North Northamponshire Authorities' Monitoring Report

NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE AUTHORITIES’ MONITORING REPORT 1st April 2018 - 31st March 2019

Contents

Executive Summary

1. Introduction 2. Local Development Scheme 3. Overall Spatial Strategy 4. Economy and Town Centres 5. Housing 6. Assessment of Housing Land Supply, 2019-24 7. Environment 8. Infrastructure

List of Tables

1. Distribution of Housing Development, 2011-31, by settlement category 2. Housing Completions by Local Authority, 2017/18-2018/19 3. The number and % of new developments built on Brownfield land by LPA 18/19 4. Total amount of additional employment floorspace by type 18/19 5. Total amount of employment floorspace on previously developed land – by type 18/19 6. Employment Land Available by Type 18/19 7. B-class employment areas lost to other (non-B) uses 18/19 8. The number and scale of retail developments approved outside of the defined town centre areas 18/19 9. Number of office developments allocated/consented/completed at growth towns 18/19 10. Number of rural employment sites allocated/consented/completed within the rural areas 18/19 11. Number and scale of new logistics operations by location 18/19 12. Number of training schemes secured through new development and S106 agreements 18/19 13. Reporting on farm diversification and conversion of redundant buildings for employment and tourism related development 18/19 14. Net job provision and number of net additional jobs provided by LPA on annualised basis 18/19 15. Plan period and housing targets 16. Net additional dwellings for (a) previous years and (b) the reporting year 17. Net additional dwellings – in future years 18. New additional pitches (Gypsy and traveller) 2018/19 19. New additional permanent pitches by year (2011-19) 20. Gross affordable housing completions 2018/19 21. Gross affordable housing completions by settlement 2018/19 22. The number and type of affordable and market homes permitted and/or built through application of Policy 13 in the rural area, by settlement and LPA 18/19 23. Number of dwellings permitted and/or built in the open countryside for rural workers to support the vitality and viability of the rural economy, by settlement and LPA 18/19 24. Reporting on the provision of accommodation for older people: New additional 18/19

25. No. of developments approved and completed with SuDS (including Green Roofs and Rainwater Harvesting) 18/19 26. Number of planning permissions granted contrary to EA advice by LPA 18/19 27. Number of planning permissions granted contrary to Environment Agency advice on flooding and water quality grounds 18/19 28. Residential development permitted in Flood Zones 2 and 3 18/19 29. Permitted and Installed Capacity of Renewable Energy Schemes 2018/19 (MW) 30. Consented (permitted and installed) Solar PV applications 18/19 31. Number of developments assessed by local design surgery review 18/19 32. Attainment of BREEAM very good or higher on non-residential developments 1,000m2+ floorspace 17/18 and 18/19 33. Grade I, II* and II Listed Buildings October 2019 34. Grade I, II* and II Buildings at Risk October 2019 35. Borough Council of Wellingborough SPA income and expenditure 36. East Northamptonshire Council SPA income and expenditure 37. JCS Table 8 Key Strategic Infrastructure Projects (2019 updates) 38. SUE housing completions 18/19 39. Average house prices April 2017 – March 2019 40. Change in average house price 2017/18 to 2018/19

List of Charts and Figures

• Figure 1 – North Northamptonshire Local Development Scheme • Figure 2: Progress of the development of the SUEs/Garden Communities and other key strategic sites • Chart 1 – Comparison of the JCS distribution of housing development to actual rates recorded • Chart 2 – Distribution of net housing development 2011-19, by Local Authority Area • Chart 3 – Average house sale prices 1st April 2018 – 31st March 2019

Appendices

A. Local Authority Housing Trajectories assessing past and projected performance relative to the Joint Core Strategy, 2011-31 B. Calculation of the five-year housing land requirement relative to the JCS, 2019-24 C. Local Authority Housing Site Schedules D. Average House Prices – 1st April 2018 – 31st March 2019 E. Appendix E: Plan for the Borough Council of Wellingborough

Executive Summary

This is the eleventh joint Authorities’ Monitoring Report (AMR) prepared by the North Northamptonshire Joint Planning and Delivery Unit on behalf of the constituent local planning authorities of Corby, East Northamptonshire, Kettering and Wellingborough. It covers the monitoring year 2018/19 and reports progress on the implementation of the area’s Local Development Scheme and attainment of policies within the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (JCS) (adopted in July 2016).

Section 1 of this document provides an introduction to the AMR – why it is required, what it needs to cover and how this is being implemented locally. Section 2 provides an update on the development of the Local Development Scheme for North Northamptonshire.

Sections 3-8 provide an update on JCS implementation through a range of indicators covering key policy areas including the spatial distribution of development, the economy, housing (including an assessment of the five-year supply of housing land), the environment and infrastructure. This report represents the third AMR to fully utilise the monitoring framework within the JCS since its adoption, thus enabling the continued production of comparable data and analysis on a yearly basis.

Through the indicators within, the AMR needs to outline local performance/changes with commentary as to why these have been noted. Since the first joint AMR (covering 2008/09), the effect of the recession has been identified as a key factor in respect of local performance against a range of indicators – most notably the effects on housing and economic indicators. However, 10 years on and as the economy slowly recovers, the effects of the recession may be beginning to reverse as housing development begins to pick up again. Despite this, as always there are economic uncertainties that could cause instability again within the housing market which could also have an impact on the delivery of infrastructure.

Monitoring Indicator Relevant JCS Indicator Performance Indicator Source Policy Policy Target

Year Result Target Recent Met Trend 18/19? % of JCS 29 67% 2017/18 54% N  residential development at Growth Towns 2018/19 56% % of JCS 29 23% 2017/18 30% Y ➔ residential development at Market Towns 2018/19 29% % of JCS 29 4% 2017/18 9% Y ➔ residential development at Villages 2018/19 8% % of JCS 29 6% 2017/18 7% Y ➔ residential development in Rural Areas 2018/19 7% The number JCS 6 No specific 2017/18 37% N/A  and % of target set developments built on Brownfield Land by LPA 2018/19 33% Total amount JCS 22 No specific 2017/18 71,364m2 N/A  of additional target set employment floorspace provided annually (net) 2018/19 386,167m2 Total amount JCS 22 No specific 2017/18 54% N/A  of additional target set employment floorspace provided on 2018/19 95.5% PDL The quantum JCS 13 No specific 2017/18 4,294m2 N/A ◼ and scale of target retail developments approved outside of the defined town 2018/19 3,002m2 centre areas

(Number) and JCS 24 No specific 2016/17 (1) - N/A  scale of new target 60,978.5m2 logistics operations by scale 2017/18 (2) - 89,945m2 No. of net JCS 23 31,100 net 2017 +3,900  additional increase in jobs provided jobs 2011-31 by LPA on an (1,555 p.a) annualised basis 2018 +2,000 Net JCS 29 2011-2031 2011-2019 2011-19 N  additional Plan Plan net dwellings in requirement requirement: dwellings previous 35,000 14,000 net completed years (2011- (40,000) dwellings (actual): 19) 13,132 Net JCS 29 JCS Annual 2017/18: 2018/19: Y  additional Requirement: 1,812 net 2,088 net dwellings for 1,750 additional additional the reporting dwellings dwellings year (2018/19) Net JCS 29 2019-31: 2019-2031 2019-2031: N/A ◼ additional (JCS Table 4) requirement: 29,583 net dwellings in 21,000 net dwellings future years dwellings (2019/31) New JCS 31 In 2017/18 11 pitches  additional accordance pitches with GTAA (Gypsy and traveller) 2018/19 2018/19 12 pitches The JCS 30 30% 2017/18 Urban: N  number/% of affordable in 27% Affordable Growth and Homes Market Rural: 16% provided as Towns 2018/19 per the (Urban), 40% Urban: provisions of affordable in 15% Policy 30 rural areas Rural: 12% Deliverable JCS 28 5 Year supply 2017/18: 2018/19: Y  Housing of deliverable 5.30 years 6.01 Supply housing land (Corby) (+5% buffer) Deliverable JCS 28 5 Year supply 2017/18: 2018/19: Y  Housing of deliverable 6.28 years 6.03 Supply (East housing land Northants) (+5% buffer)

Deliverable JCS 28 5 Year supply 2017/18: 2018/19: Y  Housing of deliverable 6.98 years 6.9 Supply housing land (Kettering) (+5% buffer) Deliverable JCS 28 5 Year supply 2017/18: 2018/19: Y  Housing of deliverable 7.47 years 7.15 Supply housing land (W’boro) (+5% buffer) Permitted JCS 26 No specific 2017/18 N/A N/A  and target set completed renewable energy installations by type and 2018/19 0.29 area

Symbol Name Meaning

 Positive Clear improvement or targets met

➔ Negligible Little or no change (<5%)

 Negative Clear deterioration or targets not met

◼ Insufficient/no comparable Includes no targets or trends data to assess against

1. Introduction

1.1 This Authorities’ Monitoring Report (AMR), formerly known as the Annual Monitoring Report, has been produced by the North Northamptonshire Joint Planning and Delivery Unit (NNJPDU) on behalf of our partner local authorities. This reports on local activity and changes recorded between 1st April 2018 and 31st March 2019 regarding the implementation of the Local Plans of the NNJPDU and its four partner authorities. This is the eleventh AMR produced for the area and it broadly follows the structure established in previous reports to ensure a consistency of approach and enable meaningful cross-referencing and comparative analysis to be undertaken. As outlined in previous AMRs, a number of legislative and regulatory amendments have been made to the Planning system which impacts directly on the monitoring reporting process, albeit the duty to monitor still remains. Historical context and key changes are outlined over the remainder of this section with details provided as to how North Northamptonshire is adhering to these.

Regulatory and Legislative Context

1.2 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (“the Act”) establishes the need for local planning authorities to undertake Monitoring to provide a ‘feedback loop’ within the policy- making process in order to establish what is happening now and what may happen in the future relative to existing plan policies and targets. Section 13 of the Act requires local planning authorities to keep under review matters which may be expected to affect the development of their area or the planning of its development. Such matters include land use, population, economic, social and environmental characteristics. Section 351 of the Act requires local planning authorities to make an annual report which provides information on the implementation of the local development scheme and the extent to which policies set within local development documents are being achieved. Additional legislation also exists which supplements the Act and provides further detail on the production of this annual report – namely Regulation 17 of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes (SEA) Regulations 2004 and Part 8 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2012.

1.3 In March 2012 the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published. This framework outlined planning policies that are applicable to England and represents a major consolidation of planning guidance2. The Government made these changes to reduce administrative burdens, speed up planning decisions and provide the sustainable development and growth needed to support the social, economic and environmental needs of the country.

1.4 The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 came into force from April 6th 2012 and changed the name of the Annual Monitoring Report to Authorities’ Monitoring Reports. Furthermore, these regulations specify a minimum content against which

1 As amended by the Localism Act 2011 – Part 6: Planning, Section 113: Local Development – Monitoring Reports 2 This was reduced from over 1,000 pages to a document of around 50 pages.

authority monitoring reports must provide updates against. These can be summarised as below:

• Report progress on the timetable and stage of preparation each of the documents specified in the local development scheme has reached, including reasons where timetables are not being met; • Identify any policy specified in a Local Plan which is not being implemented and state why this is not being implemented; • Report on the relevant number of net additional dwellings (including affordable dwellings) provided in both the reporting year and since the relevant Local Plan Policy was adopted; • Details of any neighbourhood development order or neighbourhood development plan; and; • Information on the implementation of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) (where CIL is being collected).

1.5 As a result of its relative brevity, the NPPF inevitably contained less direct provisions in terms of Monitoring although it still stressed the importance of reviewing performance to help identify changing circumstances which could trigger a partial/full review of Local Plans. Since the NPPF’s revision in July 2018 and further update in February 2019, there is even less of a reference to monitoring performance thus giving council’s more freedom to monitor what they consider to be appropriate given local circumstances and taking into account the regulations provided in other government regulations (as detailed below).

1.6 The National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) was first published in 2014 and supports the NPPF. The latest iteration of the guidance (October 2019 at the time of writing), gives guidance regarding what should be included in AMRs. This includes the sub-section What is the role of the Authority Monitoring Report (Paragraph: 073 Reference ID: 61-073-201903153) within which it states: “Local planning authorities must publish information at least annually that shows progress with local plan preparation, reports any activity relating to the duty to cooperate, any information collected which relates to indicators in the plan, and any policies which are not being implemented. Local planning authorities can also use the Authority Monitoring Report to provide up-to-date information on the implementation of any neighbourhood plans that have been brought into force, and monitor the provision of housing for older and disabled people. It can help inform if there is a need to undertake a partial or full update of the local plan, when carrying out a review at least every 5 years from the adoption date.”

1.7 It goes on to say: “This information should be made available publicly. Regulation 34 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 sets out what information the reports must contain. The reports can include other information, for example, the reports can draw on Infrastructure Funding Statements to highlight the contributions made by development, including section 106 planning obligations, Community Infrastructure Levy and New Homes Bonus payments, and how these have been used.”

3 As found under the Plan-making section

1.8 The Government removed local plan monitoring guidance (which had informed the preparation of AMRs) and advised it was now a matter for local authorities to decide what information to include in their monitoring reports (as long as these were prepared in accordance with UK and EU legislation).

1.9 As of January 2018 amendments to the Neighbourhood Planning Act brought into effect provisions under sections 8(1) and 8(3) that requires local planning authorities to identify the strategic priorities for the development and use of land in their area.

1.10 To aid with this transition, the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) issued ‘Monitoring that matters: towards a better AMR’ in April 2011. This document emphasises that local authorities are responsible for their own performance management and are accountable to the public in demonstrating how the activities of planning services are helping deliver real outcomes in their area (e.g. houses built, jobs created etc.) This guidance proposes the use of indicator bundles that ‘tell a story’. For example, a range of housing indicators may be ‘bundled’ together to provide a more rounded picture of changes in a locality than the good news that each individual indicator is on track. It also advocates the efficient use of data and data-sharing between organisations. The principles espoused through this document have been considered accordingly and, alongside the new legislative requirements, are reflected within the remainder of this AMR.

1.11 On a cumulative basis, these changes highlight the need for local authorities to continue monitoring progress on the implementation of Local Plans and the role the planning service plays in facilitating change locally.

Joint Core Strategy (JCS)

1.12 Through AMR production, and the feedback loop this provides, it was possible to gauge the extent to which the Core Spatial Strategy (CSS) policies were or were not working. This, along with other factors helped facilitate the production of a replacement Part 1 Local Plan for the area, known as the Joint Core Strategy (JCS). Following an independent examination in November 2015; the JCS was formally adopted in July 2016. As part of the JCS an entirely new set of indicators are now established as part of the overarching Monitoring Framework for North Northamptonshire, these can be observed in the Table 9 of the JCS. The 16/17 AMR was the first that solely used targets set out in the JCS rather than the CSS.

1.13 With the introduction of the JCS and its new Monitoring Framework this ultimately meant that new data sets have been acquired that differ to those gathered in AMRs prior to the 16/17 year. This therefore also means that comparisons with much of the data provided in AMRs that predate this are difficult to make where there are differences. However, as a baseline has now been established in the 16/17-year, subsequent AMRs have now been able to make more direct data comparisons. Datasets that have always been consistent through all eleven joint AMRs will continue to be monitored in the same way, such as housing delivery and employment floorspace. Around 20 of the 70 monitoring indicators in the current JCS framework are extant from the previous iteration to enable a constancy of approach and reporting.

1.14 Further to this, due to the extensive list of monitoring indicators it was agreed amongst monitoring officers at the partner LPAs that not all indicators will need to be reported on annually and it will be more suitable to report on certain indicators less frequently, i.e. two yearly. This gives certain development, which can be slow to come forward, a chance to make significant progress and add value to reporting. This is mainly applicable to some indicators relating to infrastructure and green infrastructure. Additionally it was agreed that some of the indicator outputs crossover and potentially create duplication, therefore some amalgamation of data outputs will be necessary to make the report more succinct – this is particularly appropriate for indicators that yield qualitative data, primarily green infrastructure.

2. Local Development Scheme

Figure 1: North Northamptonshire Local Development Scheme at December 2019

Local Development Scheme at December 2019 Stakeholder and Community Involvement Date for submission to Secretary of State Examination hearing Consultation on proposed submission plan Pre-hearing meeting Receipt of Inspectors Report * Actual adoption date W Plan withdrawn Proposed date for adoption 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Plan Name J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D NN Joint Local Development Scheme (based on 25/7/19 JPC report) Joint Core Strategy (Second review) West Northants Strategic Plan (LDS agreed by partner LPAs 10/18) West Northants Strategic Plan Corby Borough Local Development Scheme (26/7/19) Part 2 Local Plan for Corby

East Northamptonshire District Local Development Scheme (Ageed at PPC 30/7/18) East Northants District Wide Local Plan Part 2 Kettering Borough Local Development Scheme (Adopted 25/9/19) Kettering Site Specific Part 2 Local Plan

Borough of Wellingborough Local Development Scheme (plan adopted) The Plan for the Borough of Wellingborough *

LDS – Current Situation

North Northamptonshire

2.1 The North Northamptonshire Joint Planning Committee (JPC) formally adopted the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) in July 2016.

2.2 Regulation 10A of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2012 states that it is a legal requirement for all local plans to be reviewed at least every five years and this position has been further clarified through the revised NPPF (para 33) which now states that policies in local plans and spatial development strategies should be reviewed to assess whether they need updating at least once every five years and should then be updated as necessary. Reviews should be completed no later than five years from the adoption date of a plan. The JPDU undertook a review to determine whether the JCS needed updating and reported to the JPC in July 2019 where it was agreed that the JCS does not require updating at the present time. The reasons for this are summarised below:

• The JPDU presently considers that the JCS is up-to-date and the policies are working, including in relation to housing delivery.

• The proposed timescale for the preparation of the Arc spatial framework has slipped from that envisaged by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC). This should ideally provide the strategic context for the JCS update and the JPDU will continue to input into this work.

• The prospect of a specific North Northamptonshire growth deal, including a commitment to a rapid review of the JCS, appears to have diminished. This reduces the urgency of revising the JCS and will make it prudent to consider various scenarios for the scale of new housing and jobs growth to be planned for in the JCS.

• The North Northamptonshire Strategic Plan will be a key statutory document for the new unitary authority, and it is better that this authority owns and shapes the plan from the start rather than inheriting a work-in-progress. The indicative timetable for the preparation of the North Northamptonshire Strategic Plan allows for this and also gives time for the Arc Spatial Framework to emerge.

• This position should remain under review as an update of some or all of the JCS policies may be required if some form of growth deal comes back on the table or there is another significant change in circumstances (e.g. new cross boundary issues or a major increase in Local Housing Need).

Corby

2.3 Since the last AMR, the Council consulted on the Publication Draft (Pre-Submission) Part 2 Local Plan between 5th August and 16th September 2019. Following this the Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State on 19th December 2019 for independent examination. An updated Local Development Scheme is being produced to incorporate the preparation of a Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocation Plan.

East Northamptonshire

2.4 Since the last AMR the LDS for East Northamptonshire has been revised. This, was primarily to take into account the need to do additional site assessment work for potential allocations

within the Part 2 Local Plan following consultation on the draft version of the plan (Regulation 18) which ran from November-December 2018 (with an extension until February 2019). The council is now working up a pre-submission draft ready for consultation in spring 2020 with the aim of submitting to the Secretary of State in the summer, examination would then be expected in autumn of the same year and adoption anticipated in winter 2021.

Kettering

2.5 The Kettering Town Centre Area Action Plan was adopted on 6th July 2011 following examination by an independent Inspector. The period of the Plan is 2011 – 2021. It is proposed that this Plan will be reviewed when the Local Plan Part 2 is adopted.

2.6 Kettering Borough Council consulted on its draft Part 2 Plan (22nd June – 3rd August 2018), following a revision of its LDS. The pre-submission consultation is now running from December 2019-January 2020. Submission to the Secretary of State is earmarked for April 2020 to then go to examination in July 2020, with the aim of adopting the Plan by the end of the same year.

Wellingborough

2.7 The Plan for the Borough of Wellingborough (PBW) was formally adopted in February 2019.

2.8 The council is now working on a selection of follow up Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) including an ‘Open Space: Developer Contributions SPD’ and a ‘Sports Provision: Developer Contributions SPD’ which the council committed to preparing during the proposed modifications to the plan. It is intended that draft SPDs will go to committee for permission to consult in June 2019 with a view for adoption over the 19/20 monitoring year.

2.9 The council is also producing a ‘Rural Exceptions Sites SPD’ to add further detail to Policy 13 of the JCS and Policy H6 of the PBW. It will set out a framework by which rural exceptions sites can be delivered. Consultation is expected on a draft document over the 19/20 monitoring year subject to committee approval.

Local Development Scheme

2.10 A graphical summary of these updates is available above in Figure 1. However, it must be noted that this is the position of the LPAs at the time of data collection at the end of 2019 and may not be reflective of the council’s position at the time of this report’s publication. For the most up to date information, please refer to the respective council’s directly.

Duty to Cooperate

2.11 Duty to cooperate is set out in planning legislation and includes activities such as the preparation of development plan documents and other local development documents. The JPDU has maintained ongoing dialogue with a number of adjoining local planning authorities, including the four that make up the North Northamptonshire area, as well as other prescribed bodies, on a variety of issues throughout the reporting year. The LPAs have also maintained dialogue with relevant organisations where this has been necessary for their Part 2 Local Plans.

Neighbourhood Plans and Neighbourhood/Local Development Orders

2.12 Due to a publication error within the 2017/18 AMR, updates on the progression of Neighbourhood Plans were not provided within the document, therefore the updates below reflect a two-year period. Neighbourhood Plans that have already been ‘made’ (as reported in previous AMRs) or have not seen any progress since the last AMR will not be reported on below. Instead, further details on these can be found on the respective council websites:

Corby

• Stanion – Designation of a new neighbourhood plan area approved on 27th September 2018 to align with the new parish boundary, after the creation of Little Stanion Parish in April 2018. • Gretton – A Pre-Submission Draft Neighbourhood Plan was prepared and published for public consultation between 1st October and 12th November 2019 pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012.

East Northamptonshire

• Brigstock – After consulting, the Plan was submitted to the council on 5th March 2018 with the submission consultation then running from 6th April – 21st May. An examiner was appointed on 25th June 2018 with the report published on 8th October 2018. A successful referendum took place on 8th December 2018 with a majority ‘Yes’ vote meaning the Plan could be ‘made’ on 21st January 2019 by the council so that it now must be used when considering planning applications in the area. • Barrowden and Wakerley – This is a cross-boundary joint neighbourhood plan covering Barrowden (Rutland County Council) and Wakerley (East Northamptonshire Council). Consultation took place on the first draft of the Plan, which ran from 14th April – 26th May 2018. The plan was submitted to Rutland County Council of 21st November 2018 with the submission version of the plan consulted on from 14th January – 25th February 2019. A successful referendum took place on 17th October 2019 with a majority ‘Yes’ vote meaning the Plan could be ‘made’ and is now to be used when determining planning applications in the area. • Glapthorn – After consulting, the Plan was submitted for examination on 14th December 2017 with the submission consultation then running from 12th January – 26th February 2018. An examiner was then appointed on 1st March 2018 with the report being published on 23rd April. A successful referendum took place on 5th July 2018 with a majority ‘Yes’ vote meaning the Plan could be ‘made’ on 30th July 2018 and is now to be used when determining applications in the area. • Hargrave – Neighbourhood Area formally designated 6th September 2019. • King’s Cliffe – Neighbourhood Plan agreed to be ‘made’ by Full Council on 14th October 2019. • Oundle – The first draft of the Plan went out for consultation between 9th April and 21st May 2018. The neighbourhood plan was submitted to the council on 24th May 2019 and the submission version of the plan was consulted on from 12th July – 27th August 2019. Following a review of the submission Plan by the Examiner a hearing was arranged for 29th October 2019 at the hearing the Examiner considered a range of issues that were raised since the Plan’s

submission. A report was then produced and made public on 21st December 2019 in which the Examiner concluded that the Plan does not meet the basic conditions and should therefore not proceed to referendum. Full details including this report can be viewed here. • Twywell – Neighbourhood Area formally designated 9th May 2019. • Rushden – After the consultation on the submission version of the Plan an examiner was appointed on 15th January 2018 and their report published on 4th April. A successful referendum took place on 24th April 2018 with a majority ‘Yes’ vote meaning the Plan could be ‘made’ on 4th June 2018 by the council so that it now must be used when considering planning applications in the area. • Warmington – The first draft of the neighbourhood plan went for consultation from 25th January – 8th March 2019. Subsequently the submission version of the plan was consulted on from 14th June – 29th July 2019, the examiner’s final report was received on 28th August 2019 and the referendum is now expected on 24th October 2019. Following a successful referendum, the Warmington Neighbourhood Plan was accepted as ‘made’ by East Northamptonshire Council on 17th December 2019.

Kettering

• Broughton – Consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order concluded at the end of 2017 and examination commenced on the Plan on 5th March 2018, with the report being released during the next month. A referendum on the Plan and Order took place on 20th September 2018 and was approved by voters, both were ‘made’ by the council on 17th October 2018. • Grafton Underwood – On the 3rd June 2019 Kettering Borough Council designated the Parish of Grafton Underwood as the Neighbourhood Plan Area for the Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan. • Harrington – On the 9th September 2019 Kettering Borough Council designated the Parish of Harrington as the Neighbourhood Plan Area for the Harrington Neighbourhood Plan. • Seats on Streets Local Development Order – On 26th September 2018 Kettering Borough Council resolved to adopt the "Seats on Street" Local Development Order (LDO) for Kettering Town Centre. The LDO automatically grants planning permission for tables and chairs associated with an authorised hotel and/or restaurant/cafe/coffee shop use to be placed on the highway and used for the consumption of food and drinks served by those premises, subject to specific conditions being met.

Wellingborough

• Ecton – Consultation on the pre-submission plan took place between 15th April and 31st May 2019. The plan was submitted to Borough Council of Wellingborough on 5th November and is now out for consultation from 16th December 2019 to 10th February 2020. • Irchester (including Knuston and Little Irchester) – The Plan was submitted to the council and consultation ran for 6 weeks between 10th January and 23rd February 2018. In March 2018 an examiner was appointed with their report being received on 1st May. A referendum took place

on 12th July and the Plan was approved by voters. The plan went to full council on 16th October 2018 where it was ‘made’. • Isham – The council approved the designation of the Isham Neighbourhood Area on the 5th June 2019.

3. Overall Spatial Strategy (Adopted Joint Core Strategy)

3.1 In adherence with the NPPF, the following section has been produced relative to the provisions of the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (JCS). This is now the 3rd AMR to monitor against the JCS monitoring framework. This represents a change of approach to AMRs pre 2016/17 where analysis had been undertaken relative to the strategic framework of the 2008 Core Spatial Strategy (CSS).

3.2 Through the JCS the strategic objective is for North Northamptonshire to deliver a minimum of 35,000 net additional dwellings between 2011-2031, with the quantum and distribution of this new housing aligned to the role identified for the respective settlements. Table 1 and Chart 1 overleaf provide further detail on this, including how much new housing has been delivered since 2011.

3.3 This section also outlines other spatial changes such as those developments that have been built on brownfield land.

3.4 A summary of the findings are presented at the end of this section.

Table 1: Distribution of Housing Development, 2011-31, by settlement category Indicative Total Housing Recorded Recorded 2011-19 JCS Residual Requirement Housing Housing District/Borough Settlement/Area (net) Requirement 2011-31 (net) completions completions 2019-31 (net) 2011-18 (net) 2018-19 (net)

CORBY

Growth Town Corby 8,290 2,320 576 2,896 5,394

New Village Little Stanion 790 592 26 618 172

Rural Area Corby Rural 120 99 31 130 -10 Corby Totals 9,200 3,011 632 3,643 5,557 KETTERING

Growth Town Kettering 6,190 1,401 501 1,902 4,288

Burton Latimer 1,180 1,001 109 1,110 70

Market Towns Desborough 1,360 363 10 373 987 Rothwell 1,190 317 3 320 870

Rural Areas Kettering Rural 480 152 21 173 307

Kettering Totals 10,400 3,234 644 3,878 6,522 WELLINGBOROUGH

Growth Town Wellingborough 5,750 1,282 229 1,511 4,239

Earls Barton 250 223 87 310 -60 Finedon 150 92 6 98 52 Villages Irchester 150 19 2 21 129 Wollaston 160 44 6 50 110 Wellingborough Rural Area 540 118 9 127 413 Rural Wellingborough Totals 7,000 1,778 339 2,117 4,883 EAST NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

Growth Town Rushden 3,285 953 83 1,036 2,249

Market Towns Higham Ferrers 560 358 12 370 190

Irthlingborough 1,350 283 37 320 1,030

Raunds 1,060 387 275 662 398 Thrapston 680 239 12 251 429 Oundle 645 335 8 343 302

Rural Areas East Northants Rural 820 466 46 512 308

East Northants Totals 8,400 3,021 473 3,494 4,906 NORTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Growth Towns 23,515 5,956 1,389 7,345 16,170 Market Towns 8,025 3,283 466 3,749 4,276 Villages 1,500 970 127 1,097 403 Rural Areas 1,960 835 107 942 1,018 North Northants Totals 35,000 11,044 2,088 13,132 21,868

Chart 1: Comparison of the JCS distribution of housing development to actual rates recorded 80%

70% 67%

60% 56%

50%

40%

29% 30% 23% 20%

8% 10% 6% 7% 4%

0% Growth Towns Market Towns Villages Rural Areas

JCS 2011-31 Actual 2011-19

Chart 2: Distribution of net housing development 2011-19, by Local Authority Area

East Northants Corby 27% 28% Corby Kettering Wellingborough East Northants Wellingborough 16% Kettering 29%

Table 2: Housing Completions by Local Authority, 2017/18-2018/19 (Policy 29)

Local Authority Net Net Annual % Average Completions Completions change on Annual 2017/18 2018/19 the Housing preceding Completions year 2011-2019

Corby 597 632 6% 455 East Northants 446 473 6% 437

Kettering 495 644 30% 485

Wellingborough 274 339 24% 265

North Northants 1,812 2,088 15% 1,642

Table 3: the number and % of new developments built on Brownfield land by LPA 18/19

Housing (units)

Corby No. delivered 632 No. on Brownfield 148 % on Brownfield 23% East Northamptonshire No. delivered 473 No. on Brownfield % on Brownfield Kettering No. delivered 644 No. on Brownfield 235 % on Brownfield 36.5% Wellingborough No. delivered 339 No. on Brownfield 142 % on Brownfield 41.9% North Northamptonshire No. delivered 1,615 No. on Brownfield 525 % on Brownfield 33%

Overall Spatial Strategy Summary

3.5 One of the key monitoring headlines in every AMR relates to the overall housing completion figure for North Northamptonshire; the area saw 2,088 net completions in 18/19 which is an increase on 17/18 of 15% where the figure was 1,812. This overall increase was helped by the fact all individual LPAs experienced increases on the previous year, including another record high year for Corby with 632 net dwellings delivered, Kettering also saw their second highest ever completions figure with 644, a substantial increase of 30% on the previous year. East Northants saw a slight increase on their 17/18 figure with 473 homes delivered, whilst Wellingborough saw an increase of 24% on the previous year taking their total 339 for 18/19 after two years of figures sitting within the 200s.

3.6 In terms of the rural/urban split there is rarely substantial change on a yearly basis. However for the 18/19 year it is worth noting that there has been a slight increase in the Growth Town share of the split (54% up to 56%), which has been a continuous trend of the last couple of AMRs and as a consequence there has been a slight decrease in the Market Towns (30% to 29%) and Village share (9% down to 8%). The Rural share remains at 7%.

3.7 As guided by Policy 6, the amount of housing built on Brownfield Land is recorded as part of the AMR. In 2018/19 33% of all new housing built in North Northamptonshire was developed on Brownfield land this is a decrease of 4% on the previous year. However, this may not be an accurate reflection due to no data being available for East Northants this year. The highest performers were Wellingborough with 42% of all housing being built on Brownfield land (a slight decrease on last year) and Kettering with 37% (an increase on their previous figure). Corby saw a 3% improvement on their 17/18 figure. Data on employment land developed on PDL is available in Chapter 4 - Economy.

3.8 In conclusion, the rural/urban split remains similar to what was observed in the previous AMR. When observing the likes of Chart 1, there remains some imbalance in terms of where growth is taking place compared to what is expected in the JCS. Despite a slight decrease, Market Towns still have a significant share of the overall growth in North Northamptonshire, however there has been increase in the share of delivery seen at the Growth Towns as explained in para 3.6, which has closed the gap between actual delivery and the JCS requirements. It would be logical to anticipate that the Growth Towns are to continue to see further incremental increases in the coming years as more of the SUEs begin to build at a more rapid pace. Market Towns have become areas to maintain delivery where it has been less than anticipated in the Growth Towns in the past consistent with the provisions of the JCS (para 9.17). Unfortunately, not all LPAs have this option, i.e. Wellingborough and Corby who have struggled to keep up with the delivery rates of Kettering and East Northants in previous years as they have no market towns, however this pattern may now be changing as mentioned in para 3.6 with relation to increasing delivery rates at the SUEs. As observed in previous years it is clear that the majority of developments are being provided on Greenfield Land, with the dataset shown in Table 3 evidencing that 33% of all housing development is being brought forward on PDL which is a slight decrease on last year, while 95.5% of employment land is being developed on PDL (Table 5, Chapter 4). As mentioned, the JCS does not set specific targets on developments on PDL, but Policy 6 seeks to maximise the delivery of development on suitable PDL.

4. Economy

4.1 The JCS aims to make North Northamptonshire more economically self-reliant by achieving a sustainable balance between local jobs and workers and to deliver a more prosperous and diverse economy. It seeks to accomplish this through planning for enough jobs to match the forecast growth in labour (the target set for job numbers by 2031 is 31,000). In addition, it also aims to ensure the right amount and type of employment land is available in locations that balance the demands of the market with the capacity of infrastructure and the need to protect and where possible enhance the environment.

4.2 Within this section data is presented to show the location and quantity of employment land delivered and the amount of employment land available, as well as updated on site-specific examples of strategic employment sites such as the Rockingham Motor Racing Circuit Enterprise Area. Information is also given on the provision of logistics floorspace and training schemes delivered within the monitoring year and, as per previous AMRs, figures on job numbers within North Northamptonshire and the changes seen on the preceding year.

4.3 A summary of the key findings are presented at the end of the section.

Table 4: Total amount of additional employment floorspace by type (m2) 18/19 BD1 B1a B1b B1c Unclassified B1/B2 B2 B8 Mixed Total B1 B Corby Gross 0 0 0 31,960 0 19,584 275,000 35,872 362,416 Net 0 0 0 31,960 0 19,559 275,000 35,872 362,391

East Gross Northamptonshire Net Kettering Gross 1,242 0 0 0 0 6,250 4,641 14,287 26,420 Net -5476 0 0 0 0 5,992 4,641 14,287 19,444 Wellingborough Gross 318 0 64 0 0 588 1596 3,972 6,538 Net -258 0 64 0 0 -39 1180 3,385 4,332 North Gross 1,560 0 64 31,960 0 26,422 281,237 54,131 395,374 Northamptonshire Net -5,734 0 64 31,960 0 25,512 280,821 53,544 386,167

4.4 Table 4 above looks at the growth in employment floorspace in the monitoring year at both local authority and North Northamptonshire level, broken down by B-use Class. For ease of understanding, Gross floorspace is defined as new floorspace completions plus any gains made through change of use and conversions. Net additional floorspace is calculated as new floorspace completions minus demolitions plus any gains or losses through change of use and conversions.

Table 5: Total Amount of employment floorspace on previously developed land (m2) – by type 18/19 BD2 B1a B1b B1c Unclassified B1/2 B2 B8 Mixed Total B1 B Corby Gross 0 0 0 31,960 0 19,584 275,000 35,872 362,416 % 0 0 0 100% 0 100% 100% 100% 100% Gross on PDL East Gross

Northamptonshire % Gross on PDL Kettering Gross 1,242 0 0 0 0 6,250 4,641 14,287 26,420 % 29.79% 0 0 0 0 100% 100% 35.06% 38.42% Gross on PDL Wellingborough Gross 318 0 64 0 0 588 1596 3972 6,538 % 100% 0 100% 0 0 93% 0% 100% 75% Gross on PDL North Gross 1,560 0 64 31,960 0 26,422 281,237 54,131 395,374 Northamptonshire % 44.2% 0.0% 100.0% 100.0% 0.0% 99.8% 99.4% 82.9% 95.5% Gross on PDL

Table 6: Employment Land Available-by Type (ha) 18/19 BD3 B1a B1b B1c Unclassified B1/B2 B2 B8 Mixed B Total B1 Corby hectares 0 0 0 33.89 0 18.48 28.16 183.17 263.70 East hectares Northamptonshire Kettering hectares 0.26 0 0.22 0.08 0 0 8.10 44.94 53.61 Wellingborough hectares 3.3 2.2 2.4 22.6 0 0.6 21.7 55.2 108 North hectares 3.56 2.2 2.62 56.57 0 19.08 57.96 283.31 425.31 Northamptonshire

Table 7: B-class employment areas lost to other (non-B) uses 18/19

Lost to A Class Lost to C Class Lost to D Class Lost to Sui Total (m²) (m²) (m²) (m²) Generis (m2)

Corby 1,838 0 470 399 2,707

East Northamptonshire

Kettering 0 0 0 0 0

Wellingborough 221 0 1,398 0 1,619

North 2,059 0 1,868 399 4,326 Northamptonshire

Table 8: The number and scale of retail developments approved outside of the defined town centre areas 18/19 Number approved Total approved area (m²)

Corby 1 931

East Northamptonshire

Kettering 2 1,849 Wellingborough 4 222

North Northamptonshire 7 3,002

Table 9: Number of Office Developments allocated/consented/completed at growth towns 18/19

Local Authority Allocated Consented Completed

Corby 0 2 2 East Northants (Rushden) Kettering 0 1 2 Wellingborough 0 5 3 North Northants 0 8 7

Table 10: Number of rural employment sites allocated/consented/completed within the rural areas 18/19

Local Authority Allocated Consented Completed

Corby 0 1 0 East Northants Kettering 0 3 1 Wellingborough 0 3 1 North Northants 0 7 2

Table 11: Number and scale (m2 floorspace) of new strategic logistics operations by location 18/19 (minimum 9300m2) LPA Location(s) Scale (m2)

Corby Corby - Gefco 15,623 Corby – Midlands 74,322 Logistic Park North Northants 89,945

Table 12: Number of training schemes secured through new development and S106 agreements

Local Authority Number of schemes

Corby 0 East Northants Kettering 1 Wellingborough 2 North Northants 3

Table 13: Reporting on farm diversification and conversion of redundant buildings for employment and tourism related development 18/19 LPA Location Converted to employment Application Reference or tourism? CBC Weldon Tourism 19/00611/DPA KBC Braybrooke Farm, Employment and Tourism KET/2016/0788 Harborough Road, (Micro-Brewery) Braybrooke KBC The Old Chicken Farm, Employment (B1c/B2/B8) KET/2018/0895 Broughton Hill, Great Cransley

Table 14: Net job provision and number of net additional jobs provided by LPA on annualised basis

Local Corby East Northamptonshire Kettering Wellingborough North Authority Northants

2011 29,100 26,800 39,000 33,100 128,000 2012 28,700 25,900 39,100 32,800 126,500 2013 29,700 25,500 39,200 31,700 126,100 2014 30,400 25,100 40,900 33,300 129,700 2015 29,700 26,200 41,800 32,700 130,400 2016 33,100 26,500 43,400 36,100 139,100 2017 33,000 29,000 45,000 36,000 143,000 2018 34,000 30,000 46,000 35,000 145,000 Change 2017-18 1,000 1,000 1,000 -1,000 2,000

Overall 4,900 3,200 7,000 1,900 17,000 Performance 2011-2018

JCS Job Growth 9,700 7,200 8,100 6,100 31,100 Target (2011-31)

Residual 4,800 4,000 1,100 4,200 14,100 Requirement 2019-31

New net comparison floorspace provided in Kettering and Corby town centres:

Corby Borough Council is proactively working with partners to accelerate development of brownfield opportunity sites within the town centre.

Corby is one of 100 towns selected nationally to work towards a Town Deal as part of Government’s £3.6bn Town Fund to further improve the ability of towns to realise their growth ambitions. The first stage is the development and convening of a Town Deal Board. The second stage is developing a Town Investment Plan for Corby to enable a business case to apply for up to £25m. The Council will establish a Town Board in early 2020 to develop the bid.

In September 2019 last year Kettering Borough Council was successful in a bid for national funding to revitalise the town centre in co-ordination with Historic England as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme. This funding can assist with repairing historic buildings and restoring shop fronts as well as stimulating commercial investment and supporting education projects and providing training opportunities.

The next step is to work with Historic England to finalise the distribution of spend amongst these projects, known as a Programme Design. This process was completed in January 2020 and the project will go live in April 2020.

Kettering Borough Council’s Executive Committee agreed the Town Centre Delivery Plan on 18th April 2018. The Delivery Plan contains 20 high level town centre projects categorised to be completed in short, medium and long-term periods. Good progress has been made on all the identified projects, to date.

Works in Wellingborough and Rushden Town Centres

Works have continued on various heritage and public realm projects over the monitoring year. The shop fronts on key streets within the town centre have been repainted and improved as part of a ‘town heritage initiative’. This is a rolling programme of shop front improvements that are ongoing. Included within this is the refurbishment of the Hind Hotel, a Grade II* Listed Building which has recently commenced.

There are ongoing discussions about how to improve and retain a vibrant and viable town centre in Wellingborough so it can operate effectively alongside Rushden Lakes; a variety of projects and initiatives should arise out of these discussions. These projects have so far included a beach event in the town centre.

The council has also secured s106 money for a ‘digital high street’ contribution. Although specific projects are not determined as yet, this funding could include initiatives to increase broadband speeds across the town centre, create a free Wi-Fi network and other methods of increasing connections between business and customers through social media/mobile technology.

Progress on the provision of an additional 4,500m2 convenience goods floorspace in the Southern Area by 2031

Additional convenience floorspace provision in Wellingborough will focus on the two SUEs in the borough. Stanton Cross has planning permission for 2250m2 of retail floorspace whilst Wellingborough North could provide 1220m2. A residential development at Park Farm Way in Wellingborough also makes provision for 502m2 of retail development. Wellingborough will continue to monitor any other potential sources of retail floorspace in the borough as well as any updates to the above applications.

Progress on the development of the Rockingham Motor Racing Circuit Enterprise Area (REA) and associated policy criteria

Various sites have secured planning permission in this location and some have been implemented. However, the high-performance technologies related to motorsport encouraged by Policy 27 of the Joint Core Strategy have proved difficult to establish to date.

Economy Summary

4.5 One of the core items to report on within the AMR regards the total amount of additional employment floorspace delivered in North Northamptonshire. According to the 18/19 data 395,374m2 gross employment space was delivered in the area within this time period, albeit this decreases to 386,167m2 (net) once losses are factored in. Despite a lack of employment data available from East Northants this year, this is still an increase of more than 300,000m2 on last year’s data (a figure which is likely bigger once these are factored in). As Table 4 outlines, the most employment floorspace was delivered in Corby, both gross and net, where accounting for losses a total of 362,391m2 making up most of that delivered across North Northamptonshire, primarily due to the delivery of the Midlands Logistics Park. Wellingborough delivered the least overall floorspace with a 4,332m2 net, this delivery came from an additional 13 B1/B2/B8 units at Leyland Industrial Estate in Wellingborough which provided 3,943m2 of mixed B use employment floorspace. As is usually typical, the type of employment land to deliver the most floorspace was B8, with a net gain of 280,821m2, this is expected as logistics and storage developments often require the most space.

4.6 Linked to this dataset, and also something already referred to in Chapter 3: Overall Spatial Strategy, is the amount of employment floorspace delivered on PDL. As Table 5 shows, 395,374 m2 of employment land was delivered on PDL in North Northamptonshire in 18/19 which accounts for 95.5% of the total employment land delivered. This is an increase of 41.5% on last year’s data. The best performing authority in terms of percentages was again Corby who saw all of their additional employment land delivered on Brownfield sites, Wellingborough still saw a 35% increase on its 17/18 figures, whereas Kettering experienced a decrease of nearly 62% who, as well as Corby, scored 100% in the 17/18 AMR.

4.7 As outlined in Table 6, North Northamptonshire has 425.31ha employment land available which is a decrease of 472ha on last year. The majority of the land available is again Mixed B land with 283.31ha available. This significant decrease is largely down to the update of Corby’s Employment Land Review as well as build out at significant strategic sites such as the Midlands Logistics Park, Corby still has by far the most land available with 263.7ha and at the other end of the scale is Kettering with 53.61ha available, which is a decrease in nearly 145ha from 17/18.

4.8 Table 7 outlines that 4,326m2 of B-Class employment land was lost to other non-B uses in 2018/19, this is an increase of 2,637m2 from what was lost in the previous AMR. This is primarily due to Corby seeing increases across multiple land use types in comparison to last year where they reported no losses, Wellingborough also saw a slight increase on its 17/18 data. Kettering continues to experience low losses of land to the point where zero was lost in 2018/19. Whereas last year most of the B-class land lost was to D-Class, in 18/19 most was now lost to A-Class (2,059m2), additionally land lost to Sui Generis was observed for the first time since regular monitoring has been undertaken (399 m2 at Corby). The JCS through Policy

22 aims to safeguard employment areas for employment uses; therefore the less B-Class land lost the better, so the increase in losses observed over the last year could be viewed as a negative for North Northamptonshire, however it is important to note that other use classes (other than B-Class) also often provide many employment opportunities.

4.9 In terms of the number and scale of retail developments approved outside the defined town centre areas, in North Northamptonshire, developments equating to 3,002m2 worth of land were approved in this way (Table 8); this is nearly 1,300m2 less than last year (again factoring in that no data from East Northants was available in 18/19). Contrary to previous years Kettering scored highest in 18/19 with 1,849m2 a large amount of which was delivered at Tesco’s on Carina Road, whereas Wellingborough scored the lowest with 222m2 delivered outside of the defined town centre area in smaller settlements such as Earls Barton and Orlingbury. The JCS sets no target on this but aims to keep retail and town centre uses to within the town centre boundaries consistent with the provisions of national planning policy.

4.10 A total of 15 office developments have been allocated, consented or completed at growth towns within the 18/19 monitoring period (Table 9). This is a decrease of 8 compared to the 17/18 year. Wellingborough saw the most consents with 5, a majority of this at Appleby Lodge. The Borough also recorded 3 completed sites, including the development at Sassoon Mews. Corby Council consented 2 such developments; with mixed use offices at London Road, Priors Hall and recorded 2 completions (one of which was part of the Midlands Logistics scheme) whereas Kettering had one consent and 2 completions which included a three storey office building at Plot 3 of the North Kettering Business Development Area. The JCS monitoring framework has this indicator outlined as contextual and therefore no specific target is set on what should be achieved; however it is interesting to see the number has remained at a fairly consistent level in comparison to last year in North Northamptonshire which appears consistent with the number of jobs delivered across the area (para 4.15).

4.11 Table 10 outlines that a total of 9 rural employment sites have been allocated, consented or completed in North Northamptonshire for the 18/19 year. This is a significant decrease of 37 compared to the previous year this may be exacerbated by a lack of available data for the predomantly rural district of East Northants which has historically proven a desirable location for such developments. Of the 7 consented, 3 were at Kettering and Wellingborough with 1 at Corby; Kettering and Wellingborough saw 1 completion each, these were a conversion at The Old Chicken Farm in Cransley from agricultural to B1c/B2/B8 and the Ecton Lane Plantation, Sywell respectively. Again, the JCS monitoring framework has this indicator down as contextual and therefore no specific target is set on what should be achieved albeit this is an area where data is being collated and which may prove helpful in terms of developing future policy albeit due to the incomplete dataset it is not possible to determine a complete trend this year for the whole of North Northamptonshire.

4.12 It was agreed at the last Monitoring Officer’s Group (May 2019) that logistics operations should be monitored at a strategic level going forward for future AMRs – defined in the JCS as being a minimum of 9,300m2. Therefore, in Table 11 only developments of this size or more are recorded. Taking this into account 89,945m2 of strategic logistics operations floorspace was delivered in 2018/19 in North Northamptonshire, all of which was seen in Corby with 74,322m2 delivered at the Midlands Logistics Park. Despite the new threshold there has been nearly a 30,000m2 increase in this type of development in North Northamptonshire compared to 17/18 and this has been the third year running that there has been a significant increase in this type of floorspace in the area, proving the ongoing desirability of our area to the sector

4.13 Three training schemes were secured through new development and S106 agreements in 2018/19, just one fewer than last year (Table 12). Kettering secured one training scheme (its first since reporting on this indicator began in 16/17) and Wellingborough 2 after not recording any last year. Examples of these include the Roxhill Gateway site in Kettering and as part of the process of developing the new Prison in Wellingborough the developer has successfully applied for grant funding from the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) to provide opportunities for training and skills in the construction industry to be associated with the development. JCS Policy 22 aims to enhance workforce skills through training schemes secured through new development; clearly evidence of this continuing to take place in North Northamptonshire is encouraging for the area by improving workforce skills and working towards a higher quality local economy.

4.14 Similar to the 17/18 report, 3 developments of farm diversification and conversion of redundant buildings for employment and tourism related development took place in North Northamptonshire (Table 13), however these occurred in Kettering (2) and Corby (1) whereas neither reported any last year and East Northants and Wellingborough reported 0 this year. Full details can be found in Table 13, with an example of such a development being the aforementioned Old Chicken Farm in Great Cransley, Kettering. The JCS does not set a target in terms of what North Northamptonshire should be achieving over the plan period for such developments, however simply enhancing the rural economy with the emergence of these proposals is certainly a positive for the area and these trends/data will be used to inform future policy.

4.15 Employee jobs refer to the number of jobs held by employees; they exclude self-employed, government supported trainees, HM Forces and farm-based agriculture which reduces the total accordingly. The information comes from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES) - an employment survey conducted in September each year. The BRES records a job at the location of an employee’s workplace (rather than at the location of the businesses main office). Figures obtained from the BRES show that as of 2018 there are now 145,000 employees in North Northamptonshire, this is an increase of 2,000 on the 2017 figure of 143,000. Despite a fall in the rate of growth in comparison to what was recorded between 2016 and 2017, this is still a significant rise in the number of employees. When considering that the JCS sets a target of a 31,100 job increase from 2011-2031 and that since 2011 North Northamptonshire has delivered 17,000 more jobs, this must still be viewed as a significant increase in just a year. This leaves a residual requirement of 14,100 jobs meaning North Northamptonshire has attained more than half of its job target within 7 years, which gives a positive outlook for the remainder of the plan period if trends continue. However, given that the JCS was only adopted in 2016, conclusions cannot be so quickly drawn together, it will be imperative to see what growth will take place over the next few years to gauge whether this is a continuous trend. This year Corby, Kettering and East Northants all saw increases of 1,000 employee job compared to the 2017 dataset, whereas Wellingborough saw a decrease of 1,000. As with previous years there is no background data available on where specifically these changes are happening and what the causes may be, therefore only assumptions can be made at this stage in regard where specifically in the LPAs these jobs have come forward (i.e. town and employers).

4.16 Overall in regard to the local economy, figures suggest that the region has performed soundly in the 18/19 year despite not all the usual data being available, with some East Northants figures missing for some datasets. Positive headlines this year that particularly standout

31 include the significant amount of employment floorspace delivered compared to last year as well as the extremely encouraging amount of this delivered on PDL (95.55%) demonstrating sustainable use of brownfield land. There is also continued job growth as detailed in Table 14 as well as sufficient evidence of training schemes being secured across the area and incidents of farm diversification and conversion of redundant buildings for employment and tourism usage. It is also worth noting the continued delivery of substantive logistics schemes in North Northamptonshire. While there are many positive stories to note within this section, one of lower performing indicators regards the new net comparison retail floorspace provided in Corby and Kettering, where no data was recorded this year, the target to reach by 2031 is 12,500m2 while to date only 4,700m2 has been recorded. While it appears that this is overall another positive year for North Northamptonshire’s economy in terms of improvements seen upon last year’s data, it will be important to continue to monitor key indicators to see if and how they change within the next AMR and what the reasons might be behind those changes.

5. Housing

5.1 This section of the AMR outlines the levels of house building recorded relative to targets set within the Joint Core Strategy and includes an assessment of the housing land supply position of the area. Despite the revised housing requirements set out in the JCS, this AMR will continue to use the same output indicators to highlight any trends which have been identified locally. Alongside these outputs, this section also includes housing trajectories to outline the overall levels of delivery anticipated over the plan period as well as outlining the provision of both affordable units and sites for Gypsies and travellers relative to need.

5.2 Additional data sets in this section that were new to last year’s report include the provision of older person’s housing as well as the delivery of rural exception schemes. 5.3 A summary of these findings is presented at the end of this section.

Table 15: Plan Period and Housing Targets Local Authority Start of Plan End of Plan period Housing Requirements 2011- Period 2031 Corby 01/04/2011 31/03/2031 9,200 (14,2004) East Northants 8,400

Kettering 10,400 Wellingborough 7,000

North Northants 35,000 (40,000)

4 Figure inclusive of strategic opportunity at Corby

Table 16: Net additional dwellings for (a) previous years and (b) the reporting year LPA 2011/ 2012/ 2013/ 2014/ 2015/ 2016/ 2017/ 2018/ Totals JCS Annual JCS % attainment Requirement Totals to date 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2011-19 2011-19 (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (a) (b) Corby 482 483 342 390 368 349 597 632 3,643 460 3,680 99% East Northants 184 248 313 459 565 806 446 473 3,494 420 3,360 104%

Kettering 313 351 540 282 547 706 495 644 3,878 520 4,160 93% Wellingborough 122 116 255 384 380 247 274 339 2,117 350 2,800 76%

North Northants 1,101 1,198 1,450 1,515 1,860 2,108 1,812 2,088 13,132 1,750 14,000 94%

Cumulative Total 1,101 2,299 3,749 5,264 7,124 9,232 11,044 13,132

Table 17: Net additional dwellings – in future years [1] LPA 2019/ 2020/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2026/ 2027/ 2028/ 2029/ 2030/ Totals 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Corby 439 505 698 689 617 750 782 696 626 626 626 626 7,680 East Northants 223 350 649 749 689 508 462 483 406 317 271 241 5,348

Kettering 535 876 1047 974 648 839 977 888 777 614 399 386 8,960 Wellingborough 421 571 900 921 840 751 706 721 566 396 396 406 7,595

North 1,618 2,302 3,294 3,333 2,794 2,848 2,927 2,788 2,375 1,953 1,692 1,659 29,583 Northants Cumulative 1,618 3,920 7,214 10,547 13,341 16,189 19,116 21,904 24,279 26,232 27,924 29,583 Total

Table 18: New additional pitches (Gypsy and traveller) 2018/19

Permanent Transit Total

Corby 4 0 4

East Northamptonshire 0 0 0

Kettering 8 0 8

Wellingborough 0 0 0

North Northamptonshire 12 0 12

Table 19: New additional Gypsy and Traveller permanent pitches by year (2011-19)

11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 Total

Corby 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 8

East Northants 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Kettering 0 3 2 7 0 3 2 8 25

Wellingborough 0 0 4 0 6 0 9 0 19

Total 4 3 6 7 6 3 11 12 52

Table 20: Gross Affordable Housing Completions, 2018/19

Social Intermediate Affordable Total Gross Total Gross % of Gross Housing Rent Housing Rent affordable Housing Completions homes Completions affordable Corby 0 18 46 64 637 10%

East 0 (6) 30 (36) 17 (22) 47 (64)5 489 10% Northamptonshire

Kettering 7 72 56 135 644 21%

Wellingborough 0 27 39 66 352 19%

North 7 147 158 312 2,122 15% Northamptonshire

5 East Northamptonshire Housing Strategy are keen to express that 64 affordable completions were officially reported in 18/19, however due to differences in when completions are reported between Housing Strategy and Planning, some of these 64 completions were reported in the 17/18 year by Planning.

Table 21 Gross affordable housing completions by settlement, 2018-19

District/Borough Settlement/Area Recorded Total Affordable % affordable JCS Housing (gross) Requirement completions 2018-19 (gross)

Growth Town Corby 575 54 9% 30%

New Village Little Stanion 26 0 0 40%

Rural Area Corby Rural 36 10 28% 40%

Corby Totals 637 64 10% Growth Town Kettering 501 94 19% 30% Market Towns Burton Latimer 109 30 28% 30%

Desborough 10 0 0 30% Rothwell 3 116 0 30%

Rural Areas Kettering Rural 21 0 0 40% Kettering Totals 644 135 21% Growth Town Wellingborough 234 45 19% 30%

Villages Earls Barton 88 21 24% 40% Finedon 7 0 0 40% Irchester 3 0 0 40% Wollaston 7 0 0 40% Rural Area Wellingborough Rural 13 0 0 40%

Wellingborough Totals 352 66 19%

Growth Town Rushden 86 0 0 30%

Market Towns Higham Ferrers 13 0 0 30%

Irthlingborough 49 20 41% 30%

Raunds 275 27 10% 30% Thrapston 12 0 (8) 0 30% Oundle 8 0 0 40% Rural Areas East Northants Rural 46 0 (9) 0 40%

East Northants Totals 489 47 (64) 10% North Northamptonshire 2,122 312 (329) 15%

6 With regards to Rothwell, the affordable completions are properties converted from outright sale to shared ownership. This means that the figures do not correlate this year, given that they would have been counted as complete in the previous year. The site is the former Rothwell Town Football Club (KET/2014/0233).

Table 22: The number and type of affordable and market homes permitted and/or built through application of Policy 13 in the rural area, by settlement and LPA 18/19 LPA Settlement Number approved/built Type of home (e.g. social rent etc)

Wellingborough Bozeat 1 Market (open countryside)- Agricultural dwelling

Table 23: Number of dwellings permitted and/or built in the open countryside for rural workers to support the vitality and viability of the rural economy, by settlement and LPA

LPA Settlement No. Of dwellings permitted/built

Corby Cottingham 1 permitted (18/00356/DPA) Wellingborough Bozeat 1 built (WP/17/00673/FUL)

Table 24: Reporting on the provision of accommodation for older people: New additional 18/19

Local Authority Residential care home Sheltered Extra Care (rooms) Corby 0 0 0 East Northants Kettering 66 (42) 0 0

Wellingborough 0 0 0 North Northants 18/19 Total 66 (42)7 0 0

Provision for custom and self-build developments:

During 2018/19 3 completions were reported and 8 permissions were granted in Corby. More were delivered in Kettering, with 35 consents and 24 completions. In Wellingborough there were a total of 15 permissions granted for single dwellings on individual plots during the monitoring year. Whilst this is not an absolute measure of CSB supply it is reasonable to assume that purchasers will have had a significant input into the design and layout of their new home on these consents.

7 See para 5.11

Housing Summary

5.4 The JCS housing targets for 2011-2031 are set out in Table 15, these are of course the same as what was set out in last year’s report since the JCS adoption and will remain so until the JCS is updated. A breakdown of housing delivery by location and settlement hierarchy can be found in Chapter 3 – Overall Spatial Strategy.

5.5 In terms of comparisons of housing figures with previous years, the rate of delivery continues to be above the JCS requirement for the whole of North Northamptonshire, the 18/19 year being the second highest on record with 2,088 homes delivered compared to 1,812 in the previous year. This brings the total amount delivered from 2011-19 to 13,132, which as a percentage this means that 94% of the JCS housing requirements have been attained in North Northamptonshire to date (a 4% improvement on last year). All authorities performed strongly this year with each exceeding their annual JCS requirement, bar Wellingborough who were 11 dwellings short, but saw a significant improvement on the past two years. Corby for the second year running saw its highest completion number on record which now means they have attained 99% of their requirement to date, which is largely down to progress of delivery at the Northeast Corby SUE (Priors Hall and Weldon Park). East Northants are still the only authority to have exceeded their 2011-19 requirement with a 104% attainment rate to date.

5.6 Using the authorities’ Housing Site Schedules, Table 17 is populated with figures accounting for net additional dwellings in future years. If these trajectories are added to what has already been delivered in North Northamptonshire (as seen in Table 16) then the region could expect to see 42,715 dwellings delivered within the Plan period thus exceeding the overall housing requirement of 35,000.

5.7 Table 18 shows that 12 new permanent additional pitches for gypsies and travellers were provided in North Northamptonshire in 2018/19, with 8 in Kettering Borough (The Old Willow, Northampton Road, Broughton) and 4 in Corby Borough (Little Meadow, Cottingham). Table 7 of the JCS sets out the pitch provision for North Northants from 2011-22, of which the total for residential pitches is 30. With the addition of this year’s figures the total residential pitches delivered in the area since 2011 is now at 52, therefore surpassing said target by 22 pitches as can be seen in Table 19. However, there is some variation in terms of which LPAs have delivered these sites, for example Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough have all surpassed their targets, albeit East Northants are yet to record the delivery of any permanent pitches. None of the LPAs have recorded the delivery of any transit pitches or travelling show people plots since 2011. In March 2019 a new Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) was published setting out the need for gypsy and travellers and travelling show people in North Northamptonshire. The needs set out in this study supersede the previous version which informed Policy 31 of the JCS. This change will take effect within the 2019/20 AMR.

5.8 Of all the homes delivered within North Northamptonshire in 2018/19, 15% were classed as affordable (312 out of 2,122). Consistent with the previous year, Kettering scored highest with 21% of its overall housing being affordable with Corby and East Northants producing lower figures equating to both scoring 10%. In comparison to the 18/19 data, the overall percentage has fallen by 7% when 396 homes out of 1,826 were affordable. Similarly, to last year, Corby was the only authority to see improvements with a 1% increase. The most popular form of

affordable housing was again ‘affordable rent’ comprising of 158 out of 312 affordable dwellings (51% of all provision). To compare this data with targets set out in the JCS monitoring framework, details on where affordable housing was delivered is shown in Table 21. For the Growth Towns, the JCS requires that 30% of all dwellings delivered are to be affordable; none of the four Growth Towns achieved this target this year, which is a regression from2017/18 where both Rushden and Kettering achieved this target. Market towns (excluding Oundle) have the same target as the Growth Towns, albeit again there was a regression from last year and only Irthlingborough managed to achieve this target (Burton Latimer was 2% short). The villages and rural areas (including Oundle) have an affordable housing target of 40% but this was not achieved in any of the LPAs overall. This is obviously an area where improvements will be sought and is likely not aided that the JCS sets out that housing developments that are of 15 dwellings or less or are smaller than 0.5 in size are not required to deliver affordable housing. Discussion is ongoing amongst officers to ensure a more robust way of capturing this data is achieved going forward.

5.9 Table 22 sets out the number and type of affordable and market homes permitted and/or built through application of Policy 13 (rural exceptions) of the JCS in the rural areas. Only one example of this type was recorded in 2018/19 - a market home (agricultural dwelling) in Bozeat (Wellingborough). East Northants in the past have recorded substantial numbers of rural exceptions schemes, however due to issues with monitoring capacity this year, this data has not been collected and the reality is that the overall figure would increase if made available. The JCS does not set a specific target for the amount of rural exception developments to come forward over the plan period.

5.10 Table 23 sets out the number of dwellings permitted and/or built in the open countryside for rural workers. In 2018/19 there were two examples of this in North Northamptonshire, the aforementioned agricultural dwelling in Bozeat (Wellingborough) as well as a further farmhouse development in Cottingham, (Corby). This is a decrease of one on last year’s AMR where 3 such dwellings were either permitted or built, this number is always likely to be low due to the sparse nature of new agricultural employment opportunities, but it is informative to know where these developments come forward and what form they take with a view to informing future policy and potentially setting a threshold (again the JCS does not set a specific target for this indicator).

5.11 Further revisions on how older person’s housing is to be monitored were made by monitoring officers at the latest group meeting in May 2019. Table 24 is now set out so that rooms in residential care homes are now captured among the data that has been collected in previous years. For 2018/19 only Kettering reported any older person’s provision – a 66 bed care home at Gipsy Lane. However, for monitoring purposes only 42 of these rooms are counted towards the overall housing provision for the 18/19 year in Kettering as this is the estimated amount of accommodation that would be released into the housing market as a result8. There were no examples of sheltered or extra provisions being delivered in North Northamptonshire.

8 https://www.kettering.gov.uk/downloads/file/18884/housing_land_supply_background_paper_october_2019

5.12 It was agreed amongst monitoring officers that in order to monitor “the number of sites which have been deallocated/had planning permission not removed due to developer inertia” as set out in the JCS monitoring framework, a threshold should be applied in order to record lapsed planning permissions within the AMR. Therefore, it was concluded that lapsed permissions with a minimum of 30 dwellings would be reported in AMRs going forward. However, for this year no LPA reported any incidences of this. In order for a site to be deallocated it is likely that a plan review would have to take place so it is not anticipated that there will be any incidences of this happening.

5.13 Overall 2018/19 is considered another generally positive year in terms of housing delivery and working towards delivering housing targets set out in the JCS. As mentioned, if trends continue then it could be predicted using data from the housing site schedules that the overall housing target for North Northamptonshire of 35,000 dwellings could be achieved by 2031. However as has always been the case when monitoring housing, caution must be given not to give too much weight to these predictions due to the fluidity of delivery rates and their likelihood to fluctuate on an annual basis, especially given the build out times associated with delivery of the SUEs. In terms of where improvements are sought, affordable housing delivery again falls short the targets set out in the JCS. It is hoped data sources such as this AMR will provide evidence to LPAs to show that further emphasis is sought on delivering this type of housing, which is of substantial interest not just locally, but on a national scale also and what additional interventions may be needed to increase delivery.

6. Assessment of Housing Land Supply

(This section is extracted from a separate document produced by the JPDU, published in advance of the full AMR – therefore the paragraph and table numbers do not correlate with the remainder of this report.) The original document was published in December 2019 an can be viewed here.

1.0 Introduction

Purpose of Report

1.1 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) says strategic policies should include a trajectory illustrating the expected rate of housing delivery over the plan period, and all plans should consider whether it is appropriate to set out the anticipated rate of development for specific sites.

1.2 Local planning authorities should identify and update annually a supply of specific deliverable sites sufficient to provide a minimum of five years’ worth of housing against their housing requirement set out in adopted strategic policies.

1.3 Local planning authorities should also identify a supply of specific developable sites or broad locations for growth for years 6 -10 and where possible, for years 11-15.

1.4 Relative to these requirements, this report outlines the deliverable and developable housing land supply for each of the constituent local planning authorities in relation to the housing requirements of the Joint Core Strategy.

Housing Target

1.5 The North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (JCS) was adopted in July 2016. This document outlines the level of housing to be planned for over the period 2011-31 and sets this out by local authority area. In accordance with JCS Policy 28, this is as outlined in Table 1 overleaf:

Table 1

North Northamptonshire Housing Requirements (after JCS Policy 28 / Table 4)

SHARE OF OBJECTIVELY ASSESSED NEEDS IN THE ANNUAL AVERAGE HOUSING REQUIREMENT HOUSING MARKET AREA DWELLINGS 2011-31 (2011-31)

Corby Borough Requirement 460 9,200

Strategic Opportunity9 (710) (14,200)

9 As Table 1 outlines, Corby Borough is the only local authority where two housing targets exist over the plan period. The target described as a ‘Strategic Opportunity’ is based on Corby’s ambition to deliver a level of housing which is in addition to its 9,200 dwelling plan target and which will contribute towards meeting local objective to double the Borough’s population and support the ongoing regeneration of the town. However, attainment of this is dependent on the strength of the local housing market to support this. On this basis, and as outlined in the JCS, it is, therefore, not the requirement against which five-year land supply position is assessed.

East Northamptonshire District 420 8,400

Kettering Borough 520 10,400

Borough of Wellingborough 350 7,000

North Northamptonshire 1,750 (2,000) 35,000 (40,000)

Identifying the Supply of Deliverable and Developable Sites

1.6 Existing planning consents do not represent the only source of housing land supply when identifying deliverable or developable sites. As referred to above, the local authority is required to identify five years’ worth of deliverable sites and 6 -15 years’ worth of developable sites.

1.7 The NPPF defines what is meant by deliverable:

“To be considered deliverable, sites for housing should be available now, offer a suitable location for development now, and be achievable with a realistic prospect that housing will be delivered on the site within five years. In particular: a) sites which do not involve major development and have planning permission, and all sites with detailed planning permission, should be considered deliverable until permission expires, unless there is clear evidence that homes will not be delivered within five years (for example because they are no longer viable, there is no longer a demand for the type of units or sites have long term phasing plans). b) where a site has outline planning permission for major development, has been allocated in a development plan, has a grant of permission in principle, or is identified on a brownfield register, it should only be considered deliverable where there is clear evidence that housing completions will begin on site within five years.”

1.8 The latest National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) (Paragraph: 030 Reference ID: 3-030- 20180913) further advises that:

“In order to demonstrate 5 years’ worth of deliverable housing sites, robust, up to date evidence needs to be available to support the preparation of strategic policies and planning decisions. Annex 2 of the National Planning Policy Framework defines a deliverable site. As well as sites which are considered to be deliverable in principle, this definition also sets out the sites which would require further evidence to be considered deliverable, namely those which:

• have outline planning permission for major development; • are allocated in a development plan; • have a grant of permission in principle; or • are identified on a brownfield register.

Such evidence, to demonstrate deliverability, may include:

• current planning status – for example, on larger scale sites with outline or hybrid permission how much progress has been made towards approving reserved matters, or whether these link to a planning performance agreement that sets out the timescale for approval of reserved matters applications and discharge of conditions; • firm progress being made towards the submission of an application – for example, a written agreement between the local planning authority and the site developer(s) which confirms the developers’ delivery intentions and anticipated start and build-out rates; • firm progress with site assessment work; or • clear relevant information about site viability, ownership constraints or infrastructure provision, such as successful participation in bids for large- scale infrastructure funding or other similar projects.”

1.9 The NPPF also defines what is meant by developable:

“To be considered developable, sites should be in a suitable location for housing development with a reasonable prospect that they will be available and could be viably developed at the point envisaged.”

Windfall Allowance

1.10 The NPPF simply defines windfall sites as not specifically identified in the development plan. They normally comprise previously developed sites that become unexpectedly available. Local planning authorities can make a windfall allowance in the five-year supply if they have compelling evidence that such sites have consistently become available and will continue to provide a reliable source of supply. Any allowance must be realistic and should not include residential garden land.

1.12 As past reviews of housing land supply have demonstrated, windfall development has contributed to the provision of new housing across the area and on this basis each local authority has made provision for the continuing contribution of this in their respective assessments. However, mindful to avoid double counting of smaller sites with an extant planning permission this element of supply is only included from year 3 onwards in the 5 year assessment period (2019-24).

2.0 Five Year Supply of Deliverable Sites

Appropriate Buffer

2.1 When identifying a five-year supply, the NPPF requires the addition of a 5% buffer to the housing requirement to ensure choice and competition in the market land. This rises to 10% where the local planning authority wishes to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable sites through an annual position statement or recently adopted plan, to account for any fluctuations in the market during that year. This subsequently rises to a 20% buffer where there has been significant under delivery of housing over the previous three years, in order to improve the prospect of achieving the planned supply10. The NPPF says that from November 2018 significant under delivery will be measured against the Housing Delivery Test and will be defined as delivery below 85% of the housing requirement. None of the four councils in North

Northamptonshire were found to be significantly under delivering as a result of the Housing Delivery Test calculations released by the government in February 2019 and therefore all four councils are using a 5% buffer until more up to date results are released.

Treatment of past under-provision

2.2 There are two basic methods of dealing with past shortfall. It can be met over the five year period (the “Sedgefield” approach) or over the remaining plan period up to 2031 (the “Liverpool” approach). The NPPF does not explicitly state which method is preferable when addressing shortfall although Planning Practice Guidance states that ‘The level of deficit or shortfall will need to be calculated from the base date of the adopted plan and should be added to the plan requirements for the next 5 year period (the Sedgefield approach)’. (Paragraph: 31 Reference ID: 68-031-20190722). On this basis, North Northamptonshire authorities are in agreement that the Sedgefield approach is most appropriate going forward as consistent with previous years. Calculations below are therefore based on this method.

Five Year Period

2.3 In all previous joint AMRs the five-year supply assessment period was taken to cover the first full 5 years, not including the current AMR year i.e. for the previous AMR (2017/18) the years assessed were 2019/20 to 2023/24. This approach was based on advice issued by the Department of Communities and Local Government in both 2008 and 2009. Both these documents were withdrawn and not replaced by any more up-to-date advice. That is until the Planning Practice Guidance was updated to state that “Sites should be deliverable in years 1 to 5 of the plan period, and subsequently reviewed and their status updated each year in the Authority Monitoring Report and Annual Position Statement (if confirming the 5 year housing land supply)” therefore councils prepared their Housing Land Supply positions for this year based on this. However since this, the guidance was updated again in July 2019 where this text was removed, potentially leaving the 5 year assessment period open to interpretation, albeit text at Paragraph 022 was introduced that states; “To ensure that there is a realistic prospect of achieving the planned level of housing supply, the local planning authority should always add an appropriate buffer, applied to the requirement in the first 5 years (including any shortfall)”. The usage of the word ‘first’ indicating that the current year should be included in the assessment i.e. for this AMR the 19/20 to 2023/24 years are assessed. For clarity the NPPF does not specify which 5-year period should be calculated and para 73 simply refers to ‘five years’ worth’ of housing.

2.4 Following this review, the housing land supply position of each local authority is outlined over the remainder of this paper relative to a rebased requirement which takes account of performance to date (see Appendix 1 for details of how this has been calculated).

Corby Borough Council: Assessment of Housing Land Supply, 2019-24

Deliverable Sites

2.5 Table 2 below details the composition of deliverable housing sites identified in Corby Borough over the five-year assessment period. As can be seen, the Borough has an identified housing supply of 2,948 dwellings for the period 2019-2411.

Table 2 Corby Borough: Composition of identified housing supply, 2019-24 Component Yield 2019-24 Sites with detailed planning permission for >10 1,044 dwellings Sites with detailed planning permission for <10 83 dwellings Sites with outline planning permission for >10 1,225 dwellings Sites with permission in principle (subject to S106) 150 Sites allocated in the development plan 271 Sites on the Brownfield Register 64 Sites pending a decision 66 Windfall Allowance 48 Lapse rate -3 Total identified supply 2019-24 2,948

Five Year Supply Assessment

2.6 Table 3 below outlines the assessment of Corby Borough’s housing land supply 2019-24. As detailed in Appendix 1, the Borough had a shortfall of 36 dwellings between 01.04.2011 and 31.03.2019 and consistent with the Sedgefield approach this has been factored into the housing requirement calculation. On the basis of this revised housing requirement, Corby Borough has 6.01 years housing land supply.

Table 3

Five Year Requirements for Corby Borough for the 5-year period 2019- 2024 measured against the JCS

A JCS Housing Requirement 2019-24 (460 x 5) 2,300

B JCS Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of shortfall 2011-19 2,336 (+36)

C JCS Housing Requirement + shortfall + 5% buffer 2,453

D Identified Housing Supply 2019-24 2,948

E No. of Years Deliverable Housing Land Supply 2019-24 (D/C x 5) 6.01

11 These figures have been derived from the corresponding site schedule which the Council has collated and are used as the basis for determining the housing land supply in the Borough at Table 3 of this chapter.

JCS Monitoring Trigger

2.7 Through Table 9 (Performance Indicators and Targets for Monitoring), the JCS sets the North Northamptonshire authorities an additional monitoring test to gauge their respective land supply position after a 25% buffer is applied. This is a local buffer which is in excess of national requirements but has been included to provide local authorities with as an early warning tool that a housing land supply shortfall may be imminent and corrective / preventative action should be taken to offset (for example through working with developers/landowners to develop suitable and viable schemes). The outputs of this assessment for Corby Borough are outlined below:

Table 4

Five Year Supply of Deliverable Housing Land with JCS 25% monitoring buffer

A Five Year Requirement 2,336

B Plus 25% Monitoring Buffer 2,921

C Supply of Deliverable Sites 2,948

E No. of Years Deliverable Housing Land Supply 2019-24 5.05 (C/B x 5)

2.8 As Table 4 shows, inclusive of a 25% buffer, Corby Borough Council is able to demonstrate in excess of five years housing land supply for the assessment period 2019-24 relative to the JCS monitoring trigger (5.05 years). Notwithstanding this, however, the Council should continue to monitor supply inclusive of the 25% buffer for future monitoring periods and consider the need for appropriate measures should these become necessary.

East Northamptonshire: Assessment of Housing Land Supply, 2019-24

Deliverable Sites

2.9 Table 5 details the composition of deliverable housing sites identified in East Northamptonshire over the five-year assessment period. As can be seen, the Council has an identified housing supply of 2,660 dwellings for the period 2019-2412.

Table 5 East Northamptonshire: Composition of identified housing supply, 2019-24 Component Yield 2019-24 Permissions/Resolution to grant/Under Construction 1,158 Rushden East (JCS Allocation) 175 Specific unallocated BF sites 240 Emergent DPD allocations 549 Windfall 123 Adopted Local/ Neighbourhood Plan allocations 415 Total identified supply 2019-24 2,660

Five Year Supply Assessment

2.10 Table 6 outlines the assessment of East Northamptonshire's housing land supply 2019-24. As detailed in Appendix 1, the Council had an oversupply of 134 dwellings between 01.04.2011 and 31.03.2019 (relative to JCS requirements). However, unlike when an undersupply is projected, these 134 dwellings are not accounted for when considering the next five-year assessment period. Therefore, East Northamptonshire’s base five-year housing requirement is 2,100 dwellings as per the provisions of the JCS (i.e. 420 x 5 years = 2,100). This increases to 2,205 dwellings when a 5% buffer is included consistent with the NPPF. Pursuant to this, East Northamptonshire has 6.03 years housing land supply.

Table 6 Five Year Requirements for East Northamptonshire for the 5-year period 2019-24 measured against the JCS A JCS Housing Requirement 2019-24 (420 x 5) 2,100 B JCS Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of shortfall 2,100 2011-19 (+0) C JCS Housing Requirement + shortfall + 5% buffer 2,205 D Identified Housing Supply 2019-24 2,660 E No. of Years Deliverable Housing Land Supply 2019-24 (D/C x 5) 6.03

JCS Monitoring Trigger

2.11 Through Table 9 (Performance Indicators and Targets for Monitoring), the JCS sets the North Northamptonshire authorities an additional monitoring test to gauge their respective land supply position after a 25% buffer is applied. This is a local buffer which is in excess of national requirements but has been included to provide local authorities with an early warning that a

12 These figures have been derived from the corresponding site schedule which the Council has collated and are used as the basis for determining the housing land supply in the District at Table 6.

housing land supply shortfall may be imminent and corrective / preventative action should be taken to offset (for example through working with developers/landowners to develop suitable and viable schemes). The outputs of this assessment for East Northamptonshire are outlined below:

Table 7

Five Year Supply of Deliverable Housing Land with JCS 25% monitoring buffer

A Five Year Requirement 2,100

B Plus 25% Monitoring Buffer 2,625

C Supply of Deliverable Sites 2,660

E No. of Years Deliverable Housing Land Supply 2019- 5.07 24 (C/B x 5)

2.12 As Table 7 shows, inclusive of a 25% buffer, East Northamptonshire Council is still able to demonstrate in excess of five years housing land supply for the assessment period 2019-24 (5.07 years). Notwithstanding this, however, the Council should continue to monitor supply inclusive of the 25% buffer for future monitoring periods and consider the need for appropriate measures should these become necessary.

The above assessment was undertaken by East Northamptonshire Council in 2019. At an appeal for a site at the Willows in Thrapston in January 2020 the inspector found that the council could not demonstrate 5 years’ worth of housing land supply and determined this figure to instead be 4.28 years. Subsequently the council is reassessing its position and an update to the above will be published when available.

Kettering Borough: Assessment of Housing Land Supply, 2019-24

Deliverable Sites

2.13 Table 8 details the composition of deliverable housing sites identified in Kettering Borough over the five-year assessment period. As can be seen, the Borough has an identified housing supply of 4,176 dwellings for the period 2019-2413.

Table 8 Kettering Borough: Composition of identified housing supply, 2019-24 Component Yield 2019-24 Extant planning permissions 3792 TCAAP Allocations 61 Sites on Brownfield Register 49 Windfall Estimate (137 and 137 dwellings 2022/23 – 274 2023/24) Total identified supply 2019-24 4,176

Five Year Supply Assessment

2.14 Table 9 below outlines the assessment of Kettering’s housing land supply 2019-24. As detailed in Appendix 1, the Borough had a shortfall of 282 dwellings between 01.04.2011 and 31.03.2019 (relative to JCS requirements) and consistent with the Sedgefield approach this has been factored into the housing requirement calculation. On the basis of this revised housing requirement, Kettering Borough has 6.9 years housing land supply.

Table 9

Five Year Requirements for Kettering Borough for the 5-year period 2019-24 measured against the JCS

A JCS Housing Requirement 2019-24 (520 x 5) 2,600

B JCS Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of shortfall 2011-19 2,882 (+282)

C JCS Housing Requirement + shortfall + 5% buffer 3,026

D Identified Housing Supply 2019-24 4,176

E No. of Years Deliverable Housing Land Supply 2019-24 (D/C x 5) 6.9

JCS Monitoring Trigger

2.15 Through Table 9 (Performance Indicators and Targets for Monitoring), the JCS sets the North Northamptonshire authorities an additional monitoring test to gauge their respective land supply position after a 25% buffer is applied. This is a local buffer which is in excess of national

13 These figures have been derived from the corresponding site schedule which the Council has collated and are used as the basis for determining the housing land supply in the Borough at Table 9.

requirements but has been included to provide local authorities with an early warning that a housing land supply shortfall may be imminent and corrective / preventative action should be taken to offset (for example through working with developers/landowners to develop suitable and viable schemes). The outputs of this assessment for Kettering Borough are outlined below:

Table 10

Five Year Supply of Deliverable Housing Land with JCS 25% monitoring buffer

A Five Year Requirement 2,882

B Plus 25% Monitoring Buffer 3,603

C Supply of Deliverable Sites 4,176

E No. of Years Deliverable Housing Land Supply 5.80 2019-24 (C/B x 5)

2.16 As Table 10 shows, inclusive of a 25% buffer, Kettering Borough Council is still able to demonstrate in excess of five years housing land supply for the assessment period 2019-24 (5.80 years). Notwithstanding this, however, the Council should continue to monitor supply inclusive of the 25% buffer for future monitoring periods and consider the need for appropriate measures should these become necessary.

Borough of Wellingborough: Assessment of Housing Land Supply, 2019-24

Deliverable Sites

2.17 Table 11 below details the composition of deliverable housing sites identified in the Borough of Wellingborough over the five-year assessment period (2019-24). As can be seen, Wellingborough has an identified housing supply of 3,653 dwellings for the period 2019-24 2019-2414.

Table 11 Borough of Wellingborough: Composition of identified housing supply, 2019-24 Component Yield 2019-24 Sites with full planning permission 2,844 Sites with outline planning permission 48 Sites allocated in adopted plans 683 Sites in emerging plans 0 Sites on brownfield land register 0 Lapse Rate -24 Windfall Allowance 102 Total identified supply 2019-24 3,653

Five Year Supply Assessment

2.18 Table 12 outlines the assessment of Wellingborough‘s housing land supply 2019-24. As detailed in Appendix 1, the Borough had a shortfall of 683 dwellings between 01.04.2011 and 31.03.2019 (relative to JCS requirements) and consistent with the Sedgefield approach this has been factored into the housing requirement calculation. On the basis of this revised housing requirement, the Borough has 7.15 years housing land supply.

Table 12

Five Year Requirements for the Borough of Wellingborough for the 5 year period 2019-24 measured against the JCS

A JCS Housing Requirement 2019-24 (350 x 5) 1,750

B JCS Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of shortfall 2011-18 2,433 (+683)

C JCS Housing Requirement + shortfall + 5% buffer 2,555

D Identified Housing Supply 2019-24 3,653

E No. of Years Deliverable Housing Land Supply 2019-24 (D/C x 5) 7.15

14 These figures have been derived from the corresponding site schedule which the Council has collated and are used as the basis for determining the housing land supply in the Borough at Table 12.

JCS Monitoring Trigger

2.19 Through Table 9 (Performance Indicators and Targets for Monitoring), the JCS sets the North Northamptonshire authorities an additional monitoring test to gauge their respective land supply position after a 25% buffer is applied. This is a local buffer which is in excess of national requirements but has been included to provide local authorities with an early warning that a housing land supply shortfall may be imminent and corrective / preventative action should be taken to offset (for example through working with developers/landowners to develop suitable and viable schemes). The outputs of this for the Borough of Wellingborough are outlined below:

Table 13

Five Year Supply of Deliverable Housing Land with JCS 25% monitoring buffer

A Five Year Requirement 2,433

B Plus 25% Monitoring Buffer 3,041

C Supply of Deliverable Sites 3,653

E No. of Years Deliverable Housing Land Supply 6.01 2019-24 (C/B x 5)

2.20 As Table 13 shows, inclusive of a 25% buffer, Wellingborough Council is still able to demonstrate in excess of five years housing land supply for the assessment period 2019-24 (6.01 years). Notwithstanding this, however, the Council should continue to monitor supply inclusive of the 25% buffer for future monitoring periods and consider the need for appropriate measures should these become necessary.

7. Environment

7.1 The JCS recognises the importance of the natural environment and the opportunities it provides with new special policy areas for the Nene and Ise Valleys and the Rockingham Forest to supplement the existing approach to Green Infrastructure, in particular recognising its role in enhancing connectivity between settlements (Policies 19 – 21).

7.2 This section of the AMR presents the key data sets that relate to the natural environment and heritage. It provides information on key issues such as SuDs, the delivery of renewable and low carbon energy sources, development in flood zones as well as data on listed buildings and more. For practical purposes design related information is also set out here, with data provided on how many housing sites were assessed by local design surgery for example.

7.3 Unlike previous sections which have shown primarily numerical data set out in the form of tables, this section also includes some qualitative data relating to indicators that require more of a narrative or commentary on what has been delivered within the last monitoring year. This principally relates to the delivery of Green Infrastructure (including features such as Greenways) which have limited ways of being measured numerically. Key headlines on recent progress with Green Infrastructure in North Northamptonshire will provided in this section to capture this.

7.4 A summary of the key findings is provided at the end of the chapter.

Table 25: No. of developments approved and completed with SuDS by LPA 2018/19 (including Green Roofs and Rainwater Harvesting)

LPA No. of sites with SuDS permitted/completed

Corby 8 approved/3 completed

East Northamptonshire -

Kettering 4 approved/2 completed

Wellingborough 3 completed

Total 12 approved/8 completed

Table 26: No. Of Planning permissions granted contrary to Environment Agency advice by LPA 2018/19. Planning Ref. Location EA Objection on Council Decision Response Date Flooding or water quality Corby 18/00511/DPA Tunwell Lane Flooding Pending 18/00586/DPA Darlington Flooding Permitted 13/05/2019 Wines, Brunel Road East Northants 18/01297/FUL Horizon Centre, Flooding Withdrawn 14/08/2018 Deene 18/01985/FUL The Mill, Flooding Permitted 19/12/2018 Duddington 18/02291/FUL Stanwick Lakes Flooding EA withdrew 05/02/2019 objection & application approved 18/02253/FUL Snipe Meadow, Flooding EA withdrew 19/07/2019 Oundle objection & application approved 18/02371/FUL Perio Mill, Flooding Pending Fotheringhay 18/02410/FUL Barnwell Country Flooding Withdrawn 04/02/2019 Park 18/02459/OUT The Willows, Flooding Refused 15/02/2019 Thrapston 18/02083/FUL Warmington Mill Flooding Withdrawn 18/03/2019 19/00213/FUL Keepers Lodge, Flooding Withdrawn 04/03/2019 Brigstock 19/00726/FUL Barnwell Country Flooding Permitted 29/05/2019 Park Wellingborough WP/18/00153/OUT Old Swimming Flooding Permitted 15/6/2018 baths, Croyland Road WP/18/00188/REM Land off Niort Flooding Pending Way, phase 1B Consideration WP/18/00804/FUL Victoria Mills, Flooding Pending Little Irchester Consideration WP/18/00739/FUL Hobbils Mill, Flooding Refused 21/02/2019 Irthlingborough Road WP/19/00129/FUL Unit 14 and 15, 6 Flooding Withdrawn Bevan Close WP/19/00213/FUL 25 London Road Flooding Permitted 06/06/2019 Bozeat

Table 27: Number of Planning Permissions granted contrary to Environment Agency advice on flooding and water quality grounds

Local Authority FLOODING QUALITY TOTAL

Corby 1 0 1

East Northamptonshire 2 0 2 Kettering 0 0 0

Wellingborough 2 0 2 North Northamptonshire 5 0 5

Table 28: Residential development permitted in Flood Zones 2 and 3 (m²) Local Authority FLOOD ZONE 2 FLOOD ZONE 3 TOTAL

Corby 639 992 1,631

East Northamptonshire n/a n/a n/a

Kettering 0 0 0

Wellingborough 0 200 200

North Northamptonshire 639 1,192 1,831

Table 29: Permitted and Installed Capacity of Renewable Energy Schemes 2018/19 (MW)

E3 Wind Solar Hydro Biomass Total onshore photovoltaics

Development Status Landfill Sewage Municipal Co- Animal Plant gas sludge (and firing of biomass biomass digestion industrial) biomass solid waste with combustion fossil fuels Permitted/completed 0.15 (KBC) 0.29 installed capacity in 0.06 (BCW) MW 0.08 (CBC) Total 0.29 0.29

Table 30: Consented (permitted and installed) Solar PV Applications LPA Technology Application Reference Location Installed Capacity (MW) Corby Solar 18/00063/REM Midlands Logistic 0.08 Park Kettering Solar KET/2018/0866 Rushton Road, 0.15 Newton Wellingborough Solar WP/19/00009/FUL Irchester Bowls 0.01 Club Wellingborough Solar WP/18/00800/FUL Wellingborough 0.05 Bowling Club Total 0.29

Report progress on the development of the Kettering Energy Park Area of Opportunity and associated policy criteria (JCS Policy 26):

Located over 1100 acres of land to the East of Burton Latimer, Kettering Energy Park is North Northamptonshire’s main opportunity area when it comes to the co-location of renewable and low carbon technologies alongside green industries. The Energy Park contains Burton Wold Wind Farm which is located to the east of Burton Latimer approximately 2km from Kettering town centre and consists of 10 wind turbines. The annual average output of the wind farm provides sufficient electricity for over 10,000 homes, equating to around 35% of the homes in the Borough of Kettering. A further 9 turbines were constructed and were completed in 2014 and an additional 3 turbines were added, increasing total number of turbines to 22 and the overall capacity of the wind farm by 8.25MW, both of the most recent projects were part of a southern extension to the original Burton Wold Wind Farm, known as Burton Wold South. In addition to this consent was provided for a number of solar photovoltaic farms on the Energy Park, which combined could provide up to 35MW over 7 different schemes. However as of March 2019, none of these schemes were operational. These are as follows:

• KET/2015/0421 • KET/2015/0422 • KET/2015/0423 • KET/2015/0438 • KET/2015/0440 • KET/2015/0445 • KET/2016/0446

The developers are in early stages of engagement with Kettering Borough Council to agree a comprehensive masterplan for the site, in line with Policy 26 of the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy.

Table 31: Number of developments assessed by local design surgery review 18/19

Total number assessed

Corby 18

East Northamptonshire 28

Kettering 35

Wellingborough 21

North Northamptonshire 102

Table 32: Attainment of BREEAM very good or higher on non-residential developments 1,000m2+ floorspace 17/18 and 18/19

Total number assessed Total number achieving ‘Very good’ or higher

Corby 4 3

East Northamptonshire 11 11

Kettering 10 9

Wellingborough 0 0

North Northamptonshire 25 23

Table 33: Grade I, II* and II Listed Buildings October 2019 LPA Grade I Listed Grade II* Grade II Total Listed % of North Buildings Listed Listed Buildings Northamptonshire’s Total Buildings Buildings Listed Buildings Stock

Corby 8 10 198 216 8.0% East Northamptonshire 56 71 1,298 1,425 52.6%

Kettering 23 36 478 537 19.8% Wellingborough 11 36 483 530 19.6% North Northamptonshire 98 152 2,458 2,708 100%

Table 34: Grade I, II* and II Buildings at Risk October 2019

LPA Grade I Listed Grade II* Grade II Listed Total Listed % of North Buildings Listed Buildings Buildings Northamptonshire’s Total Buildings Listed Buildings Stock

Corby 0 1 0 1 0.04% East 6 2 0 8 0.3% Northamptonshire Kettering 1 0 0 1 0.04% Wellingborough 0 2 0 2 0.04%

North 7 5 0 12 0.4% Northamptonshire

Progress on compiling of Local Lists of non-designated heritage assets:

Corby - Progression has been made towards compiling a Local List of non-designated heritage assets for the Borough through updates to Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans that set out the non-designated heritage assets.

The Council is considering undertaking further work on compiling a Local List of non-designated assets possibly through a SPD document.

Kettering - No progress has been made to compiling a Local List and this is justified within the Borough’s Pre-submission Part 2 Local Plan which includes the following text. As this outline’s, the Council will look to address this once its Part 2 Local Plan has been adopted.

‘…some are afforded protection through location in one of the 26 conservation areas (CA) spread across the Borough… Others gain protection through one of the 21 Article 4 Directions. Neighbourhood Plans have the opportunity to deliver future change in a managed way to suite the Plan Area which is often a village setting…

There are many more assets which would warrant protection under the terms of the Planning Practice Guidance. Such assets will be identified and assessed (using a consistent criteria) to classify them as non-designated assets on a Local List for Kettering Borough. Identifying and managing the historic environment in this way will be an important part of the heritage protection system for the Borough. This local designation allows for the management of local heritage through the planning system and provides an opportunity to engage with local communities. Local listing will raise the profile of the local heritage by identifying heritage assets that are of greatest importance to local people. This will help provide greater clarity and certainty for developers and decision-makers when determining development proposals.

The combination of the national legislation and the national and North Northamptonshire strategic policy is considered to provide sufficient assurance to afford the Borough’s designated assets the protection, preservation and opportunity for enhancement they warrant. Generating a Local List for the Borough following the Adoption of the Site-Specific Part 2 Local Plan will ensure greater consideration is given towards the local historic environment of Kettering Borough’

Wellingborough - There has been no progress on compiling the local list of non-designated heritage assets since the adoption of the Heritage Assets SPD in 2013.

Table 35: Borough Council of Wellingborough SPA income and expenditure Year Available Admin fee Dwellings Dwellings Committed Actual to spend approved completed spend spend to on SPA date

01/08/16 £10,919.59 £4,688.49 58 4 to 31/03/17

2017/18 £23,745.48 £10,265.08 123 22 £13,290.00 2018/19 £23,180.90 £9,872.34 114 19 £12,067.04 £18,157.04 01/04/19 £6,321.87 £3,419.65 32 1 £9,200.00 £11,110 to 31/10/19

Total to £64,167.85 £28,245.55 327 46 £33,867.04 £29,267.04 date

Table 36: East Northamptonshire Council SPA income and expenditure Year Actual Available to Dwellings Dwellings Committed Admin fee spend to spend on SPA approved completed spend date

As at £33,698.86 £13,717.58 212 75 £21,798.94 31/10/19

Green Infrastructure

7.5 The green infrastructure framework, including blue infrastructure comprising of rivers and lakes, provides a range of ecosystem services and is vital in maintaining the rural/urban character of North Northamptonshire. The GI framework includes a network of Sub0Regional and Local Corridors. The focus is on the strategic corridors of the Rivers Nene and Ise, and the Rockingham Forest area and includes the open countryside around urban areas, which is important to maintain distinct and separate settlements. In some instances there is limited connectivity to access the natural greenspace from the main towns and opportunities need to be taken to link urban parks and woodland into the wider countryside.

7.6 This network provides opportunities to enhance tourism in North Northamptonshire, while ensuring that its most sensitive assets are protected. The special policy areas of the Nene and Ise Valleys and Rockingham Forest in the JCS are strategically important in stimulating sustainable economic growth through tourism and rural diversification.

7.7 Within these areas there are organisations that spearhead projects and initiatives to help drive an increase in tourism, recreation and accessibility, which in turn increase the overall delivery of Green Infrastructure within North Northamptonshire.

7.8 This AMR seeks to report on certain indicators that measure the progress on the enhancement of Green Infrastructure and linked outcomes such as tourism and accessibility. In this respect, the relevant indicators are as below:

a) Reporting on progress on the identification and implementation of projects in the Nene Valley NIA b) Provision of a net gain in Green Infrastructure across each of North Northamptonshire’s LPA areas c) Successful implementation of Green Infrastructure projects and investment at the local level d) Reporting progress on the enhancement of existing visitor attractions and facilities in the Nene and Ise Valleys e) Reporting on enhanced and/or new tourism and recreational opportunities in the Rockingham Forest f) Reporting on the enhancement of green links which enable greater accessibility to the Rockingham Forest via foot, horseback or bicycle

7.9 For ease of reporting, these indicators have been grouped together with commentary undertaken in a combined way to show the various workings, projects and schemes that are taking place across North Northamptonshire that, where appropriate, also contribute to the net gain in green infrastructure the JCS seeks.

7.10 A comprehensive overview of what was taking place in North Northamptonshire was provided in the 2016/17 AMR. For the 2017/18 AMR and beyond it was agreed amongst Monitoring Officers to only report on key headlines relating to the 6 indicators listed at para 7.8 above. These headlines are found below.

Key Green Infrastructure Headlines for 2018/19

7.11 One of the key Green Infrastructure assets to the area is the East Northamptonshire Greenway. As reported in previous AMR’s phases 1-3 have already been completed albeit East Northamptonshire Council has not reported that any further phases have been fully completed within the monitoring year. The Greenway now extends from Rushden to Thrapston with further phases being scoped through ‘The Greenway Forward Plan’ which includes feasibility studies looking to extend and link the Greenway across the district and beyond, covering - Oundle to Peterborough Green and Oundle to Weldon respectively. A linked project called ‘Out to Water, Into History’ will enhance the stretch of the East Northamptonshire Greenway from Rushden Lakes to Asda in the heart of Rushden; as part of this project in 2019 33 new markers were installed along the route to guide walkers to and from Rushden Lakes and Rushden Town Centre, with a new mural was also erected at the Washbrook Tunnel in Rushden.

7.12 A unique piece of equipment called a rotary ditcher has been operational in Northamptonshire during 2019 creating over 7km worth of channels and shallow ditches across farmland and nature reserves in the Nene Valley for breeding and overwintering wading birds. Six local farmers have been working to create these ditches thanks to the Farming for the Future project as part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Nenescape project. This work on the ground is the conclusion of a year’s work of planning and partnership working and restores wetland features to priority breeding wader sites identified by the Trust in 2002.

7.13 As part of the Nenescape project additional work has been undertaken with regard to the ‘Settlers of the Nene Valley’ scheme in 2019 with the creation of a Historical Barn and Historical Garden at Stanwick Lakes, which will be used for heritage, tourism and educational events.

7.14 Led by River Nene Regional Park, the Resilient River project aims to improve river habitats. A handful of sites have now been completed, including backchannel at Elton, Whitemills and Barnwell. At Nassington Backchannel, there are plans to hinge and pin overhanging trees on to the riverbank to provide refuge and habitat, as well as securing them during flooding. There will also be fencing here to protect the bank from livestock, which can trample the banks bare, releasing sediment in the river system. At Barnwell Country Park, interpretation panels were installed in Spring 2019 to provide an educational platform for visitors to understand the importance of the works. There are also two wood carved benches in production, and these will be installed so visitors can view the restoration whilst sitting on them.

7.15 In the 2016/17 AMR it was reported regarding tree planting schemes that approx. 100,000 trees were to be planted by the Deene Estate in and around the proposed site of Tresham Garden Village (TGV). To date a total of around 85,000 trees have been planted with each one protected from rabbits and hares by an individual guard, as well as from wild deer through 7.6km (4.75miles) of deer fence. This scheme will help shape and define this part of the ancient Rockingham Forest. In addition, a further 8,000 new trees are to be planted just to the north, again to enhance the local area and further improve the setting of the TGV. A total of 41.5ha of new tree coverage has been delivered through this scheme alone,. Through Policy 21 the JCS seeks 40ha per annum of new tree planting in the Rockingham Forest and, while this is difficult to monitor due to unreported tree planting by private landowners etc. it is encouraging that the likes of the Deene Estate are significantly contributing to these ambitions. This is a key policy area in terms of addressing the climate emergency and one the NNJPDU and partners are proactively working on to the increase local tree coverage and liaison with such landowners will be a key approach to doing so. Progress in this area will be reported in future AMRs.

7.16 Unfortunately data on the delivery of moorings and marinas within North Northamptonshire has not been available in the timescales required for the publication of this AMR nor has the information on the number of design reviews undertaken by Design: Midlands since its reorganisation. It is hoped these can be reported on in next year’s report.

Environment Summary

7.17 As outlined in the introduction to this chapter, some of its indicators relate to contextual information that is best presented as qualitative data in the form of key headlines relating to the local environment. Therefore, further summaries of this information will not be described below to avoid repetition of what has already been commented on.

7.18 In regard to Table 25, the JCS does not specify targets for the amount of development it expects to be completed with SuDS. In 2018/19 20 developments were either approved or completed with SuDS. This is a decrease of 6 compared to last year, however this does not include data from East Northants which is unavailable. Corby recorded the most approved/completed with 11 overall, which is an increase on 7 from last year. Wellingborough recorded 3 approvals/completions which is a decrease of 5 from last year, however this included parcels of the Stanton Cross SUE. It must be noted that there is not a systematic way of recording this specific data and LPAs have their own ways of doing so often by liaising with Development Management officers to understand which significant applications have come forward with a provision for SuDS. This approach means it can be difficult for monitoring officers to these details within their LPA and it may be likely that provision is higher compared to what is recorded in Table 25.

7.19 As observed from Table 28 a total of 1,831m2 of housing was developed in either flood zone 2 or 3 in 2018/19. This equates to a decrease of more than 28,000m2 on the previous year, however again this takes into account unavailable data from East Northants who in the past have reported incidences of this taking place. Corby reported the most development taking place in these flood zones, with a total of 1,631m2 at Meeting Lane. Wellingborough reported 200m2 of development in Flood Zone 3 at Grendon Road, Earls Barton close to the River Nene, which was to convert railway carriages previously used as restaurants into two dwellings. Due to the way the landscape and river network runs across North Northamptonshire, in that the River Nene runs only through Wellingborough and East Northants, it is always likely that these two will record the higher figures from this indicator. The much smaller River Ise and other minor tributaries, mostly run through Kettering and Corby and have less related flood zone areas. However as evidenced above this has not been the case this year with Corby reporting the most flood zone development. Again, the JCS does not set a target for North Northamptonshire, only to establish how the LPA’s are considering the risk of potential flooding when determining planning applications in their respective areas.

7.20 The number of planning permissions granted contrary to Environment Agency (EA) advice on flooding and water quality grounds is something that has always been monitored in the AMR. Details to what has been observed in North Northamptonshire are illustrated in Tables 26 and 27. As outlined, 5 applications were granted contrary to EA advice in 2018/19. This is 5 more than the previous year where none were recorded and is the first time since full monitoring of the JCS began in 16/17 that incidences have been recorded. These permissions were at Brunel Road in Corby, The Mill in Duddington, Barnwell Country Park, The old swimming baths in Wellingborough and 25 London Road in Bozeat. Full details of these applications can be found in Table 26, where a complete list is available also detailing where other applications with EA advice were refused, withdrawn or the advice itself was retracted. Pending applications for the year are also listed.

7.21 Another longstanding indicator in the AMR regards the total amount of permitted and installed capacity of renewable energy schemes. In North Northamptonshire there was a slight increase in the number of energy schemes reported in comparison to last year (where no actual figure was recorded). In total 0.29MW of installed capacity was developed in the area, the largest development being a 0.15MW solar array development at Rushton Road, Newton (Kettering). While this year’s figures are an improvement on 17/18 the level of development is still very minimal and has remained low in recent years. This may in part be a cause of the effect of government cuts to subsidies for such projects as well as changes to national policy which has changed the emphasis on the types of development which is considered appropriate as well as increased emphasis on developers securing local support for their proposals. As has been reported in the last few AMRs, land at Burton Wold Wind Farm has 7 permitted applications for solar photovoltaic farms, which (if they come forward) could generate up to 35MW of energy. However as of March 2019 none of these schemes are yet operational. This area is part of a wider scheme identified as “Kettering Energy Park” through Policy 26 of the JCS. as described above, a comprehensive masterplan for site is being mooted in order to make this site operational in accordance with Policy 26 of the JCS. The JCS was drafted to include no specific ceiling on what should be achieved for this indicator, only that Policy supports the provision of a range of zero and low carbon technologies consistent with national guidance to increase diversify energy sources and the move away from carbon intensive fuels

7.22 There are four indicators within the JCS monitoring framework that relate to design as a result of Policies 8 (North Northamptonshire Place Shaping Principles) and 9 (Sustainable Buildings). These monitor the number of design surgeries taking place in North Northamptonshire, the number of design reviews undertaken with Design: Midlands (previously OPUN), developments assessed by BREEAM and schemes assessed through Building for Life. The latter two of these are assessed every two years and on the basis of this cycle are analysed again for 18/19. The Building for Life findings will be presented in a separate addendum to this full AMR report.

7.23 Policy 9 of the JCS seeks, as a minimum that non-residential development of 1000m2+ floorspace should meet BREEAM ‘very good’ standards. As outlined in Table 32, for the period 2017-19, 23 out of 25 developments assessed in North Northamptonshire were scored as ‘very good’ or higher, equating to 92%. This is comparable to when last reported in the 16/17 AMR where 91% of developments scored ‘very good’ or higher. It is worth noting that no developments in Wellingborough were assessed during this two-year time period, no reason is given for this via the BREEAM website. Examples of developments that were assessed as ‘very good’ or higher in the area include the Rushden Lakes Cinema, Barton Seagrave Community Centre and Oakley Vale Primary School.

7.24 The JCS monitoring framework seeks to record the number of developments assessed by local design surgery review and this information is set out in Table 31. This data has been sourced from archived agendas and minutes from each design surgery meeting over the 18/19 period. Overall, 102 sites were assessed, which is an increase of 27 on the previous year. All LPAs saw an increase compared to 17/18, however East Northants again recorded the most with 35 and Corby the least with 18. There is no target set within the JCS in terms what should be achieved. The fact sites are being discussed at these forums is considered a positive move towards achieving improved design outcomes locally. Nevertheless, this baseline can now be compared with next year’s data by way of a proxy.

7.25 On heritage, the JCS seeks to find out how many of North Northamptonshire’s listed buildings are ‘at risk’. The JCS strives for a general decrease overall as set out in a baseline position in the 2013 AMR. The total amount of listed buildings in North Northamptonshire is 2,708, which is three less than the total reported last year, the three de-listed sites were all in Kettering. In terms of listed buildings that are ‘at risk’, for another year this remains the same at just 12 (0.44% of the overall stock); East Northamptonshire remains the authority with the highest number of ‘at risk’ buildings.

7.26 Unfortunately due to limited monitoring resources at East Northamptonshire, data on development recorded in the Area of Tranquillity is not available this year. It is expected that this will resume for the 19/20 report.

7.27 It was decided amongst officers that as it is not reported anywhere else, the AMR would be an appropriate place to report progress on SPA income and expenditure. Tables 35 and 36 detail the costings with regard to Wellingborough and East Northants, with the former broken down by year. In following AMRs this data should broken down by year for both LPAs. Some examples for Wellingborough in 2018/19 include £13,290 spent on scrub clearance and fencing at Moon Lake, Summer Leys and £4,867.04 funded a project and WeBS count by the Wildlife Trust at Summer Leys. In East Northants £8,352.64 was spent on mitigation measures at Titchmarsh Lake including fencing and screening. In 2019/20 £1,000 was put towards an interpretation fence near Ringstead, £9,200 has been committed to fund a warden through the Wildlife Trust. In addition, £246.30 has been spent printing a leaflet (2,000 copies) to be used at events and locally to provide information on the importance of the SPA. A further £3,000 was spent on a bird disturbance study.

7.28 The overall picture for the environment in North Northamptonshire is relatively mixed as per recent years. Positives to note this year regard the reduced amount of permissions occurring in flood zones and the slight increase in the amount of renewable energy developments taking place in the area. In design terms there has been increased activity with regard to the occurrence of local design surgeries with a substantial increase on the previous year as well as sustained good performances in BREEAM assessments in North Northamptonshire. Improvement should also be considered in relation to the amount of permissions granted contrary to EA advice.

8. Infrastructure

8.1 The delivery of infrastructure is a key focus of the JCS; Policy 10 states that “development must be supported by the timely delivery of infrastructure, services and facilities necessary to meet the needs arising from the development to support the development of North Northamptonshire.”

8.2 Delivery of infrastructure and services is dependent on successful partnership between various public and private sector agencies and the appropriate funding that can be generated from these. The JPDU continues to seek sources of funding alongside the North Northamptonshire LPAs and Northamptonshire County Council to help deliver the infrastructure needed to unlock growth in this area.

8.3 The JCS has been supported by the North Northamptonshire Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) which is periodically updated to capture the latest position on what infrastructure is required the area. The LPAs also have, or are preparing, their own locally distinctive IDPs as part of the evidence base for their Part 2 Local Plans. The North Northamptonshire IDP was most recently updated in 2017. IDPs provides detail on the location, cost and funding source of infrastructure projects across the Plan area thus giving an overall picture of what is being sought over the coming years. The IDPs are useful sources of information as a means of measuring against some of the indicators set out in the JCS monitoring framework that monitor the progress of certain infrastructure, such as provisions at SUEs and other major sites, as well information on the progress of development to major road networks. In addition to the North Northamptonshire IDP is the North Northamptonshire Investment Framework (NNIF), which was endorsed by the Joint Delivery Committee in June 2019. This document sets out the key infrastructure priorities for North Northamptonshire that can accelerate the delivery of planned growth and will be updated in a similar vain to the IDPs as ‘live documents’.

8.4 This chapter will primarily provide updates on major infrastructure, as well as providing summaries on the latest position of the SUEs and other major sites outlined in Policies 32-38 of the JCS.

8.5 A short summary will be provided at the end of this chapter.

Table 37: JCS Table 8 Key Strategic Infrastructure Projects (2019 updates) Infrastructure scheme Reason Delivery Chowns Mill roundabout There is significant congestion To commence early 2020. For improvements, A45/A6 at this strategic junction for completion by Winter Higham Ferrers/Rushden local traffic as well as those 2021/22. travelling further between the M1 and the A14. Funding announced, Dec Improvements will be required 2014, in the Road Investment to ensure flow of traffic along Strategy 1: Investment Plan this strategic route. for segregated lanes, The SUE to the East of signalisation and additional Rushden will require carriageways at a cost of improvements to this junction around £24m. to deliver development. Highways England. Isham bypass, Wellingborough Directly related to The £25m initially secured Wellingborough development, through the specifically Wellingborough Northamptonshire Growth North SUE and employment Deal by SEMLEP has been opportunities. withdrawn due to delays in Preventing traffic congestion plugging the remaining along this key route between funding gap. The delay means Wellingborough and Kettering the scheme misses the and impacts on the village of timetable for the Growth Deal Isham. programme and so can no longer access the funding.

The project still remains a priority for SEMLEP and partners and other funding avenues will be explored. The project is part of the Major Road Network (MRN) bid put together by England’s Economic Heartland (EEH).

Northamptonshire County Council, SEMLEP and Borough Council of Wellingborough. A14 junction 10a, Kettering This is directly related to For completion by 2025. development at Hanwood Park Subject to other contributions (Kettering East) and the the Road Investment Strategy business and energy park to 1: Investment Plan is the east of Kettering. committed (around £25m – 50% of overall cost) to provide a new junction (10a).

The scheme has been paused for consideration in RIS2.

A separate forward funding loan of £14.5m from the Governments Local Infrastructure Fund (HCA) that will also secure access points, sewerage works and other site preparation for Kettering East.

Highways England, Northamptonshire County Council, SEMLEP, Developers and Kettering Borough Council. Corby Northern Orbital Road This road will help to open up The overall cost of the project Phase 2 (final) employment opportunities is estimated to be £30m and a around Rockingham Motor portion of the funding will Speedway, and also improve come from S106 agreements. traffic flows in this area of Corby, to support the Work is ongoing to revive development of Priors Hall. plans and funding sources for the final phase of the road due to developer interest on adjacent land.

Northamptonshire County Council, SEMLEP, Corby Borough Council. Tresham College, Partial demolition, SEMLEP provided funding of Wellingborough rationalisation and £7.5m through the Local refurbishment. This will enable Growth Fund to go towards a new sector based skills to be £10m relaunch of the Church developed around high Street campus. This will see technology application and the reintroduction of a engineering. multitude of vocational courses, as well as social care, early years and IT, as well as range of other part time courses.

Refurbishment for completion by September 2020 to accommodate 1,000 students and staff.

Tresham College/Bedford College Group, SEMLEP, Borough Council of Wellingborough

A45 Stanwick to Thrapston To provide a continuous The Road Investment Strategy dualling express way between the A14 1: Investment Plan is and M1. supporting the dualling scheme to be developed in the next Road Period (2020/1 – 2025/6). The expected cost to range from £200m - £250m. For completion 2027/28.

Highways England A43 (Phase 3) Northampton to To improve connectivity and The scheme is now divided Kettering Dualling accommodate growth in traffic into Phases 1a/b, 2 and 3. between North and West Phases 1a and 2 are complete Northamptonshire, the A43 with 1b now under needs to be dualled between construction and should be Northampton and the A14. open in Spring 2020. Phase 3 While it may not be possible to is defined as intending to complete the dualling within extend the dualling to the the plan period, substantial Holcot/Sywell roundabout. progress will be necessary if The project is part of the slow journey speeds are not to Major Road Network (MRN) become an impediment to the bid put together by England’s economy. Economic Heartland (EEH).

For completion in period 2026-2031.

Northamptonshire County Council, Borough Council of Wellingborough, Kettering Borough Council.

At least one further phase of the dualling is likely to be completed within the plan period.

8.6 Above is an update to Table 8 of the JCS (as of December 2019) which outlines the key strategic infrastructure projects for North Northamptonshire. The intention is to update this table on an annual basis to show how each project is progressing against intended time frames, therefore the above table has evolved since the original version which can be found on pages 178-179 of the JCS. As with previous years it is acknowledged that some of these updates have been provided beyond the 2018/19 monitoring period of this report. However, given the importance of this area to the delivery of the local plan it is considered appropriate that inter- year updates are captured within this AMR. Equally by the time this report is published it is possible that further changes will be required to some of the projects listed in the table and these will be picked up on within the 19/20 report.

8.7 Table 8 of the JCS was also reported on in previous AMRs and therefore comparisons can be made for where there have been changes since the 17/18 report. The key points to note are:

• Highways England have updated some details on the Chowns Mill roundabout scheme – there is a slightly revised completion time for Winter 2021/22 as well as an increase in cost of £3m taking the total cost of the project to £24m. • Isham bypass has been included in the Major Road Network bid put together by England’s Economic Heartland and was submitted to government in Summer 2019 (the outcome of this bid is pending). • A14 Junction 10a scheme paused for consideration in the government’s RIS2 (Road Investment Strategy). • Updates on the position of the refurbishment of Tresham College campus in Wellingborough. • Updates on the latest position of the A43 Northampton to Kettering dualling, including latest information on phasing and potential sources of funding.

Other Key Infrastructure Headlines for North Northamptonshire – Road/Rail/Public Transport

• In relation to the Isham Bypass set out above in the JCS Table 8 update. The outline approval for the DB Symmetry site at Kettering South (detailed further in Figure 2 below), includes the provision of dualling of the A509 to Isham.

• There has also been the approval of a second access to Rushden Lakes in the form of a link road from Ditchford Lane.

• Work has been completed regarding road improvements on the A43 where it adjoins the A6086 at the new Midlands Logistics Park site, including a roundabout replacing the previous junction.

• East Midlands Rail (EMR) have consulted on a revised timetable which amongst other things includes increased services southbound from Corby to London St Pancras as well as increased services north and southbound from Kettering station. However, there is a proposed decrease in peak time services southbound to London St Pancras from Wellingborough as well as the removal of direct services northbound to the likes of Leicester and Nottingham, a change at Kettering would be required to access these destinations. New InterCity services will serve the line also as a result of the electrification work taking place as described below. Other planned enhancements include the provision of more cycle and car parking spaces, the roll-out of smart ticketing by 2020, and £20m of station upgrades. The new proposed timetable is expected to be implemented in December 2020.

• In relation to the above, further progress has been made over the last year or so with the electrification of the Midland Main Line. Work includes the replacement of track and improvements to bridges along the route. In addition, there has also been the announcement of the extension of the electrification to go as far as Market Harborough, this will allow a new connection to a power supply at Braybrooke.

• As part for the upgrade to the Midland Main Line, improvements at train station platforms have also taken place over the last year, with an extension to Corby’s platform so that it can accommodate longer trains with similar upgrades to Kettering and Wellingborough stations with refurbished canopies and improved lighting and a new walkthrough for passengers at the latter. Further improvements to Wellingborough station such as a new platform 4 and a new footbridge to serve the new platform are underway. Works to create a better environment to the front of the station are also ongoing and should be completed over the 19/20 monitoring year.

• There is little to update by way of provision of improved bus services in North Northamptonshire. There have been revisions to certain Stagecoach timetables that have proposed the reduction in services in the early mornings and evenings. The Campaign for Better Transport reported that within the last year 96 bus routes had been cut in the UK and nearly half of these routes were either in Northamptonshire or Derbyshire.

Figure 2: Progress of the development of the SUEs/Garden Communities and other key strategic sites

Hanwood Park (Kettering East)

• SUE development for total of 5,500 homes. • Hanwood Park LLP’s variation of conditions application – legal agreement completed, and permission has been issued. • Persimmon Homes and DWH/Barratts on site. The latter will be continuing their build on further (adjacent) Phase 1 parcels. • An amended reserved matter has been approved for the Taylor Wimpey site. A start on site is dependent on Access E and road being completed. • Roof charge payments are being made and priorities for S106 spending are being identified. S106 monies have been used to deliver highway works and to make a number of repayments of the Homes England School Loan; the first junction improvement works at Deeble Road/Windmill Avenue, Cranford Road/Barton Road and traffic calming at Cranford village have been completed. • Junction improvement works have been instructed and will be completed over the next few months. This is being co-ordinated with Hanwood Park’s works. • Health Provision – Opportunities for co-locating health and other uses. Engagement needed from Health Partners on preferred models of delivery and what should/could be delivered on the site. • Primary school site delivered and opened in September 2015. Strategic foul drainage works completed.

Priors Hall, Corby

• A development of 5,100 new homes, the whole Priors Hall scheme is subdivided into 3 Zones although Zone 3 lies in East Northamptonshire District. • Urban and Civic acquired the site with assistance from the HCA in late 2017. • Moving forward to regularise and complete works on Zone 1 currently are undertaking permissions under reserve matters, for various parcels of land, these include R17a, R14. An outline application for Zones 2 and 3 has been submitted in July 2019. • Secondary school opened in 2008 serving the Priors Hall Park development and surrounding area (part of the Brooke Weston Trust). Primary School has since opened (2016). District Centre nursery obtained approval of reserved matters in October 2019. Priors Hall Zones 2 & 3 is looking to provide a further two primary schools: one in Zone 2 and one in Zone 3. • Land is reserved in the Zone 1 District Centre for a health facility to serve the whole development. A gymnasium has obtained approval of reserved matters in the District Centre. Further sports and leisure provisions will come forward in Zones 2 and 3. • Zone 1 community centre in the District Centre will serve the whole development, but there is further scope for further facilities within the local centres proposed in Zones 2 and 3. • Approval of a 66-bed care home for older people was granted in December 2019.

Weldon Park, Corby

• Weldon Park, a mixed-use development including 1,000 new homes, together with Priors Hall comprises the North East Corby SUE.

• Access junction with the A43 is complete to serve phase 1. • Application has been submitted to regularise existing roundabout layout on A427 (following discussions with highways NCC and Mulberry Homes). • Discussions ongoing about pedestrian link across A43. • Phase 1 is nearing completion whilst Phase 2 is now under construction. • Ongoing discussions with developer about discharge of outline conditions relating to noise, surface water and off-site highway works.

Stanton Cross, Wellingborough (Wellingborough East)

• The site was identified as the initial Sustainable Urban Extension for Wellingborough in the 2008 CSS. An outline consent for the site was granted in 2008. The scheme has consent for 3,650 dwellings, B1, B2 and B8 development, country park, a neighbourhood centre, two local centres and all associated infrastructure. • Since the last update the key progress is within Parcel 15 and 16 and Parcel 3 with the first completions on site recorded in 2018/19. • Routes 4 and 9 - opened November 2019. • At least 20 further conditions have been submitted for discharge on the outline/variation of condition permissions for Stanton Cross. • These are currently being processed and consultations sent out. They relate to flooding, ecology, lighting. • Discussions have begun in more detail in relation to the comprehensive design of the Neighbourhood Centre, School and Community Centre.

Glenvale Park (Wellingborough North)

• The site was identified as the second SUE for Wellingborough in the 2008 CSS. Outline consent for the site, was granted in 2010 with a time extension approved in 2013. A section 73 application was granted (subject to the signing of a S106 agreement) in September 2016. In January 2018 Section 73 application amendments were approved subject to the signing of a S106 agreement. 15 March 2018 Section 73 S106 legal agreement were signed and variation to outline planning permission WP/2012/0525/XEIA issued. • The proposal includes 3,000 dwellings, retail and commercial facilities, primary schools, a neighbourhood centre, open spaces and associated infrastructure. • Ongoing discussions regarding schemes at design surgeries. • Pre-application process is working well with housebuilders to resolve any issues or concerns at an early stage. • Initial infrastructure (access into site and strategic) – completed 2019. • Works on the spine road and strategic drainage have commenced under the originally agreed scheme and are expected to be completed by the end of November 2019. • Reserved matters approved for 199 dwellings and 66 bed care home.

West Corby

• This was identified in the 2008 CSS as a general location for a mixed-use SUE. This site is now allocated in the JCS for development of around 4,500 dwellings and at least 2,500 jobs. It will

deliver a high-quality development which is permeable, well-connected and integrates with the town of Corby and also has a high quality of landscape to assimilate into the surrounding countryside. • The SUE will include key infrastructure items including highway improvements, a secondary school and four primary schools, provision of green infrastructure throughout the site, public transport provision and other community facilities to meet the needs of the development. • Outline planning permissions for 4,500 homes was granted in December 2019.

Rushden East

• In order to provide for significant expansion at Rushden in accordance with its status as a Growth Town in the JCS, a broad location for a SUE to the east of the A6, has been identified. The JCS includes Policy 33 which outlines a number of criteria which need be demonstrably satisfied through a masterplan before planning consent can be granted. The land was considered to be the most sustainable option for the future development of Rushden as it provides a major opportunity for a high quality, cohesive and distinctive sustainable urban extension. Whilst the A6 bypass forms a significant barrier between the proposed urban extension and Rushden, innovative solutions are being examined in order to create a development which is permeable and well-connected to Rushden and the facilities offered by the existing urban area. • Site is to include 2,500 dwellings, potentially increasing to 2,600 - 2,700 through proposals put forward within the masterplan. • Consortium of Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Homes and the Camland Group are working on the masterplan currently. • The housing will be a mix of one to five-bedroom housing and there is the possibility there could be some plots for bungalows. Barratt and Taylor Wimpey will both build 1,100 homes and the Camland Group will deliver the remaining 400. • A planning application will be submitted once the masterplan is finalised and approved by the East Northants Council.

Tresham Garden Village

• Policy 14 of the Joint Core Strategy (JCS) identifies Deenethorpe Airfield as an opportunity area to deliveran exemplary Garden Village and sets out demanding standards for its design and operation. • The policy requires proposal to make provision for a new village including up to 1,500 homes, educational and community facilities, shops, business premises and generous green spaces. • A masterplan and delivery strategy (MDS) has been prepared by promoters working alongside the Deene Estate (as landowners of the site), outlining how a policy compliant development can be delivered. In July 2019 the Council endorsed this MDS as a basis from which a planning application can be submitted for consideration (likely to be received in Summer 2020).

Other Strategic Sites

Land at Cockerell Road, Corby (Employment)

• JCS Policy 34 • This site has been identified as being suitable for B1, B2 and B8 uses. The JCS expects that the site should deliver employment and training opportunities, a high-quality landscaped Business Park and associated infrastructure, including a net gain in green infrastructure and biodiversity. • Wickes opened a store on the southside of the site back in 2016. In 2019 Andrew’s Building Supplies was granted permission for a store adjacent to Wickes as well as five industrial units that will be available for rent. • An application has been submitted to the Council for a vehicle refurbishment and storage facility in the northern part of the site – yet to be determined. If this comes forward only a middle portion of the site will remain vacant.

Land at Nene Valley Farm, Rushden (Employment)

• JCS Policy 35 • In January 2016, developer Ashfield Land purchased Nene Valley Farm which has been acquired to develop a mixed-use scheme that will include office, industrial, retail and leisure facilities, which is to be consistent with Policy 35 of the JCS which allocates this site. • Ashfield Land are promoting this site as Rushden Gateway and which they say could create 500-600 jobs, and as well as the employment space, proposals have emerged since that set out the provision for retail units, a supermarket, cafe and restaurant space, a 60 bed care home and a new area of high quality public open space. • In 2018 a full planning application was been submitted to East Northants Council, a time extension has been agreed for the determination due to the requirement of additional information and a decision is now expected in early 2020.

Land at Kettering North (Employment)

• Land at Kettering North as shown in Policy 36 of the JCS is allocated primarily for employment uses. The site will provide for a minimum of 40ha of B1, B2 and small scale B8 development together with approximately 2ha of leisure related uses. A masterplan is currently being worked on; however a planning application is yet to come forward.

Land at Kettering South (Employment)

• Policy 37 of the JCS allocates two parcels of land at Kettering South for employment uses, known as Parcel A and Parcel B. The smaller of the parcels (A), located west of the A509, should provide small employment units primarily for B1 and B2 uses, whilst the larger Parcel B, situated to the east of the A509 should focus on the delivery of B8 development and ancillary B1 and B2 uses. • In 2019 an application by DB Symmetry Ltd for 215,606m2 of B8 warehousing and distribution with ancillary B1 offices on Parcel B of the site was approved by the Council after previously being refused.

• One of the key conditions of this application is that the A509 between the A14 and Isham must be dualled before work is commenced on the site.

Rothwell North SUE

• JCS Policy 38 • The site of the proposed SUE at Rothwell North is located on agricultural land approximately 33.7ha to the north of Rothwell and will aim to provide around 500 dwellings and 3 hectares of B1 and B2 employment land comprising of a local centre, shops and community facilities. • As of 2018 the S106 for the site has been completed and outline planning permission has been issued. In 2019 the reserved matters for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale in relation to Phase 1 of the site for 227 dwellings, public open space, and associated infrastructure was approved.

Table 38: SUE housing completions

Site 18/19 Completions Overall completions

Hanwood Park 132 285

Priors Hall 238 1,137

Weldon Park 111 212

Stanton Cross 57 57

Totals 538 1,691

Provision of superfast broadband infrastructure

8.8 Government set a national target of 95% superfast broadband coverage to be achieved by 31st December 2017. The target relates to numbers of premises rather than geographical coverage. This national target was met. However, Northamptonshire has gone even better with coverage approaching 97%. It is also in the top ten areas in the UK for ultrafast broadband with 60% of premises able to access even faster speeds. This means that Northamptonshire is now one of the best counties in the UK for fast broadband.

8.9 In June 2018 the County Council agreed new targets for the Superfast Northamptonshire project. These targets are for at least 99% of premises in the county to be able to access superfast broadband and 65% ultrafast - both to be achieved by 31st March 2021. These targets are challenging but considered achievable subject to market capacity. This will ensure that Northamptonshire is one of the best places (urban and rural) in the country for fast and reliable broadband connectivity.

HGV parking sites within 2km of the strategic road network (A14, A45, A43) or major freight attractors

8.10 It was reported in the 16/17 AMR that no new HGV parking sites were delivered to date in North Northamptonshire and nor was there any information about any coming forward and the site in Rothwell at Junction 3 of the A14 appeared to have stalled. However, since this report there has been rapid progress with the development of this site, and it was officially opened in Spring 2019 for usage. The site is operated 24hrs by Welcome Break and consists of 200+ spaces for HGV parking with the addition of all the appropriate facilities expected at a service station, including showers and a gym as well as a bar and retail facilities.

Infrastructure Summary

8.11 Overall there has been some good progress with certain infrastructure within North Northamptonshire and even where there has not been considerable action seen on the ground with some areas, appropriate planning and action has been undertaken to try and accelerate the delivery of infrastructure. Positives to take from the major infrastructure projects identified in Table 37 (Table 8 of the JCS) mainly revolve around the refurbishment of Tresham College in Wellingborough with rapid progress being made in order for it to be ready by September 2020. There will also be the imminent commencement of work on Chowns Mill roundabout where progress on the physical works can hopefully be reported on in next year’s AMR. With regard to Isham Bypass. It was reported in last year’s report that a large portion of its previously secured funding was to be withdrawn, in 18/19 action has been taken to explore other funding areas with EEH putting the project forward for Major Road Network (MRN) funding - Phase 3 of the A43 dualling has also been put forward as part of this bid. It will be particularly important to monitor the progress of these bids as they will determine the pace at which these projects may come forward, especially with regards to the Isham Bypass which has a history of stalled progression.

8.12 Overall regarding some of the additional infrastructure provision in North Northamptonshire, particularly around transport, significant activity has taken place over the last couple of years. As detailed above the upgrade and electrification of the Midland Main Line is a particularly large scale and significant project affecting North Northamptonshire which could benefit the area and improve connectivity both north and south, however consideration must be taken into account with regard to proposed timetable provisions for trains to ensure the Growth Towns are not negatively impacted, such as Wellingborough potentially seeing reduced train services. The Borough Council of Wellingborough has responded to the latest consultation addressing this issue. Despite this, the overall picture regarding train provision in North Northamptonshire fares much better than the bus provision, which as mentioned above continues to see cuts to existing services, which does not encourage public transport use and the overall modal shift ambitions of the area.

8.13 In regard to the SUEs, build out is now progressing at four of the sites, with Stanton Cross seeing its first 57 completions in 18/19. Hanwood Park continues to progress well with its third year of completions and slight increase in delivery on last year. Priors Hall continues to be the most productive of the SUEs in regard to housing delivery, which now has more than 1,100 units on site and nearby Weldon Park is also picking up significant pace in terms of house

building. Of the SUEs that are yet to see build out, Glenvale Park is the next closest to seeing units on site with significant infrastructure work having taken place over the last year (including access, spine road and drainage) and a reserved matters application for the first parcel was recently approved. West Corby is next with outline planning application approved and the details now being worked on. Rushden East has progressed more slowly than anticipated, however consultation on the masterplan will commence in early 2020.

8.14 Finally in regard to the smaller strategic sites, Rothwell North is the only other SUE to report on (Policy 38) – as detailed above a reserved matters application was approved in 2019 meaning it is hoped house building can commence soon. In terms of the employment sites Cockerell Road continues to see the most activity with an application now in for the northern part of the site. Notwithstanding this Kettering South now has an approved application and there is a live application at Nene Valley Farm, Rushden. This now means the only site remaining is Kettering North, however work continues masterplanning on this site.

Appendix A: Local Authority Housing Trajectories assessing past and projected performance relative to the Joint Core Strategy, 2011-31

Corby Borough Housing Trajectory 2011-31 (at 31/03/2019) 1,000 750 782 698 689 696 597 632 617 626 626 626 626 505 482 483 439 500 342 390 369 349

-500

-1,000Dwellings

-1,500

-2,000

Past Completions (NET) -2,500 Projected Completions Year JCS Annual Manage - Annual requirement taking account of past/projected completions

Corby Borough - No. dwellings above or below cumulative allocation 2,500

2,124 2,000 1,958 1,792 1,626 1,500 1,460

1,224

1,000 902

Number of of DwellingsNumber 612 500 455

226 45 0 22 -12 -73 -36 -57 -143 -234 -208 -345 -500

Kettering Borough Housing Trajectory 2011-31 (at 31/03/2019) 1,500

997 1023 1,000 836 785 706 644 547 540 495 535 500 351 313 282

0 Dwellings

-500 Past Completions (NET)

-1,000 Projected Completions

JCS Annual

-1,500 MANAGE - Annual requirement taking account of past/projected completions Year

Kettering Borough - No. dwellings above or below cumulative allocation 1,500

1,294 1,000 1,029

526 500

49 -207

0 Number of of DwellingsNumber

-406 -282 -267

-356 -500 -376 -381

-594 -567

-1,000

East Northamptonshire Housing Trajectory 2011-31 (at 31/03/2019) 1,500

Past Completions (NET) 1,300 Projected Completions

1,100 JCS Annual

MANAGE - Annual requirement taking 900 806 account of past/projected completions 749 689 700 649 565 508 459 473 462 483 500Dwellings 446 406 350 313 317 300 271 248 223 241 184

100

-100

-300 Year

East Northamptonshire - No. dwellings above or below cumulative allocation 1000 887 873

770 800 824 782 621 600 694 442

400 425

200 81 134 96

Number of of DwellingsNumber 0 55 -63 -236 -133

-200

-400 -331

-408 -476 -600 -515

Borough of Wellingborough Housing Trajectory 2011-31 (at 31/03/2019) 1,500

900 921 1,000 840 751 706 721 571 566 500 421 396 396 406 384 380 339 255 247 274 122 116

-500 Dwellings

-1,000

-1,500 Past Completions (NET)

Projected Completions -2,000

JCS Annual

-2,500 MANAGE - Annual requirement taking Year account of past/projected completions

Borough of Wellingborough - No. dwellings above or below cumulative allocation 3,000 2,656 2,712 2,564 2,610 2,500 2,348

1,977 2,000

1,621

1,500 1,220

1,000 730

Number of of DwellingsNumber 500 159

0 -228 -391 -462 -523 -493 -557 -596 -612 -500 -672 -683

-1,000

Appendix B: Calculation of the five-year housing land requirement relative to the JCS, 2019-24 Corby Borough: Housing Requirement Calculations 2019-24

A3.1 Table A3.1 below outlines that over the period 2011-19 3,644 dwellings were built in Corby Borough. Compared to the requirements of JCS Table 5 over the same period (460 x 8 years = 3,680 dwellings), this represents a shortfall of 36 dwellings.

Table A3.1 Corby Borough Council – Housing delivery relative to JCS Policy 28, 2011-19 Recorded completion 2011/12 482 Recorded completion 2012/13 483 Recorded completion 2013/14 342 Recorded completion 2014/15 390 Recorded completion 2015/16 369 Recorded completion 2016/17 349 Recorded completion 2017/18 597 Recorded completion 2018/19 632 Total Completions 2011-19 3,644 JCS Requirement 2011-19 (460 x 8) 3,680 Difference 2011-19 -36

Updated Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of past performance

A3.2 Consistent with the Sedgefield approach, and ensure any shortfall in supply is made up within the 5 year assessment period, the 36 dwelling shortfall identified at 31.03.2019 must be incorporated into the Borough’s five year housing requirement for the period 2019-24. This is undertaken on the basis of Table A3.2 below.

Table A3.2 Corby Borough Council – Rebased Five Year Housing requirement, 2019-24 (no buffer) (a) Year (b) JCS Annual Housing (c) Projected shortfall (d) Revised (Five Year) Requirement 2011-19 housing requirement, 2019-24 2019/20 460 36 2,336 2020/21 460 2021/22 460 2022/23 460 2023/24 460 Totals 2,300 36 2,336

Final Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of NPPF buffer

A3.3 Pursuant to national policy, the five year requirement needs make provision for an additional buffer consistent with national guidance, and in this case a buffer of 20% has been added to the Borough’s revised housing requirement as calculated at Table A3.2. This has the effect of increasing the Council’s housing requirement to 2,543 dwellings for the period 2019-24 (see Table A3.3). This is the figure against which Corby Borough’s housing land supply is considered for the period 2019-24.

Table A3.3 Corby Borough Council – Five Year Housing requirement, 2019-24 (with buffer) Revised housing requirement +5% 2,453

East Northamptonshire District: Housing Requirement Calculations 2019-24

A3.4 Table A3.4 below outlines that over the period 2011-19 it is anticipated that 3,361 dwellings were built in East Northamptonshire. Compared to the requirements of JCS Table 5 over the same period (420 x 8 years = 3,360 dwellings), this represents an oversupply of 134 dwellings.

Table A3.4 East Northamptonshire – Housing delivery relative to JCS Policy 28, 2011-19 Recorded completion 2011/12 184 Recorded completion 2012/13 248 Recorded completion 2013/14 313 Recorded completion 2014/15 459 Recorded completion 2015/16 565 Recorded completion 2016/17 806 Recorded completion 2017/18 446 Recorded completion 2018/19 473 Total Completions 2011-19 3,494 JCS Requirement 2011-19 (420 x 8) 3,360 Difference 2011-19 +134

Updated Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of past performance

A3.5 Following the Sedgefield approach to determining the five year housing land requirement, any shortfall in provision relative to plan targets is accounted for in the next assessment period with a view to quickly addressing. In contrast, when an oversupply is projected, best practice follows that instead of removing this from the subsequent land requirement, no adjustment is made and this simply follows the requirement stated in the Local Plan. For East Northamptonshire Council, this is the 420 annual requirement stated in the JCS (multiplied by 5 years) or 2,100 dwellings in total. On the basis of this, the Council’s five year housing requirement for the period is outlined at Table A3.5 below.

Table A3.5 East Northamptonshire – Rebased Five Year Housing requirement, 2019-24 (no buffer) (a) Year (b) JCS Annual Housing (c) Projected shortfall (d) Revised (Five Year) Requirement 2011-19 housing requirement, 2019-24 2019/20 420 0 2,100 2020/21 420 2021/22 420 2022/23 420 2023/24 420 Totals 2,100 0 2,100

Final Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of NPPF buffer

A3.6 Pursuant to national policy, the five year requirement needs make provision for an additional buffer consistent with national guidance, and in this case a buffer of 5% has been added to East Northamptonshire’s housing requirement as outlined at Table A3.5. This has the effect of increasing the Council’s housing requirement to 2,205 dwellings for the period 2019-24 (see Table A3.6). This is the figure against which East Northamptonshire Council’s housing land supply is considered for the period 2019-24.

Table A3.6 East Northamptonshire – Five Year Housing requirement, 2019-24 (with buffer) Revised housing requirement +5% 2,205

Kettering Borough: Housing Requirement Calculations 2019-24

A3.7 Table A3.7 below outlines that over the period 2011-19 3,832 dwellings were built in Kettering Borough. Compared to the requirements of JCS Table 5 over the same period (520 x 8 years = 4,160 dwellings), this represents a shortfall of 282 dwellings.

Table A3.7 Kettering Borough – Housing delivery relative to JCS Policy 28, 2011-19 Recorded completion 2011/12 313 Recorded completion 2012/13 351 Recorded completion 2013/14 540 Recorded completion 2014/15 282 Recorded completion 2015/16 547 Recorded completion 2016/17 706 Recorded completion 2017/18 495 Recorded completion 2018/19 644 Total Completions 2011-19 3,878 JCS Requirement 2011-19 (520 x 8) 4,160 Difference 2011-19 -282

Updated Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of past performance

A3.8 Consistent with the Sedgefield approach, and ensure any shortfall in supply is made up within the 5 year assessment period, the 282 dwelling shortfall identified at 31.03.2019 must be incorporated to the Borough’s five year housing requirement for the period 2019-24. This is undertaken on the basis of Table A3.8 below.

Table A3.8 Kettering Borough – Rebased Five Year Housing requirement, 2019-24 (no buffer) (a) Year (b) JCS Annual Housing (c) Projected shortfall (d) Revised (Five Year) Requirement 2011-19 housing requirement, 2019-24 2019/20 520 282 2,882 2020/21 520 2021/22 520 2022/23 520 2023/24 520 Totals 2,600 282 2,882

Final Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of NPPF buffer

A3.9 Pursuant to national policy, the five year requirement needs make provision for an additional buffer consistent with national guidance, and in this case a buffer of 5% has been added to Kettering Borough’s revised housing requirement as calculated at Table A3.8. This has the effect of increasing the Council’s housing requirement to 3,023 dwellings for the period 2019- 24 (see Table A3.9). This is the figure against which Kettering Borough’s housing land supply is considered for the period 2019-24.

Table A3.9 Kettering Borough – Five Year Housing requirement, 2019-24 (with buffer) Revised housing requirement +5% 3,026

Borough of Wellingborough: Housing Requirement Calculations 2019-24

A3.10 Table A3.10 below outlines that over the period 2011-19 2,117 dwellings were built in the Borough of Wellingborough. Compared to the requirements of JCS Table 5 over the same period (350 x 8 years = 2,800 dwellings), this represents a shortfall of 683 dwellings.

Table A3.10 Borough of Wellingborough – Housing delivery relative to JCS Policy 28, 2011-19 Recorded completion 2011/12 122 Recorded completion 2012/13 116 Recorded completion 2013/14 255 Recorded completion 2014/15 384 Recorded completion 2015/16 380 Recorded completion 2016/17 247 Recorded completion 2017/18 274 Recorded completion 2018/19 339 Total Completions 2011-19 2,117 JCS Requirement 2011-19 (350 x 8) 2,800 Difference 2011-19 -683

Updated Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of past performance

A3.11 Consistent with the Sedgefield approach, and ensure any shortfall in supply is made up within the 5 year assessment period, the 683 dwelling shortfall identified at 31.03.2019 must be incorporated to the Borough’s five year housing requirement for the period 2019-24. This is undertaken on the basis of Table A3.11 below.

Table A3.11 Borough of Wellingborough – Rebased Five Year Housing requirement, 2019-24 (no buffer) (a) Year (b) JCS Annual Housing (c) Projected shortfall (d) Revised (Five Year) Requirement 2011-19 housing requirement, 2019-24 2019/20 350 683 2,433 2020/21 350 2021/22 350 2022/23 350

2023/24 350 Totals 1,750 683 2,433

Final Housing Requirement 2019-24 inclusive of NPPF buffer

A3.12 Pursuant to national policy, the five year requirement needs make provision for an additional buffer consistent with national guidance, and in this case a buffer of 5% has been added to the Council’s revised housing requirement as calculated at Table A3.5. This has the effect of increasing the Borough’s housing requirement to 2,555 dwellings for the period 2019-24 (see Table A3.12). This is the figure against which Wellingborough’s housing land supply is considered for the period 2019-24.

Table A3.12 Borough of Wellingborough – Five Year Housing requirement, 2019-24 (with buffer) Revised housing requirement +5% 2,555

Appendix C: Local Authority Housing Site Schedules

Web links (only accessible via online version) • Corby Housing Site Schedule

• Kettering Housing Site Schedule

• East Northamptonshire Housing Site Schedule

• Wellingborough Housing Site Schedule

Appendix D: Average House Prices – 1st April 2018 – 31st March 2019

Chart 3: Average House sales prices April 2018-March 2019 £400,000

£350,000

£300,000

£250,000

£200,000

£150,000

£100,000

£50,000

£0 Detached Semi-Detached Terraced Flats Total Average

Corby East Northamptonshire Kettering Wellingborough North Northamptonshire

Source: Land Registry – UK House Price Index

Table 39: Average House sales prices April 2018-March 2019 Detached Semi-Detached Terraced Flats Average sales price

Corby £294,506 £176,335 £144,477 £98,417 £178,434 East Northamptonshire £351,658 £213,642 £177,460 £123,116 £216,469 Kettering £318,778 £196,410 £159,982 £111,021 £196,548 Wellingborough £338,969 £205,032 £168,981 £110,340 £205,830 North Northamptonshire £325,978 £197,855 £162,725 £110,723 £199,320

Table 40: Change in average house price 2017/18 to 2018/19 Detached Semi- Terraced Flats Total Detached Average Corby 8.6% 8.8% 8.1% 9.5% 6.9% East Northamptonshire 8.9% 8.8% 8.4% 10.0% -0.4% Kettering 8.3% 8.5% 8.1% 9.6% 4.5% Wellingborough 9.3% 9.4% 9.0% 9.9% 4.5% North Northamptonshire 8.8% 8.9% 8.4% 9.8% 3.6%

Appendix E: Plan for the Borough Council of Wellingborough

Plan for the Borough of Wellingborough (PBW) Monitoring Statement 2018/2019

Introduction

The Plan for the Borough of Wellingborough (PBW) is the part 2 local plan for the borough and was adopted in February 2019. This document replaces the Wellingborough Town Centre Area Action Plan (TCAAP) and its monitoring framework. The TCAAP monitoring update was included each year as part of the North Northamptonshire Authorities Monitoring Report (AMR). The PBW includes a new monitoring framework (refer to Table 12.1 of the plan) which will now be included within each AMR. Monitoring indicators identified in the Sustainability Appraisal of the plan are also included in this statement. As this is the first year of the new framework, this year’s data will act as a baseline against which subsequent years will be compared. Where comparison is possible against previous years then this has been included. It is not possible however at this stage to make conclusions on the success of the implementation of the PBW. To gain a complete picture of the implementation of the local plan the JCS monitoring framework and this PBW monitoring framework need to be read together. Further details of the council’s housing land supply are also available in a separate report.

Spatial Strategy

Development outside of the village boundaries should be restricted to that required to support a prosperous economy or meet local needs.

Indicator 1: Development Permitted outside of the defined village boundaries Reference Parish Type of Reason Development Permitted WP/17/00673/FUL Bozeat Agricultural In accordance with Dwelling Policy 13 Comments: The only development permitted outside of the village boundaries was for an agricultural dwelling which met the requirements of Policy 13 of the JCS.

Green Infrastructure Framework

The provision, enhancement and protection of Green Infrastructure (GI) is an important priority of both the PBW and the JCS. This section identifies changes in GI over the year.

It should be recognised that the GI corridors identified in the PBW are indicative and therefore in considering applications that have been consented or completed within an indicative GI corridor regard should be had to whether the site forms an integral part of the GI corridor.

The following applications are considered to be the only consents granted over the monitoring year on sites which could form an integral part of a GI corridor.

Indicator 2: Net loss/gain in green infrastructure permitted across the borough Reference Location Type of GI Gain/loss WP/18/00153/OUT Old Swimming Town • The scheme would result Baths, Croyland Corridor in development within a Road, GI corridor however, the Wellingborough built elements of the scheme would largely be on a brownfield car park site. • The scheme intends to retain the footpath along Swanspool Brook maintaining the green corridor through Croyland Park. Tree planting and landscaping is included in the scheme to minimise the impacts of the scheme on the GI corridor. WP/18/00161/FUL Car Park Town • The development results Doddington Corridor in the need to move the Road, current footpath/cycle Wellingborough path. A new cycle path/footpath is proposed as part of the development - the connectivity along the GI corridor is therefore retained. • The site is currently a car park and so holds no green infrastructure value. • The brook is unaffected so the biodiversity connectivity remains unchanged. WP/14/00793/FUL Park Farm/ Town • Development has resulted and Rystone Way, Corridor and in the loss of a fairly large WP/18/00386/FUL Wellingborough Linear undeveloped site within Greenspace the GI corridor. • Scheme however retains a green buffer around the

site continuing a smaller GI corridor past the site. • Footpaths and cycle paths have been provided as part of this development to connect the site to the surrounding GI.

Indicator 3: New open space provided within or connected to GI corridor Reference Location Description None Comments: There have been no new open spaces provided within this monitoring year

Indicator 4: New Projects to enhance open space in GI corridors Project Description Parks and Gardens in Wellingborough The council has commissioned TEP (The Environment Partnership) to look at park improvement projects relating to Castle Fields, Bassets Park, Croyland Park, Eastfield Park, Butterfield, Cedar Way and Dale End.

Policy GI2 and Policy GI3 of the PBW both seek to prevent the loss of sites designated as Local Open Space (LOS) or Local Green Space (LGS). LOS and LGS are identified in each village as well as within Wellingborough town. In some cases such as in Wollaston and Earls Barton, LOS and LGS are identified within their Neighbourhood Plan rather than in the PBW. Ecton are also aiming to allocate their own LOS and LGS within their Neighbourhood Plan once it is progressed. This indicator will highlight any applications approved for the loss of any part of an LOS or LGS site.

Indicator 5: Losses in Local Open Space (LOS) or Local Greenspace (LGS) Reference Location LGS/LOS site affected Total amount of LOS/LGS land lost? None Total 0 0 Comments: There have been no applications resulting in the loss of a Local Open Space or Local Green Space permitted over the 18/19 monitoring year

Indicator 6: Projects that enhance open space, sports or recreation through S106 agreements Project Description

Open Space: Developer Contributions As outlined in the PBW the council is SPD and Sports: Developer preparing two SPDs relating to securing Contributions SPD developer contributions for open space sport and recreation. These include a methodology for calculating financial contributions. Over the year the draft methodology has been used to provide comments on planning applications and pre-application enquiries which will form a starting point for future S106 agreements. Thorpe Road/ Holdenby Lane Contribution towards Skate Park and Earls Barton Sports Pitch received. WP/2013/00398 Compton Road Contributions towards Castlefields play WP/2013/0075 equipment received. Little Harrowden Contribution to fund enhancements to WP/17/00665/OUT play area in Little Harrowden received.

Indicator 7: Provision of new open space, sports or recreation facilities Project Description 3G Pitch at Redwell Leisure Centre Works have been ongoing on the provision of a new full sized 3G pitch at Redwell Leisure Centre, this should commence imminently and should be completed over the next monitoring year. This has been made possible through funding from the Football Foundation. The Grange, Earls Barton The neighbourhood plan allocation includes land for sport and leisure facilities. The site is under construction with a total of 112 dws completed. Some GI features and small amenity green spaces have been delivered. An application for the sports facilities is expected during the next monitoring year

Delivering Economic Prosperity

The provision and protection of sufficient high quality employment land to meet job targets is a key requirement of the NPPF, Policy 22 of the JCS and Policies E1, E2 and E3 of the PBW.

Established Industrial Estates are identified in the PBW, and within these areas employment uses should be protected and ways of facilitating their enhancement and growth should be encouraged.

The next 3 indicators set out how much additional B use floorspace was completed over the monitoring year within established industrial estates; the amount of floorspace not in B uses completed over the monitoring year within established industrial estates and finally the amount of current B use floorspace that has been lost within established industrial estates over the year.

Indicator 8: The amount of additional B uses floorspace within established industrial estates. Location Floorspace m2 Finedon Road (inc Ise Valley) 559 Park Farm 312 Leyland 3943 Denington 0 Victoria Business Park 0 Appleby Lodge 0 Wellingborough North 0 Wellingborough East 0 Total 4,814m2 Comments: There was a total of 4,814m2 of B use employment floorspace delivered within industrial estates across Wellingborough, the majority of this (3,943m2) was on the Leyland Industrial Estate. The only other delivery was a series of smaller developments on the Finedon Road Industrial Estate and Park Farm Industrial Estate.

Despite the reported growth in several employment estates, as well as the continued progress on Appleby Lodge, it is recognised that these estates must continue to provide up to date facilities and attractive environments for modern businesses in order to continue to grow and develop. The indicator below will record any projects that have been undertaken within the employment estates that seek to improve the environment and infrastructure in order to enhance the visual and economic attractiveness of the relevant areas.

Indicator 9: Projects enhancing the physical environment and infrastructure of existing estates Project Description None

Indicator 10: The amount of additional Non-B use floorspace within established industrial estates. Location Floorspace m2 Finedon Road 0 Park Farm 128 Leyland 195 Denington 627

Victoria Business Park 0 Appleby Lodge 0 Wellingborough North 0 Wellingborough East 0 Total 950 Comments: Policy E1 of the PBW supports the provision of ancillary services such as café’s, convenience shopping and leisure and sports uses within the employment estates. The additional Non-B floorspace recorded above includes provision of these ancillary services. There was a total of 950m2 of non-employment floorspace delivered within industrial estates over the monitoring year. Most of this was on the Denington Road Estate which had 627m2 of employment floorspace converted to a D2 class Dance School (WP/18/00028).

Indicator 11: Amount of B floorspace lost outside established industrial estates Location Floorspace m2 Croyland Hall (WP/18/00615) -576 11-12 Sliver St (WP/17/00776) -221 Total -797m2 Comments: Outside of established Industrial Estates the PBW seeks to retain employment sites for employment uses and prevent their loss other than in certain specific circumstances set out in Policy E3.

There were two sites that resulted in the loss of B use employment land over the year at Croyland Hall where 576m2 of B1A floorspace was lost to D1 use (WP/18/00615); and at 11-12 Sliver St where 221m2 of B8 floorspace was lost to a variety of A use retail and takeaways (WP/17/00776).

Delivering Homes

These next indicators assess the provision of housing on allocated sites across the borough and also the provision of specialist housing such as self-build or custom build dwellings and housing for older people.

Overall housing delivery across the borough is assessed elsewhere within the North Northamptonshire Authorities Monitoring Report as is the councils’ 5 year housing land supply position. As a result these details are not set out in this section.

Indicator 12: Housing delivery on the allocated housing sites Site Progress Total Total number of number of dwellings dwellings under completed construction George Cox, 46 Permissioned Westfield Road WP/16/00375/FUL granted 0 45 for 45 retirement flats completed.

WP/16/00492/FUL granted for 31 flats, site cleared Windsor Road Not Permissioned 0 0 Hardwick Park Permission WP/16/00806 for 0 0 40 dws Finedon Rd/Nest Not Permissioned 0 0 Lane Park Farm Outline Application Way/Shelley Rd WP/15/00727/OUT approved 0 0 subject to s106 for 600 dws East of Eastfield Not Permissioned 0 0 Road High St Application WP/14/00175 approved subject to s106 for 0 0 114 dws Alma Street/ Not Permissioned 0 0 Cambridge Street Post Office sorting Not Permissioned 0 0 depot Leys Road/ Not Permissioned 0 0 Highfield Rd Wellingborough Permissioned 98 57 East SUE Wellingborough Permissioned 0 0 North SUE Total 98 57 Comments: The George Cox site was allocated in the plan with an estimated capacity of 25 dws. The site has already delivered 45 flats and has outstanding consent for a further 31. Further information on the delivery in the SUEs is provided in Indicator 28.

As expected, in the first year of the plan’s adoption there has been a limited number of allocated sites delivering completions. Half of the allocated sites however have permissions in place and are therefore in advanced stages of the planning process.

Indicator 13: Housing delivered on Finedon housing allocations. Site Progress - Not Total number of Total number of permissioned, dwellings under dwellings permissioned, construction at completed over under the end of the the monitoring construction monitoring year year Milner Road and Partly 0 0 south of Kenmuir permissioned Road (WP/17/00118/FU L) for 50 dwellings covering part of the allocated site.

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Total 0 0 Comments: The site is anticipated to be delivered in two phases. Planning consent has been granted for 50 dws on the Milner Road section and development is anticipated to commence shortly on this part. The remainder of the site has a capacity of 60 dws. The site as a whole is therefore estimated to have a potential capacity of 110 dws compared to the 90dws anticipated in the plan.

Indicator 14: Housing provided for older people Location Type Number of Completions 46 Westfield Rd, Retirement Living 45 WP/16/00375/FUL Apartments 38a Broad Green 2 bedroom apartments for 2 WP/18/00014/FUL over 55s Total 47 Comments: The plan sets a target of a minimum of 34 dwellings per year for older people in the borough. This target has therefore been exceeded in this monitoring year.

Indicator 15: Retirement, supported and care homes provided Location Type Number of Completions High Street Children’s care home 4 bed Finedon WP/18/00349/LDE Crome Close Accommodation for child in 1 bed WP/18/00044/FUL need

Indicator 16: Numbers of those seeking to acquire plots on the council’s self-build register Number on the register as at 31/3/19 Number added during the year 45 8

Indicator 17: Number of serviced plots granted planning permission for self- build or custom housing Location Type Number granted None Total 0 Comments: Policy H5 seeks the provision of 5% of the plots on sites over 50 or more dwellings to be made available as self-build or custom plots. There were no schemes granted within the monitoring year for schemes over 50 dwellings.

The main section of the AMR provides details of the number of completions for residential developments of 1 unit; these are generally considered to equate to self- build units.

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Delivering Retail and Wellingborough Town Centre

Maintaining and enhancing the vitality and viability of the town centres is an important issue for the borough and nationally. This is reflected in the NPPF, JCS and PBW. Monitoring the health of Wellingborough town centre is particularly important given the recent development and growth of Rushden Lakes nearby. The plan seeks to consolidate and diversify the retail function of the town centre so that it can operate successfully alongside Rushden Lakes. As such the following indicators seek to monitor certain aspects of the town centre’s performance and the health of surrounding village centres.

Indicator 18: Retail provision in the town centre, local centres and elsewhere in the borough Location Gains m2 Losses m2 Net retail floorspace delivered m2 Town Centre 5 -100 -95 Local Centre 0 0 0 Elsewhere 220 -30 190 Total 95m2 Comments: There was a net decrease of -95m2 in delivery of retail floorspace within the town centre, this however was entirely on one site which resulted in a -100m2 conversion from A1 to A2 use. As these are both main town centre uses this is not considered to be significant. There was no net loss/gain in local centres however there was a net gain of 190m2 outside of the defined local centres in Earls Barton, Irchester and one site outside the town centre in Wellingborough. This means a total net gain of 95m2 across the borough.

Indicator 19: Gains and loss of retail outside the town centre and local centres Location Gains (units) Losses (units) Description Earls Barton 1 Conversion to A1 from a vacant flat Earls Barton 1 Change of use from A1 to A4 Irchester 1 Change of use from D1 Wellingborough 1 New A1 Comments: There was a net gain of two neighbourhood shops over the monitoring year. This is considered positive in providing sustainable opportunities to support communities.

Indicator 20: Town centre uses within the town centre (Primary Shopping Frontage) % in A1 use based on % in A1 use in m of number of units frontage

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Primary Shopping 73% 80% Frontage Comments: Within the primary shopping area defined in Policy TC2 of the PBW there were 221 A1 uses out of 343 in total when taking into account just the ground floor uses. This figure of 221 excludes any vacant units. This represents a percentage across the primary shopping area of 64% in A uses.

On the primary shopping frontages defined in Policy TC2 of the PBW, a total of 668m is in active A1 use, 80% of the entire primary shopping frontage.

Based on the number of units, this percentage of the Primary Shopping frontage in A1 use falls to 73%.

The target is for the percentage of primary shopping frontages in A1 use to comprise at least 70%.

These primary shopping frontage figures only include ground floor uses.

Indicator 21: Town centre uses within the town centre (Secondary Shopping Frontage) % in main town centre % in main town centre uses based on number uses in m2 of frontage of units Secondary Shopping 77% 73% Frontage Comments: Main town centre uses comprise retail, leisure, entertainment, offices and arts and cultural development.

The target is for main town centre uses to remain dominant in the secondary shopping frontages.

On the secondary shopping frontages defined in Policy TC2 of the PBW, a total of 1,110m2 is in main town centre uses, 73% of the entire secondary shopping frontage.

In terms of numbers of units 126 units were in main town centre uses out of a total of 163. A percentage of 77% of units in main town centre uses.

These figures only take into account ground floor uses.

Indicator 22: Public Realm Improvements Location Description Tithe Barn A Tithe Barn Public Realm study was undertaken by Pick Everards over the monitoring year and works on implementing the report’s

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recommendations will be commenced over the 2019/2020 monitoring year.

Indicator 23: The number of applications that do not adhere to the criteria in Policy TC4 (shop fronts and advertisements) Application Location Reason for Refusal None Comments: The target is to refuse all applications which fail to meet the criteria in Policy TC4. This is to meet the objective of seeking improvements in the public realm and shop fronts.

Over the year all applications for shop fronts and advertisements were granted as suitable.

Indicator 24: Percentage of off street car parking spaces occupied Car Park Maximum Occupancy Maximum Occupancy 2016/17 2018/19 Leighton Place 106% 92% Temporary Car Park 88% Closed Derek Hooton Way Sharman Road 83% 69% Aldi 76% 100% Thomas Street (Waendal) 68% 88% High Street 64% 46% Swansgate 57% 50% The Castle 57% 67% Matalan 30% 29% Comments: The target is to ensure car parking occupancy remains below 85%. Above this figure the vehicles searching for spaces can start to cause congestion due to people queuing to get into car parks or having to visit different car parks before getting a space.

The most recent survey shows that on balance there were in the region of 500 fewer cars recorded entering the car parks surveyed in 2018 compared to 2016: which is about an 8% decrease. Not all the car parks, however, have seen a decrease; Waendal, Castle Theatre and Aldi have seen a slight increase.

The Aldi, Thomas Street (Waendal Leisure Centre) and High Street Place car parks go over the 85% capacity figure. There is however sufficiency capacity across the town centre as a whole and there is still forecast to be enough supply to meet future demand in 2031.

The intention is that this indicator will be reported in alternate years with town centre footfall data.

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Indicator 25: Number of vacant units in the town centre No. of vacant % of units that are Change from previous units vacant monitoring year Within Primary 59 17% Shopping Area On Primary Shopping 9 11% Frontage On Secondary Shopping 37 22% Frontage Total across New Town centre 72 13% Town centre boundary Vacancy rates on town centre frontages Length of Change from previous vacant % of total frontage monitoring year frontage On Primary Shopping 76.21m 9% Frontage On Secondary Shopping 303.36m 20% Frontage Total on both New Town centre 379.57m 16% boundary Comments: This indicator assesses vacancy rates in the town centre in two different ways, firstly through the number of units within the town centre that are currently vacant and secondly through assessing what length of the primary and secondary shopping frontage is currently vacant. Both methods only include ground floor uses. The rationale behind using both methods is that the visual and economic impact of only a small number of large units being vacant that take up a significant amount of a key shopping frontage may be greater than a larger number of small units being vacant.

These two measures show that the vacancy rate is slightly higher when assessing number of units than it is when assessing length of frontage, although not significantly so.

This is the first year of using the new primary shopping area and shopping frontage boundaries in the PBW. There is therefore no comparison made. These figures will act as the baseline against which subsequent years will be compared.

Indicator 26: Number of sites reused, refurbished or redeveloped in the town centre Site Description 2 High Street shop front refurbishment

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6a Cambridge Street shop front refurbishment 7 Cambridge Street shop front refurbishment 3 High Street shop front refurbishment 4 High Street shop front refurbishment 5 High Street shop front refurbishment 6 High Street shop front refurbishment The Pagoda refurbishment Queens Hall (Daylight Centre) refurbishment Comments: All of the above were supported through the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Indicator 27: Town Centre Allocated Sites Site Progress TC8: the former Post Office Sorting The main post office building fronting Depot Midland Road was shut and the post office relocated in early 2019.

TC9: High Street/Jacksons Lane Application has been approved (WP/14/00175) for 114 dwellings subject to the signing of the s106 agreement. The site is owned by the Borough Council of Wellingborough and negotiations with a delivery partner are at an advanced stage. TC10: Alma St/Cambridge St A pre-app enquiry has been received on development part of the site.

Site Specific Policies

Indicator 28: Sustainable Urban Extensions Site Progress Site 1: Wellingborough East There were a total of 57 dwellings completed across two parcels of Wellingborough East with 46 completions on Area 15 (WP/15/00510) and 11 completions on Area 16 (WP/2010/0347).

In addition there were a total of 98 dwellings under construction; 51 on Area 15 and 47 on Area 16.

Significant progress is also being made on the road infrastructure and the non-residential areas of the site.

Site 2: Wellingborough North Ground works have commenced on site prior to construction starting. Various reserved matters have been submitted and approved.

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Indicator 29: Development at Sywell Aerodrome Reference Description None Comments: No development proposals have been received at the aerodrome

Delivering Infrastructure

This indicator will provide an annual update regarding key infrastructure delivery. It will largely focus on the delivery of any projects in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) or any other pieces of key infrastructure that have been progressed or delivered over the monitoring year. It will not repeat updates given elsewhere in tables above

Indicator 30: Progress on identified infrastructure projects Project Progress Community Building, S106 monies have been received and a project is Wellingborough East being identified to deliver community facilities The Embankment, A riverside proposals plan has been prepared Wellingborough through the Nene Valley Catchment Partnership, consultation is expected to take place during the next monitoring year Rail Bridges Over the year, several of the bridges over the railway in the borough have been periodically rebuilt by Network Rail as part of the preparations for electrification of the line through Wellingborough. These include Finedon Road Bridge which has been rebuilt over the year and is now re-opened. Initially Network Rail were not proposing to rebuild Irthlingborough Road bridge however they have now changed their programme and are now proposing to build a replacement bridge, to be started over the next monitoring year

Sustainability Appraisal

The Sustainability Appraisal which accompanied the PBW suggests various measures that might be taken to monitor effects (in particular the significant effects) highlighted by the appraisal of the plan. The following section therefore includes a number of additional indicators.

The first set of measures relates to health and wellbeing and benchmark the borough against the England average (source: Local Authority Health Profiles):

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Employment and Qualifications

Indicator 31: Employment and Unemployment (July 2018-June 2019) Wellingborough Wellingborough East Great (%) Midlands Britain Economically 38,300 78.1% 79.7% 78.9% Active In 37,400 76.2% 76% 75.6% Employment Unemployed 1,800 4.4% 4.6% 4.1% Source: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157161/report.aspx#tabempunemp

Indicator 32: Employment by Occupation (Jul 2018-Jun 2019) Wellingborough Wellingborough East Midlands Great Britain (%) (%) (%) Major Group 1- 11,600 31.1% 41.9% 47.1% 3 (Managers, Directors, Professional Occupations, Technical) Major Group 4- 10,200 27.2% 20.8% 19.9% 5 (Administrative, Secretarial, Skilled Trades) Major Group 6- 7,500 20% 17.6% 16.4% 7 (Caring, Leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer services) Major Group 8- 8,100 21.6% 19.7% 16.6% 9 (Process Plant and machine operatives, elementary occupations)

Indicator 33: Qualifications (Jan 2018-Dec 2018) Wellingborough Wellingborough East Great (%) Midlands Britain (%) (%) NVQ4 and 14,000 29.2% 33.2% 39.3% above NVQ3 and 23,700 49.3% 54% 57.8% above

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NVQ2 and 33,200 69.1% 72% 74.9% above NVQ1 and 38,100 79.3% 84.1% 85.4% above Other 4,400 9.2% 7.8% 6.8% Qualifications No 5,600 11.6% 8.1% 7.8% Qualifications

Source: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157161/report.aspx#tabempunemp

The plan is predicted to have positive effects on the economy by supporting the retention and growth of employment in the borough. The provision of higher quality jobs would also help to make the borough more self-reliant. Indicators 31-33 will help to monitor this. These show that unemployment rates are similar to the national and regional figures. There are however less workers in the high skilled categories and fewer people have higher level qualifications.

Conservation Areas

The council has a programme for reviewing conservation area designations and ensuring that there are appropriate conservation areas appraisals and management plans in place. This helps to ensure heritage assets are appropriately protected and enhanced.

Indicator 34: Conservation Area Appraisals Location Date Completed/Updated Ecton 2018 Comments: A review of the Ecton Conservation Area was undertaken which resulted in the area being extended. The revised boundary and appraisal was adopted in June 2018.

Air Quality

The monitoring of nitrogen dioxide is carried out across a number of sites in the borough using diffusion tubes. Sites have been monitored since 1997. In 2016 a number of the locations were changed to reflect more traffic oriented locations. The annual mean concentrations are shown below. The national air quality objective is for the annual mean concentration to not exceed 40 µg/m3

Indicator 35: Nitrogen Dioxide Annual Mean Concentration (µg/m3) adjusted for bias Site Location 2016 2017 2018 ID 1 Silver St, Wellingborough 41.31 41.38 35.82 2 Alma St, Wellingborough 28.40 29.33 22.70 3 Northampton Rd, Wellingborough 28.73 28.40 23.92 4 Finedon Rd, Wellingborough 26.18 24.85 18.93 5 Lt Irchester village 28.39 24.45 20.22

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6 Mill Rd, Wellingborough 20.83 19.90 15.74 7 Ultra Close, Wellingborough 29.67 29.93 25.10 8 Isham Village 26.1 25.86 21.60 9 Market St, Wellingborouh 23.29 24.93 17.30 10 Irthlingborough Rd Finedon 35.28 31.16 25.60 11 Broad Green Wellingborough 41.78 30.78 24.30

Amenity

The Sustainability Appraisal identified that the majority of site allocations are not likely to generate any concerns relating to liveability. However sites 4 and 6 which are both adjacent to the Finedon Road Industrial Estate could potentially put new residential development in contact with surrounding industrial uses. This is also true of Sites 1 and 2 which have residential uses close to employment sites. The number of amenity related complaints received regarding industrial uses from these sites will therefore be monitored as a measure to determine whether appropriate mitigation has been sought in accordance with Policy 8 of the JCS.

Indicator 36: Amenity related complaints to the council Site Number of Amenity related complaints regarding adjacent employment uses Site 1: Wellingborough East 0 Site 2: Wellingborough North 0 Site 4 : Land Between Finedon Road 0 and Nest Lane Site 6: Land East of Eastfield Road 0 Comments: The only site which has had any residential development on it is Site 4. These units are not near any existing industrial sites.

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