2018 South Worcestershire Development Plan

Authorities’ Monitoring Report (AMR) 2018

South Worcestershire Development Plan

Covering the Monitoring Period 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2018

A Joint Report Published by Malvern Hills District Council; Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council

December 2018

Contents

Section Contents Page

1 Introduction 3

2 Local Development Scheme - including CIL and SPDs 4

3 Neighbourhood Planning progress 10

4 SWDP monitoring by policy 14

5 Community Infrastructure Levy and Developer Contributions Monitoring 63

Appendix 1: Housing Statistics 68

Appendix 2: Employment Land Statistics 81

Appendix 3: Retail Land Statistics 83 Appendices Appendix 4: SWDP Allocation Progress 84

Appendix 5: Housing Trajectories 102

Appendix 6: South Worcestershire location diagram 109

1. Introduction

1.1. This Authorities’ Monitoring Report (AMR) has been jointly prepared by Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council who for the purposes of plan making are referred to as the South Worcestershire Councils (SWC). The area covered by the three Councils is shown in the diagram at Appendix 6.

1.2. The report monitors the policies of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) which was adopted on 25th February 2016. It also monitors progress on associated local development documents e.g. Supplementary Planning Documents, the current progress on the review of the Plan and duty to co-operate actions undertaken by the authorities.

1.3. The report provides updates regarding Neighbourhood Plan preparation across the South Worcestershire area, inclusive of any cross boundary working.

1.4. This report covers the period 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2018. Most information presented in this document relates to this period, however the Local Development Scheme updates, Duty to Co-operate updates and other selected information is published as at November 2018. Where this is the case, it is stated in the text. It is intended to publish subsequent AMR reports annually, with a publication date of December each year.

1.5. Policy SWDP 62: Implementation, paragraph 3 states that the plan will be monitored annually to ensure the strategy and its objectives are being delivered. A commentary is supplied against each policy, and where applicable, this will state if the plan is currently on target in the monitoring year.

2. Local Development Schemes

2.1 The three South Worcestershire Councils have updated their Local Development Schemes (LDS). This replaces the LDSs published in 2016 and 2017. The latest versions were adopted at Council meetings held on 10 October 2018 (Wychavon District Council) and 30 October 2018 (Worcester City Council and Malvern Hills District Council). The LDS is a project management document which sets out the council priorities for producing planning policy documents over the coming three years.

2.2 For the purposes of this monitoring report the most up to date LDS is monitored. Dates in red / underlined show where implementation has slipped against the timetable, and commentary is given when slippage has taken place. The three authorities LDS’s and earlier versions can be found at: http://www.swdevelopmentplan.org/?page_id=8789

2.3 The following Joint Development Plan Documents / CIL / SCI have been adopted

 South Worcestershire Development Plan – February 2016

 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedules – 2017

 Statement of Community Involvement – February 2018

2.4 The following Development Plan Documents are under preparation as at November 2018:

 The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (Joint With Malvern Hills, Wychavon District councils and Worcester City Council)

 Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocation DPD (Joint With Malvern Hills, Wychavon District councils and Worcester City Council)

South Worcestershire Development Plan Review Overview

Overview

Role and content The plan will update the existing SWDP, reviewing the development requirements, policies and site allocations and extending the Plan period to 2041.

Status Development Plan Document

Geographical The plan covers the administrative areas of Worcester City, coverage Wychavon and Malvern Hills.

Jointly produced YES.

The SWDP was jointly produced by Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council collectively known as the south Worcestershire councils.

Chain of National Planning Policy Framework, the National Planning conformity Practice Guidance, Planning policy for Traveller sites, case law and planning legislation

South Worcestershire Development Plan Review Performance Management

Milestones On Track in accordance with the 2018 LDS (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE) Red if late

Evidence Gathering Commencing in late 2017

Issues and Options November/December 2018

Preferred Options November/December 2019

(Regulation 18)

Publication October/November 2020

(Regulation 19)

Submission February 2021

(Regulation 22)

Independent Examination February to October 2021

(Regulation 24)

Receipt of Inspector’s Report October 2021

(Regulation 25)

Adoption (Regulation 26) November 2021

Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD Overview

Overview

Role and content The Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD will set out the updated requirement for the number of sites and pitches to be provided to meet the needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the area over the coming years. It will then allocate sites or extensions to existing sites to meet this requirement

Status Development Plan Document

Geographical The plan covers the administrative areas of Worcester City, coverage Wychavon and Malvern Hills.

Jointly produced YES.

The Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations DPD is being jointly produced by Worcester City Council, Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council collectively known as the south Worcestershire councils.

Chain of Planning policy for traveller sites, case law and planning conformity legislation

Milestones On Track in accordance with the 2018 LDS (Completed Stages are shown in BLUE) Red if late

Commencement September 2014

Preferred Options May/June 2016

(Regulation 18) February/March 2018

February/March 2020

Publication February/March 2021

(Regulation 19)

Submission October 2021

(Regulation 22)

Independent Examination November 2021 to June 2022

(Regulation 24)

Receipt of Inspector’s June 2022 Report (Regulation 25)

Adoption July 2022

(Regulation 26)

2.5 The following Supplementary Planning Documents have been adopted as at November 2018 These documents are not part of the Development Plan, but provide guidance for applicants and explain how policy requirements should be applied :

Developer Contributions SPD (Adopted July 2018) Water Management and Flooding SPD (Adopted July 2018) Renewable and Low Carbon Energy SPD (Adopted July 2018) Design Guide SPD (Adopted March 2018) Planning for Health SPD (Adopted September 2017) Malvern Hills District Shop Front Design Guide (Adopted March 2017) Wychavon District Shop Front Design Guide (Adopted March 2017) Affordable Housing SPD (Adopted October 2016)

2.6 The 2018 Local Development Scheme does not list any Supplementary Planning Documents as ‘under development’ as at November 2018. It is no longer a requirement to detail SPDs and their timetables for preparation within an LDS. However, the District and City Council have expressed their intention not to prepare any further SPDs until the South Worcestershire Development Plan review is adopted.

3. Neighbourhood Plans

3.1 Neighbourhood plans, once adopted become part of the statutory development plan for the area they cover and are a material planning consideration for decision takers in the determination of planning applications.

3.2 The LDS also monitors progress on Neighbourhood plans that are produced by Parish Councils and Town Councils in the south Worcestershire Area. Table 1 below provides a status update of all neighbourhood plans in production as at 31st March 2018.

Table 1 - Status of Neighbourhood Plans 2017/18 Parish/Town Council Status/Description at 31st March 2018

Abberley Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 28 August 2015

Alfrick and Lulsley Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 24 September 2013

Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 20th June 2017 - a Broadwas and Cotheridge consultation on the draft plan took place in the 2018/19 monitoring year. Malvern Hills Neighbourhood Plan 'Made' (Adopted) – 28 November Clifton-upon-Teme 2017

Great Witley and Hillhampton Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 24 December 2014

Hallow Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 14 July 2017

Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 21 July 2014. The draft Neighbourhood Plan Consultation took place from 28 April to 12 June 2017. The Submitted Neighbourhood Plan Hanley Castle Consultation took place from 16 February 2018 to Friday 6 April 2018. The neighbourhood plan examination took place and the plan was formally made (adopted) in the 2018/19 monitoring year.

Neighbourhood Plan 'Made' (Adopted) – 28 November Kempsey 2017

Leigh and Bransford Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 24 September 2013

Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 22 August 2014. Draft Neighbourhood Plan Consultation took place from 17 Malvern Town November 2017 to 26 January 2018. The Plan was submitted in the 2018/19 monitoring year

Malvern Wells Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 10 March 2017

Martley, Knightwick and Doddenham Neighbourhood Plan 'made' (adopted) on 23 February 2018

A Neighbourhood Area was designated in the 2018/19 Rushwick monitoring year.

Tenbury Town and Burford Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 17 March 2016

Upton upon Severn Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 5 March 2015

Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 12 May 2014. A draft Welland plan consultation took place in the 2018/19 monitoring year.

th Worcester City Designated as a Neighbourhood Area on 25 November 2016 Warndon Parish Ashton under Hill Neighbourhood Area designated 18 December 2015.

Bredon, Bredon’s Norton and Neighbourhood Plan 'made' (adopted) on 26 July 2017. Westmancote (Bredon Parish)

Neighbourhood Area designated 4 February 2014. Broadway Cleeve Prior Neighbourhood Plan 'made' (adopted) on 21 February 2018.

Drakes Broughton and Wadborough with Pirton Neighbourhood Plan 'made' (adopted) on 26 April 2017.

Droitwich Spa Neighbourhood Area designated 11 January 2017. Wychavon Neighbourhood Area designated 17 March 2015. A draft Eckington neighbourhood plan consultation took place in the 2018/19 monitoring year Hanbury Neighbourhood Area designated 14 October 2014.

Neighbourhood Area designated 17 March 2015. A draft Harvington neighbourhood plan consultation and submission consultation took place in the 2018/19 monitoring year. Honeybourne Neighbourhood Area designated 25 September 2015. North Claines Neighbourhood Plan 'made' (adopted) on 26 April 2017. Norton-juxta-Kempsey Neighbourhood Area designated 11 January 2017 Neighbourhood Area designated 10 April 2013. A draft Pebworth neighbourhood plan consultation took place in the 2018/19 monitoring year. South Lenches Neighbourhood Area designated 10 September 2015

Whittington Neighbourhood Area designated 15 October 2015

Up to 31st March 2018:

32 Neighbourhood Areas have been designated in South Worcestershire:

16 in Malvern Hills; 15 in Wychavon; and 1 in Worcester.

In total, 7 Neighbourhood plans were adopted (made) by the close of the 2017/18 monitoring year

3 in Malvern Hills and 4 in Wychavon

Table 1 contains commentary about progress which has been made in the 2018/19 monitoring year, which will be reported in the next AMR.

For the latest information relating to neighbourhood plans and their progress after the monitoring period please refer to the following website links:

Malvern Hills: https://www.malvernhills.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning

Worcester City: https://www.worcester.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning

Wychavon: https://www.wychavon.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning

4. South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) Policies Monitoring

4.1 This section of the AMR provides a commentary and key points concerning the implementation of specific policies in the SWDP. The Town and Country Planning regulations (34 (3))1 stipulate that where a policy specified in a local plan specifies an annual number, or a number relating to any other period of net additional dwellings or net additional affordable housing, this must be specified in the AMR. Within this AMR, where targets are within a policy (not just for housing), progress towards meeting the targets are given. Detailed statistics are referenced to the relevant appendices. Where there are no targets a general commentary is given.

SWDP 1: Overarching Sustainable Development Principles

4.2 There are no target indicators for this policy - it is used to support sustainable development where there are no relevant specific SWDP policies and to reject any inappropriate development.

The policy has not been used as a standalone reason for dismissing or allowing an appeal during the monitoring year within the South Worcestershire area.

SWDP 2: Development Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy

4.3 There are several components of this policy -

 SWDP 2 A - Development Strategy Principles:

 Reference to statistics regarding employment sites is considered under policy SWDP 3 and under the specific employment site allocation policies

 Reference to housing delivery is considered under SWDP 3 housing statistics

1 The Town and Country Planning ( Local Planning ) (England) Regulations 2012

 SWDP 2 B - Windfall Development and the Settlement Hierarchy: This part of the policy provides guidance regarding the location and scale of appropriate windfall developments.

There are no monitoring targets for this part of the policy. During the monitoring period; there were no appeal cases where the councils cited SWDP2B as a reason for refusal within the South Worcestershire area.

 SWDP 2 C - Open Countryside: This part of the policy is to restrict development in the open countryside, specifically, development beyond a defined development boundary, apart from in particular circumstances that that are set out in this and other SWDP polices.

There are no monitoring targets for this part of the policy.

During the monitoring period, the South Worcestershire Councils have been able to demonstrate a robust 5 year supply of deliverable housing land (this monitoring period was covered by the original version of the NPPF released in March 2012 - this has now been updated with the second version of the framework finalised in July 2018).

Generally, SWDP2 C has been very well supported at appeal across the South Worcestershire area during the monitoring year –

In Wychavon district there were 24 appeal cases where the council cited SWDP2C as a reason for refusal: In 21 of these cases, the decision was upheld by the Inspector; in 3 of these cases, the appeal was allowed despite the Inspector acknowledging correct application of the policy, but felt there were material considerations weighing in favour of the proposals, and; in 2 of the 3 cases the Inspector cited that his/ her decision amounted to a departure from the Development Plan.

In Malvern Hills district there were 18 appeal cases where the council cited SWDP2C as a reason for refusal: In 15 of these cases, the decision was upheld by the Inspector; in 3 of these cases, the appeal was allowed despite the Inspector acknowledging correct application of the policy, but felt there were material considerations weighing in favour of the proposals, and; in 2 of the 3 cases the Inspector cited that his/ her decision amounted to a departure from the Development Plan.

In Worcester City, there were 0 appeal cases where SWDP2C was cited as a reason for refusal.

Using a new monitoring database which is currently being developed, the three authorities may be able to report on the number of new dwellings (not conversions or changes of use) which have been permitted outside of SWC settlement boundaries during subsequent monitoring years.

 SWDP 2 D - Significant Gaps: There is no specific target for the amount of development that may be permitted within the Significant Gaps during the monitoring period.

During the monitoring period, there were no appeal cases where SWDP2D was cited as a reason for refusal across the South Worcestershire area.

SWDP 2 E - Green Belt: There is no specific target for the amount of development permitted within the Green Belt during the monitoring period. All Green Belt development took place within Wychavon district – no Green Belt land was completed for new housing or employment use in the Worcester City area during the monitoring year. Completions for housing use in the Green Belt within the monitoring period are detailed below; 1.3ha gross site area was permitted from 6 completions, which amounted to 8 dwellings. NB:None of these developments are classified as “inappropriate development” (NPPF 2018).

Once development is started the area covered by the permission is identified here:

Application Completions Gross allocated Number comments in 2017/18 Site Area sites (Wychavon)

Prior approval for proposed change of use of agricultural building to a 1 0.15 15/01241 No dwelling and for associated operational development.

Demolition of three buildings, erection of 3 houses and diversion of 3 0.63 16/02583 No public footpath DW-533.

Proposed conversion of agricultural building to residential 1 0.25 14/00880 No accommodation.

Notification for Prior Approval for a proposed change of use of 1 0.13 16/00927 No agricultural building to a dwelling house and associated operational development.

Reserved matters application for the scale, appearance, layout and 1 0.19 15/00632 No landscaping of the agricultural managers dwelling following outline approval W/14/01796/OU granted on 27/10/2014.

Certificate of Lawful Use Existing for occupation of annexe as dwelling 1 0.31 17/02453 No house (retrospective).

There is no designated Green Belt within the Malvern Hills District.

Throughout the monitoring period, there was 1 appeal case where the council cited SWDP2E as a reason for refusal, in this instance the appeal was upheld. In this case (a residential extension in Wychavon District) the Inspector disagreed with the council’s application of the policy and subsequently allowed the development.

The following are defined as major Developed Sites within the Green Belt in the SWDP policy 2 E;

Harlebury Trading Estate

Potter Group Site 7

Hindlip Park; Application 17/00061/Ful approved 15th June 2017- for a new operations and communications centre and car park.

Sixways

In subsequent years it should be possible to identify and report on development which occurs during the monitoring period in these locations.

 SWDP 2 G - Brownfield land: Reference to the percentage of brownfield land built on is considered under policy SWDP 13.

There is no specific target for the amount of development permitted on brownfield land during the monitoring period.

During the monitoring period, there was 1 appeal case in the South Worcestershire area where the council cited SWDP2G as a reason for refusal – the case was within the Malvern Hills district and in this instance, the Inspector agreed with the council’s application of the policy and subsequently dismissed the appeal.

 SWDP 2 H - Neighbourhood Planning: (See also section 3 of this AMR)

Neighbourhood Plans Adopted (Made) in Kempsey (Malvern Hills) and North Claines (Wychavon) contain allocations for housing or employment, but none were built out within the monitoring period. Monitoring will continue throughout the subsequent period(s) and updated accordingly in future AMR documents.

 SWDP 2 I - Duty to co-operate: Since the SWDP adoption, further dialogue regarding the plans / evidence base of adjacent Councils have taken place, this has included the following actions since the publication of the last AMR:

Duty to Cooperate Dialogue When? Action

Herefordshire Minerals Local Plan response (Third Stage Consultation) March 2017 Letter

Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Joint Core Strategy Main April 2017 Made submissions and attended hearings as modifications Feb –April 2017 required as part of the examination of the Plan

July 2017 Letter

Herefordshire Council – Rural Areas Site Allocations DPD, Issues & Options consultation

September Letter 2017 Black Country Core Strategy Issues and Options Consultation Response

Herefordshire Council – Traveller Sites DPD consultation December Letter 2017

Letter to all neighbouring Local Authorities on cross boundary strategic May 2018 Letter issues- as part of SWDP review and to adjoining Parishes

Duty to Cooperate Dialogue When? Action

Wyre Forest Local plan Review August 2018 Letter

August 2018 Filled out consultation form

Stratford upon Avon Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment consultation

Worcestershire County Council Minerals Local Plan Response to 4th Call August 2018 Letter for Sites

Introductory Meeting with Rebecca McClean, Severn Trent Water Sept 2018 Meeting (STW), regarding SWDP Review

Gloucester, Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Joint Core Strategy and November Meeting SWDP review discussions 2018

Initial Issues and Options stage Duty to Co-operate Consultations with December Meetings all neighbouring Planning Authorities 2018

 SWDP 2 J - Development in each Sub Area: This is referenced under policy SWDP 3.

During the monitoring period, there were no appeal cases where the council cited SWDP2J as a reason for refusal across the South Worcestershire area

SWDP 3: Employment, Housing and Retail requirement and Delivery

This policy provides the key development targets for employment, retail, and housing development over the plan period. The key statistical tables that relate to indicators that monitor this policy are found in appendix 1-5.

a) Employment land:

During the monitoring period the Malvern and Wychavon monitoring databases were being significantly upgraded. Therefore, for the 2017/18 period AMR we do not have figures available at the time of publication for these Council areas. Tables 10 and 11 of Appendix 1 also contain limited information for this same reason.

Worcester City was able to produce a partial return as below: (data provided from City of Worcester 2018 employment land monitor)

EMPLOYMENT LAND COMPLETIONS 2017/18

LOCAL AUTHORITY B1 (m²) B2 (m²) B8 (m²) Mixed B (m²) Total (m²)

Wider Gains 0 0 0 5,103 5,103 Worcester Area (Worcester City) 0 0 0 0 0 Losses

b) Housing

The policy specifies the amount of new housing the plan should deliver, by different sub areas annually and cumulatively since the start of the plan period. This includes details of dwellings completed, sites under construction, and sites where planning permission has yet to commence.

Total housing provision to date

Table 2 below provides a summary of the total housing completions in south Worcestershire by District - Further housing related statistics can be found in Appendix 1.

Table 2 - Summary of total housing completions in south Worcestershire by District

Cumulative net dwelling Total net dwelling SWDP Requirement 2006- District completions 2006/7- completions 2017/18 2030 2017/18

Malvern Hills District (exc. 467 3,097 5,650 the WWA)

Wider Worcester Area 250 4,293 6,800 (Worcester City)

Wychavon District (exc. the 1,127 6,282 10,600 WWA)

Wider Worcester Area 0 0 4,450 (from 2018/19) (Malvern Hills)

Wider Worcester Area 69 374* 900 (from 2014/15)

(Wychavon)

South Worcs. Total 1,913 14,046 28,400

*2014 to 2018 completions only re WWA (Wychavon)

Table 2 shows to date that 14,046 dwellings of the required 28,400 dwellings, have been completed. This is 49.5% of the required figure over a period of 12 years (as against the 24 years of the plan period). If this is to be annualised, south Worcestershire housing completions average 1,170.5 dwellings per annum (dpa). The requirement, if annualised is 1,183 dpa, thus the delivery of housing is more or less on target.

Sub Areas for housing provision:

The housing requirement relates to each district’s housing needs. The concept of a “Wider Worcester Area” is used; where by some of Worcester’s housing (and employment) needs are met by parts of Malvern Hills and the Wychavon Districts, with some of Malvern Hills requirements also met elsewhere. In terms of the sub areas, they have targets, but some targets are not relevant until later in the plan period, allowing time for some of the larger mixed use allocations to deliver development. The sub area dwelling requirements are not transferable for the purposes of the 5 year land supply calculations.

Affordable housing provision to date

Table 5 in Appendix 1 shows the number of affordable housing completions by area in the 2017/18 period and since the start plan period 2006/07.

In the monitoring year 2017/18, 691 affordable homes were completed. This is a significant increase on 2016/17 where 430 affordable dwellings were completed. (See total affordable housing requirement in Table 4)

If the total affordable housing required in policy 4b (i) of SWDP 3 is annualised (8,800/24 years), this suggests a yearly south Worcestershire requirement of 367 affordable dwellings (N.B. although there is no annual target in the plan). The delivery in the monitoring period is well above this annualised figure.

Starter Homes:

Following the publication of the NPPF in July 2018 starter homes are now included in the definition of affordable homes. The Housing and Planning Act 2016 explains a starter home means a building or part of a building that: a) is a new dwelling,

(b) is available for purchase by qualifying first-time buyers only,

(d) is to be sold for less than the price cap, and

(e) is subject to any restrictions on sale or letting specified in regulations made by the Secretary of State

It is anticipated that the number of starter homes granted planning consent will be reported in the 2018/19 monitoring period and subsequent AMRs.

Self build and Custom Housebuilding

The SWDP does not specifically refer to any targets for self-build and Custom Housebuilding.

However, the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 requires local authorities to keep a register of individuals and associations of individuals who are seeking to acquire serviced plots of land in the authority’s area in order to better understand the demand for self build and custom housebuilding.

The Regulations have been updated since 2015, the latest update coming in the form of ‘The Self-build and Custom Housebuilding (Time for Compliance and Fees) Regulations 2016’, which came into force on 31 October 2016.

Section 2A of the Act imposes a duty on relevant authorities to grant sufficient development permissions in respect of serviced plots of land to meet the demand as evidenced by the number of entries on the register in a base period (subject to the relevant conditions being satisfied; such as a Local Connection Test).

Regulation 2 of the new Regulations specifies three years as the period within which the required number of development permissions relating to a base period must be granted to satisfy the duty. The current three year period runs from the base date of 31st October 2016 to 31st October 2019.

Based on the latest update of each council’s Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Register, which takes into account the updated regulations and has applied a Local Connection Test (which splits the register into two parts based on the applicant meeting the requirements of the Test in order to determine the council’s duty to provide a serviced plot), the following numbers of entries are on each register:

Number of entries on ‘Part 1’ of the Number of entries on ‘Part 2’ of the Total number of entries Local Authority Register (i.e. there is a duty to provide Register (i.e. no duty to provide on the Register as at serviced plots) as at 31st March 2018 serviced plots) as at 31st March 2018 31st March 2018

Malvern Hills 39 8 47

Worcester City 15 7 22

Wychavon 35 19 54

Totals 89 34 123

Number of new dwellings granted planning permission Local Authority for self or custom build housing* between 1 Nov 2016 and 31 Nov 2017

Malvern Hills 7 (5 net as 2 were replacement dwellings))

Worcester City 0

Wychavon 12

South Worcestershire 19

*(Please note that the table above covers a period relevant to the Self Build and Custom Housebuilding base period rather than the monitoring year)

Brownfield Land

The target for providing housing on brownfield land relates to policy SWDP 13: Efficient Use of land. Please refer to that policy below.

b) Retail

Due to database update issues in Malvern and Wychavon during this monitoring period, and that only Worcester City published Retail Monitoring during this time, the most up to date information on retail totals and trends is available in the 2016/17 AMR: http://www.swdevelopmentplan.org/?page_id=12893 for the three Authorities; and in the 2018 Worcester City retail monitor for the City (only) available at: https://www.worcester.gov.uk/authorities-monitoring-reports

SWDP 4: Moving Around South Worcestershire

This policy covers the strategic travel network throughout south Worcestershire (roads, rail, bus and cycling and walking) and the required infrastructure needed to support development. The key infrastructure requirements that are monitored are shown below:

Delivery of Worcestershire Local Transport Plan (LPT 3) infrastructure and Worcester Transport Strategy:

Policy Infrastructure Progress at 31st March 2018- or later information- now updated reference

Planning permission was granted on 25th August 2015. Worcestershire Parkway SWDP 4 G station  Construction began in autumn 2017. The station will be completed in Winter 2018/19

 Tenbury Wells Phases 1 & 2 public realm enhancements completed for Teme Street and Market Street during 2018

Urban packages for  Droitwich Scheme completed early 2018 Malvern, Tenbury Wells, SWDP 4 G Upton –upon Severn,  Development of Evesham Transport Strategy currently underway Multimodal traffic model Pershore, Evesham, completed during autumn 2018, options identification and development of active travel Droitwich network underway. Feasibility works for new walking and cycling bridge at Hampton at an advanced stage (autumn 2018).

 Pershore Infrastructure Improvements: scheme design now finalised and planning application submitted. Further details can be viewed here: http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20625/pershore_infrastructure_improvement_schem

e/1462/pershore_infrastructure_improvement_scheme

 Malvern scheme currently at outline design phase - a lack of available funding has currently halted further progress.

 Phase 1: Whittington Roundabout – completed 2013.

 Phase 2: Ketch Junction improvements – completed 2015. Dualling of A4440 Southern Link Road- Powick Hams  Phase 3: Whittington Junction and completion of dualling Whittington to Ketch including SWDP 4 I and Whittington, including the extension of the railway bridge – in progress, completion in 2018. Carrington Bridge  Phase 4: New Carrington Bridge and dualling from the Ketch to Powick – Main construction work is anticipated to commence spring 2019, with some minor works taking place during the second half of 2018.

Multi-modal enhancements  Worcester NPIF (Axis West-East) Scheme design will complete in autumn 2018, which will on all the remaining key fund and deliver improvements to St Johns, St Clements, Croft Road, Dolday and Sidbury SWDP 4 I radial and orbital transport traffic signals. All schemes complete by Easter 2020. corridors in Worcester

Additional walk and cycle SWDP 4 I  Active Travel Corridor – Worcester to Kempsey – basic feasibility 2018 route enhancements Active Travel Corridor – Powick to Malvern – revised feasibility 2018

The upgrade of Worcester Shrub Hill station and SWDP 4 I th th associated highway  Worcester City Centre Masterplan – consultation on draft 15 October to 12 November improvements 2018. Negotiations with rail industry and developers underway to bring forward first phase of regeneration. An Access for All bid has been made to provide step-free access to all 28

platforms. If funding is secured, this will be delivered in 2019.

In Wychavon district there were 12 appeal cases where the council cited SWDP4 as a reason for refusal: In 11 of these cases, the decision was upheld by the Inspector; in 1 of these cases, the Inspector disagreed with the council’s application of the policy and the appeal was subsequently allowed.

In Malvern Hills district there were 10 appeal cases where the council cited SWDP4 as a reason for refusal: In 6 of these cases, the appeal was dismissed; in 4 of these cases, the Inspector allowed the appeal – of which in 1 case the Inspector disagreed with the council’s application of the policy and in 3 cases the Inspector acknowledged correct application of policy but felt there were material considerations that outweighed the harm that the development would cause.

In Worcester City, there were 0 appeal cases where the council cited SWDP4 as a reason for refusal.

SWDP 5: Green Infrastructure

The policy outlines the thresholds for the percentage of Green Infrastructure (GI) to be provided in different developments.

There are no specific targets for provision of GI land to monitor.

In Wychavon district there were 2 appeal cases where the council cited SWDP5 as a reason for refusal: In 1 of these cases, the appeal was dismissed by the Inspector; and in the remaining case, the Inspector disagreed with the council’s application of the policy and the appeal was subsequently allowed.

In Malvern Hills district there were 2 appeal cases where the council cited SWDP5 as a reason for refusal; both of which led to the inspector dismissing the appeal. In a further 2 cases the Inspector acknowledged correct application of policy whilst allowing development.

In the Worcester City, there were 0 appeal cases where the council cite SWDP4 as a reason for refusal.

SWDP 6: Historic Environment

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that development proposals conserve and enhance heritage assets. For some background statistics regarding listed building applications approved in the monitoring period see policy SWDP 24: Management of the Historic Environment.

SWDP 7: Infrastructure

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that appropriate and proportionate infrastructure is provided within development proposals. The policy itself contains no specific targets or individual projects , but it cross references the Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP) that was drawn up to indicate the infrastructure requirements needed to deliver the plan. Progress regarding infrastructure delivery can be monitored through the collation of information of Section 106 agreements and the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Please see section 5 for further information.

For infrastructure requirements outlined in individual site allocations, refer to the site allocation policy reference and progress in Appendix 4 of this report.

In Wychavon district there was 1 appeal case where the council cited SWDP7 as a reason for refusal - In this case, the appeal was dismissed by the inspector.

There were 0 appeal cases across Malvern Hills and Worcester City that relate to SWDP7.

SWDP 8: Providing the Right Land and Buildings for Jobs

Specific targets for the provision of employment land are put forward in policy SWDP 3. See Appendix 2.

For progress regarding individual employment allocations; see the relevant site allocations progress information in Appendix 4.

In Wychavon district there were 3 appeal cases where the council cited SWDP8 as a reason for refusal: In 2 of these cases, the appeal was dismissed by the Inspector; in 1 case the Inspector disagreed with the council’s application of the policy, and subsequently allowed the appeal.

There were 0 appeal cases across the Malvern Hills and Worcester City areas where SWDP8 was used as a reason for refusal.

SWDP 9: Creating and Sustaining Vibrant Centres

The South Worcestershire Councils monitor floor space changes in particular centres in terms of vacancies in prime and secondary frontages, and particular use classes, but not always on an annual basis. Monitoring is required when a relevant planning application is received.

Major planning applications / completions for town centre uses – including offices, retail, and leisure uses approved or completed in 2016/17 are shown in the previous AMR (2016/17).: NB Only retail monitoring for Worcester was completed in the monitoring year 17/18

The conclusions of the Worcester 2018 Retail monitor state: “One major retail scheme at Cathedral Square was completed in 2017/18 and provides 2,568 square metres of new and refurbished A3 units and a new gym, 849 square metres. This major scheme does not however increase the net retail floor space within the City Centre as it replaces part of a previously existing shopping mall.”

Throughout the monitoring period, there were no appeal cases where the councils cited SWDP9 as a reason for refusal across the three authorities.

Further information on retail floor space by district is shown in Appendix 3.

SWDP 10: Protection and Promotion of Centres and Local Shops

This policy has percentage thresholds for secondary frontages remaining in A1 use (50%) and a limit on the number of food and drink outlets (use classes A3, A4 and A5) 30%. Monitoring of this used to be undertaken annually, but is only relevant at any one point in time, and so now monitoring is only undertaken when relevant change of use planning applications are received in secondary frontages.

Data relating to these frontages in Wychavon and Malvern is not available in the 2017/18 monitoring year due to database upgrades at the time of publication.

There are 17 secondary retail frontages in Worcester the split of retail functions in these frontages is set out below.

Secondary Retail Frontages Worcester

Secondary Retail Frontage Total Retail Units A1 units % A1 Units A3, A4 & A5 units % A3, A4 & A5 units

Broad Street (North side, part) 5 5 100 0 0

Broad Street (South Nos 40 to 54) 14 11 78.6 1 7.1

Friary Walk 20 19 95 1 5

Friar Street (East side) 24 14 58.3 8 33.3

Friar Street (West side) 21 14 66.7 6 28.6

New Street (East side) 20 9 45 9 45

New Street (West side) 13 6 46.2 5 38.5

Reindeer Court 18 16 88.9 2 11.1

St Swithin’s Street (North side) 7 5 71.4 0 0

The Cross (East side) 13 6 46 3 23

Trinity Street (East Side) 5 2 40 0 0

Trinity Street (West Side) 5 3 60 0 0

Lowesmoor (North side) 29 18 62.1 6 20.7

Lowesmoor (South side) 18 9 50 4 22.2

Sidbury (North side) 23 12 52.2 7 30.4

The Tything (West side) 38 21 55.3 9 23.7

The Upper Tything (West side) 27 20 74.1 6 22.2

SWDP 10 also requires retail impact assessments for retail or leisure developments of over 1,000 square metres net that are located outside of the centres defined in table 5 of the policy. In the monitoring year only one retail impact assessment has been required for an application across the three authorities, and the application in question was refused (application information below):

Wychavon District - 17/01373 – Abbey View Rd, Pinvin new food store Aldi, determination date: 15/12/2017

Whilst the policy also guides development of village, neighbourhood and corner shops, and garden centres there are no measurable targets for these to monitor and no significant applications in the monitoring period.

Worcester City Retail Applications Progress

Date of App No Units Type Location Description Status Approval

Redevelopment (-371 sqm net) A3 P14D0253 5 A3/D2 21-Aug-14 Cathedral Square Complete 2,568sqm D2 849sqm

Date of App No Units Type Location Description Status Approval

A1 650sqm A3 658 sqm (558 sqm P14D0515 4 A1/A3 24-Mar-15 St Martin's Gate Lapsed net additional)

Former Barbourne Filling P14D0123 1 A1 07-Aug-15 A1 386sqm Not Started Station P14H0594 1 A1 14-Jan-16 The Goodrest, Barker Street New convenience store 325 sqm Complete P16C0113 1 A5 23-Jun-16 1 Malvern Road CoU from A2 to A5 Lapsed P16D0070 1 A2 27-Jun-16 50 The Tything CoU from A3 to A2 Lapsed Whittington Road Service P16G0160 1 A1 28-Jun-16 Shop extension Not Started Station PRA16D08 1 A3 06-Sep-16 5 Reindeer Court CoU from A1 to A3 Lapsed P16H0334 1 A1 30-Sep-16 222 Astwood Road CoU from A1 to C3 Complete P16E0478 1 A5 17-Nov-16 130 Ombersley Road CoU from A1/A3 to A5 Complete Under P16D0421 1 A3 01-Dec-16 31 The Cross CoU from A1 to A3 Construction P16D0477 1 A1/A2/B1 08-Dec-16 7 Lowesmoor New retail unit Not Started

The Granary Building, St CoU and new build for Church and P16D0531 1 A1/A3/B1/D1 12-Jan-17 Not Started Martins Quarter commercial use

P16D0546 1 A3 20-Jan-17 Unit A3-9 Cathedral Plaza CoU from A1 to A3 Complete

P17D0014 1 Sui Gen 22-Feb-17 48 Foregate Street CoU from A2 to Sui Gen Not Started

P16D0480 1 A5 23-Feb-17 71 Lowesmoor CoU from A1 to A3 Not Started

Date of App No Units Type Location Description Status Approval

P16M0465 1 A2 28-Feb-17 62 Barbourne Road Two storey extension Not Started

CoU from A1 to gaming machine P16D0564 1 Sui Gen 17-Mar-17 29 Broad Street Complete arcade

P17D0538 1 A3 08-Jan-17 33 The Tything CoU from A2 to A3 & 7 room B&B Not Started

P17D0105 1 B1 21-Apr-17 Bishops The Avenue CoU from A1 to B1 Complete

P16D0598 1 Sui Gen 03-May-17 59-60 High Street CoU from A2 to Sui Gen (A3) Complete

PRA17A03 1 A3 16-May-17 71 Barbourne CoU from A1 to A3 Complete

P17D0158 1 A3 26-May-17 61 Sidbury CoU from A2 to A3 Complete Whittington Road Service Replacement petrol filling station and P17G0331 1 A1 17-Aug-17 Not Started Station shop (+143 sqm) CoU from A1 to flexible use A1, A2, P17D0061 3 A1, A2, A3 15-Sep-17 Friary Walk Not Started A3

P17D0140 1 A1 25-Sep-17 65 Wylds Lane CoU from C3 to A1

P17C0372 1 D1 12-Oct-17 55-57 Canada Way CoU from A1 to D1 Dentist Not Started University of Worcester, P17D0347 1 D1 13-Oct-17 CoU from A1 to D1 education Under Castle Street Construction

P17N0413 1 A1 13-Oct-17 Unit 1 Blackpole Retail Park Mezzanine floor 316sqm

Date of App No Units Type Location Description Status Approval

P17D0509 1 A3 13-Dec-17 Arch 51, Farrier Street CoU from B1 to A3 Under Construction

P17K0500 1 A4 15-Dec-17 Coppertops 195 Oldbury Road Redevelopment for C2 use Not Started

P17D0502 1 A3 22-Dec-17 9 Sansome Street CoU/NB A3 loss of A4 Under Construction

L17A0088 1 A5 02-Mar-18 6 The Tything CoU from A1 to A5 Complete

P17D0574 1 A3 02-Mar-18 2 Corn Market CoU from A1 to A3 Complete

In Worcester City, 13 units changed their use from A1 to another use during 2017/18. Additionally, one unit changed to A2, 4 units to A3, 1 unit to A4, and 7 units to Sui Generis.

Throughout the monitoring period, there were no appeal cases where the councils cited SWDP10 as a reason for refusal across the three authorities.

SWDP 11: Vale of Evesham Heavy Goods Vehicle Control Zone

This policy requires the submission of a Transport Assessment for development, within the defined zone, that creates further Heavy Goods Vehicle Trips - there are no targets to monitor within the policy.

Throughout the monitoring period, there were no appeal cases where the council cited SWDP11 as a reason for refusal across the three authorities.

SWDP 12: Employment in Rural Areas

This policy guides development for employment uses in rural areas that are outside the defined city and town development boundaries but within and beyond village boundaries. This policy does not apply to Worcester City.

Tables 10 and 11 in Appendix 2 shows the total amount of employment land provided (and lost) within each District.

In the 2017/18 monitoring period, due to the updating of databases, no information is available on gains and losses in rural employment centres.

In Wychavon district, there was 1 appeal throughout the monitoring year where the council cited SWDP12 as a reason for refusal – in this instance, the Inspector upheld the council’s reasoning and dismissed the appeal.

In a further 2 cases, the policy was cited by the appellant as justification for development – in both instances, the Inspector determined that the proposals would be contrary to policy and the appeals were subsequently dismissed.

Throughout the monitoring period, there were no appeal cases in Malvern Hills or Worcester City where the councils cited SWDP12 as a reason for refusal.

SWDP 13: Efficient Use of Land

This policy concerns housing density and proportion of development on previously developed land. In previous years it has proved difficult to effectively monitor average density in permissions across the plan area, this is due to differences in the way the data is collected and site sample sizes being too small to determine an average density in many cases. There is also an awareness of limitations of giving an average density figure for the whole SWDP area, as the Council’s areas comprise a mix of rural and urban geographies and sites very considerably in their land use and the degree of developable land within their boundaries. The authorities will look at this in subsequent years to determine a more effective way to refine the density calculation process across the SWC, perhaps considering only major development in Malvern and Wychavon areas for these monitoring purposes..

Current evidence, looking at a sample of individual cases, indicates that the policy is broadly effective in promoting an efficient use of land.

In Worcester City 20.7ha of land has been built upon achieving an average density of 33.6 dwellings per hectare from 250 net completions. This falls slightly below the density requirement of 40 dwellings per ha when achieving over 100 completed housing units.

Previously Developed Land (PDL)

Table 9 in Appendix 1 shows the number of completions on previously developed land and greenfield land by district for 2017/18. These are recorded net by completions for Malvern Hills and Wychavon, and gross completions for Worcester City. As might be expected, 75% of completions in Worcester City are on previously developed land, and 31% and 12% respectively for Malvern Hills and Wychavon Districts.

The total across the three authorities in previous monitoring years was approximately 40% of housing delivered on previously developed land, however this year only approximately 24% of housing was delivered on PDL sites (1,917 completions, of which 468 were on PDL). This was largely down to the number of dwellings completed in Worcester (254) in comparison to the much greater number in Wychavon (1,127) this year.

Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land

The table below shows development in 2017/18 that resulted in the loss of the best and most versatile land (BMV). Please note this excludes the development of allocated sites.

Malvern