Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council Core Strategy Issues & Options

June 2009

Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION 4

What is a Core Strategy 4 Context for the Core Strategy 4 Focus of this Consultation 5

2. SPATIAL PORTRAIT 6

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough 6 Localities 7 Abbey and Wem Brook 8 Arbury and Stockingford 9 Bedworth North and West 10 Bede and Poplar 11 Camp Hill and Galley Common 12 Weddington and St Nicolas 13 Whitestone and Bulkington 14

3. KEY ISSUES FACING THE 15 BOROUGH

Housing 15 Economy 16 Education 17 Town and District Centres 17 Natural and Built Environment 18 Leisure and Recreation 20 Transport 20 Social 21

4. FUTURE GROWTH 23

5. SPATIAL VISION 25

6. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 26

7. SPATIAL OPTIONS 29 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

Contents

Sequential Approach 30 North/ South Corridor 32 Focus Growth in Nuneaton 34 North of Nuneaton 34 East of Nuneaton 36 West of Nuneaton 38 Focus Growth in Bedworth 40 Small Urban Extensions 42 Land South of M6 Motorway 44 Land North of M6 Motorway 46 Land North and South of M6 48 Motorway

8. THE NEXT STEPS 51

9. SUBMITTING YOUR 52 COMMENTS TO US

APPENDICES

10. EVIDENCE BASE 53

11. GLOSSARY 54 Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 4

Introduction 1 1.1 This document offers you a unique opportunity to have a say in how Nuneaton and Bedworth should change over the next 17 years. The Council has started work on a Core Strategy which will be used to plan and manage growth and development in the Borough during the period up to 2026. We want you to have a say in what that document should contain.

What is a Core Strategy

1.2 The Core Strategy is the key document within the Council’s Local Development Framework. It will replace the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Local Plan, adopted in 2006, in guiding where development should take place in the Borough. The Core Strategy will however differ from the Local Plan because it will adopt a ‘spatial’ approach which means it will also take account of wider social, economic and environmental factors and therefore consider, alongside housing and employment, matters such as health, education and leisure provision. The document will consider how all the elements will work together to create cohesive and sustainable communities with local identity and distinctiveness. The Core Strategy will set out a spatial vision and strategic objectives for the area, a spatial strategy, core policies and a monitoring and implementation framework. It will outline what the Borough will look like in 2026, explain how this will be achieved and identify who is going to do what to deliver it. It will therefore be one of the key delivery mechanisms for the Borough’s Sustainable Community Plan, alongside the Warwickshire Local Area Agreement.

Context for the Core Strategy

1.3 The Core Strategy is not produced in a vacuum. The following 4 sub-headings outline some of the factors that influence what will go into the Strategy.

The National and Regional Context

1.4 Local planning policy is produced within a framework set at the national and regional level. At the national level Government produces Planning Policy Guidance (PPGs) and Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) which we have to take into account. Details of this guidance can be found at www.communities.gov.uk. At a regional level the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) provides a policy framework for the whole of the West Midlands. Included in this framework is the amount of growth that should occur within Nuneaton and Bedworth. Further details on this are outlined in section 4. The RSS was adopted in 2004 but is currently being reviewed to cover the period up to 2026. Phase 2 of the revision has reached the Preferred Option stage and is currently subject to an Examination in Public. Further details can be found at www.wmra.gov.uk. When finalised, our Core Strategy will have to be in general conformity with the RSS. Other regional strategies of relevance include the Regional Housing Strategy and Regional Economic Strategy.

Sub Regional Strategy

1.5 Nuneaton and Bedworth falls within the sub-region of Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire. In 2006 a vision and strategy for the sub-region was established and this was reaffirmed in 2007. The Strategy directs development along a north-south corridor running from Nuneaton in the north, through Bedworth, Coventry, Kenilworth, Leamington to Warwick in the south. The Strategy has been taken forward in the Preferred Option of the RSS. 5 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

1 Introduction Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Area Agreement

1.6 At the local level the Core Strategy will need to be aligned with the local priorities set out in the Borough’s Sustainable Community Strategy, known as the Nuneaton and Bedworth Sustainable Community Plan (SCP). The Core Strategy will need to contain policies that help deliver the aims of the Plan. To help facilitate this the Core Strategy will also have to be aware of the land use related implications of the plans and strategies of partners in the Local Strategic Partnership. The Core Strategy will also have a role in supporting the delivery of the Warwickshire Local Area Agreement (LAA) and the priorities and targets contained within it. The SCP is available to download at www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk and the LAA is available at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/laa.

Evidence

1.7 The Core Strategy will have a major economic, environmental and social impact on the future of Nuneaton and Bedworth and so must be based on a robust and credible evidence base. The evidence will take two main forms; research and facts which back up what is contained in the strategy and evidence from local communities and others with an interest in the future of the Borough. Appendix A (Evidence Base) lists the research which has been collected so far and this consultation document is an example of how the views of those with an interest in the Borough are being canvassed.

Focus of this Consultation

1.8 The process of putting a Core Strategy together goes through a number of stages. We are currently at the Issues and Options stage. As such this document seeks your views on the issues that have been identified and the possible options to address them. The remainder of the document is divided into the following sections;

A spatial portrait of the Borough which describes what the Borough is like now and what are the key social, economic and environmental characteristics of different parts of the Borough. The key issues facing the Borough based on the evidence we have gathered so far. The future planned growth of the Borough, as set out in the RSS. A draft vision for the Borough which summarises what we want Nuneaton and Bedworth to be like in 2026. Objectives to deliver that vision and address the issues. A range of realistic spatial options capable of delivering the vision and objectives. What happens next and how to get involved.

1.9 For each section we want to know what you think. Do you agree or disagree? Is there anything we have missed? Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 6

Spatial Portrait 2 2.1 This section of the document provides a spatial portrait of Nuneaton and Bedworth, outlining some of the current key economic, social and environmental characteristics of the Borough as well as looking in more detail at the 7 localities which it is divided into.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough

2.2 Most famous for being the birthplace of the author George Eliot, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough is one of five Boroughs within Warwickshire. It is the smallest in area, but has the second largest population resulting in a high population density of 15.3 persons per hectare (the average for Warwickshire is 2.6 persons per hectare). Largely urban in nature the Borough has three main settlements; Nuneaton, Bedworth and Bulkington which are separated by areas of countryside that are designated Green Belt.

2.3 Located in the centre of the country, the Borough benefits from good communication links by rail and road to surrounding areas. Despite this the Borough struggles to attract inward investment because of its image as an old mining/ industrial area. With a background in coal mining, other extractive industries and heavy engineering the Borough still has a high proportion of employees working in manufacturing compared to the UK average. This along with other economic, social and environmental factors mean that Nuneaton and Bedworth lags behind the rest of Warwickshire in key indicators that make for a high quality of life. This has resulted in a significant gap separating Nuneaton and Bedworth from the rest of the County.

2.4 To help address some of the problems facing Nuneaton and Bedworth Advantage West Midlands has designated a large proportion of the Borough a Regeneration Zone (known as the Coventry and Nuneaton Regeneration Zone). Projects falling within it include Pride in Camp Hill, Eliot Park Innovation Centre and the Hub at Bayton Road. Alongside this, regeneration within the town centres has included the new Ropewalk shopping centre in Nuneaton, opened in 2005 and the new Aldi store on the former Kwik Save site in Bedworth, which was completed in 2007. In the last 5 years notable housing development has occurred at Walsingham Drive and Plough Hill Road in Nuneaton and at the Heath and Blackhorse Road in Bedworth. Housing completions more recently have however declined. 7 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

2 Spatial Portrait Localities

Weddington & St. Nicolas Camp Hill & Galley Common

Arbury & Stockingford Abbey & Wembrook

Whitestone & Bulkington

Bede & Poplar Bedworth North & West

2.5 The Borough is divided into 17 wards which are grouped together into 7 localities. The following highlights some of the key characteristics of the localities. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 8

Spatial Portrait 2 Abbey and Wem Brook

Locality 1

Abbey and Wembrook

The locality of Abbey and Wem Brook is made up of the Wards Abbey, Wem Brook and part of Attleborough. Covering an area of 2 sq miles it houses a population of 16,228.

The majority of the locality is very urban in nature with only the very southern part falling within the Green Belt. The locality contains Nuneaton town centre, the main retail and commercial centre of the Borough. Within the centre is the Ropewalk and Abbeygate shopping centres, the Borough’s main library, King Edward VI College and Warwickshire Justice Centre. Part of the town centre is designated a Conservation Area. An award winning open air market is held in the centre twice a week.

Close to the town centre is Riversley Park, a Victorian park that sits alongside the River Anker and provides the setting for the Borough Council’s (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 museum and art gallery. Also close to the centre is the Pingles leisure centre and Nuneaton Train Station.

Away from the town centre other job opportunities include St Georges Way Industrial Estate, Caldwell Road and Trident Business Park off Attleborough Road.

Abbey and Wem Brook is the most deprived locality in Warwickshire, with parts of it falling within the top 10% most deprived in England. Average household income is the lowest in the Borough and a high proportion of people are on benefits. GCSE attainment is low and 41% of the working age population have no qualifications at all. Crime rates are high as are instances of poor health. 9 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

2 Spatial Portrait Arbury and Stockingford

Locality 2

Arbury and Stockingford

Arbury and Stockingford cover the wards of Kingswood, Bar Pool and Arbury. The locality covers an area of 6 sq miles and has a population of 20,125.

Two thirds of the locality is covered by Arbury Estate Park and woodland and is the location of a Grade I Listed country house, a grade II* historic park and garden as well as a number of other listed buildings. The remaining northern part of the locality is made up of two large residential areas; Stockingford and Bar Pool. In the east of the locality is Bermuda village, which includes a single street of terraced houses built by the Griff Colliery Company, George Eliot hospital, Bermuda Park which has a multiplex cinema, bowling alley and other leisure facilities, Bermuda Industrial Estate and Eliot Park which provides training and support for small and expanding businesses. This part of (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 the locality will also be the location of a planned railway station. The station will form part of a north-south rail project referred to as the Nuckle and will provide links to Coventry and southern Warwickshire.

The Arbury Estate is largely inaccessible to the public. There is however the Jubilee sports centre, several play and recreation grounds, part of Whittleford Park, Seeswood Pool and Ensor’s Pool, the only Special Area of Conservation (a European designation) in Warwickshire. It is also designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Other ecological features in the locality include a regionally important geological site at Stockingford Railway cutting and a local nature reserve.

The age profile of the locality is the second youngest in the Borough and as such has the second highest population of working age. Most are employed in skilled trades. The number of people in managerial/ professional occupations is the lowest in Warwickshire. A high proportion claim job seekers allowance or other benefits. Reflecting this 11 of the 14 Super Output Areas (SOAs) in the locality fall within the 30% most deprived in the Country. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 10

Spatial Portrait 2 Bedworth North and West

Locality 3

Bedworth North and West

Covering an area of 5 sq miles and with a population of 18,527, Bedworth North and West is made up of the wards of Slough, Heath and the western part of Exhall. Located in the South West corner of the Borough the locality is divided by the M6 motorway. To the north of the motorway are the residential areas of Collycroft, Mount Pleasant, Goodyears End and Bedworth Heath. To the south is Keresley Newlands, Ash Green and Exhall Grange. Also to the south is Prologis Park, a regenerated employment site which straddles the Borough boundary with Coventry.

Household incomes in the area are low with a high proportion of the workforce in unskilled or manual employment. Education attainment is also poor. The area also has pockets of poor health. 9 of the locality’s 12 SOAs fall within the top 30% most deprived nationally. (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 11 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

2 Spatial Portrait Bede and Poplar

Locality 4

Bede and Poplar

Bede and Poplar includes the wards of Bede, Poplar and the eastern part of Exhall. Covering 2 sq miles and with a population 17,289 it is a compact urban area.

The locality contains Bedworth town centre and as such includes a range of services and facilities. This includes independent shops and branches of high street stores, an award winning covered market 3 times a week, a library, emergency services, Civic Hall, arts centre and leisure centre. Other facilities include the Miners Welfare Park and other sports and play areas. Historical landmarks include Nicholas Chamberlaine Almshouses, the Parsonage Heritage Centre and Bedworth Water Tower. Bedworth railway station is also located in Bede and Poplar.

Employment opportunities are located in the east of the locality in Bayton Road industrial estate (a 72ha site with over 200 small and medium sized (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 companies), neighbouring Blackhorse Road Industrial Estate and Gallagher Business Park on the southern edge of the locality.

Most of those living in the locality are employed in unskilled or manual jobs and as a result income is the third lowest in Warwickshire. Education attainment is poor with 2 SOAs in the locality being within the top 10% worst areas in England in terms of education, skills and training. Health is poor with the levels of limiting long term illness being the second highest in Warwickshire. Crime in 3 of the SOAs is in the top 10% worst in England. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 12

Spatial Portrait 2 Camp Hill and Galley Common

Locality 5

Camp Hill and Galley Common

Encompassing the wards of Camp Hill and Galley Common this locality covers 3 sq miles and has a population of 15,208. The western part of the area is countryside with the remainder being the residential areas of Whittleford, Chapel End, Galley Common and Camp Hill.

Part of the Coventry canal runs through the locality and Whittleford Park and Wildlife area is also located in the area. Formerly the site of Hauchwood Brickworks, it is now one of the largest accessible open spaces in the Borough. Employment opportunities are available at Hauchwood Park Industrial Estate in the west of the locality, Pool Road in the east and at Judkins.

Deprivation in the area is concentrated in parts of Camp Hill where for instance levels of deprivation for education, skills and training fall within the top 0.5% in England. A high proportion of people (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 claim benefits in the locality including lone parent credits. The proportion of young people in the locality is the highest in the Borough with 23.3% of the population under the age of 15. Anti social behaviour is the second highest in the County.

Work to address deprivation in the locality is focused on Pride in Camp Hill, a physical and socio economic regeneration scheme which is upgrading existing housing and providing new housing as well as leisure, commercial, retail and industrial opportunities. Training initiatives are also being provided to improve job prospects for residents. Other regeneration schemes in the locality include the redevelopment of Midland quarry with new housing and industrial provision. 13 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

2 Spatial Portrait Weddington and St Nicolas

Locality 6

Weddington and St Nicolas

This locality comprises the wards of Weddington, St Nicolas and part of Whitestone. Covering 5 sq miles and having a population of 16,446 it stretches from the edge of Nuneaton town centre to the Borough boundary with Hinckley and Bosworth on the A5. Surrounded by countryside, the residential areas of Horeston Grange, Weddington, St Nicolas and part of Whitestone have a suburban/ semi rural character.

Employment opportunities are located in the south of the locality on Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Whitacre Road Industrial Estate and Hemdale Business Park. The locality has a number of shopping facilities including Horeston Grange district centre and local centres on St Nicolas Park estate and in Whitestone. Leisure and recreation facilities include Etone Sports Centre, sports and social clubs, recreation grounds (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 and play areas. North Warwickshire and Hinckley College is located in the area and Nuneaton railway station is located on the edge of the locality.

Weddington and St Nicolas is the most affluent locality in the Borough with 9 of the areas 13 SOAs falling within the 20% least deprived in England. 45% of residents from the locality work in managerial/ professional occupations and skills levels are high. Two in three students gain 5+ grade A*-C in their GCSEs. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 14

Spatial Portrait 2 Whitestone and Bulkington

Locality 7

Whitestone and Bulkington

This locality is made up of the wards Whitestone and Bulkington. Covering 8 sq miles and with a population of 16,874 the area is made up of Bulkington village and Whitestone which are separated by Green Belt and the Ashby de la zouche canal.

Bulkington is an historical village dating back to the Domesday Book. Developed on the back of the weaving industry, it is now predominantly a commuter village. The historic core is protected by a Conservation Area designation. The village has a district centre with a wide range of shops.

Whitestone as an area has grown since the late 1960s with further growth around Crowhill Road since the 1980s. There are three shopping areas, a community centre and numerous open spaces including Paul’s Land recreation ground and Crowhill Park. (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009

At 25%, the locality has the oldest proportion of people of retirement age in Warwickshire. The proportion of those of working age is the fourth lowest in the county. Of the working age population few are employed in unskilled occupations.

Question 1a

Do you think the spatial portraits provide a satisfactory overview of the key characteristics of the Borough and localities?

Question 1b, c, d

Are there any key characteristics missing? If so, what are they and what evidence do you have to support this? 15 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

3 Key Issues Facing the Borough 3.1 This part of the document summarises some of the key issues and challenges currently facing the Borough, based on the evidence we have collected so far. In identifying the issues we can better understand what needs to be addressed to achieve the vision of what Nuneaton and Bedworth should be like in 2026. The issues are grouped into the following sub-headings; housing, economy, education, town and district centres, natural and built environment, leisure and recreation, transport and social issues.

Housing

Issue H1

The current housing stock is predominately semi detached and terraced. However a significant proportion of new builds in recent years have been 1 and 2 bedroom flats.

Issue H2

Most new housing continues to be built on previously developed land in urban areas however this has led to concerns about town cramming and the negative impact of development on the character of areas particularly where garden land has been built on.

Issue H3

The mix of housing in different parts of the Borough is uneven. Weddington and St Nicolas have the lowest percentage of social rented housing in Warwickshire while areas such as Camp Hill and Wem Brook have amongst the highest. There is a lack of aspirational housing across the whole Borough.

Issue H4

Property prices in the Borough remain the cheapest in Warwickshire however they have increased substantially since 2001. Affected most are smaller properties in cheaper areas which has implications for first time buyers. Over 50% of people are unable to afford entry level housing.

Issue H5

The number of private sector homes in the Borough failing to meet the decent homes standard is above the national average. Most affected is rented property, older dwellings and those occupied by the elderly or on low incomes. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 16

Key Issues Facing the Borough 3

Issue H6

Population projections for Nuneaton and Bedworth suggest an ongoing need for family accommodation. There will also be a need to cater for an increasing number of young people and elderly living on their own. There will be a particular need to ensure appropriate options are available to the elderly to enable the release of family accommodation.

Economy

Issue ECON1

Household earnings are the lowest in Warwickshire and there are a considerable number of people of working age claiming benefits. This contributes significantly to poverty and deprivation.

Issue ECON2

Unemployment in Nuneaton and Bedworth is high (4.2% in February 2009, compared to the national average of 3.85%) and has risen faster than elsewhere in Warwickshire. This demonstrates the vulnerability of the Borough’s economy.

Issue ECON3

A large number of residents commute out of the Borough to work each day to Coventry, Leicestershire and elsewhere in Warwickshire such as Rugby and Warwick. To reverse this trend there is a need to retain existing employers and attract new employers by providing the right development opportunities in the right locations.

Issue ECON4

Nuneaton and Bedworth’s economy is based on a declining manufacturing base as well as distribution related work. There are fewer knowledge based employment opportunities. If this doesn’t change there will be fewer jobs in the future and more people will have to look for work outside the Borough. 17 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

3 Key Issues Facing the Borough Education

Issue ED1

The Borough has a poor skills base. While improvements have been made, GCSE attainment in the Borough is still the second lowest in the County. In 2008 10.5% of all those of working age had no qualifications at all.

Issue ED2

There is a need to tackle low aspirations in parts of the Borough as this can limit educational achievement and contribute to low wages, deprivation and a dependency on benefits.

Issue ED3

Manor Park and Alderman Smith Schools may be replaced with an Academy as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme. This has the potential to contribute significantly to the regeneration of the Borough through improvements to skills, attainment and subsequent job opportunities.

Issue ED4

Plans to co-locate two of the Borough’s colleges on a single site have fallen through. This is alongside a growing trend for more secondary schools to apply for sixth form status.

Town and District Centres

Issue TC1

Although it has started to change since the opening of the Ropewalk, the quality and diversity of retail provision in Nuneaton is limited. The town has a strong market but how it will remain attractive and competitive in the future is an issue. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 18

Key Issues Facing the Borough 3

Issue TC2

Nuneaton does not have a strong evening or night time economy. Provision, in the form of pubs and bars is mostly directed at the young to the exclusion of others. Other barriers are poor perceptions of public safety and limited transport provision after 6pm.

Issue TC3

Office provision in Nuneaton is limited and basic and is reducing economic opportunities in the town centre. There is also limited residential provision which is having a negative impact on the diversity and vibrancy of the centre.

Issue TC4

Because of its proximity to the larger centres of Coventry and Nuneaton, Bedworth town centre struggles to compete for retail trade and its office sector is small. There is little residential provision or leisure provision other than the Civic Hall and therefore the evening economy is weak. How Bedworth can best compliment Nuneaton in the future needs to be addressed.

Issue TC5

Scattered across the Borough are a number of district centres (e.g. at Bulkington, and Horeston Grange) and local centres (e.g. Heath Road, Bedworth and St Nicolas Park Drive, Nuneaton) offering comparison and convenience shopping and community facilities. The quality, popularity and variety of provision offered however varies greatly.

Natural and Built Environment

Issue ENV1

The legacy of coal mining, other extractive industries and heavy engineering has had a negative impact on the landscape. The Borough has over 100ha of derelict land and more than 3000 potentially contaminated sites. 19 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

3 Key Issues Facing the Borough

Issue ENV2

Land outside the existing urban area is currently designated countryside, Area of Restraint or Green Belt. Future growth of the Borough will therefore potentially impact on sensitive landscapes and biodiversity.

Issue ENV3

There are only 3 local nature reserves in the Borough, located at Ensor’s Pool, Galley Common Nature Reserve and Bedworth Sloughs and accessibility to woodland is also lower than elsewhere in Warwickshire.

Issue ENV4

Air quality in some parts of the Borough is poor. The Leicester Road Gyratory in Nuneaton has been designated an Air Quality Management Area and a second one at Central Avenue/ Midland Road will also soon be designated. Eight other areas in the Borough are also being monitored for their Nitrogen Dioxide levels.

Issue ENV5

The Borough has a limited number of historic buildings of national importance however there are many others valued by local people. Some of the built heritage has suffered from poor quality modification and a lack of maintenance and repair. Two Listed buildings are on English Heritage’s Buildings at Risk Register.

Issue ENV6

Not all development in the Borough has been well designed. Too much development in the past has failed to positively contribute to the character of the area or to local distinctiveness. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 20

Key Issues Facing the Borough 3 Leisure and Recreation

Issue LR1

While Riversley Park and the Miners Welfare Park serve the whole Borough, other recreation grounds are unevenly distributed with most concentrated in the north around Barpool and neighbouring areas. There is sufficient outdoor sports provision in the Borough to meet existing need but it is under utilised. Etone Sports centre has the only artificial sports pitch in the Borough.

Issue LR2

There is a good green corridor network running through the middle of the Borough linked to the Coventry Canal. Others include the Nuneaton Ashby disused railway. There are however no corridors in Bulkington or the south west of the Borough which reduces biodiversity and opportunities for leisure activities in this area.

Issue LR3

Access to some of the Borough’s leisure facilities is restricted for people without a car. Public transport to Bermuda Park for instance is limited and there are no public footpaths along the A444.

Transport

Issue T1

Congestion in Nuneaton and Bedworth is high with Nuneaton having one of the highest levels of traffic density in the County during peak times. Particular problems in the Borough occur on the A444, Long Shoot (A47), Lutterworth Road (B4114), Camp Hill/ Tuttle Hill (B4114) and Coventry Road (B4109).

Issue T2

Access to some employment sites such as Bermuda Industrial Estate, Attleborough Fields, Prologis and Arena Park is difficult without a car. This is significant given that car ownership in the Borough is the lowest in Warwickshire. Improvements in public transport along the north south corridor and regeneration zone are required to improve accessibility to job opportunities. 21 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

3 Key Issues Facing the Borough

Issue T3

Few travel by public transport, cycle or walk. Improvements in provision such as more walking and cycling networks, cycle parking facilities, pedestrian priority areas and crossing facilities along with the need to address issues such as the frequency, reliability, integration and cost of public transport is required to facilitate benefits to the environment and health.

Social

Issue S1

There is a massive gap between the north and south of Warwickshire. Nuneaton and Bedworth in the north is in the top 30% most deprived Boroughs in the Country. Stratford upon Avon by contrast falls just outside the top 10% least deprived areas. Within Nuneaton and Bedworth there is also a divide between the East and West with the most deprived areas located in the west. Parts of Abbey, Camp Hill and Kingswood in particular fall within the top 10% most deprived areas in England while Bar Pool (within the locality of Arbury and Stockingford) falls in the top 4%.

Issue S2

Life expectancy in the Borough is the lowest in Warwickshire and lower than the national average. There are notable variations across the Borough with those living in the most deprived areas expected to live 5-6 years less than those in the least deprived areas. Comparisons with elsewhere in Warwickshire highlight even bigger differences. Males in Leam Valley in Rugby are expected to live 19 years longer than those in Abbey (in Abbey and Wembrook). Links can be made to poor health, lack of physical activity and obesity, all of which are high in the Borough.

Issue S3

Fear of crime and actual crime in the Borough is the highest in Warwickshire. The Borough also has the highest levels of anti social behaviour with most incidents linked to rowdy/ nuisance behaviour. This can have a significant negative impact on community well being. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 22

Key Issues Facing the Borough 3

Issue S4

Community cohesion within the Borough needs to be improved. People’s satisfaction with their local area is the lowest in Warwickshire and only 56% feel they belong to their neighbourhood.

Question 2a and b

Do you agree with the issues we have identified? If not which do you disagree with and why?

Question 2c, d, e

Have we missed any key issues? If so what are they and why are they important? 23 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

4 Future Growth 4.1 Alongside a need to address the current issues facing the Borough there is also a need to consider how best to accommodate planned growth. It is likely that Nuneaton and Bedworth will have to accommodate a significant amount of new development between now and 2026. The level of growth is set for us by the West Midlands Regional Assembly in a Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) and agreed by the Government. The level of growth is yet to be confirmed so the figures set out below may change. They do however provide a starting point for our work on the Core Strategy.

10,800 New Homes and 27-29 New Gypsy and Traveller Pitches

4.2 In terms of new housing it is likely that we will have to find land for at least 10,800 new homes between 2006 and 2026. This equates to approximately 270ha (670 acres). We have already identified land for 3,000 new homes from dwellings that have either been built or given planning permission since 2006. We estimate that there is capacity within our existing urban areas of Nuneaton, Bedworth and Bulkington for further development, however approximately 6,000 new homes will need to be located on land outside the existing urban areas, on Greenfield sites. This equates to 150ha (372 acres) which is roughly equivalent to an area the size of Bulkington. In addition to this it is likely that we will have to make provision for 27-29 new gypsy and traveller pitches up to 2017.

96 Hectares of Employment Land

4.3 In terms of employment land the emerging RSS requires Nuneaton and Bedworth to maintain a reservoir of at least 32ha of employment land and provide a total of approximately 96ha of employment land between 2006 and 2026. 45ha of employment land has already been identified and so we need to find land for a further 51ha. It is likely that 41ha of this will need to be on Greenfield sites outside the existing urban areas. This is roughly equivalent to an area the size of Caldwell Road Industrial Estate plus Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate.

4.4 In addition to this there may be a need to identify a further 25-50ha of land (an area equivalent to Prologis) for a Regional Investment Site which would need to be located in or close to the Coventry and Nuneaton Regeneration Zone. This site would be restricted to research and development and light industry/ general industry type uses.

35,000sq m of Retail and 30,000sq m of Office Space in Nuneaton

4.5 Nuneaton town centre is identified as a strategic town centre in the emerging RSS and is therefore required to provide an additional 25,000 sq m of retail space between 2006 and 2021 and a further 10,000sq m between 2021 and 2026. This equates to an area the size of 2 Ropewalk shopping centres. 30,000sq m of office space should also be built in Nuneaton town centre which is roughly equivalent to having an additional 6 EPIC centres (which is located at Eliot Park).

Retail and Office Space to Meet Local Need in Bedworth

4.6 Bedworth is not designated a strategic centre in the emerging RSS. As such the amount of retail and office development built should only be of a scale that meets local need. For retail provision the draft RSS suggests this should be no more than 10,000sq metres which is equivalent to the floorspace of 4 of the Aldi sites on Mill Street. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 24

Future Growth 4 Scale of Growth

4.7 Figure 1 below gives an indication of how much land would be required to accommodate the development we have been allocated in the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy. In total we need to find about 416ha of land for development, just under half of which will have to be Greenfield sites, outside the existing urban areas.

Fig 1: Scale of Growth

Urban Extensions to Coventry

4.8 The emerging RSS sets out a sub-regional strategy for the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire sub-region. The strategy focuses development mainly in Coventry but also along a north-south corridor stretching from Nuneaton in the north through to Warwick and Leamington in the south. In order to accommodate the level of growth allocated to Coventry it may be necessary to locate some development adjacent to Coventry but within Nuneaton and Bedworth or Warwick district. The amount of potential development is not yet known as further work by the Council’s involved is required. However it has been indicated that an additional 3-4,000 dwellings may need to be located in Nuneaton and Bedworth in the latter part of the Plan period. This equates roughly to an area half the size of Bulkington.

Because the level of growth for the Borough is not set locally by the Council there are no questions on this section of the document. 25 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

5 Spatial Vision 5.1 Having identified the issues and level of growth facing Nuneaton and Bedworth, a vision for the future of the Borough is required. Our spatial vision sets out what we would like the Borough to be like in 2026. It builds on the vision of the Sustainable Community Plan which states that ‘in 2021 Nuneaton and Bedworth will be a place with strong, vibrant communities where everyone has access to opportunities, choices and high quality services’ and can be linked to the vision of the Warwickshire Local Agreement which is ‘Listening to Warwickshire, narrowing the gap and improving access to services’.

5.2 The vision for the Core Strategy is;

Spatial Vision

By 2026 communities in Nuneaton and Bedworth will;

Have a quality of life that is at least equal to that experienced by the rest of Warwickshire. The gap between the north and south will therefore be narrowed. Have a choice of housing that is affordable and meets local need. Have a higher level of skills and qualifications with more people in work, earning more money in better skilled jobs within a healthy, diverse and robust economy. Be able to access a wide range of services and facilities easily by walking, cycling or using public transport. Be living and working in a Borough where the best of the past is conserved and enhanced and new development is of high quality design, is well connected, locally distinctive, energy efficient and maximises the use of renewables to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The quality of local landscapes will be better and there will be improvements to biodiversity and the natural environment. Be healthier, have active lifestyles, improved access to healthcare and increased life expectancy. Communities will be safer and feel safer because of reductions in crime and anti social behaviour and they will be cohesive, equitable and empowered.

Question 3a

Do you think the vision is the right vision for the future of the Borough?

Question 3b, c

Do you think it addresses the key issues the Borough faces? If not what you think the vision should be? Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 26

Strategic Objectives 6 6.1 To support and help deliver the Core Strategy vision, 8 strategic objectives have been identified. The objectives are linked to those of the Sustainable Community Plan and Local Area Agreement. The objectives are;

Objective 1

To use the growth allocated by the Regional Spatial Strategy in a way that will help regenerate the Borough and raise its profile as a more attractive place to live, but particularly to work and invest in.

Objective 2

To provide the type and mix of housing that meets the specific needs of the Borough. In particular:

a. Sufficient affordable housing to meet identified housing needs across different tenures. This includes stimulating a poorly performing private rented sector. b. Aspirational housing that will attract residents who can make a significant investment in the development of businesses in the area. c. Housing to meet the needs of the increasing number of elderly people in the Borough. d. Ensuring all areas have a mix of different sizes and tenure of dwelling. e. Continued regeneration and investment in areas where there is poor housing stock. f. Adequate provision of sites to meet the identified needs of gypsies and travellers.

Objective 3

To seek employment opportunities that will support the diversification of the Borough’s economy and improve job opportunities for residents. In particular:

a. Improve existing, and provide additional employment sites that are attractive to investors. b. Encourage offices and other high value employment generators in Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres. c. Use growth to promote training and educational facilities and opportunities, which will improve the skills of the current and future labour market. d. Improve accessibility, via public transport, to job opportunities in other towns bordering or in close proximity to the Borough.

Objective 4

To continue to develop Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres so they each have a distinctive and individual role in serving the Borough. In particular: 27 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

6 Strategic Objectives

a. Develop Nuneaton town centre as a regional strategic centre in line with the Regional Spatial Strategy. b. Encourage new housing and leisure uses in Bedworth town centre to complement and support existing facilities.

Objective 5

To ensure that all new development and investment contributes to a significant improvement in infrastructure and facilities that serve the Borough.

In particular:

a. A step change in public transport provision along a north south corridor to link Nuneaton and Bedworth to Atherstone and Hinckley in the north and Coventry, Warwick and Leamington in the south. b. Improved access to existing facilities, particularly the Borough’s two town centres and major leisure and community facilities (e.g. Bermuda, George Eliot Hospital, the Colleges and the Pingles and Bedworth Leisure Centres). c. Retention and improvement of local shopping, health and other community facilities. d. New development that integrates the required infrastructure and service provision to support it and where appropriate includes improvements to existing infrastructure and services. e. A Green Infrastructure network of high quality, well connected, multi-functional open spaces, corridors and links that deliver benefits to the landscape, wildlife and the public.

Objective 6

To ensure that new development enhances and improves the quality and appearance of the existing urban area. In particular:

a. Important open spaces, historic and natural features are protected and enhanced. b. Derelict, contaminated and untidy sites are brought back into beneficial use. c. Minimise the negative impact of development on air quality and improve air quality in Air Quality Management Areas. d. Maximise opportunities to use rivers and canals as attractive focal points for open space or new development where there is no negative impact on the green network. e. Infill development that does not result in town cramming or have an adverse impact on the character of an area. f. High quality and sustainable design and construction. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 28

Strategic Objectives 6

Objective 7

To address climate change and encourage sustainability in all new development. In particular: a. Avoid where possible sites that are at risk of flooding now or in the future. b. Protect and enhance habitat and species biodiversity. c. Ensure sustainable drainage. d. Maximise energy conservation and efficiency and the utilisation of renewable energy. e. Ensure development makes links to cycling and walking networks to encourage green travel.

Objective 8

To create healthy and strong communities by: a. Increasing opportunities to walk, cycle and participate in active sport and recreation and enable easy access to healthcare facilities. b. Reduce crime and antisocial behaviour through good design, raising aspirations and providing opportunities for the young. c. Creating well planned and integrated communities that foster cohesion and accessibility for all.

Question 4a

Do you agree with the spatial objectives?

Question 4b, c

Do you think they will deliver the spatial vision? If not, why not?

Question 4d

What targets and indicators do you think should be used to measure whether the objectives are being delivered? 29 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options 7.1 This section identifies a range of options that could achieve our spatial objectives. It also identifies some of the possible impacts of those options. Options 1-5 consider alternatives capable of accommodating Nuneaton and Bedworth’s growth and all share one common element. That is that a proportion of the growth will be directed to the existing urban areas of Nuneaton, Bedworth and Bulkington. This is because they are sustainable locations. The options differ in where they direct development that cannot be absorbed in the urban areas. Options 6-8 outline alternatives that could primarily accommodate the growth associated with Coventry, although there is potential for them to also accommodate an element of the growth allocated to Nuneaton and Bedworth. None of the 8 options put forward are site specific. At this stage only possible broad locations of growth are identified.

7.2 We want to know which option you prefer and whether we have missed any. You may prefer part of an option. The Preferred Option could be a combination of elements from different options or it could be a completely new option put forward by you. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 30

Spatial Options 7 Sequential Approach

Option 1. Sequential Approach

Overview KEY

This option adopts a sequential approach GREENBELT AREA OF RESTRAINT to the development of land. 295000N COUNTRYSIDE

Development would be focused on the A5(T)

existing urban areas before being A444 directed to the countryside, Area of Restraint and then Green Belt. The A47 approach would be a continuation of the A444 NUNEATON existing policy in the adopted Local Plan. A4254

What Does this Mean? 290000N

The existing urban areas of A444 Nuneaton, Bedworth and Bulkington would be the initial focus for new BEDWORTH Bulkington development. Development would then in the first instance be directed

M69 to the north of the Borough to the 285000N M6 locality of St Nicolas and E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Weddington and to the north west 0 0 0 5 3 4 3 4 4 of Bedworth (to the locality of 4 (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 Bedworth North and West). Option 1 - Sequential Approach It is likely that there would be sufficient land within the urban area, Scale countryside and Area of Restraint 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres to meet development needs. It is therefore unlikely that under this option Green Belt land would be required.

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Housing The range and choice of housing would be Land in the countryside may not be the most extended and sites in the countryside would be sustainable location for housing development. attractive to commercial house builders. Greenfield development would enable the Transport delivery of higher levels of affordable housing. Without suitable mitigation and investment in sustainable transport measures there would be Infrastructure a detrimental impact on the highway network, 31 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

Would enable a comprehensive approach in particularly within Nuneaton and Bedworth town planning and delivering the necessary centres, on a number of radial routes from the infrastructure, services and facilities to create two towns, the A444 and Junction 3 of the M6. sustainable urban extensions. Air Quality Economy Increases in traffic through parts of the town Older employment sites in the existing urban centres and Bulkington will have a negative area would be modernised and new impact on air quality. employment sites in the countryside would be attractive to developers because of accessibility Social to the A5 and motorway network. Development to the north of Nuneaton would not address issues of poor health, and Town Centres education attainment and deprivation The full potential of the town centres would be experienced elsewhere in the Borough. realised through the provision of a mix of uses including retail, entertainment, employment and residential.

Environment Land considered to be of greatest importance (Green Belt) would only be developed as a last resort.

Social Development in the existing urban areas and in Bedworth North and West would help reduce deprivation poor health and education attainment. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 32

Spatial Options 7 North/ South Corridor

Option 2. North/ South Corridor

Overview

KEY

Area of search for In this option development would be future development Exisiting Urban Area directed along a north/ south corridor 295000N

through the Borough following the main A5(T)

arterial road of the A444 and the A444 Nuneaton-Coventry railway line.

A47

What Does this Mean? A444 NUNEATON A4254 Nuneaton and Bedworth would absorb some of the development 290000N within the existing urban areas. Development will then be focused A444 on areas within easy reach of the A444. BEDWORTH Bulkington Development on sites outside the existing urban area would be

M69 primarily located on the southern 285000N M6 edges of Nuneaton in Abbey and E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wem Brook and Arbury and 0 5 0 0 3 4 3 4 4 Stockingford and on the north, east 4 (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 and western edges of Bedworth in Option 2 - North/South Corridor and adjacent to the localities of

Bedworth North and West and Bede Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres and Poplar.

Advantages Potential Concerns

Strategy Transport The approach supports the Sub Regional There will be impacts on key junctions that are at Strategy promoted in the draft RSS. or near capacity and additional pressure will be placed on existing residential areas close to B Housing roads. Suitable mitigation and investment is The range and choice of housing would be required to address the impact on certain parts extended and sites in the Green Belt would of Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres, radial be attractive to commercial house builders. routes from the towns and Junctions 2 and 3 of Higher levels of affordable housing could be the M6. sought. Air Quality 33 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

Economy Increased traffic will have negative impacts on Directing development to areas of existing areas already being monitored because of poor employment will enable the modernisation of air quality. older sites. New employment opportunities would be directed to localities where they are Environment most needed. Development outside the urban area will involve locations in the Green Belt and the outcome of a Town Centres Habitat Regulations Assessment on Ensor’s Pool The full potential of the town centres would would require careful consideration. be realised through the provision of a mix of uses including retail, entertainment, employment and residential.

Infrastructure Would enable a comprehensive approach in planning and delivering the necessary infrastructure, services and facilities to create sustainable urban extensions.

Transport Opportunities arising from the proposed new rail station at Bermuda would be maximised with more people given the opportunity to utilise sustainable forms of transport. There would be opportunities to improve the transport network if there was an appropriate level of investment and this could have wider benefits for the rest of the Borough.

Social Increasing the availability of jobs along with support to local people to develop appropriate skills through new and improved education opportunities will help tackle deprivation in areas most in need of improvement. There is also potential to reduce crime and improve health. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 34

Spatial Options 7 Focus Growth in Nuneaton

3. Focus Growth in Nuneaton

Within this option there are 3 alternatives

North of Nuneaton

Option 3a. North of Nuneaton

Overview

KEY

Area of search for This option seeks to direct development future development Exisiting Urban Area to the north of Nuneaton. 295000N

A5(T) What Does this Mean? A444

Development that cannot be A47

absorbed within the existing urban A444 areas of Nuneaton, Bedworth and NUNEATON A4254 Bulkington would be directed to the area north of Nuneaton, primarily 290000N within the locality of Weddington and St Nicolas and on the eastern edge A444 of Camp Hill and Galley Common. BEDWORTH Bulkington

M69 285000N M6 E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 3 4 4 4 4

(C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009

Option 3A - North of Nuneaton

Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Economy Locations in the north of the Borough will be Development would be located away from areas attractive to commercial house builders. The where job opportunities are most needed. range of housing available would be extended and more affordable housing could Environment be sought. Land currently designated countryside would be lost. 35 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

Economy Transport The location would be attractive to Existing problems on the A5, particularly at the A5/ developers because of the proximity to the A444 Royal Redgate, A5/ A47 Longshoot and A5 and onward links to the motorway Dodwells Roundabout would be exasperated along network. with other routes into Nuneaton such as Old Hinckley Road gyratory and Midland Road. Town Centres Mitigation/ improvements will therefore be required. The full potential of Nuneaton town centre would be realised through the provision of a Air Quality mix of uses including retail, entertainment, Air quality in an AQMA would be reduced. employment and residential. Social Infrastructure Development in Weddington and St Nicolas would Would enable a comprehensive approach do little to address poor health, education in planning and delivering the necessary attainment, deprivation and crime elsewhere in the infrastructure, services and facilities to create Borough and may increase the gap that currently sustainable urban extensions. exists.

Environment Would involve the regeneration of a large brownfield site off Midland Road. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 36

Spatial Options 7 East of Nuneaton

Option 3b. East of Nuneaton

Overview

KEY

Area of search for This option would direct development to future development Exisiting Urban Area the east of Nuneaton. 295000N

A5(T) What Does this Mean? A444

Development that cannot be A47

absorbed within the existing urban A444 NUNEATON areas of Nuneaton, Bedworth and A4254 Bulkington would be directed to the east of Nuneaton within the south 290000N eastern area of the locality of Weddington and St Nicolas and to A444 Whitestone and Bulkington. BEDWORTH Bulkington

M69 285000N M6 E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 3 4 4 4 4

(C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009

Option 3B - East of Nuneaton

Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Economy Sites will be attractive to commercial house Development would be located away from builders and the range of housing available would areas where job opportunities are most be extended. More affordable housing could be needed. sought. Transport Town Centres Suitable mitigation and investment would be The full potential of Nuneaton town centre would required to address the detrimental impact be realised through the provision of a mix of uses on the highway network, particularly within including retail, entertainment, employment and Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres, on residential. radial routes from the two towns, B roads around existing residential areas and Junction Environment 3 of the M6. 37 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

The eastern side of the Borough is less Air Quality ecologically sensitive. There would be negative impacts on an area where air quality is already being monitored. Infrastructure Would enable a comprehensive approach in Environment planning and delivering the necessary Development outside the urban areas will infrastructure, services and facilities to create involve the loss of Green Belt and some sustainable urban extensions. countryside.

Social Social New development would diversify the existing Development in Weddington and St Nicolas population. will do little to address poor health, education attainment, deprivation and crime elsewhere in the Borough and may increase the gap that currently exists. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 38

Spatial Options 7 West of Nuneaton

Option 3c. West of Nuneaton

Overview

KEY

Area of search for This option would direct development to future development Exisiting Urban Area the west of Nuneaton. 295000N

A5(T) What Does this Mean? A444

Development that cannot be A47

absorbed within the existing urban A444 areas of Nuneaton, Bedworth and NUNEATON A4254 Bulkington would be directed to the west of Nuneaton within the locality 290000N of Arbury and Stockingford.

A444

BEDWORTH Bulkington

M69 285000N M6 E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 3 4 4 4 4

(C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009

Option 3C - West of Nuneaton

Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Transport The range and choice of housing would be Suitable mitigation and investment would be extended and sites in the Green Belt would be required to address the detrimental impact on attractive to commercial house builders. More the highway network, particularly within affordable housing could be sought. Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres, on radial routes from the two towns, B roads Economy around existing residential areas and Junction Employment opportunities would be directed to 3 of the M6. a locality where jobs are needed. Environment 39 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

Town Centres Land developed outside the existing urban The full potential of Nuneaton town centre would area will involve the loss of Green Belt. Land be realised through the provision of a mix of uses is more ecologically sensitive in the west of including retail, entertainment, employment and the Borough and there would be an impact on residential. the setting of a grade II historic Park and Garden. The outcome of a Habitats Regulation Infrastructure Assessment on Ensor’s Pool would require Would enable a comprehensive approach in careful consideration. planning and delivering the necessary infrastructure, services and facilities to create Air Quality sustainable urban extensions. There would be negative impacts on an area where air quality is already being monitored. Transport Opportunities arising from the proposed new rail station at Bermuda would be maximised with more people given the opportunity to utilise sustainable forms of transport. There would be opportunities to improve the transport network if there was an appropriate level of investment and this could have wider benefits for the rest of the Borough.

Environment Improvements to Listed Buildings currently at risk and an opportunity for the wider community to benefit from the Arbury Estate.

Social Increasing the availability of jobs along with support to local people to develop appropriate skills through new and improved education opportunities will help tackle problems in an area with high deprivation. There is also potential to reduce crime and improve health. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 40

Spatial Options 7 Focus Growth in Bedworth

Option 4. Focus Growth in Bedworth

Overview

KEY

Area of search for This option would direct development to future development Exisiting Urban Area the east and west of Bedworth. 295000N

A5(T) What Does this Mean? A444

Development that cannot be A47

absorbed within the existing urban A444 NUNEATON areas of Nuneaton, Bedworth and A4254 Bulkington would be directed to the edges of the built up area in 290000N Bedworth North and West, Bede and Poplar and the western edge of A444 Whitestone and Bulkington where it joins with Bede and Poplar. BEDWORTH Bulkington

M69 285000N M6 E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 4 3 4 4 4

(C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009

Option 4 - Bedworth Focus

Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Town Centre The range and choice of housing would be There could be a detrimental impact on investment extended and sites in the countryside and in Nuneaton town centre which affect its role within Green Belt would be attractive to commercial the sub region and lead to a loss of business to house builders. More affordable housing other centres outside the Borough. could be sought. Transport 41 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

Economy Suitable mitigation and investment would be Directing development to areas of existing required to address the detrimental impact on the employment will enable the modernisation highway network, particularly within Nuneaton and of older sites. New employment Bedworth town centres, on the A47, A444, B4102, opportunities would be directed to localities B4112, B4114 and at Junction 3 of the M6. where they are most needed. Environment Town Centre Development outside the existing urban areas Investment in Bedworth town centre would would lead to the loss of Green Belt. be stimulated. Air Quality Infrastructure There would be negative impacts on an area where Would enable a comprehensive approach air quality is already being monitored. in planning and delivering the necessary infrastructure, services and facilities to create sustainable urban extensions.

Transport Opportunities arising from the improvements to Bedworth railway station and proposed ‘Nuckle’ would be maximised with more people given the opportunity to utilise sustainable forms of transport. There would be opportunities to improve the transport network if there was an appropriate level of investment and this could have wider benefits for the rest of the Borough.

Environment There would be potential to address existing deficiencies in the green corridor network.

Social High levels of deprivation, poor education attainment and poor health could be improved through a revitalisation of the area. It could also impact positively on crime and anti social behaviour which are problems in the area. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 42

Spatial Options 7 Small Urban Extensions

Option 5. Small Urban Extensions

Overview

KEY

Area of search for This option would spread development future development Exisiting Urban Area across the whole Borough. 295000N

A5(T) What Does this Mean? A444

Development that cannot be A47

absorbed within the existing urban A444 NUNEATON areas of Nuneaton, Bedworth and A4254 Bulkington would be directed to the edges of those areas. Development 290000N would therefore be directed to all

localities. A444

BEDWORTH Bulkington

M69 285000N M6 E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 3 4 3 4 4 4

(C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009

Option 5 - Small Urban Extensions

Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Housing The choice and range of housing would be Demand to build in certain parts of the extended across the whole Borough. Borough will be greater in some parts than others. Town Centres The full potential of the town centres would be Economy realised through the provision of a mix of uses Dispersed development is unlikely to deliver including retail, entertainment, employment and the step change that is required to improve residential. the Borough’s economy. The overall image of the Borough would remain unchanged. Environment 43 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

Spreading development could reduce the impact Transport on wildlife habitats and the impact of growth would Development would increase traffic problems be more incremental. across the whole Borough. There could be some improvements to walking, cycling and Social public transport but investment would be Because individual developments would be smaller spread thinly over a wide area. The impact in scale new development is more likely to of the ‘Nuckle’ proposals would be diluted. integrate with the existing. Social Spreading development across the whole Borough would not address deprivation, poor health and education attainment which is concentrated in certain areas. Existing inequalities may continue because improvements would not be targeted. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 44

Spatial Options 7 Land South of M6 Motorway

Option 6. Land South of the M6 Motorway

Overview

KEY

Area of search for This option would direct development future development Exisiting Urban Area that cannot be accommodated within 295000N

Coventry’s boundary to land that borders A5(T)

Coventry, south of the M6 Motorway. A444

What Does this Mean? A47

A444 In the first instance this option would NUNEATON A4254 accommodate any cross border urban extensions to Coventry that 290000N may be required later in the Plan period, as outlined in the emerging A444 RSS. It could also accommodate some of the development BEDWORTH Bulkington requirements of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough.

M69 Development south of the M6 would 285000N M6 be located on the southern edge of E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bede and Poplar but primarily in 0 0 5 0 0 3 3 4 4 Bedworth North and West. 4 4 (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009

Option 6 - South of M6 Motorway

Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Town Centres The range and choice of housing would be Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres would extended and new development could facilitate not benefit if people looked towards Coventry the regeneration of existing older/ poor quality to meet their needs. housing. Transport Economy Suitable mitigation and investment would be There would be benefits from links to existing required to address the detrimental impact employment such as Prologis and the Ricoh. on the highway network, particularly within Accessibility to the M6 would make the area Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres, and attractive to developers. New employment on roads such as the A46, A444, B4113, opportunities would be directed to localities where B4029 and between Junctions 3 and 4 of the they are needed. M6. 45 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

Transport Air Quality There would be opportunities to improve the There would be negative impacts on an area transport network if there was an appropriate level where air quality is already being monitored. of investment and this could have wider benefits for the rest of the Borough. Environment Development would involve the loss of Green Infrastructure Belt. Would enable a comprehensive approach in planning and delivering the necessary Social infrastructure, services and facilities to create The motorway may act as a physical barrier sustainable urban extensions. to integration with communities north of the motorway. Social Pockets of deprivation, poor education attainment and poor health could be improved provided development is of high quality and the right mix. A revitalisation of the area should also impact positively on crime and anti social behaviour. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 46

Spatial Options 7 Land North of M6 Motorway

Option 7. Land North of the M6 Motorway

Overview

KEY

Area of search for This option would direct development future development Exisiting Urban Area that cannot be accommodated within 295000N

Coventry’s boundary to land near to A5(T)

Coventry, but north of the M6 Motorway. A444

What Does this Mean? A47

A444 In the first instance this option would NUNEATON A4254 accommodate any cross border urban extensions to Coventry that 290000N may be required later in the Plan period, as outlined in the emerging A444 RSS. It could also accommodate some of the development BEDWORTH Bulkington requirements of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough.

M69 Development north of the M6 would 285000N M6 be located on the western edge of E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bede and Poplar but primarily in 0 0 0 5 4 3 3 4 4 southern half of Bedworth North and 4 (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 West, close to Goodyers End and Option 7 - North of M6 Motorway Bedworth Heath.

Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Transport The range and choice of housing would Suitable mitigation and investment would be required be extended and sites in the Green Belt to address the detrimental impact on the highway would be attractive to developers. More network, particularly within Nuneaton and Bedworth affordable housing could be sought. town centres, and on roads such as the A46, A444, B4113, B4029 and between Junctions 3 and 4 of Economy the M6. There would be benefits from links to existing employment such as Prologis and Air Quality the Ricoh. Accessibility to the M6 would There would be negative impacts on an area where make the area attractive to developers. air quality is already being monitored. 47 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

New employment opportunities would be Environment directed to localities where they are Development would involve the loss of Green Belt. needed.

Town Centres Investment in Bedworth town centre would be stimulated.

Transport There would be opportunities to improve the transport network if there was an appropriate level of investment and this could have wider benefits for the rest of the Borough.

Infrastructure Would enable a comprehensive approach in planning and delivering the necessary infrastructure, services and facilities to create sustainable urban extensions.

Social Deprivation, poor education attainment and poor health could be improved provided development is of high quality and the right mix. A revitalisation of the area should also impact positively on crime and anti social behaviour. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 48

Spatial Options 7 Land North and South of M6 Motorway

Option 8. Land North and South of the M6 Motorway

Overview

KEY

Area of search for This option would direct development future development Exisiting Urban Area that cannot be accommodated within 295000N

Coventry’s boundary to land that borders A5(T)

Coventry, south of the M6 Motorway and A444 to land north of the M6 motorway.

A47

What Does this Mean? A444 NUNEATON A4254 In the first instance this option would accommodate any cross border 290000N urban extensions to Coventry that may be required later in the Plan A444 period, as outlined in the emerging RSS. It could also accommodate BEDWORTH Bulkington some of the development requirements of Nuneaton and

M69 Bedworth Borough. 285000N M6 Development would be located on E E E 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 the southern and western edge of 0 0 5 0 3 3 4 4 4 Bede and Poplar but primarily in 4 (C) Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100018416 2009 Bedworth North and West. Option 8 - North and South of M6 Motorway

Scale 0 1 2 3 4 5 kilometres

Advantages Potential Concerns

Housing Town Centres The range and choice of housing would be The impact on Nuneaton and Bedworth town extended and new development could facilitate centres may be diluted if people looked the regeneration of existing older/ poor quality towards Coventry to meet their needs. housing. Transport Economy Suitable mitigation and investment would be required to address the detrimental impact on the highway network, particularly within 49 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

7 Spatial Options

Advantages Potential Concerns

There would be benefits from links to existing Nuneaton and Bedworth town centres, and employment such as Prologis and the Ricoh. on roads such as the A46, A444, B4113, Accessibility to the M6 would make the area B4029 and between Junctions 3 and 4 of the attractive to developers. New employment M6. opportunities would be directed to localities where they are needed. Air Quality There would be negative impacts on an area where air quality is already being monitored.

Transport Environment There would be opportunities to improve the Development would involve the loss of Green transport network if there was an appropriate level Belt. of investment and this could have wider benefits for the rest of the Borough. Social The motorway may act as a physical barrier Infrastructure to integration and the development of Would enable a comprehensive approach in communities. planning and delivering the necessary infrastructure, services and facilities to create sustainable urban extensions.

Environment There would be potential to address deficiencies in the existing green corridor network.

Social Pockets of deprivation, poor education attainment and poor health could be improved provided development is of high quality and the right mix. A revitalisation of the area should also impact positively on crime and anti social behaviour.

Question 5a, b

Which of the options or part of the options do you prefer and why?

Question 5c

Are there any other advantages or possible concerns you wish to identify? Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 50

Spatial Options 7

Question 5d, e

Are there any other options you want us to consider? What are they and how would they help achieve our spatial objectives? 51 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

8 The Next Steps 8.1 This Issues and Options consultation document has sought your views on the issues currently facing the Borough, the draft vision and objectives for the future of the Borough and possible options that are capable of addressing the issues and delivering the vision and objectives. The information and evidence we receive from you will help us as we move to the next stage of preparing a Preferred Option.

8.2 As the name suggests, the Preferred Option will set out what our preferred option is, why it is our preferred option and why we didn’t go with alternative options. When we publish this document at the beginning of next year you will have another opportunity to give us your views.

8.3 We will then prepare a final version of the Core Strategy which will contain the vision, objectives, strategic policies and a framework for delivery and monitoring. You will be asked to submit formal representations on the document before it is considered by an independent inspector at a Hearing. Do not wait until this stage though to let us know what you think. We need to know about any issues or concerns as soon as possible so that we can seek to resolve them. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 52

Submitting Your Comments to Us 9 9.1 There are a number of ways you can give us your answers to the questions raised in this document. You can visit the Council’s website and submit your comments online at www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk. Alternatively you can fill in a questionnaire, available at the Town Hall, Bedworth Area Office and at the Borough’s 6 libraries.

9.2 To accompany this Issues and Options document there are a number of other documents also available. These include;

Issues and Options Summary Leaflet The evidence base (see Chapter 10) Interim Sustainability Appraisal

9.3 Please submit you comment to us by Friday 31st July 2009. If you have any questions about the Core Strategy please contact the Planning Policy Team on 024 7637 6376. 53 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

10 Evidence Base 10.1 This Issues and Options document has been informed by evidence collected from a number of sources including national guidance, commissioned research and our own monitoring work. Some key sources of evidence include;

National Planning Guidance Indices of Multiple Deprivation The emerging West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy West Midlands Regional Economic Strategy West Midlands Regional Housing Strategy Warwickshire Local Transport Plan Warwickshire Local Area Agreement Nuneaton and Bedworth Sustainable Community Plan Strategic Housing Market Assessment Southern Staffordshire and Northern Warwickshire Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sub Region Employment Land Study Open Space Assessment Landscape Character Assessment Assessment of Areas of Restraint/ Policy Review River Valley Assessment Coventry Joint Green Belt Review Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Nuneaton & Bedworth Annual Monitoring Report Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report

10.2 In addition to this other studies have been commissioned but are not yet complete. These include:

Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment Local Employment Needs Study Town Centres Study Green Infrastructure Assessment Water Resources Study Renewable Energy Study Housing Needs Survey

Question 6a, b

Have we interpreted the evidence correctly? If not please explain why.

Question 6c

Is there any other evidence we should take into account? Please give details. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 54

Glossary 11 Advantage West Midlands The Regional Development Agency for the West Midlands. The work of the Agency focuses on economic development and regeneration, promoting business efficiency, competitiveness, employment and skills development.

Air Quality Management Area Designated in areas where there is a likelihood that the air quality objectives set out in the Air Quality Regulations 2000 will not be met.

Area of Restraint Land protected for its open character and the contribution it makes to the character and structure of the urban areas.

Biodiversity The whole variety of life on earth. It includes all species of plants and animals, their genetic variation and the ecosystems of which they are a part.

Building at Risk Listed buildings and structural scheduled monuments known to English Heritage to be at risk because of neglect and decay or vulnerable to becoming so.

Community Facilities Facilities or services for the community, including open space, sport and recreational facilities, community buildings, doctor’s surgeries, libraries, pubs, churches, and children’s play areas.

Conservation Area An area designated under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as being of special architectural or historic interest, the character and interest of which it is desirable to preserve and enhance.

Contaminated Land Land that has been polluted or harmed in some way making it unfit for safe development and usage unless cleaned.

Core Strategy The Core Strategy sets out the key elements of the planning framework for the area. It has a spatial vision and strategic objectives for the area; a spatial strategy; core policies; and a monitoring and implementation framework with clear objectives for achieving delivery. The Core Strategy has the status of a Development Plan Document and once adopted, all other Development Plan Documents must be in conformity with it.

Derelict Land Land so damaged by previous industrial or other development that it is incapable of beneficial use without treatment. Treatment can include demolition, clearing of fixed structures or foundations and levelling. The definition also includes abandoned and unoccupied buildings in an advanced state of disrepair i.e. with unsound roof(s).

English Heritage Government’s statutory adviser with responsibility for protecting, managing and promoting the historic environment. Includes advising the Government on the listing of historic buildings. 55 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

11 Glossary Evidence Base The information and data gathered by the Council to justify the "soundness" of the policy approach set out in the Core Strategy. Includes physical, economic, and social characteristics of the area.

Examination in Public (EIP) Testing in public, before a Panel appointed by the Secretary of State, the soundness of the draft Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). Matters to be considered at the EIP are selected by the Panel. The Panel then produce a report with proposed changes to the draft RSS.

Green Belt A designation which aims to keep land permanently open or largely undeveloped. The purposes of the green belt are to:

check the unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas prevent neighbouring towns from merging safeguard the countryside from encroachment preserve the setting and special character of historic towns assist urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land

Greenfield Land where no development has previously taken place such as agricultural or forestry land.

Green Infrastructure Green Infrastructure includes parks, gardens, nature reserves, river valleys, footpaths and cycle paths, allotments, grass verges and are multi-functional i.e. they provide wildlife, recreational, cultural and ecological benefits.

Habitat The natural home or environment of a plant or animal.

Hearing Independent assessment on the ‘soundness’ of the Core Strategy submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. Appointed by the Secretary of State, an inspector from the Planning Inspectorate holds the Hearing. The Inspector’s final report is binding on the Council. For a Core Strategy a hearing is held even if there are no representations.

Hectare (Ha) A unit of land area equivalent to 10,000 square metres or 0.01 of a square kilometre. One Hectare is approximately equal to 2.5 acres.

Index of Multiple Deprivation Combines a number of indicators on a range of economic, social and housing issues into a single deprivation score for each SOA in England. It allows each area to be ranked relative to another according to their level of deprivation.

Infrastructure Basic services required for development to take place, for example, roads, electricity, sewerage, water, open space, education, health facilities and other community facilities. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 56

Glossary 11 Issues and Options Early stage in the preparation of the Core Strategy. Sets out the issues affecting the Borough, a vision and objectives for the future of the Borough which address the issues and a range of options capable of delivering the vision and objectives.

Listed Building A building or structure of special architectural, historical or cultural interest designated by English Heritage on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Buildings are listed Grade I Grade II* or Grade II. Any changes to such buildings require Listed Building consent.

Local Area Agreement (LAA) A three year agreement, based on local Sustainable Community Strategies, that sets out the priorities for a local area agreed between Central Government, and a local area.

Local Development Framework (LDF) The name for a portfolio of Local Development Documents. It consists of Development Plan Documents (such as the Core Strategy), Supplementary Planning Documents, a Statement of Community Involvement, the Local Development Scheme and Annual Monitoring Reports.Together these documents provide the framework for delivering the spatial planning strategy for an area.

Local Plan An old-style development plan prepared by the Council. Adopted in 2006, the Nuneaton and Bedworth Local Plan is saved until June 2009 however some of the policies within it will be saved for longer, until replaced by the Core Strategy.

Local Nature Reserve Habitat of local importance.

Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) A partnership that brings together organisations from the public, private, community and voluntary sector within a local authority area, with the objective of improving people's quality of life.

Planning Policy Guidance/ Planning Policy Statement (PPG/PPS) Guidance documents which set out national planning policy, issued by central Government.

Preferred Option Takes into account the comments made during consultation on the Issues and Options. Sets out the preferred option, explaining why it is the preferred option and why other options were discounted.

Previously Developed Land (PDL) Also referred to as brownfield land, it is land that is or was occupied by a permanent (non-agricultural) structure and associated fixed surface infrastructure, including the curtilage of the development, in urban and rural areas. It excludes land and buildings that have been used for agricultural purposes, forest and woodland, and land in built-up areas, which has not been developed previously (known as Greenfield land).

Coventry and Nuneaton Regeneration Zone Zone identified by Advantage West Midlands to help target funding to ensure disadvantaged groups and communities benefit from wider economic activity. Priorities include; spreading market confidence northwards; creating the conditions for vibrant town centres and sustainable communities and; embracing technology, innovation and enterprise. 57 Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Issues & Options

11 Glossary Regional Economic Strategy Sets a 10-year framework for delivering a vision and economic aspirations for the West Midlands within the broader context of sustainable development.

Regional Housing Strategy A strategy that prioritises the housing needs of the West Midlands region to allow decisions to be taken on how housing resources should be allocated.

Regional Investment Site (RIS) High quality, regionally identified sites of 25-50ha attractive to external investment and designed to support the diversification and modernisation of the regional economy especially in relation to the Region’s cluster priorities.

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) The regional spatial strategy sets out the region’s policies in relation to the development and use of land for a 15-20 year time period. It identifies the scale and distribution of new housing in the region, indicates areas for regeneration, expansion or sub-regional planning and specifies priorities for the environment, transport, infrastructure, economic development, agriculture, minerals and waste treatment and disposal. The Strategy forms part of the development plan for local planning authorities. The West Midlands RSS was adopted in 2006 and is being reviewed in 3 stages. Phase 2 of the review is currently subject to an Examination in Public.

Sequential Approach A planning principle that seeks to identify, allocate or develop certain types or locations of land before others. For example, previously developed land before greenfield sites, or town centre retail sites before out-of-centre sites.

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) An area of special interest by reason of its flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Spatial Planning Spatial planning goes beyond traditional land use planning to bring together and integrate policies for the development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they function.

Special Area of Conservation Defined in the European Commission Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). The designation protects habitats and species considered to be of European interest.

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) Sets out how and when the Council intends to involve interested parties in the preparation of documents in the Local Development Framework.

Sub-Regional Strategy Strategy prepared by representatives from Coventry, Solihull and the Warwickshire districts of North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, Stratford and Warwick. Outlines an approach for managing growth within the sub-region. Issues & Options Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council 58

Glossary 11 Super Output Area (SOA) Small areas used for the collection and publication of small area statistics. They can be used for statistical comparison because they are of consistent size and are not subject to frequent boundary change.

Sustainable Development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs thus ensuring a better quality of life for everyone now and for generations to come.

Sustainable Community Plan (SCP) Required under the Local Government Act 2000, a Sustainable Community Plan (also referred to as a Sustainable Community Strategy) sets out the strategic vision for a place which aims to improve the social, economic and environmental well being of an area. It is produced by the Local Strategic Partnership. The Core Strategy can be viewed as a delivery tool for the SCP and therefore needs to be aligned with it.

Sustainability Appraisal A tool for appraising policies to ensure they reflect sustainable development objectives (i.e. social, environmental and economic factors), and is required to be undertaken on the Core Strategy.