Authority Monitoring Report 9 April 2013-March 2014

Part of the Blackburn with Darwen Local Development Framework

December 2015 Covering monitoring period 1st April 2013-31st March 2014

BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT 9

December 2015

Growth and Prosperity Department Town Hall Blackburn BB1 7DY

www.blackburn.gov.uk

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...... 3 2. An Introduction to Blackburn with Darwen ...... 4 3. Local Development Scheme (LDS): Milestones ...... 10 4. Duty to Co-operate ...... 12 5. Land supply for business development in higher value sectors ...... 15 CS2: Typology of Employment Land ...... 15 CS3: Land for Employment Development ...... 17 CS4: Protection and Re-Use of Employment Sites ...... 19 6. Quantity, quality and mix of housing ...... 20 CS5: Locations for New Housing ...... 23 CS6: Housing Targets ...... 23 CS7: Types of Housing ...... 24 CS8: Affordable Housing Requirements ...... 24 CS9: Existing Housing Stock ...... 24 CS10: Accommodation for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople ...... 24 7. Range and Quality of Public Facilities ...... 26 CS11: Facilities and services...... 26 CS12: Retail development ...... 26 8. Protecting and Enhancing the Environment ...... 28 CS13: Environmental Strategy ...... 28 CS14: Green Belt ...... 30 CS15: Protection and Enhancement of Ecological Assets ...... 31 9. Quality of Place ...... 34 CS16: Form and Design of New Development ...... 34 CS17: Built and Cultural Heritage ...... 34 CS18: The Borough’s Landscapes ...... 35 CS19: Green Infrastructure ...... 35 CS21: Mitigation of Impacts/Planning Gain ...... 37 10. Access to Jobs and Services ...... 38 CS22: Accessibility Strategy ...... 38 CS23: Tackling Worklessness ...... 41 11. Monitoring the Borough’s Supplementary Planning Documents ...... 45 12. References ...... 47 13. Glossary ...... 48 Appendix 1: Neighbouring Local Planning Authorities in the Duty to Cooperate ...... 50 Appendix 2: Cross boundary matters relating to Duty to Cooperate ...... 51 Appendix 3: Actions to support Local Plan position ...... 55 Appendix 4: Requests for cooperation from neighbouring authorities and other prescribed bodies ...... 56

2

1. Introduction

1.1. The Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) measures various indicators to assess the performance of planning policies set out in the adopted development plan and provides a general portrait of the social, economic and environmental conditions in the Borough. The AMR also assesses the Council’s progress in producing its development plan documents against the timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS).

1.2. This AMR covers the monitoring period 1st April 2013 – 31st March 2014.

1.3. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has made considerable progress on the production of the development plan. The Core Strategy, which establishes the strategic vision and policies for the district, was adopted in January 2011. Following examination in December 2014, the Council is continuing to work towards adoption of the Blackburn with Darwen Local Plan Part 2. The plan is currently at examination stage and will be referred to as the Submission Draft Plan in the AMR. The Local Plan Part 2, alongside the previously adopted Core Strategy (which will become Part 1 of the Local Plan), aims to shape the future development of Blackburn with Darwen in order to create jobs, attract and retain a skilled labour force, and strengthen the borough's competitive position in the North West. It identifies strategic land allocations which are essential to delivering these objectives; and sets out development management policies which will be used in assessing planning applications. Copies of the submission documents and other supporting documents which, in the opinion of the Council, are relevant to the preparation of the Local Plan Part 2 can be found here.

1.4. The Duty to Cooperate came into force with the Localism Act in 2011. It places a legal duty on Local Planning Authorities, County Councils in England and public bodies to engage constructively, actively and on an ongoing basis to maximise the effectiveness of Local Plan preparation in the context of strategic cross boundary matters. Blackburn with Darwen has submitted the Duty to Cooperate Statement as part of the evidence documents supporting the Local Plan Part 2 and can be viewed here. Going forward, this will be monitored in the Authority Monitoring Report.

1.5. We welcome any comments you have on this year’s Annual Monitoring Report. You can contact the Forward Planning team on (01254) 585356 or at email: [email protected]

3

2. An Introduction to Blackburn with Darwen

2.1 Blackburn with Darwen, surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain, is a key geographical and cultural gateway to Pennine Lancashire. It is located between the high land of the Metropolitan Borough boundaries of Bolton and Bury in the south, and Mellor ridge to the north. The West Pennine Moors form a natural barrier to Chorley and to the east a barrier to Rossendale. Within this dramatic landscape, the Borough covers an area of 13,700 hectares.

2.2 Population - As graph 1 below highlights, the population of Blackburn with Darwen had, been steadily declining between 2006- 2009. However, there was a significant increase between 2010 and 2011, and the current mid- year estimate in 2013 puts the population of the Borough at 147, 400, a slight decline from the 2012 figure of 147, 713. Figure 1 - Blackburn with Darwen in Context Map

1

150000 2.3 Ethnicity - The latest available Population 148000 figures for the Borough’s ethnicity 146000 from 2013 show that white 144000

142000 residents make up 69.2% of the

140000 borough’s population, down from

Population 138000 77.9% in 2001. Since then, the 136000 Indian population has risen from 134000 14,654 (or 10.7%) to 19,791 (or 132000 13.4%), which is the 11th highest proportion of any local authority in 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Year England. The Pakistani population has risen from 12,020 (8.7%) to 17,801 (12.1%), which is the 6th Graph 1: Mid Year Population Estimates highest. 2001-2013

1 Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) 4

Graph 2 - Ethnicity: Comparison of Blackburn with Darwen, NW and England, 2011 (showing counts for Blackburn with Darwen) 2

Figure 2 - Spatial Distribution of non-White Households 2.4 As highlighted in Figure 23, the majority of non-White residents of Blackburn with Darwen are concentrated within the inner areas of the Borough, which are also some of the most deprived wards in Blackburn with Darwen. Wards within the suburban areas of the Borough have a significant proportion of White residents and these are, in contrast, the least deprived areas of Blackburn with Darwen.

2.5 Deprivation - The Indices of Deprivation is a useful indicator of all types of deprivation across the country. The most up to date figures show that in 2010 the Borough was the 28th most deprived of the 354 districts in England. The Indices of Multiple Deprivation are derived at Lower Super Output Areas

2 Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) 3 Source: BwDBC Housing Needs Assessment 2008

5

(LSOA), which are small boundaries within wards in the Borough and are due to be updated in Summer 2015 and will therefore be reported in the next AMR.

2.6 Figure 3 shows how the Borough’s LSOAs are ranked across England, with those within the top 1% most deprived to those within the top 25% most deprived being highlighted on the graph. The most deprived areas of the Borough (shown as red areas on the map) were found in the following wards: Wensley Fold, Mill Hill, Shadsworth with Whitebirk and Queens Park. 2.7 Blackburn with Darwen has one of the highest levels of deprivation in Pennine Lancashire. In developing a stronger economy, the Core Strategy aims to deal with the challenges associated with multiple deprivation including high levels of worklessness, low incomes and poor educational attainment in order to attract and retain investment and skilled labour.

Figure 3 - Map of 2010 Index of Multiple Deprivation across Blackburn with Darwen Wards

Graph 3: Pennine Lancashire Authorities: Index of Multiple Deprivation Scores 2010

300

250

200

150

Score 100

50 Rank of Average ofRank Average 0 Blackburn Burnley Hyndburn Pendle Ribble Rossendale with Valley Darwen Local Authority 6

2.8 The SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) Analysis below identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the Borough whilst also examining the opportunities and threats present:

Strengths Weaknesses . Location – set within Pennine Lancashire with . High levels of deprivation; opportunities for cross-boundary working; . Low educational attainment; . Good access to cities of Manchester, Liverpool and . Mortality rate higher than the national average; Leeds; . High proportion of economically inactive . Heritage assets in the built environment; residents; . Strong internal connectivity; . Poor housing mix/condition in the Borough; . High quality shopping centre . Shortage of affordable housing; . New bus station . High levels of Worklessness; . Cathedral Quarter coming forward . Poor life expectancy and ill-health; . University Centre . Low skills level. . Strong and innovative advanced manufacturing sector. Opportunities Threats . Part of Pennine Lancashire with MAA in place; . Recession . Tourist trade . Lack of funding for projects; . Increasing connectivity to Manchester, Preston . Climate change; and Leeds; . Younger members of the population leaving the . Blackburn College University Centre offering area; degree courses; . Higher wage earners leaving the area; . Housing and Employment Growth Agenda . Poor external image and perception of the area; . Competition from growth centres.

10

3. Local Development Scheme (LDS): Milestones

3.1 The LDS sets out any new and revised planning policy documents the Council intends to produce. This monitoring report reviews progress on Blackburn with Darwen BC’s LDS and indicates whether the timetable and milestones are being achieved. An updated timetable based on the LDS, including achievements and slippages is set out within this section. The local development scheme was published December 2013.

Document Title Brief Description Publication of Pre-submission Submission to Adoption Comments Sustainability “Publication” Secretary of Appraisal Scoping consultation on DPDs State (DPDs Report (DPDs (Reg 27) or only) only) consultation on draft SPD (Reg 17) Development Plan Documents Core Strategy – Sets out vision, Complete Complete February 2010 January Adopted “Local Plan Part 1” objectives and spatial 2011 development strategy including a Key Diagram

Site Allocations and Sets out more detailed January 2014 January 2014 July 2014 2015 Estimate adoption end of Development policies building on the December 2015. Management Core Strategy, including Policies – “Local Plan identifying specific areas Part 2” of land for development. Statement of Sets out the method of N/A December August An update note relating to Community consultation 2005 2006 consultation on the Local Involvement (SCI) Plan Part 2 was published (2006) January 2014. A comprehensive review of the SCI will commence in 2015. Supplementary Planning Documents / Character Appraisals Environmental See Local Plan N/A 2015 N/A 2015 Working Progress Protection

10

Health See Local Plan N/A 2015 N/A 2015 Working Progress Green See Local Plan N/A 2015 N/A 2015 Working Progress Infrastructure, Ecological Networks and Open Space Blackburn Town See Local Plan N/A 2015 N/A 2015 Working Progress Character Darwen Town See Local Plan N/A 2015 N/A 2015 Working Progress Character Hoddesden See Local Plan N/A 2015 N/A 2015 Working Progress Conservation Area Appraisal Onshore Oil and Gas See the Minerals and N/A 2015 N/A 2015 Working Progress Exploration, Waste Local Plan Production and Distribution Housing Delivery See Local Plan N/A 2016 N/A 2016 To be commenced Travel Planning See Local Plan N/A 2016 N/A 2016 To be commenced Wind Turbine See Local Plan N/A 2017 N/A 2017 To be commenced Development Developer See Local Plan N/A 2017 N/A 2017 To be commenced Contributions Master plans Gib Lane North Blackburn East of Heys Lane The intention is to introduce Master plans in accordance with the emerging Local Plan Part 2. Roe Lee East Darwen

11

4. Duty to Co-operate

4.1 In accordance with the requirements set out in planning regulations,4 local planning authorities must give details to their communities in their Authority Monitoring Reports of the actions they have undertaken under the duty to cooperate. This needs to include details of the actions taken to respond constructively to requests for cooperation from neighbouring planning authorities and other bodies covered by the duty.

4.2 The Localism Act 2011 places a legal duty on local planning authorities and other bodies to cooperate with each other to address strategic cross boundary matters in the preparation of their development plan and other local development documents. Section 33A of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 defines the duty in relation to planning for sustainable development and sets out the requirement for all identified bodies to engage constructively, actively and on an on going basis to ensure effective planning in relation to the strategic matters in their Local Plans. The scope of strategic matters includes the planning and delivery of supporting infrastructure. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)5 and the Planning Practice Guidance6 provides additional advice and guidance on the requirements of the duty. NPPG paragraph 0127 notes that cooperation should continue through Plan delivery and review.

4.3 Prescribed Bodies and other Organisations - The following organisations are subject to the duty in relation to strategic planning in Blackburn and Darwen. The plan within Appendix 1 shows the positions of neighbouring authorities included in the duty and adjacent local authority partnerships.

Local planning authorities/county councils: -  Ribble Valley Borough Council  Hyndburn Borough Council  Rossendale Borough Council  Bury Council  Bolton Council  Chorley Borough Council  South Ribble Borough Council  Preston City Council8  Lancashire County Council

‘Prescribed’ bodies: -  Civil Aviation Authority  Environment Agency  English Heritage  Natural England  Homes and Communities Agency  BwD Clinical Commissioning Group  NHS England Lancashire Area Team

4 The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, regulation 34 part 6 5 National Planning Policy Framework, paragraphs 178-181 6 Planning Practice Guidance - Duty to cooperate section. Paragraphs 020 022 accessed 17 December 2014 7 Accessed 17 December 2014 8 Preston City Council is not strictly a neighbouring local planning authority as defined in planning legislation. However there has previously been cooperation on a number of cross boundary strategic matters which warrants their involvement in the preparation and delivery of the Blackburn with Darwen development plan.

12

 Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM)  Highway authority (LCC and The Highways Agency)  Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership  Lancashire Local Nature Partnership

4.4 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs) are not subject to the requirements of the duty. However LPA’s and those organisations that are subject to the duty must cooperate with LEPs and LNPs in preparing their Local Plans. LEPs and Local Nature Partnerships are prescribed for this purpose in planning legislation9.

4.5 A number of the bodies identified in the guidance are not relevant to BwD including:-  The Mayor of London/Transport for London;  Office of Rail Regulation. BwD does not deal with any operational matters concerning health and safety on the rail network.  Marine Management Organisation. BwD does not have any coastline with the sea or tidal waterways that would require cooperation with this agency.

4.6 In addition BwD considers it will be crucial during plan preparation to engage with several other bodies and organisations on cross boundary issues relating to infrastructure planning and delivery. The following are therefore also included in the Council’s duty to cooperate activities:

 Network Rail  Energy/utility providers (United Utilities, National Grid, Electricity North West)  Sport England  the Emergency Services  Mobile Operators

4.7 Scope of Duty to Cooperate Activities - NPPF paragraph 156 sets out the scope of strategic policies that should be covered in Local Plans including policies to deliver: -  the homes and jobs needed in the area;  the provision of retail, leisure and other commercial development;  the provision of infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, waste management, water supply, wastewater, flood risk and coastal change management, and the provision of minerals and energy (including heat);  the provision of health, security, community and cultural infrastructure and other local facilities; and  climate change mitigation and adaptation, conservation and enhancement of the natural and historic environment, including landscape.

4.8 Activities Undertaken between April 2013 and March 2014 - Using the above scoping as a guide Appendix 2 sets out a summary of the strategic cross boundary matters the Council considers are relevant to each of the neighbouring local planning authorities and other organisations identified in Paragraphs 4.3-4.7.

9 The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012

13

4.9 Over this AMR period the Council has been involved in a number of areas of joint working on strategic issues which are of relevance to the duty to cooperate. These were principally related to the preparation of the Council’s development plan (Local Plan Part 2 Site Allocations and Development Policies) and supporting technical studies/reports. Appendix 3 provides a summary of the main actions taken and the outcome/next stages in cooperation. The table sets this out under 4 key headings:- 1. Preparation of the Local Plan

2. Cooperation on key strategic cross boundary matters

3. Development Management Policies

4. Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Local Plan

4.10 In addition to the activities listed there is regular contact and joint working with neighbouring local authorities on a variety of issues via well-established and constituted local governance structures that operate across Pennine Lancashire and the wider Lancashire area and on individual planning applications that have cross boundary implications. The structures in place include: -  PLACE (Pennine Lancashire Authorities Chief Executives)  PLPOG (Pennine Lancashire Planning Officer Group)  PLHP (Pennine Lancashire Housing Partnership)  Regenerate Pennine Lancashire  LEP (Lancashire Enterprise Partnership)/Lancashire Local Transport Board (Transport for Lancashire (TfL))  DPOG (Development Plan Officers Group)  LCOG (Lancashire Conservation Officers Group)  DCOG (Development Control Officers Group)

4.11 All of the above will continue to be monitored and reviewed both as part of the ongoing preparation and delivery of the development plan. A Statement of Compliance with the Duty to Cooperate will be produced to accompany the Submission version of the Local Plan Part 2.

4.12 Requests for Cooperation- A summary of the requests for cooperation from neighbouring planning authorities and other bodies covered by the duty is set out in Appendix 4. Similar to the above this indicates actions taken/outcomes and next stages in cooperation.

14

5. Land supply for business development in higher value sectors

Core Strategy Policy Indicators 2013-2014 Ha developed for B1, B2, B8 2.7ha B1 – 100m² B1, B2, B8 floor space completed B2 – 570m² B8 – 0m² Median earnings of employees in the area £469.70 per week CS2: Typology of Employment Land 62,900 jobs in the borough in No. of jobs created/safeguarded 2013 No. of new businesses established 190 in 2013 Average earnings of residents in the £451.30 Gross pay per week Borough Ha of new land developed for employment 2.6ha CS3: Land for Employment use Development Total amount of additional employment 670m² floor space CS4: Protection and Re-Use of Ha change of use of existing employment 0 Employment Sites sites

5.1 The Core Strategy’s Targeted Growth Strategy sets out the overarching aim of raising economic performance, average wage levels and GVA generation in the Borough, while minimising or eliminating net environmental impact. This will be achieved through new development and other activity by the Council and partners on factors including land supply for business development in higher value sectors.

5.2 Employment land policies in the Core Strategy focus on three main issues:

 Typology of Employment Land  Land for Employment Development  Protection and Re-Use of Employment Sites

5.3 It is critical planning policies continue to support the delivery of appropriate and flexible business premises to assist economic recovery.

CS2: Typology of Employment Land

5.4 In terms of employment land, the Core Strategy highlights the need to ensure the most appropriate range of sites is available to encourage investment in the sectors we wish to attract. It is therefore important to monitor the amount and type of employment land developed in the Borough to ensure we are fulfilling the requirements of the Core Strategy.

5.5 In total, 2.7ha of employment land has been developed in the Borough in 2013-14. The majority of this development has been for B2 uses on Prestige sites, as demonstrated in Charts 1 and 2 below.

15

Chart 2 - Employment Development 2013-2014 by Chart 1 -Employment Development 2013/2014 by Use Class Site Typology

Prestige

B1 Urban Hub / Gateway B2 B8 Town Centre

5.6 Median earnings of employees in the area - The Core Strategy Targeted Growth Strategy seeks to attract investment in higher-wage, higher-value-added sectors of the economy, whilst recognising the continuing importance of traditional sectors.

5.7 Gross weekly earnings (median) of people who work full time in Blackburn with Darwen in 2013/14 was £469.70. This is £10.80 less than the regional average (£480.30) and £48.10 less than the national average (£517.90).

Blackburn with Darwen North West Great Britain Gross weekly pay (pounds) (pounds) (pounds) Full-time workers 469.70 480.50 517.80 Male full-time workers 490.40 516.90 558.30 Female full-time workers 422.60 432.20 459.60

Source: ONS annual survey of hours and earnings – workplace analysis released 19 November 2014 Note: Median earnings in pounds for employees working in the area.

5.8 Gross increase earnings (median) of people who work full time in Blackburn with Darwen has increased by £39.80 since 2011 and £34.10 since 2012.

Gross Weekly Pay - Full Blackburn with Darwen North West Great Britain Time Workers (pounds) (pounds) (pounds) 2011 411.50 458.70 500.20 2012 417.20 472.10 508.30 2013 451.30 480.30 517.90 Source: ONS annual survey of earnings – workplace analysis released 19 November 2014 Note: Median earnings in pounds for employees working in the area during the plan period.

5.9 Number of jobs created/safeguarded – The most up to date information recorded on the number of employee jobs from the Office of National Statistics is from 2013. Between 2012 and 2013 the borough saw an increase of in the number of employee jobs as measured in the Business Register and Employment Survey.

16

Table 1 - Total number of jobs in BwD per year

Total employee jobs in Year Blackburn with Darwen 2008 62,600 2009 60,000 2010 57,800 2011 56,900 2012 59,900 2013 62,900

Graph 4 - Total number of jobs in BwD per year

64,000

62,000 2008 60,000 2009

2010 58,000 2011 56,000 2012 2013 54,000

52,000

5.10 Number of new businesses established - Figures obtained from the ONS Business Demography Report show that in 2013, 680 enterprises were established in Blackburn with Darwen, an increase from 490 enterprises in 2012.

5.11 This information provides an indication of the level of entrepreneurship and the health of the business population which will provide useful information when assessing the effectiveness of Core Strategy policies over time.

5.12 A total increase of 190 new enterprises since 2012.

Total number of established Year businesses 2011 520 2012 490 2013 680

CS3: Land for Employment Development

5.13 The Targeted Growth Strategy seeks to bring about a transformation in the Borough’s economy. A key way to achieve this is to ensure an ongoing supply of land for employment development.

There has been completion of 2.7 hectares of employment development in the 2013-2014 monitoring period. Of this, 2.6 hectares is new employment land.

17

Table 2 - Blackburn with Darwen Employment Land Take‐up 2005/6 – 2013/14 Gross Completions Re‐used Net Completions Year (ha) Employment Land (ha) 2005/6 1.08 0.00(ha) 1.08 2006/7 3.93 2.78 1.15 2007/8 16.90 1.72 15.18 2008/9 7.77 1.92 5.85 2009/10 3.54 0.18 3.36 2010/11 5.00 0.85 4.15 2011/12 2.82 2.70 0.12 2012/13 13.23 12.14 1.08 2013/14 2.7 0.1 2.6 Total 56.97 22.39 34.57 Average Annual Take‐up (ha/year) 6.33 2.49 3.84

Graph 5 - Completions (ha)

18

16 14

12

10 Gross Completions (ha) 8 Net Completions (ha) 6

4

2

0 2005/6 2006/7 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

5.16 Blackburn with Darwen’s employment land supply for 2011‐2026 is comprised of available capacity within existing quality sites plus identified new employment sites, a proportion of identified development opportunity sites and part of the Whitebirk Strategic Employment Site in Hyndburn.

5.17 The Local Plan Part 2 (submission version) proposes a target of 66ha to be developed for employment uses between 2011 and 2026, as set out in the 2013 Employment Land Review.

18

Graph 6 - Cumulative Completions(ha)

14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 12 5 4 8 3 2 4 1 0.12 1.2 2.6 0 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

Cumulative Forecast (ha) Cumulative Completions (ha)

5.18 Both the Core Strategy and the emerging Local Plan Part 2 propose that an element of the Borough’s numerical employment land target will be met through development outside the Borough boundary, at the Whitebirk Strategic Employment Site in Hyndburn. This approach is reflected in Hyndburn’s Core Strategy.

5.19 The Whitebirk Strategic Employment Site comprises approximately 32ha of land in total. The Council proposes a proportion of 12.8 ha to be attributed to Blackburn with Darwen’s employment land target.

CS4: Protection and Re-Use of Employment Sites

5.20 This policy aims to make the most efficient use of existing employment land by protecting and re-using employment sites. These sites represent an important source of local employment and the Core Strategy emphasises the importance of protecting these sites from loss to other forms of development, either through the redevelopment of individual sites or through the incremental loss of sites in larger areas of employment.

5.21 Change of use of existing employment sites - During the monitoring period, there has been no developments which resulted in any loss of employment sites.

19

6. Quantity, quality and mix of housing

Core Strategy Indicators 2012-2013 2013-2014 Policy No. of dwelling completions in inner urban areas 153 170 (gross) No. of dwelling completions outside inner urban 45 67 areas (gross)

No. of larger family housing development 0 2 completions in urban area

No. of dwelling completions in town centre 2 50 CS5: Locations for New Housing % of housing developments on Brownfield Land 100% 100% % of dwellings outside inner urban areas for 0 See text below higher market

Average density of housing developments No data 28.13 DPH outside inner urban area

The no. of new houses completed on land No data 20 formerly owned by the Council

Planning permissions 464 290 Completions Rates No data No data 15 year supply of housing land allocated See Graph 7 See Graph 7 £711,800 Made up of: £381,800 Annual Amount of New Homes Bonus received No data CS6: Housing Allocation and £330,000 – One Targets off Allocation The no. of long-term empty properties (six No data 152 months vacant or more) brought back into use No. of new dwelling completions (net) 217 219 Total housing delivery (net new dwellings + net conversions + long-term empty homes brought No data 377 back into use) % of total gross dwelling completions within 76.5% 85%10 inner urban areas % of houses : apartments completed 92% : 8% 66% : 34%

% of 1/2/3/4/5+ bed dwellings completed See Table 4

No. and type of homes built within inner urban See breakdown CS7: Types of 170 areas below Housing % of the Borough’s dwelling stock with Category 20.7% (Figures 20.7% 1 hazards not updated) No. of dwelling completions in town centres 2 50

No. of affordable units developed in the Borough 131 159

No. of affordable houses completed 131 159 CS8: Affordable The amount of developer contribution towards No data £16,000

10 This figure assumes that all the long-term empty properties (six months vacant or more) brought back into use are within the inner urban area.

20

Housing affordable housing % of development providing affordable housing Requirements No data No data contribution % intermediate housing 23% 19% % social rented housing 77% 81%

No. of demolitions 32 18 CS9: Existing No. of empty homes 2,705 1,267 Housing Stock No. of properties with Category 1 hazards in the 12,300 (Figures Borough (measure of ‘unfitness’ is no longer 12,300 not updated) used by the council) CS10: Accommodation for Gypsies, Travellers and Net additional Gypsy and Traveller pitches 0 0 Travelling Show people

6.1 The Council acknowledges that housing delivery is a key element in achieving its strategy for economic transformation and growth as set out in Core Strategy Policy CS1: A Targeted Growth Strategy.

6.2 The Council is proactively promoting itself as ‘open for business’ and is keenly encouraging housing development across the borough by the use of its housing policies and complementary tools including partnership schemes with developers to bring forward housing schemes on Council owned land. The Core Strategy’s housing policies seek to enable and encourage a more balanced housing market. The current housing stock is predominantly characterised by a limiting mix of house types which it is acknowledged can be a constraint to growth. The strategy’s approach is based on market evidence that a more balanced offer, i.e. one that includes a greater choice of quality larger and higher market homes, will make a fundamental contribution to stimulating growth.

6.3 The following sets out the performance/achievements attained during this monitoring period – April 2013-March 2014- as an indication of the success or need for review of the Core Strategy’s aspirations for housing delivery and growth. This is informed by the monitoring data detailed within the section.

6.4 Finally, the commentary at the end of this section provides a summary of the implications, any emerging trends from the monitoring data and actions in place in response to this year’s review.

21

Table 3- Density of Housing Developments outside Inner Urban Area

Total No. Current year Sites Area (ha.) Outstanding Density (DPH) Approved completions

Heys Lane, Blackburn 0.4 11 2 0 28 India Mill, Laburnum Road, Blackburn 4 99 25 61 25 Larmenier Retirement Village 1.2 55 32 23 46 Former Garage site, Belmont 0.04 2 1 1 50 Meadowhead Close, Blackburn 1.1 4 4 0 4 Greenfield Farm, Cranberry Lane 0.04 1 1 0 25 23 Beardwood Brow 0.07 1 1 0 14 Old Russia Barn, Brandwood Fold, Edgworth 0.03 1 1 0 33

Graph 7 - Blackburn with Darwen’s Housing Trajectory (March 2014)

Table 4 - Breakdown of new build Housing Completions in relation to bedroom numbers

House Type Completions % of total 1 bed terr 1 0.42 2 bed terr 17 7 3 bed terr 26 11 4 bed terr 15 6 5 bed terr 2 0.8

22

2 bed SD 9 4 3 bed SD 33 14 4 bed SD 7 3 5 bed SD 1 0.42 2 bed det 3 1 3 bed det 22 9 4 bed det 11 5 5 bed det 6 3 6 bed det 1 0.42 2 bed bung 2 0.8 2 bed apart 81 34 Total 237 99.86 Source: BwD Internal monitoring of Completions

Graph 8 - Number of Demolitions

450 Demolitions 400

350

300

250

200 Number 150

100

50

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Date

CS5: Locations for New Housing

6.5 237 new-build dwellings (gross) in total; 170 units in the inner urban area (including the town centre)/65 outside the inner area and 2 in rural/villages. Taking account of the 18 demolitions, 6 conversions (net) and 152 long-term empty properties being brought back into use377 net additional dwellings have been delivered over the monitoring period.

CS6: Housing Targets

6.6 The Core Strategy set an annual requirement of 530 during the period 2011-2016. Overall, including 2013-2014 there has been a continuing year on year shortfall owing to the challenges of local housing market conditions in Blackburn and Darwen including in particular the impact on scheme viability. The implications for housing delivery have been factored into the housing targets and accompanying land supply calculations in the draft Plan.

23

6.7 The details and updated position including information on the 5-year housing land supply are provided in the Housing Position Paper, accompanying the draft Local Plan Part 2. The Council is currently updating this document as part of the Local Plan Part 2 examination process; the most up-to-date version is available on the Council’s website (refer to the EL5 series).

CS7: Types of Housing

6.8 The Core Strategy set a target of 65% of new housing to be on previously developed land. During the monitoring period all – 100% - were on previously developed land. Table 4 provides details of the breakdown of housing completions by housing type. This shows that 69 of the gross 237 new-build units were larger homes (4 and 4-bed+); 50 in the inner urban area and 19 in the outer urban area;

CS8: Affordable Housing Requirements

6.9 159 new build affordable housing units were completed during the monitoring period: 30 intermediate units and 129 for social rent. The Core Strategy policy CS8: ‘Affordable housing requirements’ includes a target for 20% of all new housing to be affordable. The application of this policy will be amended to reflect recent government guidance on tariff style contributions on smaller schemes (10 units or fewer units).

6.10 It is recognised that the monitoring output only makes a partial contribution to the need. Other sources of supply include the natural churn within the social stock held by Registered Providers and provision from the private rented sector.

CS9: Existing Housing Stock

6.11 As at March 2014, there were 1267 empty homes in the borough.

6.12 It is recognised that this issue impacts on the local housing market, local residents and their neighbourhood. The Council is working proactively to promote the reoccupation of empties, and has seen significant progress. To March 2014, 152 long-term empty properties have been brought back into use via centrally funded programmes. In addition the Housing Implementation Strategy includes a toolkit which it is expected will continue to bring empties back into use over the development plan period. The emerging Local Plan Part 2 identifies 500 empty units in total brought back into use as a contribution to the 15 year housing target by 2026.

CS10: Accommodation for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

6.13 In the 2013-14 monitoring period, there have been no Gypsy and Traveller pitches or Travelling Showpeople plots developed in the borough. 6.14 Under the national guidance “Planning policy for traveller sites”, local authorities should make an assessment of the need for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople sites in their area and ensure that provision is made for appropriate sites if a need is proven. The Council has undertaken a Partial Review of the Lancashire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) which identifies a need for an additional 16 pitches to be provided by 2016, and a further 18 additional pitches between 2016 and 2026. The draft Local Plan Part 2 states that in the first instance this provision should be made on privately owned and operated sites.

24

6.15 There is no identified need for Traveling Showpeople plots at the present time.

6.16 Actions: Clearer house type definitions are needed to clarify that housing completions match the Council’s housing growth aspirations for an improved housing offer, which includes a more balanced mix and choice in particular larger, higher value homes. The intention is to cover this in supplementary guidance in the Housing Delivery Supplementary Planning Document due to be drafted during 2015.

6.17 A flexible approach to application of housing policies recognising impact and implications to delivery of local market characteristics. In part this has been addressed in the package of housing land allocations and supporting policies contained in the emerging Local Plan Part 2; the allocations include a number of greenfield sites in Blackburn and Darwen which will open up a broader choice of sites and offers the opportunity to establish a higher value housing product and market.

6.18 A number of complementary tools to enable the Council to be more proactive in supporting housing delivery have now been put in place and are set out in ‘Blackburn with Darwen Housing Toolkit: Blackburn with Darwen’s Housing Implementation Strategy’ (January 2014); a copy is available on the Council’s website (document reference 4.1).

6.19 Masterplanning work is proposed for the majority of the larger housing land allocations, to provide clearer guidance to prospective developers of the Council’s expectations from scheme proposals including the provision of larger, higher value house types in the overall mix.

25

7. Range and Quality of Public Facilities

Core Strategy Policy Indicators 2013-2014 Accessibility software used to % of new residential development report on this indicator in previous within 30 minutes public transport AMRs is no longer available to the CS11: Facilities and Services time of a GP, Hospital, Primary and Council. Work will begin on Secondary School, Employment and a implementing an alternative major Retail Centre indicator to measure accessibility of new development. Amount of completed retail 313m2 development CS12: Retail Development 2 Amount of retail development 0m completed in town centres

CS11: Facilities and services

7.1 The Core Strategy highlights the importance of ensuring the delivery of high quality town centres, and cultural and leisure facilities which are attractive to commuters and highly paid workers. This will help retain existing residents and attract people from elsewhere to move into the area.

7.2 Policy CS11 states that the range and quality of public services and facilities will be expanded and enhanced in the town centres of Blackburn and Darwen, neighbourhood shopping centres, existing key public buildings/facilities and other accessible locations.

7.3 Access to facilities and services - The Council developed a baseline set of information from accessibility computer software to determine the number of homes completed in the Borough that are within 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, hospital, primary school, secondary school, area of employment and a major retail centre. This software has been used in previous monitoring reports to determine the accessibility of new developments; however, this is no longer available to the Council so this indicator cannot be reported in this monitoring period.

7.4 The Council will establish a new indicator to report on the accessibility of new developments to services by public transport for future AMRs. This will enable us to monitor progress towards meeting Core Strategy Policy CS22 which requires new development to be located so as to minimise the need to travel, and so as to easily be accessed by non-car means including public transport, walking and cycling.

7.5 However, as all new development completed in the Borough over the 2013-14 monitoring period has been on brownfield Land, it can be assumed that the level of accessibility of these developments will be relatively high.

CS12: Retail development

7.6 In terms of retail development, the Core Strategy sets out an approach based on a hierarchy of different centres within the Borough – town centres, district centres and local centres. Town centres are a key factor in the Targeted Growth Strategy as key economic drivers and providing space for leisure and culture. The policy highlights that new retail development will be focused into Blackburn and Darwen Town Centres.

26

7.7 Amount of completed retail development –- There was a total of 313m² (gross) retail development in the 2013-2014 monitoring period. This figure was made up of an extension and refurbishment of retail unit at former Poundstretcher / Netto Montague Street, Blackburn, located outside the town centre.

7.8 Amount of retail development completed in town centres – There was no additional retail development within the town centres, however, there was no loss of retail in this monitoring period which demonstrates that the town centres must be performing. It should also be noted, that much retail development cannot be monitored / reported because in some instances, especially in the town and district centres, it is likely to take place under Permitted Development.

27

8. Protecting and Enhancing the Environment

Core Strategy Policy Indicators 2013-2014 No. of renewable energy generation 4 developments generating 100Kw developments of renewable energy No. of homes meeting Building for Life No data Assessment ‘good’ and ‘very good’ criteria No. of housing developments No data incorporating zero carbon homes No. of homes completed to Code for No data Sustainable Homes Level 3 and above % of homes built meeting Lifetime Homes No data standard % of commercial buildings meeting No data BREEAM very good standard No. of planning applications refused permission due to their environmental No data impacts CS13: Environmental Strategy % of development built in an area of flood No data risk No. of planning permissions granted contrary to advice from the Environment 0 Agency on flooding and water quality grounds % of eligible open spaces managed to 6 Green Flag Awards and 1 Green Green Flag Award standard Pennant Award Air quality data measurements – in current Air Quality Management Areas See 8.8 and elsewhere No. of developments incorporating SUDS No data Amount of derelict land in the Borough No data Planning to adapt to Climate Change See 8.14 No. of developments completed on Green No housing or employment Belt land developments CS14: Green Belt No. of planning permissions granted for Currently developing monitoring development on Green Belt framework for this indicator 3 SSSIs in Blackburn with Darwen – No. of nationally/internationally Longworth Clough, Gale Clough & important sites Shooterslee Wood, Oak Field No. of regional/county level important 108 sites CS15: Protection and No. of locally important sites 9 Enhancement of Ecological No. of Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) 4 Assets No. of Local Geodiversity Sites (LGS’s) 5 No. of Biological Heritage Sites (BHSs) 108 No. of Species of Principal Importance 80 Change in areas of biodiversity 0 importance

CS13: Environmental Strategy 8.1 Core Strategy Policy CS13 sets out the environmental strategy that is to underpin the Core Strategy itself, the emerging Local Plan Part 2 and individual planning decisions. There are two key aspects to this policy:

28

 A concept of “net environmental impact” under which there is scope for the environmental impacts of otherwise desirable development to be mitigated or offset in some cases, both in policy-making and in development management; and  An absolute limit on the extent of environmental impact that will be acceptable.

8.2 In addition to ensuring that new development does not result in unacceptable impacts on the environment, the policy also encourages new development to result in a positive impact on the environment where possible. The emerging Local Plan Part 2 will set out specific measures to benefit the environment. It will identify a number of potential measures including provision for renewable energy, sustainable design and construction standards for new development, creation and enhancement of habitats, ‘exemplar’ development of high environmental standard and measures for the remediation of derelict or contaminated land, or land affected by previous mining activity.

8.3 Number of renewable energy generation developments - The 2008 Climate Change Act sets a legally binding target to cut UK emissions by 80% by 2050 against a 1990 baseline. Towards achieving this target, the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan and UK Renewable Energy Strategy (DECC, 2009) set out respective pathways for reducing emissions by 18% on 2008 levels by 2020 and for generating 15% of energy from renewable sources by 2020 in line with the EU Renewable Energy Directive.

8.4 There have been 4 renewable energy schemes completed in the Borough within the monitoring year.

8.5 Open spaces managed to Green Flag Award Standard - Green Flag Awards are a quality benchmark and require parks to score well in a number of areas including safety and security. Six Green Flags and one Green Pennant were awarded to Blackburn with Darwen in 2013-14. The flags have been retained at Corporation Park, Roe Lee Park, Witton Park and Queens Park in Blackburn and Sunnyhurst Woods and Bold Venture Park in Darwen.

8.6 In addition, the Hoddlesden Millennium Green Trust gained a Green Pennant award for their site. This award is given to high quality green spaces that are managed by voluntary and community groups.

8.7 Five of the parks are listed in the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens for their historic merit. These are; Corporation Park, Bold Venture Park, Whitehall Park, Queens Park and Sunnyhurst Woods. In August 2013, English Heritage upgraded Corporation Parks Grade II status on the register to Grade II*.

8.8 Air quality data measurements - Eight Air Quality Management Areas have been identified in the Borough (2012), some of which have been declared previously:

 AQMA 1 - Intack, Blackburn – junction of Whitebirk Rd and Accrington Rd  AQMA 2 - Bastwell, Blackburn – junction of Whalley New Road and Whalley Range,  AQMA 3 – Darwen Town Centre – A666 between Robert Street and Wraith Street, Darwen

29

 AQMA 4 – Witton – junction of Preston Old Road and Buncer Lane, Blackburn  AQMA 5 – Earcroft – junction of the A666 with M65 Link Road  AQMA 6 – Junction of Accrington Road and Burnley Road, Blackburn  AQMA 7 – Junction of Stopes Brow and Roman Road, Blackburn  AQMA 8 – Four Lane Ends, Blackburn

8.9 Data from 2012 shows there was no exceedance of the annual mean nitrogen dioxide objective at any of the five AQMA’s that were declared in 2005 (AQMA’S 1 TO 5). The improvements in AQMA’s No. 1, 2, 3 and 4 have only occurred in 2012, so these AQMA’s will not be revoked unless monitoring in future years shows that this has become a stable long term trend.

8.10 There has not been an exceedence at AQMA 5 (Earcroft) since 2008. However, a nearby school closed for refurbishment from September 2010 to September 2012 so in recent years the local traffic movements have been unrepresentative. The AQMA will therefore not be revoked until there is sufficient monitoring data available to show that the resumption in school traffic has not caused a significant deterioration in air quality.

8.11 Action plan measures continue to be implemented at AQMAs 1 to 5.

8.12 There were exceedences within two of the three AQMA’s that were declared in 2012 (AQMAs 6-8). Work on action plans for these areas in on-going and will be completed this year.

8.13 The air quality around the Borough is reviewed regularly, and monitoring has not identified any other exceedences of the national air quality objectives (i.e. no exceedences other than for annual mean nitrogen dioxide within exiting AQMAs), so the Authority will not proceed to a Detailed Assessment. New local developments have been identified that will be considered in an April 2015 Updating and Screening Assessment.

8.14 Planning to adapt to climate change - Some climate change is inevitable. We must act decisively and adapt to this by improving resilience in our natural resource base and our economy, across all sectors in order to minimise the adverse effects of climate change. The Council has produced its Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan which:  Assesses projected climate change for the North West and Blackburn with Darwen using the latest set of UK climate scenarios (UKCP09);  Assesses how these changes are likely to impact on Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s services using risk assessments; and  Identifies priority actions for services across the council to minimise these risks.

8.15 Core Strategy policy CS13 highlights the need to implement positive actions that benefit the “strategic” environmental issues, notably climate change and flooding. The emerging Local Plan Part 2 sets out policies for ensuring development in the Borough both mitigate and adapt to climate change.

CS14: Green Belt

8.16 The Saved Local Plan policy on Green Belt (Policy RA1) states that the general extent of the Green Belt will be maintained in order to check the outward sprawl of the built-up areas,

30

safeguard the surrounding countryside from development and pursue the objectives of urban regeneration. Core Strategy CS14 does however recognise that there may be a need for some urban growth into the Green Belt, in localised areas immediately adjacent to the urban boundary over its lifetime.

8.17 Number of developments completed on Green Belt land - There have been no housing or employment development completions on Green Belt land in the 2013-14 monitoring period.

8.18 Number of planning permissions granted for development on Green Belt - This information is not readily available at the present time. However, we are working in conjunction with the Development Management team to link up planning permission records with layers on the GIS system. This will enable us to determine how many planning permissions have been granted each year on Green Belt land.

CS15: Protection and Enhancement of Ecological Assets

8.19 Policy CS15 states that the Borough’s ecological assets will be protected, enhanced and managed with the aim of establishing and preserving functional networks which facilitate the movement of species and populations.

8.20 Number of nationally/internationally important sites - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) collectively represent the most important component of the UK’s remaining wildlife and geological resources, safeguarding the finest examples of these for present and future generations. SSSIs play an active role in providing recreational and green spaces, as well as contributing to the health and wellbeing of the Borough’s population.

8.21 There are currently three SSSIs in Blackburn with Darwen – Longworth Clough, Oak Field and Gale Clough & Shooterslee Wood.

8.22 Number of regional/county level important sites - County Heritage Sites are a non-statutory designation given to sites selected on a county-wide basis, which are of nature conservation and geological importance. Information on Biological and Geological Heritage Sites in the Borough is set out below.

8.23 Number of Local Geodiversity Sites - Local Geodiversity Sites (LGSs) are important geological research locations designated across Lancashire. At present there are five Geological Heritage Sites within the Borough. These are:

Table 5 - GHS’s in Blackburn with Darwen Site Name Grid Reference Description Alum Scar SD 635 280 Disused quarry in massive gritstone with shales. Industrial, archaeological remains Jumbles SD 736 149 High exposure – Coal Measures Reservoir Cadshaw Gorge SD 707 181 Natural exposure and old quarry. Coarse grained sandstone

Billinge Hill SD 658 282 Natural crags and long disused quarry showing sequence of sandstone and shale band Round Barn SD 728 192 Disused quarry in the Rough Rock and Lower Haslingden Flags (Naz) Quarry

31

8.24 Butlers Delf is no longer listed as a geodiversity site. This is because the site is now covered with vegetation. More information about Local Geodiversity sites can be found here.

8.25 Number of Biological Heritage Sites - Biological Heritage Sites (BHSs) are designated by the County Council in conjunction with the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside and represent non-statutory wildlife sites that are considered to make a significant contribution to the biodiversity of Lancashire. In Lancashire as a whole, there are over 1,100 BHSs, which represent 8% of the County area. The 2012 review of BHS sites reported 108 sites were within Blackburn with Darwen.

8.26 Number of locally important sites - Nationally important biodiversity sites (SSSIs) and sites of regional/sub-regional importance (County Heritage Sites) are protected through Core Strategy Policy CS15. Additionally, there also exists a series of further biodiversity sites of local importance; this policy also extends protection to these sites.

8.27 The Emerging Policies Map, part of the emerging Local Plan Part 2, identifies the key elements of Blackburn with Darwen’s Green Infrastructure. Ecological and other designations are not shown because periodic reviews of such sites can lead to changes that render the Adopted Policies Map out of date, creating uncertainty for both developers and decision-makers. The Adopted Policies Map is the visual representation of the Plan and is changed only when a revised plan is published. As such, lists and maps of designated sites will be held as part of a Supplementary Planning Document on Green Infrastructure, which can be updated more readily and frequently to reflect changes.

8.28 Number of Local Nature Reserves - Local Nature Reserves (LNR) are places with wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally. They offer people special opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it. Local Nature Reserve is a statutory designation made under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. There are currently four Local Nature Reserves in the Borough;

1. River Darwen Parkway – October 2004 2. Pleasington Old Hall – July 2007 3. Arran Trail – July 2007 4. Sunnyhurst Woods – December 2005

8.29 Number of species of principle importance - Species of principal importance are those which have been identified by national, regional, sub-regional or local Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP). Section 41 (S41) of The Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act requires the Secretary of State to publish a list of habitats and species which are of principal importance for the conservation of biodiversity in England. There are 943 species of principal importance included in this list which are the species found in England which have been identified as requiring action under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. These species can be viewed on the Natural England website.

8.30 The Lancashire BAP is made up of many individual species and habitat plans. Each plan gives information on the status and threats to the species or habitat. The Technical Working Group involved in producing the Lancashire BAP adapted the list of habitats addressed by the UK BAP in order to make them more easily applicable to local conditions. There are currently 80 species of principal importance that are known to occur in Lancashire and these can be viewed on Lancashire County Council’s website.

32

8.31 Change in areas of biodiversity importance - The condition of the Borough’s three sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) have been assessed to determine any change in areas of biodiversity importance. The three sites have been assessed between 2011 and 2013, and have retained their SSSI status.

Table 6 - SSSI name: Longworth Clough (Unit 1 last assessed 30/7/09, Units 2-4 last assessed August 2013)

% Area % Area % Area % Area meeting % Area % Area destroyed Year unfavourable unfavourable unfavourable PSA target 11 favourable / part destroyed recovering no change declining

2005 0% 0% 0% 83.71% 16.29% 0%

2006 0% 0% 0% 82.99% 17.01% 0%

2007 0% 0% 0% 82.99% 82.99% 0%

2008 0% 0% 0% 82.99% 82.99% 0%

2009 38.30% 38.30% 17.01% 44.69% 0.00% 0.00%

2013 55.31% 38.30% 17.01% 44.69% 0.00% 0.00%

Table 7 - SSSI name: Gale Clough & Shooterslee Wood (Unit 1 last assessed March 2012, Unit 22 last assessed March 2013)

% Area % Area % Area % Area meeting % Area % Area destroyed Year unfavourable unfavourable unfavourable PSA target favourable / part destroyed recovering no change declining

2006 31.41% 31.41% 0% 68.59% 0% 0%

2007 37.14% 37.14% 0% 62.86% 0% 0%

2013 37.14% 37.14% 0% 62.86% 0% 0%

Table 8 - SSSI name: Oak Field (last assessed November 2011)

% Area % Area % Area % Area meeting % Area % Area destroyed Year unfavourable unfavourable unfavourable PSA target favourable / part destroyed recovering no change declining

2004 31.41% 31.41% 0% 68.59% 0% 0%

2005 37.14% 37.14% 0% 62.86% 0% 0%

2006 100% 100% 0% 0% 0% 0%

2013 100% 0% 100% 0% 0% 0%

8.32 A SSSI recorded as unfavourable means that the site has not yet been assessed, or that there are damaging impacts which need to be addressed, such as at Oak Field where the rush cover in some areas is over the acceptable threshold. Further details on the conditions of the SSSI’s in Blackburn with Darwen can be viewed on the Natural England website.

11 PSA Target: The Government’s Public Service Agreement (PSA) to have 95% of the SSI area in favourable or recovering condition by 2010.

33

9. Quality of Place

Core Strategy Policy Indicators 2013-2014 No. of homes completed achieving ‘good’ and ‘very good’ against the No data CS16: Form and Design of Building for Life Assessment New Development % of people satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live No data

No. of Conservation Areas 15 CS17: Built and Cultural No. of Listed Buildings 340 Heritage Qualitative information from conservation area appraisals, village See 9.7 appraisals etc. No. of planning applications refused CS18: The Borough’s on grounds of the development No data Landscapes adversely affecting or destroying landscapes Amount of S106 monies received for £23,900 public open space Data on the amount and quality of CS19: Green Infrastructure The Council has updated its open open space within the Borough space standards which has formed the evidence base for the Emerging Local Plan Part 2. See 9.12. S106 allocations S106 monies received: Public open space = £23,900 CS21: Mitigation of Highways: £0 Impacts/Planning Gain Affordable Housing: £24,000 Transport: £0 Total: £47,900

CS16: Form and Design of New Development

9.1 The Core Strategy recognises and promotes the importance of well-designed development and seeks to promote an increase in design standards across the Borough. The Blackburn with Darwen Borough Design Guide SPD was adopted in March 2006 and the Revised Edition of the Residential Design Guide was adopted in September 2012. These set out design themes where particular attention must be paid when designing new development in the Borough covering character, townscape, public realm, movement & legibility, sustainability, diversity and colour.

CS17: Built and Cultural Heritage

9.2 The area’s built and natural heritage is a major asset in its attractiveness and local distinctiveness.

9.3 Number of conservation areas - Conservation areas protect and enhance the historic townscape character. There are 15 conservation areas in the Borough:  Chapeltown  Edgworth  Hoddlesden  Corporation Park  Corporation Park 2  Griffin

34

 Richmond Terrace/St John’s  Richmond Terrace Extension  Dukes Brow/Revidge  Blackburn Cathedral  Northgate  Darwen Street  King Street  Darwen Town Centre  Eanam Wharf (declared 2013)

9.4 Number of listed buildings – Listed building are conserved for their special architectural and historic interest, and range from small farm cottages to larger civic buildings such as the Town Hall. Generally listed buildings are clustered in conservation areas but many historic farm buildings are scattered in the rural areas of the Borough. There are approximately 340 listed buildings and structures in Blackburn with Darwen.

9.5 Work is underway on producing a Local List for the Borough. Local listing is a means for a local community and a local authority to jointly decide what it is in their area that they would recognise as a “local heritage asset”. The purpose of producing a list of these assets is to enable better protection for those parts of the historic environment that are valued by the local community but are not of national significance.

9.6 Qualitative information from conservation area appraisals, village appraisals etc. - Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans have been completed for several of the Borough’s Conservation Areas. They will be used to inform Development Management decisions, the production of area or site-based strategies, and the development of other schemes for regeneration and improvement. The appraisals assess and analyse the character of the conservation area and outline the implications for future development. They can be viewed on the Council’s website.

9.7 Conservation Area Appraisals have recently been prepared for Eanam, Darwen Town Centre and Corporation Park. There are existing Conservation Area Appraisals for Northgate, Richmond Terrace, Cathedral Quarter, King Street, Darwen Street, Chapeltown, Edgworth and Griffin.

CS18: The Borough’s Landscapes

9.8 The Borough’s landscape setting is one of its key assets, for its environmental value and for its economic role in making the Borough an attractive place to invest. Currently the Council’s Development Management team do not keep a record of reasons for refusal for monitoring purposes. However, work will begin on implementing a monitoring framework for this once the emerging Local Plan Part 2 has been adopted.

CS19: Green Infrastructure

9.9 Green Infrastructure takes the principle that open spaces work as a network providing a variety of functions. The Lancashire Green Infrastructure Strategy sets out the benefits of enhancing and increasing provision of Green Infrastructure:

 Improving quality of place;  Improving health and well-being;

35

 Creating the setting for investment;  Enhancing the tourism, recreation and leisure offer;  Enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services;  Adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change; and  Growing and developing the Regional Parks network.

9.10 Amount of S106 monies received for public open space - At present open space is required in new developments by saved Local Plan Policy H5 which requires new family housing developments to provide public open space and recreational space for its residents, either through providing such space on site or providing a financial contribution to the Council, depending upon the size of the development. In the monitoring period, £23,900 was received from developers as open space contributions.

9.11 Data on the amount and quality of open space within the Borough - The Council’s Open Space Audit identifies open spaces within the borough covering parks and gardens, amenity greenspace, cemeteries, civic space, golf courses natural and semi-natural urban greenspaces, allotments, children and young people facilities, accessible countryside and green corridors. The Audit will be reviewed annually to reflect any changes in open space provision in the borough.

9.12 The audit identifies a total of 289 open space sites (excluding playing pitches and school grounds) in the borough covering a total of 1047.84 hectares. Parks and gardens make up a significant proportion of the total open space within the borough (282.61ha):

OPEN SPACE CATEGORY HECTARES Accessible urban fringe 192.23 Amenity greenspace 94.76 Cemeteries 53.33 Children & young people 6.27 Civic spaces 3.54 Open space corridors 23.74 Allotments 13.87

Parks & gardens 282.61

Natural & semi‐natural urban greenspace 218.84 Golf courses 160.31 Total 1049.5

9.13 From the information contained within the audit, an Open Space Assessment has been produced which assesses the quantity, quality and accessibility of these sites. An integral component of this assessment was to engage with residents of the borough to determine their use of, and attitudes towards, Blackburn with Darwen’s open spaces. The Council commissioned consultants to conduct a telephone survey with a representative sample of Blackburn with Darwen residents in November 2012. In summary, the findings of the survey were:

 Parks and gardens were the most popular open space that residents visited

(71% of residents surveyed) followed by cemeteries or churchyards (47%) and

woodlands (42%). Just over one in ten (14%) of residents had not visited any open

space over the last 12 months.

 Residents’ overall satisfaction with open spaces in Blackburn with Darwen was high,

with 87% ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with the open space in the borough.

36

 Perceptions of open spaces in the borough were generally very positive. Residents tended to agree that open spaces: ‐ Create a nicer environment for people to live in (98% agree) ‐ Should be preserved (98% agree) ‐ Improve the appearance of the borough (97% agree) ‐ Would be missed if they weren’t there (95% agree) ‐ Are important to them (94% agree) ‐ Are a focal point for local communities (89% agree) ‐ Are areas where they feel safe (77% agree) ‐ Encourage people and businesses to move to or stay in the borough (71% agree)

9.14 Results from the residents’ survey were used to identify any apparent issues with the quantity, quality and accessibility to open spaces within the borough and whether existing provision met the needs of the local population. They have also been used to inform the setting of local accessibility thresholds for each open space typology.

9.15 A Playing Pitch Assessment and Strategy has been prepared which assesses the demand and supply of playing pitches in the borough covering football, cricket, rugby, hockey and bowling greens. The Strategy includes artificial grass pitches and pitches available for community use within school grounds. The information contained within the report will be reviewed annually.

9.16 The Council is preparing a Green Infrastructure and Ecological Networks Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which will include information on integrating green infrastructure within new developments. It will also include specific information on ecological networks and updates to the open space and commuted sum requirements.

CS21: Mitigation of Impacts/Planning Gain

9.17 The Government wishes to see a greater role played by planning obligations/developer contributions in funding local infrastructure and mitigating the impact of new development. At a local level, the Council intends to prepare a Supplementary Planning Document setting out its approach to obtaining and using developer contributions.

9.18 S106 allocations - Information regarding S106 monies received by the Council in the 2013-14 monitoring period are set out in Table 9. Contributions have been received towards public open space and housing.

Table 9 - S106 monies received S106 allocation Monies received Public open space £23,900 Highways £0 Housing £24,000 Transport £0 Total £47,900

37

10. Access to Jobs and Services

Core Strategy Policy Indicators 2013-2014 % of new residential development within 30 minutes public transport time of a GP, hospital, primary and No data secondary school, employment and a major retail centre No. of planning applications refused on No data grounds of poor accessibility

Bus patronage 5.140 million Blackburn train station: 1,342,831 Rail patronage Darwen train station: 319,044 No. of pedestrians entering Blackburn CS22: Accessibility Strategy 23,030 and Darwen town centres No. of cyclists entering Blackburn and 832 - Blackburn Darwen town centres 274 - Darwen No. of residents with NoW cards 21,262 % of people travelling into Blackburn Blackburn – 77.42% and Darwen town centres by car Darwen – 71% No. of planning applications refused on grounds of traffic generation or No data inadequate demand management proposals

% of working age residents qualified to 45.3% degree level and above

% of pupils gaining 5 or more GCSE’s 57%

% of economically inactive residents of 32.2% CS23: Tackling Worklessness working age % of residents of working age claiming 3.6% Job Seekers Allowance Duration of people claiming Job See Table 14 Seekers Allowance % of children walking to school No data

CS22: Accessibility Strategy

10.1 This policy requires new development to be located so as to minimise the need to travel, and so as to easily be accessed by non-car means including public transport, walking and cycling.

10.2 Bus patronage – 5.14 million is current figure for this monitoring period. This is considered to be a high figure and remains important to the Borough to continue to promote the use of buses; particularly given the development of the new bus station and Pennine Reach.

10.3 Rail patronage - The number of trains serving Blackburn Town Centre has been relatively the same every year since 2001. Figures collected from Northern Rail for Blackburn Train Station provide a clear indication of above average growth in patronage on Train services which supports the borough’s investment on the local railway network. Since 2009 patronage has continued to rise but at a lower rate than expected which is possibly due to the effects of

38

the recession. The 2013 cordon survey recorded a sharp decrease of approximately 19% in the number of rail users, however this has started to rise again in the current monitoring period.

Graph 9 - Trains and Train Passengers crossing the Cordon (Blackburn Town Centre)

Source: Blackburn Town Centre 2014 Annual Cordon Count Report

10.4 Graph 11 shows the number of train services and passengers entering Darwen Town Centre based on the 2013 Annual Cordon Count Report. The number of trains entering Darwen Train Station has been observed to be unchanged at 29 daily services for every year since 2003. However to cope with the increasing demand in passengers, extra carriages have been added to the existing services in the last three years. Rail passengers have shown an overall increasing trend during the same period recording a 67% increase in passengers since 2003. In 2012, a total of 346 passengers were recorded alighting compared to 372 passengers in 2013 which indicates a 7.5% increase in 12 months.

Graph 10 - Trains and Train Passengers crossing the Cordon (Darwen Town Centre)

Source: Darwen Town Centre 2013 Annual Cordon Count Report 10.5 Number of pedestrians entering Blackburn and Darwen town centres - Data for 2013-14 shows that 23,030 pedestrians entered Blackburn and Darwen town centres during a sample 12-hour day. This has continued to increase over the past few years.

39

10.6 Number of cyclists crossing Blackburn town centre – Graph 12 illustrates the number of cycles entering the Blackburn Town Centre as recorded during the 2014 Annual Blackburn Town Centre Cordon Survey. A significant fall in the number of bicycles crossing the cordon is clearly shown compared to last year’s figures. The survey recorded 832 cyclists in 2013 (which is the highest registered number of cyclists over the thirteen years) compared to 395 cyclists crossing the cordon in 2014 amounting to a 52.5% decline.

Graph 11 - Number of cyclists crossing Blackburn town centre

Source: Blackburn Town Centre Annual Cordon Report 2014

10.7 It should be noted that the local weather conditions are likely to influence the number of cycling trips recorded each year and possibly, there are also many cyclists who are not being recorded by the cordon who are using quiet roads or off road paths rather than using the main road corridors.

10.8 The overall trend line does indicate a gradual rise in cycling numbers since 2001. This steady increase reflects the significant efforts which have been made in recent years to promote cycling within the borough as a more sustainable mode of transport. These include the promotion of cycle to work schemes, comprehensive infrastructure improvements within the town and press and publicity generated through events such as bike week; local sky ride (delivered in partnership with British Cycling) and a strong led ride programme delivered from Witton Country Park.

10.9 A bid to the Department for Transport as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) in 2012 was successful which will continue to see further investment in measures to promote and facilitate cycling over the coming years and as a consequence a continued rise in the number of people cycling into Blackburn town centre could reasonably be observed. The BwD Connect Project is a comprehensive ‘smarter choices’ campaign combined with the provision of improved walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure. These activities will enhance the travel choices presented to some of the most diverse and deprived communities in England, helping to improve access to employment and training opportunities whilst reducing car usage. Working with businesses and education/training providers BwD Connect will promote lifelong travel behaviour changes that reduce carbon emissions and encourage the transport system to be an engine for economic growth.

40

10.10 Number of cyclists crossing Darwen town centre – Graph 13 illustrates the trend of pedal cyclists entering Darwen Town Centre as it has been recorded since 2003 by the cordon count surveys. The 2013 cordon count survey recorded the highest number of cyclists entering Darwen Town Centre with 274 cyclists. This compared to last year’s 118 cyclists represents a 132% geometric increase from the previous year. It should be noted that since the survey is conducted on a single day, the local weather conditions are likely to influence the number of cycling trips recorded on that particular day. Graph 12 - Cyclists entering Darwen Town Centre

Source: Blackburn Town Centre Annual Cordon Report 2014

10.11 Despite a few recorded declines in the number of cyclists since 2003, the overall trend line indicates a gradual and steady rise of pedal cyclists entering Darwen Town Centre. This steady increase in trend reflects the significant efforts which have been made in recent years to promote cycling within the borough as a more sustainable mode of transport as detailed within 10.8-10.9.

10.12 Number of residents with NoW cards - NoWcard has been set up jointly by Cumbria County Council, Lancashire County Council in addition to Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool Borough Councils and provides free off peak travel on local bus services throughout England for elderly and disabled passengers. As at 31st March 2014, 21,262 residents of Blackburn with Darwen had a NoWcard.

10.13 Percentage of people travelling into Blackburn and Darwen town centres by car - 77.42% of people travelled into Blackburn town centre by car and 71% of people travelled by car into Darwen town centre. These figures highlight that people remain relatively reliant on the car to access the town centre. As Policy CS22 continues to be implemented in new developments, accessibility figures will hopefully improve and people will become less reliant on the private car to access town centres.

CS23: Tackling Worklessness

41

10.14 The Pennine Lancashire Economic Strategy and Pennine Lancashire MAA highlight the lack of skills base and poor educational attainment in the Borough. A significant amount of money has been invested in improving educational facilities in the Borough, most notably the new University Centre at Blackburn College. The Core Strategy highlights that it cannot directly impact on educational attainment, however it can influence the retention of graduates by setting a framework for the provision of appropriate jobs, housing and facilities to encourage graduates to live in Blackburn with Darwen. The extent of capital programmes for educational development during the life of the Core Strategy will have a substantial impact on the education provision across the Borough. These include the remodelling of the secondary sector through Building Schools for the Future programme and the provision of Darwen Aldridge Academy.

10.15 Percentage of working age residents qualified to degree level and above - Figures for 2010 show Blackburn with Darwen consistently fall below regional and national educational attainment, the most significant difference being between figures for Blackburn with Darwen and national figures for people attaining NVQ level 3 and above (national figure is 10.5% higher than Blackburn with Darwen).

Table 10 - Qualifications (Jan 2013-Dec 2013) Blackburn with Darwen Blackburn with Darwen North West Great Britain

(numbers) (%) (%) (%) NVQ4 and above 21,900 25.3 31.0 35.2 NVQ3 and above 39,300 45.3 51.9 55.8 NVQ2 and above 56,200 64.8 70.2 72.5 NVQ1 and above 68,400 78.9 83.0 84.4 Other qualifications 6,000 7.0 6.0 6.3 No qualifications 15,900 14.1 11.0 9.3 Source: ONS annual population survey Notes: Numbers and % are for those of aged 16-64 % is a proportion of resident population of area aged 16-64

10.16 25.3% of people in the Borough are educated to NVQ4 and above, compared to 35.2% in Great Britain, a 9.9% difference. Additionally, the percentage of people aged 16-64 who have no qualifications in the Borough stands at 14.1%. This is 4.8% higher than the national average and highlights the issue Blackburn with Darwen faces in terms of poor educational attainment and subsequent lack of a skills base.

10.17 Percentage of pupils gaining 5 or more GCSE’s – Based on data provided in Table 11, there has been a steady increase in pupils achieving 5 or more GCSE’s. This is good for the borough and demonstrates that educational performance is improving.

Table 11 - GCSE and equivalent results, percentage of pupils gaining 5 or more A*- C grades at GCSE or equivalent including English and Mathematics Area 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Blackburn with 35.3 38.6 43.7 45.8 43.9 51.9 56.9(r) 57(r) Darwen North west 40.8 42.2 44.7 47.5 49.9 55.2 58.4(r) 58.9(r) England 44.7 45.6 46.3 47.6 49.8 53.5 58.9(r) 59.4(r Source: Department for Education: Education Skills in Your Area.

42

10.18 Percentage of economically inactive residents of working age - Economically inactive residents are those who are neither in employment nor unemployed and include, for example, residents who are looking after home or family, or are permanently sick or disabled. From the results posted in March 2014, 31.9% of people of working age in the Borough were classified as economically inactive, compared to 25.0% in the North West and 22.6% in Great Britain. Compared to last year’s figures, Blackburn with Darwen has 2.4% less economically inactive residents within the Borough. This data demonstrates the importance of ensuring appropriate employment sites are delivered in accessible locations. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of ensuring a broad range of job types are delivered across the various sectors so that those residents who are unskilled still have the opportunity to enter the workforce. However, as the Core Strategy highlights, it is a priority to encourage the development of higher-wage, higher value added industries.

Table 12 - Economic inactivity (January 2013 – December 2013)

Blackburn with Great Britain Blackburn with North West Darwen Darwen (%) (%) (%) All people Economically inactive 27,500 31.9 25.0 22.6 Student 6,200 22.6 23.8 26.1 Looking after Family / Home 8,600 31.4 22.8 25.6 Temporary Sick # # 2.6 2.1 Long‐term sick 7,000 25.6 26.4 21.5 Discouraged # # 0.6 0.6 Retired 2,800 10.2 15.6 15.0 Other 1,900 7.0 8.3 9.0

Wants a Job 7,400 26.9 23.9 24.6 Does not want a job 20,100 73.1 76.1 7504 Source: ONS Regional Labour Market Statistics, April 2014 Notes: Numbers and % are for those of aged 16-64 % is a proportion of resident population of area aged 16-64

10.19 Percentage of residents of working age claiming Job Seekers Allowance - Results show that 3.5% of Blackburn with Darwen’s resident working age population were claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) on 13 March 2014 (Source ONS: Regional Labour Market Statistics, April 2014). This is 0.3% higher than the North West average of 3.2% and 0.6% higher than the national average of 2.9%. Compared to 2012-13 figures, there is a 1% drop in the number of people claiming JSA.

10.20 The data also highlights a significant disparity between the gender of Job Seekers in Blackburn – see table 13. In the monitoring period, 2,162 of claimants were male compared to 1,142 who were female – 4.6% and 2.5% respectively.

43

Table 13 - Total JSA claimants (March 2014) Blackburn with Blackburn with Darwen North West Great Britain

Darwen (numbers) (%) (%) (%) All people 3,304 3.5 3.2 2.9 Males 2,162 4.6 4.3 3.7 Females 1,142 2.5 2.2 2.0 Source: ONS claimant count with rates and proportions Note: % is a proportion of resident population of area aged 16-64 and gender

Table 14 - JSA claimants by age duration (March 2014) Blackburn with Darwen Blackburn with Darwen North West Great Britain

(level) (%) (%) (%) Aged 16 to 64 Total 3,304 3.6 3.2 2.9 Up to 6 months 1,955 2.1 1.8 1.6 Over 6 and up to 12 540 0.6 0.5 0.4 months over 12 months 801 0.9 0.9 0.8 Age 18 to 24 Total 840 6.5 5.6 5.0 Up to 6 months 605 4.7 3.8 3.4 Over 6 and up to 12 115 0.9 0.9 0.8 months over 12 months 120 0.9 0.9 0.9 Age 25-49 Total 1,930 3.8 3.5 3.0 Up to 6 months 1,090 2.1 1.9 1.6 Over 6 and up to 12 345 0.7 0.6 0.5 months over 12 months 495 1.0 1.1 0.9 Age 50 to 64 Total 530 2.1 2.0 1.9 Up to 6 months 260 1.0 0.9 0.9 Over 6 and up to 12 80 0.3 0.3 0.3 months over 12 months 190 0.8 0.7 0.7 Source: ONS claimant count - age duration with proportions Note: % is number of persons claiming JSA as a proportion of resident population of the same age

10.21 When examining figures for the duration of JSA claims it appears residents of Blackburn with Darwen spend a similar length of time to the regional average and a slightly longer time claiming JSA than the national averages. 0.9% of the claimants aged between 18 and 24 claimed JSA for longer than 12 months, with 4.7% claiming for up to 6 months, compared to national figures of 3.8% and 3.4% respectively.

10.22 When reviewing the ages of claimants, it is evident that, compared to figures for the North West and Great Britain, Blackburn with Darwen has a comparably higher proportion of younger people who are struggling to find work and are, as a result claiming JSA.

44

11. Monitoring the Borough’s Supplementary Planning Documents

10.1 It is essential that the outputs and use of adopted Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD) are monitored in order to identify any effects predicted through the Sustainability Appraisal. If monitoring identifies any adverse effects, it will be appropriate to consider in the AMR whether any remedial action needs to be taken, such as reviewing the SPD or making recommendations to Members on the implementation of certain policies. The Council has adopted the following SPD’s/SPG’S, those adopted since the adoption of the Core Strategy (January 2011) are highlighted in bold text:

Adopted Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)  Queens Park Flats Development Brief SPD  Infirmary Waterside HMR Masterplan SPD  Borough Wide Design Guide SPD  Residential Design Guide SPD (Revised Edition September 2012)  Freckleton Street Masterplan SPD  Queen Street / Hindle Street SPD  Blackburn Cathedral Quarter SPD  Griffin SPD  House in multiple occupation and residential conversions and sub‐divisions SPD (April 2012)  Darwen Town Centre Conservation Area SPD (Adopted August 2013)  Corporation Park

Adopted Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPGs)  Public Open Space in New Residential Development  Community and Other Uses within Residential Areas  Residential Institutions  Listed Buildings  Conservation Areas  Outdoor Advertisements and Signs  Shopfront Design and Security  Industrial and Warehousing Buildings  Agricultural Buildings  Conversion of Buildings in the Countryside  Village Appraisals  Landscape and Wildlife Habitat Creation  Species Protection

45

Table 15 - Proposed Supplementary Planning Documents Key Policies of the Local Supplementary Planning Document Target for Adoption Plan Part 2 Green Infrastructure and Ecological 9, 38, 40 2015 Networks Blackburn Town Character 11, 39 2015 Darwen Town Character 11, 39 2015 Environmental Protection 8 2015 Health 33 2015 Hoddlesden Conservation Area Appraisal 11, 39 2015 Housing Delivery 16, 18 2016 Travel Planning 10 2016 Developer Contributions 12 2017 Wind Turbine Development 37 2017

46

12. References

Air Quality Progress Report (2013), Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Blackburn Town Centre Annual Cordon Report (2012), Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Blackburn with Darwen Core Strategy (2011) Blackburn with Darwen Employment Land Review (2013), Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Business Register (2012) Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Housing Needs Assessment (2008) Blackburn with Darwen Borough and Hyndburn Council’s Strategic Market Assessment (SHMA) (2008) Blackburn with Darwen’s Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) (2013) Census (2011) Climate Change Act (2008) Darwen Town Centre Annual Cordon Report (2012), Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) Place Survey for England 2008 Five years Housing Land Supply & Housing Trajectory (2013) National Planning Policy Framework (2012) Office for National Statistics, www.statistics.gov.uk Publication Draft Local Plan Part 2 (2014) Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA), Level 1, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, 2008 The Changing Face of Blackburn with Darwen (2011), Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council www.blackburn.gov.uk.

47

13. Glossary

The glossary is provided to assist in the interpretation of this document. It is neither a statement of law nor an interpretation of the law, and its status is only a guide to the monitoring report and should not be used as a source for statutory definitions.

Accessibility ‐ the ability of people and/or goods and services to reach places and facilities. Accessibility can be shown on a plan or described in terms of pedestrian and vehicle movements, walking distance from public transport, travel time or population distribution. Affordable housing ‐ Social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Average ‐ see ‘mean’ Biodiversity ‐ the whole variety of life encompassing all genetic species and ecosystem variations. Brownfield land ‐ also known as previously developed land. This is land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land and any associated fixed surface infrastructure. This excludes: land that is or has been occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings; land that has been developed for minerals extraction or waste disposal by landfill purposes where provision for restoration has been made through development control procedures; land in built-up areas such as private residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments; and land that was previously-developed but where the remains of the permanent structure or fixed surface structure have blended into the landscape in the process of time. Conservation area ‐ Areas of special architectural or historical interest, where development is more tightly restricted than elsewhere in order to sustain and enhance their special character and qualities. These areas are designated by the local planning authority, which gives them statutory recognition and protection. Core Strategy ‐ Part 1 of the Blackburn with Darwen Local Plan. It sets out the strategic objectives for the Borough including the targeted growth strategy. Decent Homes Standard – Communities and Local Government standard which states that a home must be warm, weatherproof and have reasonably modern facilities in order to be classed as decent. Environment Agency (EA) ‐ government agency set up with the aim of protecting or enhancing the environment, taken as a whole in order to play its part in attaining the objective of sustainable development. Floorspace ‐ the sum of the area of all floors (both above and below ground) of all buildings on a site, usually measured from the outside walls on every floor. Green Belt ‐ fundamental aim of Green Belts is to keep land predominantly open and to check the restricted sprawl of large built‐up areas, to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another, to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment and to assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Greenfield land ‐ land which has not previously been developed.

Green Flag Award Standard ‐ this is the national standard for parks and green spaces throughout England and Wales. For more information visit www.greenflagaward.org.uk.

48

Gross completions ‐ overall amount of floorspace or dwellings which have been built or converted. It will include floorspace and dwellings which are replacing buildings that have been lost to allow new development. Housing trajectory ‐ tool used to track council’s progress towards meeting its target for providing new housing over the coming years. It is based on data on past completions and estimates of new housing that is likely to be built in the future. Indices of Deprivation (ID) ‐ a measure of deprivation at the small area level. The ID is often used as a decision‐tool for the allocation of deprivation related funding programmes. Infrastructure ‐ the basic facilities that connect and service development and which are necessary for development to happen, for example, roads, electricity and gas supplies, sewers, water supply. Lifetime Homes ‐ proposed by Joseph Rowntree and describes homes that have been designed to accommodate the changing needs of occupants throughout their lives, particularly loss of mobility. Local Development Scheme (LDS) ‐ the Council’s programme for the preparation of its Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents, setting out which documents will be produced, and when. Local Nature Reserve (LNR) ‐ is designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 for the purposes of preserving flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features of special interest and for the informal enjoyment of nature by the public. Local Plan ‐ produced by districts and unitary authorities, local plans set out strategy along with detailed policies and specific proposals for the development and use of land, and guide most day‐to‐day planning decisions. Median - the number separating the higher half of a data sample, a population, or a probability distribution, from the lower half. Mean ‐ the mean is the most common form of average used. It is calculated by dividing the sum of a distribution by the number of incidents in the distribution. Net completions ‐ amount of additional floorspace or dwellings that have been completed (including conversions and long-term empty homes brought back into use), once losses of existing floorspace or dwellings have been taken into account. Open space ‐ all open space of public value, including public landscaped areas, streets, playing fields, parks and play areas and also including areas of water such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs. Renewable energy ‐ energy derived from a source which is continually replenished, such as wind, wave, solar, hydroelectric and energy from plant material. ‘Saved’ policies ‐ policies contained in an old style unitary development plan, local plan or structure plan that continue to be used pending their replacement in the new Development Plan Documents and Supplementary Planning Documents. Secured by Design ‐ a police initiative to encourage the building industry to adopt crime prevention measures in development design to assist in reducing the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime, creating a safer and more secure environment. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) ‐ a specifically defined area considered of national importance because of the presence of rare wildlife, plants, flowers or unusual geological features. SSSIs are identified and declared by Natural England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

49

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) ‐ a detailed assessment of the extent and nature of the risk of flooding in an area and its implications for land use planning. The document will provide the basis from which to apply the sequential test and exception test in the development allocation and development control process. Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) ‐ planning document that supplements the policies and proposals contained in the Local Plan by providing advice at a greater level of detail to help both applicants and the local authority to determine planning applications. Following public consultation and a resolution from the Council such guidance can be used as a “material consideration” in determining planning proposals. Sustainable development ‐ development which allows the environment to be protected in such a condition and to such a degree that environmental capacities are maintained over time, and future generations can enjoy an equal measure of environmental consumption. Appendix 1: Neighbouring Local Planning Authorities in the Duty to Cooperate

50

Appendix 2: Cross boundary matters relating to Duty to Cooperate

A. Local planning authorities/county council B. Prescribed bodies/other organisations C. Organisations not subject to the duty

A. LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITIES/COUNTY COUNCIL

ORGANISATIONS

Lancashire Ribble Valley Hyndburn Rossendale Bury Bolton Chorley South Ribble Preston AGMA County Council

STRATEGIC PRIORITIES / CROSS BOUNDARY MATTERS (NPPF para 156) Homes/housing          provision Gypsies/Travellers and Travelling          Show People    Employment Samlesbury   Samlesbury Samlesbury land/access to jobs EZ EZ EZ Retail/leisure and   other commercial        Provision of East Lancashire infrastructure/ East Highways and connectivity Lancashire Transport 1. Public transport Clitheroe/ Clitheroe/ Clitheroe/ Highways Masterplan/ 2. Cycling Manchester Manchester Manchester and public transport 3. Highway rail link rail link rail link Transport – bus/Pennine network Masterplan Reach/highway

network

ORGANISATIONS

Lancashire Ribble Valley Hyndburn Rossendale Bury Bolton Chorley South Ribble Preston AGMA County Council

Health Natural and historic    environment Green Belt  Green Belt  Green Belt  1. Green Belt     Green Green Belt Green Green Belt Green Green 2. Green Green Green Green Green Belt Infrastructure Green Infrastructure Green Infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure Wind infrastructure Wind infrastructure Wind Wind tubines 3. Climate change turbines turbines turbines 4. Wind turbines Development Management           Policies

B. PRESCRIBED BODIES/Other organisations

ORGANISATIONS

PRESCRIBED BODIES OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Highway NHS Integrated Clinical Authority Environmen English Natural England Transport Networ Utility Sport Emergency Mobile HCA Commission (LCC and t Agency Heritage England Lancashire Authoritie k Rail provider England Services Operators -ing Group Highways Area Team s (TFGM) Agency) STRATEGIC PRIORITIES /CROSS BOUNDARY MATTERS (NPPF para 156)  Homes/housing     Impact on     provision M65 Employment       land/access to jobs Retail/leisure and other commercial

ORGANISATIONS

PRESCRIBED BODIES OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Highway NHS Integrated Clinical Authority Environmen English Natural England Transport Networ Utility Sport Emergency Mobile HCA Commission (LCC and t Agency Heritage England Lancashire Authoritie k Rail provider England Services Operators -ing Group Highways Area Team s (TFGM) Agency) Provision of infrastructure/ connectivity  1. Public transport Local  2. Highway    network,  Sport network/M65 Public Flooding Flood East Lancs Public provisio 3. Flood risk transport/ /energy   risk/SFRA H/ways transpor n/play- 4. Energy/utility rail / water Level 2 Masterpla t ing Pitch providers service supply n and Strategy 5. Emergency services M65 6. Sport provision

Health   Natural and historic environment 1. Green Belt 2. Green Green Green infrastructure (GI) Belt Belt/GI 3. Climate Change 4. Historic environment

 Development      United    Management Policies Utilities Sustainability    appraisal

C. ORGANISATIONS NOT SUBJECT TO THE DUTY - (Local planning authorities subject to the duty must co-operate with the following)

ORGANISATIONS

Lancashire Local Enterprise Local Nature Partnership/TfL Partnership STRATEGIC PRIORITIES /CROSS BOUNDARY

MATTERS (NPPF para 156) Homes/housing provision  Employment land/access to  jobs Samlesbury EZ Retail/leisure and other commercial  Provision of Delivery of infrastructure/connectivity Growth Deal

transport

schemes. Health Natural and historic  environment  Heritage 1. Green Infrastructure Green Investment 2. Heritage Investment infrastructure Strategy Strategy

Appendix 3: Actions to support Local Plan position

STRATEGIC PRIORITY LA/organisation Strategic matters Actions/outcome Ongoing cooperation Evidence Informed by jointly Confirmation from Potential for meeting prepared SHMA. Hyndburn that they are Review and monitor via Homes/housing Hyndburn Borough unmet housing Exchange of not able to meet any of established PL provision Council requirements within correspondence with BwD’s unmet housing governance structures housing market area Hyndburn confirming requirements their position. Preparation of the Accommodation/pitch PLACE have position paper is work in provision, policy commissioned PLPOG to progress. Progress will Minutes of PLPOG Gypsies/Travellers and development and other prepare a collective be reviewed and Pl authorities meeting dated 03 March Travelling Show People matters relating to position statement, monitored via the 2014 gypsy and traveller covering the strategic established community. issues. PLACE/PLPOG governance structures. Review and monitor via established PL Drafting of a Joint Contribution of land at governance structures. Statement between Whitebirk Strategic PLACE have identified Statement signed by Employment land and Hyndburn Borough Blackburn with Darwen Employment Site to the need for a shared PL BwD dated 10 June access to jobs Council and Hyndburn Borough BwD’s employment land position paper on 2014. Councils. supply. employment land. The

intention is that this will be prepared by PLPOG.

Appendix 4: Requests for cooperation from neighbouring authorities and other prescribed bodies

ORGANISATION OUTCOME/ REQUESTING STRATEGIC ISSUE ACTIVITY undertaken DATE next steps COOPERATION BwD provided a letter confirming compliance CORE STRATEGY Discussion and exchange of correspondence. June 2013 with requirements of the duty; letter EXAMINATION. forwarded by RV to Planning Inspector Need to demonstrate Request from Inspector for a more detailed letter setting compliance with the duty to out strategic matters discussed and agreements December 2013 BwD provided requested information. cooperate. reached. Next steps: - Authorities to respond RIBBLE VALLEY Preparation of SHMA update; draft completed June May/June 2013 individually to formal consultation on BOROUGH COUNCIL 2013. Recommendations presented at PLPOG proposed changes HOUSING DELIVERY BwD’s representation set out Council’s formal Proposed increase in housing 6 week statutory consultation on proposed amendment August – 20 objection to the increased housing target and target set out in Submission to Core Strategy September 2013 version draft Core Strategy underpinning assumptions. BwD appearance at hearing session to present Core Strategy Examination January 2014 statement. Next steps: Await Inspector’s report. Feedback provided. LANCASHIRE COUNTY Consultation on draft East Lancashire Highways and INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION July 2013 Next steps: - Ongoing discussion regarding COUNCIL Transport Masterplan related funding bids (via LEP) and delivery. Cooperation and input into assessment. GYPSIES/TRAVELLERS and October 2013 CHORLEY COUNCIL Preparation of Central Lancashire GTTA Next steps: - Formal consultation on draft TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE onwards document and recommendations.