-regional to local neighbourhood level, accommodating both accessible natural green spaces within local communities and often much larger sites in the urban fringe and wider countryside.”
8.0.2 Hertfordshire County Council has prepared a Green Infrastructure Framework (January 2009) making the case for a Green Infrastructure Strategy to be prepared. Consultants have recently been commissioned to undertake this study. Until this has been completed the provision of new green infrastructure will be largely opportunity led, at the local level, in conjunction with the changes taking place on the ground through new developments.
8.0.3 The evidence base for this work is provided by a recent in-house study of open space in Watford (July 2010) which brings up to date an earlier study jointly commissioned by Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council and carried out by consultants Knight, Kavanagh and Page (KKP) in 2005.
8.0.4 The Open Spaces in Watford Study, 2010 has been undertaken in accordance with PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation (2006)" and its companion guide "Assessing Needs and Opportunities". Where these studies have identified a shortfall in provision of any type of open space identified in PPG17 these are set out below.
Parks and Gardens
8.0.5 There are 29 sites in the borough classified as publicly accessible parks and gardens, totalling just over 207 hectares with a large proportion provided by Cassiobury Park (76 hectares) in the centre of the borough and Woodside Park (28.7 hectares) in the north of the Borough.
8.0.6 The study recognises that Callowland, Nascot and Meriden Wards are not well provided with formal parks and gardens but because of the catchment areas of the other parks and gardens alleviating the deficiency is not considered to be an absolute priority. 36 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Natural and Semi Natural Green Spaces
8.0.7 There are 30 sites classified as natural and semi-natural green spaces in Watford totalling 118 hectares. This exceeds the English Nature’s standard of 1ha per 1,000 population, but because it is not evenly distributed within the borough not all residents live less than 300m from their nearest area of natural green space of at least 2ha in size.
8.0.8 Applying English Nature’s ANGST(6) model, the study did not identify any major gaps in provision and therefore the priority is to increase access to existing provision and enhance its quality and value by careful management.
Green Corridors
8.0.9 There are nine sites classified as green corridors in Watford all with open access and totalling 22 hectares.
Amenity Greenspace
8.0.10 There are 47 sites classified as amenity green space totalling 28 hectares. Access to amenity greenspace is greatly valued by residents who regard it as being a measure of the quality of life which affects their desire to live in an area.
Provision for Children and Young People
8.0.11 There are 56 sites providing for children and young people in the borough totalling 4.8 hectares. This gives an existing borough deficit of 66.4 hectares of children’s play space when measured against the National Playing Field Association (NPFA) standard of 0.8 ha per 1,000 population.
Outdoor Sports Facilities
8.0.12 There are 25 sites providing outdoor sports facilities totalling 187.8 hectares .There is currently no breakdown between publicly and privately accessible open space or any updated qualitative assessment of sports facilities in order to establish areas of deficiency and priorities. This information will emerge as part of the ongoing Open Spaces Study..
Allotments
8.0.13 There are 13 allotments sites totalling 30 hectares. This represents a current provision of 0.36ha of allotments per 1,000 residents against a recommended standard 0.35 ha.
Open Spaces, Parks and Gardens and Amenity Greenspace , Play Provision
Lead Agency Watford Borough Council and HCC
Evidence base Open Space Assessment (KKP), July, 2005 - updated 2010
6 Access to Natural Green Space Targets Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 37
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Existing provision 29 Parks and Gardens, 30 Natural and Semi-Natural Greenspaces, 9 Green Corridors, 47 Amenity Greenspaces, 56 Play Areas for Children and Young People, 25 Outdoor Sports Facilities, 7 Civic Spaces, 2 Cemeteries, 13 Allotments and 1 area of Accessible Countryside.
Gaps in provision Gaps in the provision of open space by PPG17 typology are complicated by overlapping catchment areas that depend on the local standards applied. However, it is acknowledged that Callowland, Nascot and Meriden Wards are not well provided with formal parks and gardens but because of the catchment areas of the other parks and gardens alleviating the deficiency is not considered to be an absolute priority, a defecit of provision for children and young people is also identified.
Planned provision Improvements to the Colne river corridor are a high policy priority for Watford. It is the largest land owner with seven parks and one allotment bordering the Colne.
Impact of development The provision of new facilities are likely to be opportunity led at proposals the local level in conjunction with the changes taking place on the ground through new developments.
Potential for Delivery Progress so far in the Colne river corridor has been to establish and map ownership, create a partnership of landowners to agree a joint management plan and undertake a baseline environmental audit to establish biodiversity and ecological priorities
Delivery mechanisms in Strategic projects will be identified in the emerging Green LDF Infrastructure Strategy jointly commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council and constituent local authorities .The LDF will protect community facilities.
9 Physical Infrastructure
9.1 Strategic Transport
9.1.1 Croxley Rail Link
9.1.1.1 Transport for London and Hertfordshire County Council are developing plans to re-route and extend the Metropolitan Line to Watford Junction. This is being done in order to:
Increase the population served by the London Underground Connection between Watford and London Improve access from the Metropolitan Line into Watford Town Centre and create interchange opportunities between London Underground and National Rail services at Watford High Street and Watford Junction stations Improve access to public transport Improve access to facilities in Watford 38 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Improve the public transport provision, reducing road congestion and enabling local authorities to manage the highway network and demands on it more effectively Improve local and regional public transport connections to Watford Provide an alternative route between Watford and Central & North London. Improve transport provision enabling sustainable development of the Watford area. Contribution to the role of Watford Junction as an interchange hub for Outer London and West Coast Mainline movements.
9.1.1.2 The area in and around Watford General Hospital has the lowest levels of car ownership in the borough. It is also the least accessible to rail services of any kind and has the highest population density, the highest levels of unemployment and crime and the highest level of social deprivation. The new Croxley Rail Link stations planned adjacent to Ascot Road and Vicarage Road would serve this area.
9.1.1.3 The total cost of the project is £172m, this includes adjustments for inflation and risk contingency. It is expected that £136.5m will come from the DfT and £32.2m (20%) from local contributions.
9.1.1.4 The project is currently at the “Transport and Works Act” stage and a new project team had been set up to take it forward. A business case has been drawn up and has the support of London Underground Limited (LUL) who will operate the services and pass on the operating surplus to HCC in support of a local financial contribution.
Croxley Rail Link
Lead Agency Transport for London, Hertfordshire County Council, Department of Transport
Evidence base Transport for London ‘Croxley Rail Link’
Transport for London Funding Programme
Hertfordshire County Council Highways and Transport Cabinet Panel Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy 2009
Existing provision N/A
Gaps in provision N/A
Planned provision Extension of Metropolitan Line
Impact of development New railway stations adjacent to Ascot Road and Vicarage Road proposals will serve the new development at the Health Campus.
Potential for Delivery Potential for delivery is high with the Department of Transport expected to issue a Transport & Works Act Order in 2010. Awaiting Government funding announcements by the end of January 2011. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 39
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Delivery mechanisms in The Core Strategy will need to include the Croxley Rail Link and LDF will also contain policies that encourage development in areas that are close to strategic public transport links.
9.1.2 Watford Junction Redevlopment
9.1.2.1 A large project to improve access to the station for all modes of transport and encompass much of the land to the east of the station. The Watford Junction Brief (April 2004) had the following aims:
to provide a comprehensive planning and design framework for the redevelopment area (approx 14.8 hectares) to maximise the sustainability by improving opportunities for transport interchange to recognise and exploit the area’s connection to the Town Centre and the proposed bus interchange in Exchange Road.
9.1.2.2 WBC and HCC have been working with landowners to develop a scheme for the comprehensive redevelopment of the land including delivery of an interchange scheme. The issues are complex and will require a two year lead in the submission of any planning application and extensive public consultation over the next twelve months. One of the key issues for the project is the availability of public funding for infrastructure and public transport improvements given current Government spending cuts. However the potential benefits of the project are such that a strong case for spending can be made.
9.1.2.3 The proposal includes a new link road between Colonial Way and St Albans Road and is likely to require third party land-take. The landowners comprise Network Rail, Redrow Regeneration, and the HSBC Pension Fund represented by Hartfield Developments. WBC and HCC have been working with these landowners to develop a scheme for the comprehensive redevelopment of the land including the delivery of an interchange scheme.
Watford Junction Redevelopment Project
Lead Agency Watford Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council
Evidence base Watford Junction Brief 2004.
Transport for London Funding Programme.
Hertfordshire County Council Highways and Transport Cabinet Panel.
Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy 2009
Existing provision Mainline station to London Euston and the north.
Gaps in provision N/A
Planned provision New rail station. Improved access to the station for all modes of transport. Link road between Colonial Way and St Albans Road. 40 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Impact of development Better transport links will serve the whole of Watford. proposals
Potential for Delivery Potential for delivery is high, the potential benefits are such that it is hoped a strong case for government spending can be made.
Delivery mechanisms in The Core Strategy will need to include the Watford Junction LDF redevelopment and will contain policies that encourage development in areas that are close to strategic public transport links.
9.1.3 Abbey Line Tram
9.1.3.1 Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) and The Department for Transport (DfT) want to increase the frequency of services on the local rail line between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey stations (the ‘Abbey Line’). The two organisations are currently working together to develop a scheme to enable this to happen.
9.1.3.2 The proposal is to convert the Abbey Line to light rail, which means that the line will run a tram-like service rather than traditional heavy rail. This will bring significant benefits to the travelling public; in particular a more frequent service and a timetable that is easier to remember.
9.1.3.3 Under the proposals, responsibility for the line would transfer to HCC, so it would become locally operated and accountable. The DfT would transfer to HCC the money that would otherwise have been paid to London Midland, who currently operates the service.
9.1.3.4 The new services will use the same railway track and overhead power lines as the existing service. It will need different vehicles, which will have to be procured, and potentially some modifications to the line’s infrastructure and power supply.
9.1.3.5 The basic requirement of the scheme is that services between Watford Junction and St Albans should run at least half-hourly. However, it may be possible to run them even more frequently than that, and/ or with extended operating hours.
9.1.3.6 Consultation on the project took place between 4 Jan and 31 March 2010. The DfT and HCC consulted the users of the Abbey Line, and the public in the St Albans and Watford areas on the proposal. The consultation period has now finished, and HCC are looking for tram operators interested in operating the new service.
Abbey Line Tram
Lead Agency Hertfordshire County Council and Department for Transport
Evidence base Hertfordshire County Council Highways and Transport Cabinet Panel.
Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy 2009
Existing provision Local rail line between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey station. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 41
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Gaps in provision Infrequent service.
Planned provision Tramline between Watford Junction and St Albans running at least half-hourly.
Impact of development A more frequent and memorable timetable will benefit the proposals travelling public.
Potential for Delivery Potential for delivery is high with the support of HCC and the DfT.
Delivery mechanisms in The LDF will support sustainable transport infrastructure for LDF Watford and the wider area.
9.1.4 M25 Widening
9.1.4.1 The London Orbital Multi Modal Study (ORBIT) was commissioned by the Government Office for the South East and made its final report in November 2002. The intention of the study was to identify causes of congestion along and approaching the M25, and recommend a preferred strategy of possible solutions to alleviate the impact of congestion on the M25.
9.1.4.2 The final ORBIT study report recommended strategic measures to alleviate medium to long-term congestion problems. The report identified a number of sections and junctions of the M25 that would need widening or improvements to increase capacity for future growth. As a result the Highways Agency is to widen approximately 102 kilometres of the M25 between J16 and J23 by adding a lane in each direction to make a generally 4 lane motorway.
M25 Widening
Lead Agency Highways Agency
Evidence base Highways Agency M25 Junctions 16 to 23 Widening
Highways Agency M25 Junctions 16 to 23 Widening Timetable
Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy
Strategic context M25 is the London Orbital
Existing provision N/A
Gaps in provision Insufficient capacity identified in the ORBIT report in 2002 and is being addressed through a widening scheme.
Planned provision The widening of the M25 to a four lane motorway, between junctions 16 to 23 is in progress and expected to be completed by 2013.
Impact of development Planned growth may increase the number of car journeys but will proposals not significantly impact the traffic on M25.
Potential for Delivery Responsibility of Highways Agency 42 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Delivery mechanisms in None needed. However, the Core Strategy will contain spatial LDF policies that locate development in areas that are close to strategic public transport links to encourage the use of public transport.
9.1.5 Health Campus
9.1.5.1 The Health Campus development, a 26.4hectare site includes a new access road from Wiggenhall Road over the line of the proposed Croxley Rail Link. The site entrance will connect to the Dalton Way gyratory system by a new link road.
9.2 Local transport
9.2.1 Watford BC is committed to working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and others to deliver the Local Transport Plan (LTP2) 2006/9-2010/11. The next Local Transport Plan (3) is in the early stages of development, the final plan will be adopted in April 2011 and will cover the period up to 2031.
9.2.2 Watford’s contribution to the Department for Transport shared policies include:
Tackling Congestion: Watford has the most congested roads in Hertfordshire and is committed to tackling congestion through its cycling and walking strategies, Green Travel Plans, active role in network management and working to improve bus and rail patronage. Our Parking Strategy is based on a demand management approach. Our planning policies require contributions to implement integrated transport measures and help fund LTP assisted programmes, such as variable message signage for drivers. Delivering Accessibility: Our free bus travel scheme for the elderly and people with disabilities greatly assists accessibility. As part of the preparation of our Local Development Framework, we are working on a sustainable neighbourhood theme to ensure that district and local centres are appropriately sited with necessary facilities. We are in partnership with the health authority on new health facilities in the town. Safer Roads: We actively work with HCC on Safety schemes and Safer Routes to Schools. Better Air Quality: We are currently consulting on the possible designation of 5 AQMA’s, all of which are in heavily trafficked areas. We are committed to working with partners to tackle these issues. Other Quality of Life Issues: Watford Council is following an ambitious change agenda, covering a wide range of quality of life issues. These range from improvements in street care and recycling, through to the development of an open spaces strategy and the anti-social behaviour work carried out by the Council and its partners.
9.2.3 The South-West Herts Transportation Strategy (SWHTS) is the overall approach to meeting Local Transport Plan objectives and contains measures designed to; address congestion, improve transport infrastructure and promote alternatives to journeys by car. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 43
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
9.2.4 The South-West Herts Transport Plan Review and Action Plan was published in November 2008, covering Watford Borough Council, Three Rivers District Council, and the south western part of Hertsmere Borough Council. The forward vision is for: ‘a sustainable, innovative transport system, that seeks to make travel within the SW Herts area easier through the full utilisation of different transport modes and the better management of the existing network’.
9.2.5 Watford is exceptionally well connected by road and rail. The Grand Union canal also runs through the district and Luton, Stansted, Heathrow and Gatwick airports are easily accessible by train or the motorways running through the borough.
9.2.6 Congestion in Watford is predicted to grow by 18.9% by 2021 (from a 2008 baseline) [Source Hertfordshire’s Traffic & Transport Data Report 2008]. The predicted increase in congestion and increasingly car dominated environment will have a negative effect on environmental quality. Demand for rail services remains high but access to, and parking at, stations are additional pressures.
9.2.7 The Core Strategy will look to reduce the need to travel with it’s policies through ensuring more sustainable location of development and encouraging greater use of public transport.
Road network
9.2.8 One of the major junctions on the M25/M1 motorway network. Radial routes from Central London A41 and M1 go through Watford, as do the major orbital routes of A412/A405 and the M25.
Railway network
9.2.9 The Metropolitan Line and St Albans Abbey Line run through Watford as well as the Mainline Rail (managed by London Midland). There are 5 stations within the Borough:
Garston Watford North Watford Junction Watford Underground (Metropolitan Line) Watford High Street
9.2.10 High Speed 2 (HS2) is a Department for Transport (DfT) project to build a new high speed line between London and Birmingham, with later extensions to Manchester and Leeds. The County Council supports this scheme in principle, but awaits further details on the proposed route.
9.2.11 The scheme will remove many intercity services from the existing West Coast Main Line, thereby releasing capacity. The County Council wishes to see priority for capacity reallocation given to services at current intercity speeds but providing intermediate stops at Watford Junction and other similar stations that have seen reduced InterCity services in recent years.
9.2.12 It is noted that the scheme will not open until 2026 at the earliest. Details of the project can be found at www.hs2.org.uk. 44 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Bus network
9.2.13 As part of the SWHTS, further work has been commissioned on developing a network of high frequency radial bus services in the area that will link the main retail, commercial and service areas in south-west Hertfordshire. Bus priority measures and smartcard ticketing systems are also being investigated.
9.2.14 New development will look to reduce the reliance on the car and support more use of public transport. Therefore it is expected that there will be an increase in demand for bus services where these are available.
Cycling facilities
9.2.15 Excellent cycling maps are available from the Watford Borough Council website which detail the Grand Union Canal towpath route, the Ebury Way route, the West Watford route and a general map covering all the cycle routes in Watford.
9.2.16 The South West Herts Cycle Strategy Review plus improvements to cycle network are ongoing through the Council’s capital programme as part of LTP3. The Cycling strategy aims to maximise the use of cycles as a mode of transport and reduce reliance on private cars. The LDF needs to ensure needs of cyclists are represented in transport, land use, health, education, leisure and environmental proposals.
Community Transport
9.2.17 Roundabout is the south west Hertfordshire community transport scheme operating in Watford, Three Rivers, Hertsmere and St Albans. The scheme provides accessible minibuses for non-profit making groups in south west Herts who would otherwise by hampered in their activities. The minibuses can be rented for short trips or week long excursions.
9.2.18 Hertfordshire Dial a Ride provides a door to door transport service for the elderly or people of any age, including children, who have difficulty travelling due to permanent disability or illness. The service operates 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and fares are comparable with passenger transport.
TravelSmart
9.2.19 TravelSmart is an innovative project offering households information and support to enable people to walk, cycle and use public transport more often. The project started in Watford in 2008 and ran until 2010. The aims were to reduce car use and encourage healthier lifestyles by increasing active travel in our daily routines.
9.2.20 A total of 25,000 households across Watford were invited to take part in the project. Residents were able to choose from a wide selection of information such as local walking maps, cycling maps and bus timetables, as well as a discount card and the opportunity of a personal advice session with an expert.
9.2.21 Hertfordshire County Council delivered the project in partnership with:
Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 45
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Sustrans, the national sustainable transport charity Socialdata, travel behaviour research experts
9.2.22 The project was also supported by other local partners, including public transport operators, walking and cycling groups, and local businesses.
9.2.23 To supplement the TravelSmart project, detailed travel behaviour research was undertaken in Watford before the project started, the findings so far have showed:
Most of people’s day-to-day trips are local A quarter of all car trips are under two miles Over half of all local car trips could be made by walking, cycling or public transport. Most people are concerned about traffic growth and support policies which favour walking, cycling and public transport. Lack of information, motivation, and the misperception of travel time are the main obstacles to changing travel behaviour.
9.2.24 The HIIS study has concentrated on primary transport infrastructure, which comprises the multi-modal transport network outside of development sites, rather than the secondary infrastructure which is everything the developer needs to provide within the development site. Secondary transport infrastructure therefore needs to be planned for in the context of the particular urban expansion area being considered.
9.2.25 The Sustainable Communities Strategy aims to reduce congestion in Watford and reduce the amount of personal travel using cars. The LDF will contain policies to support sustainable development and a sustainable pattern of transport use.
Local Transport
Lead Agency Hertfordshire County Council, Watford Borough Council
Evidence base South West Herts Transportation Strategy
WBC Green Travel Plan 2006-10
Local Transport Plan 2.
Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Investment Strategy
Existing provision N/A
Gaps in provision N/A
Planned provision Continued improvement to local transport in line with the emerging Local Transport Plan 3.
Impact of development Planned growth will impact the number of journeys. The council proposals aims to ensure that public transport is used for these journeys.
Potential for Delivery Delivery is reliant on capital budget and developer contributions. 46 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Delivery mechanisms in The Core Strategy will contain spatial policies that locate LDF development in areas that are close to public transport links to encourage the use of public transport.
9.3 Energy Infrastructure
Electricity distribution
9.3.1 The national network of electricity lines connect to local networks owned by distribution companies. EDF is the appointed distribution company for Hertfordshire.
9.3.2 EDF has identified network supply issues at St Albans, Hatfield, Welwyn, Stevenage and Watford. Capacity issues are being rectified at Royston and Watford.
9.3.3 The planned growth will require major new electricity infrastructure to support growth including a direct underground feed from Wymondley to service the growth at Stevenage, and new substations to support growth at Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead, Hatfield and Harlow.
9.3.4 Developers would be expected to pay for the proportion of costs associated with the electricity infrastructure required to support the development.
Gas distribution
9.3.5 National Grid is responsible for the National Transmission System (NTS) which covers the whole of Great Britain. There are 12 distribution zones in Great Britain, and National Grid is the licensed gas transporter for the zone containing the Hertfordshire area. Across the country, National Grid is embarking on a 30-year programme to replace iron mains within 30 metres of a property with polyethylene pipes which are more flexible and resistant to corrosion. The replacement of pipelines is carried out on a risk priority basis. (Footnote Health and Safety Executive).
9.3.6 It is forecast that there will be a 15% increase in annual gas demand by 2016/17, and capital infrastructure will be required to provide for this demand (Source HISS). Developers are expected to pay for the capital cost of the additional gas infrastructure to supply new development areas. The planning of additional gas infrastructure to serve new developments is on a reactive basis, i.e. at the time of developer making an application.
Gas and Electricity Infrastructure
Lead Agency National Grid
EDF Energy Networks
Evidence base EDF Energy Networks plc
EDF Energy Networks (EPN) plc Long Term Development statement (2009) Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 47
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Existing provision There are a number of substations and grid substations that support delivery of electricity in Watford. The gas network is supported by a range of local and regional infrastructure.
Gaps in provision There are no gaps in existing provision
Planned provision No planned provision
Impact of development proposals Future developments are phased and on a relatively small scale and are unlikely to have an impact on the supply of gas and electricity
Potential for Delivery Any additional infrastructure required to enable development will be funded by providers if necessary.
Delivery mechanisms in LDF Policies on energy efficiency and renewable energy (including Combined Heat & Power) will look to reduce the potential impact of new development on energy consumption.
9.4 Water infrastructure
Water Supply
9.4.1 The Water Cycle Study Scoping Report (2010) provides the evidence base for this section. The study covers the following Local Planning Authority areas:
Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) Watford Borough Council (WBC) Dacorum Borough Council (DBC) St Albans City & District Council (SADC) and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC).
9.4.2 The following stakeholders were also involved in the study;
Natural England Thames Water Utilities Ltd The Environment Agency Veolia Water
9.4.3 Hertfordshire is covered by the Veolia Water catchment area, and is supplied by boreholes (260 located in nearby chalk aquifers) and by surface water extraction (from the River Thames). The Water Cycle Scoping Study will provide a better understanding of the dynamics of the water environment and the need to manage and reduce demand for water resources. 48 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
9.4.4 Government has produced a water strategy ‘Future Water’ to 2030 which sets out a vision for future water use, and a water strategy seeking the supply companies to locate increased water supplies and also implement demand management measures to reduce the average usage of water per person.
9.4.5 Veolia Water has published a Water Resources Plan which sets out the Company’s strategy for ensuring that there are sufficient water resources and supply to meet future demand between 2010 and 2038. Due to recent investments by Veolia, there are no supply issues at the strategic level. However, there is little spare capacity in the existing non-strategic water supply infrastructure to serve the proposed new developments. New water mains will therefore be required, but this should not stifle growth as they can be provided relatively easily. the cost of new water infrastructure is funded by water companies themselves and the developers pay the water companies for the connection costs.
9.4.6 The findings of the Scoping Study, indicate that Watford should not experience supply shortages within the next 20 years. However the Study makes a number of recommendations to reduce water consumption per capita, through the setting minimum targets for water efficiency in new developments equivalent to the Code For Sustainable Homes levels 3 or 4 initially, progressing to a target of levels 5 or 6. Stakeholder engagement is also recommended in order to raise awareness of water efficient devices for retrofitting existing homes and new developments and promote water policies which can be supported by the local planning system.
Wastewater and sewage
9.4.7 Thames Water covers the majority of the Hertfordshire’s drainage catchment. Thames Water has recently consulted the public and stakeholders on their 25 year strategy ‘Taking Care of Water’.
9.4.8 There are two main catchments for Hertfordshire – to the east is Rye Meads sewage treatment works (STW) and to the west is Maple Lodge STW. Maple Lodge STW is in Rickmansworth and serves St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Watford. Maple Lodge has some capacity issues at 2016, meaning that capital investment in the future will be required to allow for growth.
9.4.9 According to the Scoping Study, indicative guidance from the water companies suggests the following planning and construction timeframes for wastewater infrastructure:
Network improvements – up to three years; Significant new network, and upgraded processes capability at waste water treatment works – up to five years; Major upgrade of treatment works or construction of new waste treatment works– up to ten years.
9.4.10 large scale growth within the Maple Lodge catchment will severely impact on the existing trunk sewers as they approach Maple Lodge. The occurrence of sewer flooding may increase in Watford Borough Council, particularly in areas close to the trunk and main sewers near Maple Lodge. Maple Lodge will require substantial upgrades under the current growth scenario. Limited space at Maple Lodge TW may make this problematic. Action at the earliest will be required by 2016. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 49
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
9.4.11 To ensure there is sufficient waste water infrastructure to support developments, the study recommends phasing developments and planned development trajectories and allow for the lead in time for investigating planning and constructing the required key infrastructure.
9.4.12 Any possible upgrades to Maple Lodge TW may take up to ten years to plan, design and construct, and therefore it is recommended that consideration is given to phasing of dwelling completions within the plan period. There are no upgrade works planned for Maple Lodge linked with growth, only ongoing maintenance. Maple Lodge / Blackbirds can accommodate the proposed growth levels without upgrades during this Asset Management Period (2010-2015).
9.4.13 From April 2010, Thames Water are undertaking a five-year investment programme (£4.9bn) which includes the maintenance of the sewer system in Watford. The programme includes interventions to protect homes and businesses from flooding, by resolving repeated sewer blockages which can prevent the sewer system from working properly and can lead to flooding and pollution. The programme will also include the expansion of the sewer network and treatment capacity to meet the demands of new development; thereby enabling 200,000 new dwellings to connect to the sewer system between 2010 and 2015.
Water, waste and supply
Lead Agency Thames Water Utilities
Veolia Water Central
Evidence base Water Cycle Study 2010
Thames Water Five Year Plan 2010 -2015
Existing provision Provision of water supply is through Veolia Water. Wastewater sewers treatment is supplied by Thames Water Utilities and Maple Lodge Wastewater Treatment Works
Gaps in provision There are no gaps in the existing water supply. Maple Lodge Wastewater Treatment works will need additional capacity if proposed growth exceeds forecasts.
Planned provision Thames Water Investment programme includes the expansion of the sewer network and treatment capacity to meet the demands of new development between 2010-2015
Impact of development Improvements to Maple Lodge WwTw is likely to be considered proposals in their next plan period 2015-2020
Potential for Delivery Any additional infrastructure required to enable development will be funded by the developer and improvements will be funded by providers if necessary. 50 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Delivery mechanisms in The Core Strategy will need to address water conservation LDF through the promotion of water efficiency measures/design in development and the new promotion of Sustainable Drainage Systems.
9.5 Waste Infrastructure
Municipal Waste
9.5.1 The treatment and disposal of municipal waste is a County responsibility. Hertfordshire County Council and the District Councils have set up the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership (HWP). By 2012, 50% of household waste will be recycled. Further feasibility work by HWP is progressing on the provision of one or two new waste processing sites in the County.
9.5.2 The Municipal Waste Spatial Strategy (MWSS) prepared by the Waste Disposal Authority, seeks to promote the provision of one or more major new waste treatment facilities in the county, supported by strategically located waste transfer stations, and this facility will need to be operational by 2015.
9.5.3 The MWSS identifies four strategic locations where it would be appropriate to consider provision of such facilities. One of the strategic locations is the Waterdale Waste transfer station, located close to the M1/A405 junction at Garston. This currently provides waste transfer facilities in the west of the County and is an efficient facility. As a result the residual waste facility will not be required in this location.
Municipal waste
Lead Agency Hertfordshire County Council and the Waste Disposal Authority,
Evidence base The Municipal Waste Spatial Strategy
Existing provision Waterdale Waste transfer centre at Garston (outside the borough)
Gaps in provision County wide, there is a need for one or two more waste treatment facilities.
Planned provision The feasibility of increasing provision will determine the site of future waste facilities.
Impact of development Housing growth is likely to lead to increase in household waste. proposals The increase demand will need to be provided for.
Potential for Delivery A feasibility exercise will be undertaken to determine the potential to deliver additional waste treatment facilities.
Delivery mechanisms in County Council has responsibility for Waste management the LDF council will seek to support county objectives through the LDF Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 51
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
10 The Way forward
10.0.1 In order to meet the demand for infrastructure created by new development the Council will continue to work with providers and developers to ensure that the demand is met in the right locations and at the right time. To achieve this, we will:
continue with a partnership approach to infrastructure delivery that involves key stakeholders seek contributions from developers to help address the gaps in infrastructure provision maintain and review an Infrastructure Delivery Schedule which outlines the planned infrastructure, the organisations responsible for provision, costs, timings and funding. Review s106 planning obligations.
10.0.2 Understanding the future infrastructure needs of the borough and formulating a programme to meet them is now a mandatory part of LDF preparation.
10.0.3 Infrastructure planning is an important Corporate tool and not just a town planning document.
10.0.4 A robust integrated Infrastructure Delivery Plan has the potential to support funding bids and influence decision making. Such a plan can become or form the basis of a key strategic document for the borough, the Local Strategic Partnership, the Local Enterprise Partnership and other delivery agencies.
10.0.5 Local Planning Authorities will be responsible for administering and securing infrastructure delivery through planning obligations or other delivery agencies.
10.0.6 The key messages from this Infrastructure Plan will be included in the Core Strategy including appropriate policies dealing with infrastructure delivery.
10.0.7 The Infrastructure Delivery Plan will be updated every two years to reflect changes in infrastructure needs or amendments to the Council’s planning obligations contributions Guidance. 52 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Appendix I Glossary and Abbreviations
Glossary and Abbreviations
Accessibility The ability of everybody to go conveniently where they want particularly in relation to services and facilities.
Affordable Housing Affordable housing includes social rented and intermediate housing, provided to specific eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. (Planning Policy Statement 3). It does not include low-cost market housing.
AMR AMR Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) assesses the Council’s progress in producing the Local Development Documents and implementing policies.
ANGST English Nature’s ANGSt model provides Access to Green Space targets.
Building Schools for A strategic approach to capital investment in school buildings the Future to create the environment for the Government’s agenda of educational transformation.
Capital Capital refers to the budget that funds acquisition of a fixed asset.
CIL Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)a new charge proposed to be introduced in the Spring 2010, which local authorities in England will be empowered but not required to charge on most types of development in their area. CIL charges will be based on a simple formula and the proceeds of the levy will be spent on local and sub-regional infrastructure to support the development of that area.
CLG Communities and Local Government
Combined Heat and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the simultaneous generation Power of useable heat and power (usually electricity) in a single process. It is a form of decentralised energy technology and typically installed on-site, supplying
customers with heat and power directly at the point of use.
Core Strategy A Local Development Document setting out the long term spatial vision and strategic objectives for the Local Planning Authority area. It includes a spatial strategy, core policies and a monitoring and implementation framework for
achieving the plan. The Core Strategy has the status of a Development Plan Document. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 53
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Designing out crime Designing development to limit the opportunities for crime by including natural surveillance and access points throughout the site.
Development Plan A spatial planning document that sets out policies and proposals Document for
development and use of land and buildings within the area of a local planning authority. Part of the Local Development Framework (LDF).
East of England Plan The East of England Plan also known as the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), prepared by the East of England Regional Authority
Education Authority A local government body responsible for providing education for pupils of school age in the area of that local government body.
Energy Efficiency Using the minimum amount of energy needed to produce a given result.
Environment Agency Also known as the EA. It is a public body with the responsibility for preventing or minimising the effects of pollution on the environment and which issues permits to monitor and control activities that handle or produce waste.
Extra care housing Housing designed to meet the needs of frailer older people with varying levels of care and support available on site. Extra Care Housing is also known as sheltered housing.
Flexicare A type of supported housing designed for tenants with low, medium to high support needs.
HA Highways Authority (HA) responsible for the strategic road network such as the M25.
HCC Hertfordshire County Council
HFRS Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
HIIS Hertfordshire Infrastructure & Investment Strategy
HPA Hertfordshire Police Authority
IDP Infrastructure Delivery Plan
Infrastructure Collective term for physical structures, facilities and services needed by the community. 54 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Key Centre for Key Centre for Development and Change (KCDC) – an area Development and identified by the Change Regional Spatial Strategy – for regional focus for housing, employment, retail,
leisure, tourism, cultural and educational development
LAP Local Area for Play (LAP) a small area of unsupervised open space specifically designed for younger children mainly between the ages of 4-6 years.
Local Area Agreements Local Area Agreements (LAAs) set out the priorities for a local area between central government and a local area (the local authority and Local Strategic
Partnership) and other key partners.
LDF Local Development Framework – the portfolio or folder of Local Development Documents, which set out the planning policy framework for the District.
LEAP Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) – is a piece of open space that is designated and equipped for children of early school age.
Local Development Local Development Document – comprising two main types: Document Development
Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents, which together
from the Local Development Framework.
LSP Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). The ‘One Watford’ Local Strategic Partnership is an umbrella partnership that brings together public and private organisations and community groups, allowing different initiatives and services to support one another so that they can work more effectively together. One of its main tasks is to prepare and implement the Sustainable Community Strategy.
LTP Local Travel Plan
LUL London Underground Limited
ONS Office For National Statistics
National Cycle Network A co-ordinated national network of cycle routes planned and partially developed by SusTrans, a sustainable transport charity. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 55
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
OSS Open Space Sport A strategy covering open space, playing pitches and sport and and Recreation Study recreational facilities to guide future provision and management of existing resources in the District as required by PPG17.
NPFA National Playing Field Association
PAN Planned Admission Number
PAS Planning Advisory Service
PCSO Police Community Support Officers
PCTs PCT Primary Care Trust (PCTs)– cover all parts of England and take control of local health care. Hertfordshire and West Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust cover Watford
Performance Reward A performance related grant awarded by the CLG to Local Grant Strategic Partnerships on their achievement of their LAAs.
Planning Policy Guidance produced by the Government setting out national Guidance (PPG) planning policy (being replaced by Planning Policy
Statements).
Planning Policy Guidance produced by the Government setting out national Statement (PPS) planning policy (gradually replacing Planning Policy
Guidance).
Private Finance Private Finance Initiative Contract (PFI) relates to the contract Initiative Contract between the
Highways Authority and private companies who contribute to the cost of and
carry out works involved in the widening of the M25. It provides a way of
funding major capital investments without immediate recourse to the public sector.
Reception Class The first year pupils usually begin infant school at the age of four.
Renewable technology Collective term for domestic and non-domestic renewable energy technologies such as solar thermal, solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, District Heating Systems such as Combined Heat and Power.
Revenue Revenue refers to the budget that funds the on going costs of a fixed asset or service. 56 Watford Borough Council Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
RSS RSS Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) (also known as the East of England Plan) – sets out the broad spatial strategy for the region prepared by East of England
Regional Assembly. This was revoked in 2010 under the new coalition government.
SCS A document (part of the LDF and the Development Plan) that sets out how the Council will engage with the community in preparing and reviewing the LDF, and also in major development control decisions. In effect it is the Council’s policy on planning consultation. A statement demonstrating how the local planning authority has complied with the Statement of Community Involvement will be required for all local development documents that the Council produces.
Site Allocations SPD The Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) will identify or "allocate" areas of land for specific types of development, such as housing, employment and community facilities
SHLAA Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA). The SHLAA is a technical document forming part of the evidence base for the Local Development Framework.
Spatial Planning System to integrate land use planning policies with the policies of other plans,
programmes and strategies which also influence the nature of places and how
they function. Also about an integrated and partnership approach towards
delivery of development.
Sustainable In broad terms this means development that meets the needs Development of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs. The Government has set out the following five guiding principles, in its strategy for sustainable development, “Securing the Future” to be achieved simultaneously: Living within environmental limits: Ensuring a strong healthy
and just society: Achieving a sustainable economy: Promoting good governance: and using sound science responsibly. Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010 Watford Borough Council 57
Infrastructure Delivery Plan 2010
Sustainable Drainage A drainage system designed to control and improve the quality System of run off from development, enhance nature conservation, landscape and amenity value ofthe site and its surroundings. Also known as SUDS.
Windfall Windfall refers to a site not specifically allocated for development in a development plan, but which unexpectedly becomes available for development during the lifetime of a plan. Most “windfalls” 58 W Infrastructure
Appendix II Social Infrastructure Projects atford
DESCRIPTION AND DELIVERY BODY AND PROJECT COSTING AND Borough PROJECT LOCATION TIMING PURPOSE APPROACH FINANCIAL ISSUES Council Health A new Health Vicarage The main hospital site to Construction in The overall investment, including
Campus Site. Campus comprising Road proceed through a Private phases up to the building of 550 new homes is Delivery Finance Procurement. The 2018 with new expected to reach £750m. Infrastructure an acute hospital See Map housing proposals are access routes in (600) beds, expected to assist the the initial phase. A S106 Agreement was signed employment uses, 2010-06-08. Plan
“affordability” of the clinical Delivery housing (550 new facilities. The new road
homes), leisure linking the This will secure:- 2010 facilities, hotel, Key stakeholders: West Campus to Dalton Plan Support to bus services in the Combined Heat and Herts. Hospitals NHS Trust, Way and the dual 2010 Power Plant (CHP) Watford Football Club, carriageways to area new urban green Watford Borough Council the M1 at Improved cycle routes space and access by and Hertfordshire County Junction 5 is Setting up a car and cycle a new road from the Council expected to be club east. one of the first Access to a travel centre and pieces of major travel plan co-ordinator within Site Area 26.4 ha infrastructure to the site (65.2 acres) be completed for A community support officer the Campus. on the Campus The proposal will be Contributions to traffic the largest single Construction work management improvements investment project in for the first to local roads around the West Watford and will be housing scheme Watford area located in Vicarage adjacent to the Junction improvements to Ward which has the Football Ground improve capacity and reduce lowest social and is underway. queueing economic indicators Local traffic calming measures and parking zones in town and one of the Up to £500k towards new lowest in outdoor playing facilities at Hertfordshire. Radlett Road and Gammons Lane, improved tennis courts at Watford Heath Financial Assistance to local schools, youth and childcare facilities
GP Facilities To balance the supply Shortfalls are West Herts PCT 2015 At present developers pay S106 of GP premises and predicted in contributions towards Health Care capacity with worst Callowland Provision. case demand or and Central predicted Wards. Central Government have new registrations. proposals, as yet to be clarified, Watford to devolve responsibility from the The best case GP Junction Infrastructure PCT to GP practices.
supply exceeds the (estimated Infrastructure worst case demand or 3500 predicted registrations)
registrations, but this and Delivery requires that all development
current surgeries in Central Plan
expand to capacity so Ward Delivery that demand can be (estimated 2010
met. 2000 W registrations) atford Plan
viz 3.1 GP’s Borough and support
staff. 2010 Council 59 60 W Infrastructure Dentists To balance supply of At present Developers pay S106 contributions atford and demand for there are no towards health care provision. dental services so gaps in Borough that no part of provision.
Watford is Council underprovided. Delivery Adult Care To provide special Opportunities Hertfordshire County The need for public sector flexi Infrastructure Services/ needs housing and may occur in Council care housing currently outstrips Older People housing for the frail mixed use supply (165 units by 2010/11) and Plan
Services. elderly - working in schemes, in a further 58 units by 2020/21. Delivery partnership with or adjacent to
private sector and neighbourhood Although there is much need for 2010 public sector centres or as housing older people there is little Plan
organisations. part of a effective demand. 2010 regeneration project. Developers pay S106 contributions towards health care provision.
Education To add to existing See Map. Hertfordshire County The expansions Hertfordshire County Council and Schools. schools capacity only Council has allocated will have to be Capital Programme. if demand is predicted A significant funding to: built and in place Primary to be sustained for the shortage of to meet the Schools. medium to the long places is Amalgamate Alban Wood anticipated term. forecast in Infant and Junior with demand. Watford Garston Infant, Lea Farm rising to five Junior and Meriden Schools forms of to create two new schools entry (150 (Alban Wood Primary places) with School (1f.e.) and Berrygrove Primary school no surplus (3f.e.) on the former capacity in Garston Infant/ Lea Farm (2012/13). Junior site.
However, Increase the capacity by 30 forecast places at demand is not evenly Laurance Haines spread School, across town Beechfield primary with a School, significant Cassiobury Infant concentration School. in central and mid Watford. The area of greatest need is in Central or West Watford – around Central
Primary and Chater Infrastructure
Schools. This demand Infrastructure comes from the existing housing stock and does not take into account growth at Delivery Watford Junction and the
Health Campus. Plan Delivery 2010
Education To create additional See map W and Schools capacity for atford Secondary Provision There is a Plan Secondary across Watford and significant Borough Schools. Rickmansworth deficit of 2010
through establishing Secondary Council new provision, the School 61 62 W Infrastructure expansion of existing Provision atford schools, or a across combination of the Watford Borough two. Borough and
Three Rivers Council District. A Delivery
shortage of Infrastructure school places is forecast from Plan
2011/2012. Delivery 2010
Leggatts Redevelopment of the Leggatts Taylor Wimpey North Start on site in Application granted on Plan
Campus site to provide a new Way, Thames Ltd November,2010 appeal.(21/07/10). 2010 residential area of 217 Watford. dwellings with a small Subject to a S106 agreement to local shopping centre include a neighbourhood shopping and other facilities to centre, play area, access from serve the local Leggatts Way and North Western community. Avenue (A41).
The need for development results from the relocation of West Herts college away from the site and consolidation of educational facilities in central Watford. The proposed local shopping centre is located in an area where a gap in retail provision has already been identified.
CULTURAL Key elements in the STRATEGY Cultural Strategy are:
Refurbishment of the Colosseum Relocating the Watford Museum to a new pupose-built
building Infrastructure
Connecting the Infrastructure library with a visual arts centre
Locating creative Delivery businesses into
the Lanchester Plan
Building by the Delivery 2010 College W
Lifting the whole atford look and feel of Plan the underpass Borough Redesigning the
pond area to 2010 Council 63 64 W Infrastructure enable it to hold atford events Creating a more Borough family friendly
Parade Council Improving the Delivery
space around the Infrastructure Palace Theatre Providing a
cinema a part of Plan
the Charter Place Delivery development. 2010 Plan
CULTURAL Refurbishment of Rickmansworth Watford District Council in Summer 2011 £5.235 million set aside by Watford 2010 Watford Colosseum, Road, partnership with HQ Council in its 2010 budget to STRATEGY Rickmansworth Road. adjacent to Theatres. enable the refurbishment to take the Town place.. To provide a first Hall. class entertainment facility to enrich the cultural life of residents and become a focus for the regeneration of this part of the Town.
Ref.09/00875/FUL.28/01/2010
Plans were approved in December 2009 for a two-storey side extension, new lift and refurbished balcony area. Infrastructure Infrastructure Delivery Plan Delivery 2010 W atford Plan Borough 2010 Council 65 66 W Infrastructure
Appendix III Green Infrastructure Projects atford
PROJECT Borough DESCRIPTION AND DELIVERY BODY AND COSTING AND PROJECT LOCATION TIMING
PURPOSE APPROACH FINANCIAL Council ISSUES Delivery Town Centre To improve the appearance The Parade. Watford Borough Council Awaiting the £52,720 Infrastructure Enhancements of the Parade in the Town as part of the Town Centre outcome of Centre by landscaping Cultural Study using S106 the Town Plan
works, replacement of monies. Centre Delivery bollards, concrete balls, Cultural
tree planting and review of Study. 2010 Town Centre signage. Plan 2010 To make the town centre a more family friendly and attractive place for people to spend their leisure time during both day and evening.
Colne Valley Improvements to the Colne See attached Map. Watford Borough Council First Phase £160,000 for the first Improvements river corridor are a high is the largest land owner 2010 phase. policy priority for Watford. and has seven parks and consulting on one allotment bordering Knutsford Progress so far on this the Colne. Playing project has been to Fields, establish and map land A Partnership has been Radlett Road ownership, create a established with BTCV to Recreation partnership of landowners create a Green Gym Ground .and to agree a joint (healthy environmental management plan and activities for volunteers). Waterfields undertake a baseline Funding through the Recreation environmental audit to Harlequin Shopping Ground establish biodiversity and Centre and Herts County ecological priorities. Council.
It is proposed to consult the public on the improvements in three phases:
North of the Town Centre South of the Town Centre Town Centre section Infrastructure Playground To consult and involve Knutsford Playing Fields Knutsford Playing Infrastructure Improvements. children and local (playground inc) Fields, Waterfields communities in the Recreation Ground
(Larger improvements to larger Radlett Road Recreation £160,000. Delivery Playgrounds) playgrounds. Ground and Waterfield Recreation Ground Oxhey Park To encourage community (playground inc) and £130,000. Plan Delivery development, community 2010 Oxhey Park
ownership and meet local W needs. atford Plan Borough 2010 Council 67 68 W Infrastructure Playground To improve smaller sites The playgrounds identified Total for the eight atford Improvements where it is impractical to for improvement in 2010 smaller playgrounds increase the size of the are: £200,000 Borough (Smaller playground to provide more
Playgrounds) facilities. St.John’s Road, Council Chater School (dual use site in a high Delivery Infrastructure density area), Lea Farm Receation Ground, Plan
Aspen Park Drive, Delivery Norbury Avenue, 2010
Jellico Road, Plan StamfordRoad 2010 Playground, Oxhey Village Green (also known as Lower Paddock Road Recreation Ground)
Watford Rugby To construct new changing 2010/2011. The Rugby Club Club rooms for the Club at have already gained Knutsford Playing Fields. planning permission. The Council have increased their contribution to £200,000 to be taken from S106 monies. King George V The reserve was started in Nature 2008 and a pond and Reserve woodland have now been created.
Woodside Woodside successfully Playing Fields achieved a Green Flag designation in 2009 further Green Flag improvements are proposed to ensure that this is retained in 2010.
Multi-use £120,000 funded by Games area at S106 monies. Meriden This project has been delayed slightly while the Infrastructure transfer of Meriden Infrastructure Community Centre is negotiated with
the community Delivery partners. The MUGA is connected to the Plan centre. Delivery 2010 W atford Plan Borough 2010 Council 69 70 W Infrastructure
Appendix IV Physical Infrastructure Projects atford
PROJECT Borough DESCRIPTION AND DELIVERY BODY AND COSTING AND PROJECT LOCATION TIMING
PURPOSE APPROACH FINANCIAL Council ISSUES Delivery Croxley Rail To increase the population See Map. The project is currently at 2010/2018 The total cost of the Infrastructure Link served by the London the “Transport and Works project is £172m. Underground Connection The Croxley Rail Link Act” stage, and a new This includes will be part of the Plan
between Watford and London. project team has been set adjustments for Delivery London Underground up to take this forward. inflation and risk
To improve access from the Network and will have contingency. 2010 Metropolitan line into Watford a much higher A business case has been Plan
Town Centre and create Service frequency drawn up and has the It is expected that 2010 interchange opportunities and greater support of LUL who will £136.5 m will come between LUL services and NR connectivity with operate the services and from the DfT and services at Watford High London . pass through the £32.1 m (20%) from Street and Watford Junction operating surplus to HCC local contributions. Stations. A new railway station in support of a local is to be constructed financial contribution The area in and around adjacent to Ascot Watford General Hospital has Road and one Network Rail have been the lowest levels of car adjacent to Vicarage involved as existing ownership in the borough. It Road to serve the owners of the heavy rail also the least accessible to rail Health Campus. alignment. services of any kind, has the highest population density, the A Strategic Board has highest levels of been established unemployment and crime and consisting of Network Rail, the highest levels of social LUL and HCC. deprivation. Watford To improve access to the Watford Junction Managed by London Completion £1m, with £200K Junction - station for all modes of Station Midland Railway. by from S106 National Station transport. December, contributions Improvements 2010 Project (NSIP)
Watford This is now a larger project See Map The proposal includes a 2013/14 One of the key Junction –Major encompassing much of the new link road between onwards. issues facing the Redevelopment land to the east of the station. Approximately 750 Colonial Way and St project is the Project metres from the north Albans Road and is likely The issues availability of public The Watford Junction Brief –east of Watford to require third party land- are complex funding for (April,2004) has the following Town Centre. take. The Council has and will infrastructure and aims:- agreed to the principle of require a two public transport the compulsory purchase year lead in improvements, given To provide a if land cannot be acquired the current Government comprehensive planning by negotiation. submission spending cuts. and design framework for of any However the
the redevelopment area The landowners planning potential benefits of Infrastructure (approximately 14.8 comprise:- application the project are such Infrastructure hectares) and that it is hoped a Network Rail, Redrow extensive strong case for
To maximise the Delivery Regeneration and the public spending can be sustainability by HSBC Pension Fund consultation made. improving opportunities represented by over the next Plan for interchange Hartfield twelve Delivery Developments. months. 2010 To recognise and exploit W the area’s relationship to WBC and HCC have atford the Town Centre and the
been working with Plan Borough proposed bus interchange these landowners to in Exchange Road. develop a scheme for 2010
the comprehensive Council redevelopment of the 71 72 W Infrastructure land including the atford delivery of an interchange scheme. Borough
Abbey line Tram To increase the frequency of See Map Department of Transport 2011/2013 Council
services on the route between (DfT) and HCC. Delivery Watford Junction and St Infrastructure Albans abbey by converting a The conversion of the 6.5 mile section of track to light Abbey line to light rail
rail operation. removes the need for a Plan bridge to span the line, Delivery
To support Watford’s saving around £2.125 m. 2010
designation as a Key Centre Plan DfT are delegating the
for Development and Change 2010 (KCDC) in the RSS and operation of this route to Watford Junction as a HCC Regional Transport node.
To create a resilient, sustainable, transport infrastructure for Watford and the wider sub-region.
Charter Place See Map Watford Borough Council Construction Redevelopment in partnership with London to commence and Regional. in 2013 and to be Following public completed in consultation WBC and L 2015. and R aim to sign a Development Agreement which will allow the partnership to make a planning application and start assembling the site ready for construction. Infrastructure Infrastructure Delivery Plan Delivery 2010 W atford Plan Borough 2010 Council 73 Large print versions of this document can be produced on request: Tel 01923-278970
Planning Policy, Watford Borough Council, Town Hall, Watford, WD17 3EX [email protected] www.watford.gov.uk/planning