PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 1

PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 2

Table of Contents

Page Foreword by the Chairman ...... 3

1.0 Background ...... 4 2.0 Pitsford Parish Neighbourhood Area ...... 7 3.0 Pitsford Neighbourhood Development Plan Key Issues, Vision and Objectives ...... 13 4.0 Planning Policy Context ...... 16 5.0 Neighbourhood Plan Policies ...... 17 6.0 How to Comment on this Document………………………………...……44 Glossary of Terms...... 45

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Foreword by the Chairman

Welcome to the draft Pitsford Neighbourhood Development Plan (PNDP for short). This draft of the PNDP has been prepared by a small Working Group formed in September of 2017 with terms of reference provided by Pitsford Parish Council. The Draft PNDP has been developed using your comments on Pitsford and its future expressed at an initial exhibition in the Parish Hall and from a questionnaire survey circulated to every resident in the parish. We were greatly encouraged by the very good response and such was the success that we had to employ outside help to evaluate all your very full replies. This process took much longer than we had anticipated but it is important to emphasise here that, although we are not keen on a long, drawn out timescale, we are equally convinced that we must get it right and if takes that bit longer then so be it. Our terms of reference in preparation of our Development Plan are very clear: - That we should be inclusive by offering the opportunity for everyone to participate. That the PNDP should be comprehensive and identify all the important aspects of life in Pitsford. That we should bring forward positive proposals to improve the quality of life in Pitsford. The Mission Statement is clear and is guiding us as we work together: - ‘Increase the cohesion and sustainability of Pitsford as a community for all its residents and businesses and for those working in the parish. Through the empowerment of local people, we will plan for the future housing, transport, employment, educational, environment, social and recreational needs of the whole community.’ This Draft PNDP is a work in progress, and it is to you as residents, employers, employees and young people that we now look again for your views and input so that the final plan is PITSFORD’S PLAN and not just created by a small group of willing, interested parishioners. Our Working Group has met and worked together very happily, and we are very conscious that although we are quite a good cross section of our community, we can never claim to be fully representative of all viewpoints, and we would very much value everyone’s views on all aspects of this draft. The PNDP is being published for a short period of informal consultation in October. This will be your opportunity to visit and talk with our Group, see hard copies and view the internet version at home. Following this consultation the PNDP will be revised to take on board any comments made and published for the first of the two formal consultations it must go through. The first will be in November with an exhibition in the Parish Hall and the Sports Pavilion followed by a six week period for you to ask questions and make any comments to our Group. As Chairman, might I express my sincere gratitude to all the members of our Group who have given much time and effort so willingly to get this far and my hope is that they will all continue as we move forward to what I hope will be a really good blueprint for our village in the future, welcomed and supported by all its residents. Philip Saunderson

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1.0 Background

1.1 The Localism Act 2011 gave Parish Councils the power to prepare statutory neighbourhood development plans (NDPs) to help guide development in their local areas. Through this NDP, local people in Pitsford parish now have the opportunity to help shape new development in the area. This is because planning applications are determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. 1.2 The final PNDP will form part of the development for the area and sit alongside the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy that was adopted on 15th December 2014 and the saved policies of the Daventry District Local Plan (1997) (until superseded by the Daventry Settlement and Countryside Local Plan Part 2). Neighbourhood Plan Process and Preparation 1.3 Pitsford Parish Council, as a qualifying body, believe neighbourhood planning is an important power for local people to use and decided to prepare an NDP for the whole parish. The Parish Council applied to Daventry District Council (DDC) for the parish to be designated as a neighbourhood area in December 2016. The application for designation was approved by DDC on 13th December 2016. The designated Neighbourhood Area is shown on Figure 2. 1.4 A Neighbourhood Plan Working Group (PNPWG) comprising Parish Councillors and local residents was established to progress work on the plan. The steps in preparing a Neighbourhood Development Plan are set out in Figure 1 below. This first draft PNDP has been prepared and we are now seeking your views on this draft before proceeding to the first formal consultation stage. Figure 1 Neighbourhood Plan Process

Questionnaire, exhibtion , Formal intial preparation of Consultation Designation draftplan and publication for views to be obtained (6 weeks) (current consultation)

Daventry DC Submit to Consult for Revise Plan Daventry DC 6 weeks

Pitsford Examination Referendum Neighbourhood Plan made PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 5

Figure 2. Designated Neighbourhood Area of Pitsford Parish (Source: Daventry District Council) PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 6

1.5 This consultation gives residents, businesses, land owners and others an opportunity to comment on the Draft PNDP. Planning can be full of technical phrases and jargon, so we have also included a Glossary on page 45 to help you when reading the plan. We welcome your comments on the Draft PNDP and these can be returned to the Working Group in one of the following ways: Our Secretary is Councillor Sarah Bentley and she may be contacted: - By Post: 7 Manor Road, Pitsford NN6 9AR By Hand: 7 Manor Road, Pitsford, NN6 9AR Or by email: Sarah@bluejayltd or to the Chairman, Philip Saunderson :- By Post The Maltons, Church Lane, Pitsford NN6 9AJ By Hand The Maltons, Church Lane, Pitsford NN6 9AJ Or by email [email protected]

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2.0 Pitsford Neighbourhood Area

Introduction

2.1 Pitsford is a small village located four miles north of Northampton town centre, 1.5 miles from the northern built-up edge of the town and 15 miles east of Daventry. It is situated just east of the historic Market Harborough to Northampton turnpike road created in 1721, now the A508. The parish of Pitsford has an area of 1,413 acres (572 hectares) and takes in the village as well as surrounding fields. The western border of the parish lies along the River Nene east of Chapel Brampton. To the south the Parish is bordered by a watercourse that bisects Boughton Park; to the north by a tributary of the River Nene, also known as Pitsford Brook, which flows from the reservoir; and a section of Pitsford Water, which lies to the north east. The parish is reputed to have been the source of 300 springs, prior to the building of Pitsford Water. At the time of the 2011 Census the population of the neighbourhood area was 671.

i Village Hall and cottages

History 2.2 Pitsford sits on an outcrop of the Northampton Sand Formation, which produces sandy ferruginous limestones and calcareous sandstones. Stone has long been quarried to the south of the village around Moulton Road; possibly since the prehistoric period. Pitsford’s vernacular buildings, including the church, are constructed mainly of flat blocks of the local pale brown calcareous rubblestone with some examples of Boughton Stone in the village. The use of local stone for the construction of Pitsford’s oldest buildings contributes to the coherent and unique character of the village. A brick field existed along the Harborough Road to the north of Pitsford Bridge, locally referred to as Pitsford Brickyard. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 8

2.3 Medieval ridge and furrow can still be seen in the fields to the north of All Saints Church and to the northeast of Stable Lane. 2.4 The name Pitsford derives from the Saxon “Peotht’s ford” since which time the area has been continuously settled. It has also been named Pitesford and Pidesford in the 11th/12th century and Pisseford in the 12th and 13th centuries, and Pisford in later centuries. The Pitsford area has archaeology dating from as early as the Neolithic period (4500 BCE to 1700 BCE) including Longmans Hill Long Barrow a scheduled monument which was listed in 1981. 2.5 Before recent development in the area, the parish church (All Saints) stood, with the Rectory, in an isolated position at the end of Church Lane, at a distance from the village centre. The surrounding land is now either built over or under permanent pasture and no trace of early occupation is now visible. However, on arable land north west of the church there is an area of uneven ground, bounded on the north by a long scarp running east to west along the valley edge. The scarp is now almost destroyed by ploughing but around and to the south of it, medieval pottery, mainly of 13th or 14th-century date, has been found in quantities sufficient to confirm former occupation in this area. 2.6 Saxon and Medieval Pitsford developed north of the church and close to the ford in the open valley which was liable to flooding. On a brook separating Pitsford from Brixworth two mills were present in 1086 and a mill was situated and referred to in 1202, and in 1586 reference was made to a Gybbes Mill and Watkins Mill on this brook. Sites for these mills were probably consumed by works for Pitsford Reservoir. 2.7 The earliest elements of All Saints Church date from the 11th Century, with many parts attributed as of 14th century origin, including the Church tower. It was extensively restored and remodelled in 1867, during which the foundations of two earlier churches were revealed. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 9

ii Pitsford Water

2.8 A fire in 1619 destroyed 20 houses; it is probable that the village then moved to its present location. A number of 18th century houses survive to the south and west of the church, some of which are listed at grade II. There are also a number of notable buildings that, although not listed, add significantly to the history of the village. 2.9 Pitsford Hall, (listed Grade 2) was built in 1764 by James Money, and has a long history notably hosting a number of masters of the Pytchley Hunt, World War 2 evacuees and members of our Royal family. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII, then the Duke of Windsor) and the Duke of York (later King George VI) were regular visitors, coming to Pitsford to hunt with Captain George Drummond, who was the then Master of the Pytchley Hunt. The Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret are reputed to have learnt to ride while guests at the Hall. Owners and tenants of the Hall played an important role in the development and sustainability of the village. It became an independent school in 1989. 2.10 The village owes much to the patronage of wealthy residents whose source of income related to the brewing, banking and most significantly the shoe trade. Phipps brewers built Middlesex House (Little Pitsford). 2.11 The London and North Western railway within the parish boundary was constructed in 1859 and as well as carrying passengers and freight it transported iron ore from Pitsford Quarry. From 1925 to 1965 the quarrying was to obtain iron ore. It began to the south of the road from the A508, (Brampton Lane), to Pitsford and Brampton Station and worked its way eastward to the A508. From 1959 the quarry was on the east side of the A508. The stone was transported to the main railway by a standard gauge branch operated by steam locomotives. To the south of the village, quarrying for ironstone restarted shortly after World War II. The nearby railway line closed in 1960, but briefly re-opened twice before finally closing in 1973. Today, the line is a PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 10

linear park as well as a heritage tourist railway. The quarry now contains 20,000 trees which have been planted since 2002 on the later quarried area east of the A508, and it is now recognised as “Pitsford Quarry Community Woodland” by the Woodland Trust. It is also known as “T’s Wood” and widely enjoyed by villagers and visitors. 2.12 Dukes Clump, Fox Covert and Pitsford Quarry are small areas of woodland with the latter also designated as a Local Wildlife Site by the Wildlife Trust. Of the 18th century plantings on the north side of the valley, Long Clump, Grotto Spinney and a substantial part of Duke's Clump survive. Duke's Clump Lodge and Scotch Wood, which stand between Long Clump and Duke's Clump, are 19th century additions. T These features relate to 18th and 19th century landscaping for Boughton Hall Park, this is contained on the Historic England Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, Grade II. 2.13 Pitsford Water, with an area of 750 acres and the 6th largest body of inland water in the UK, was opened in 1956 offering sailing, fishing, cycling, walking and general recreation, and is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with an area designated as a nature reserve. The reservoir provides clean water to both Northampton and the surrounding villages.

iii Village streetscene

2.14 There is no one dominant style of building in the village. The architecture and designs represent periods from the late fourteenth century to the present. 2.15 Aside from the church, Pitsford’s historic buildings date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. These buildings are typically former farmhouses and barns; such as Peartree Cottage, Elm Cottage and Pitsford Farmhouse. 2.16 In the 100 years between 1831 to 1931 there was very modest development with an additional 19 houses being built. Pitsford however expanded significantly during the 20th century, and inter-war and post-World War 2 residential development was PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 11

concentrated along the High Street, Broadlands and Church Lane with some modern infill along Manor Road and between the years 1951 to 2018 approximately 150 new houses have been built, a 95% increase over that period.

Pitsford today 2.17 Pitsford village is located close to the A508 main road which runs from Northampton to Market Harborough with excellent links to the M1 and A14 trunk roads. There is a bus service which runs along the A508 road however it does not enter into the village and the majority of those people employed locally will either walk, cycle or use a motor vehicle/bike/car share. 2.18 Pitsford is an active, vibrant village with many well supported community groups; a well-used village community hall and sports pavilion and recreation field. The Village Hall is maintained by a committee of volunteers. There are many clubs and societies in the parish. These include sporting, leisure and social activities. Pitsford Sportsfield is owned by the Parish Council, and is administered and largely maintained by a Sportsfield Management Committee, made up of volunteers.

iv Entrance to Pitsford Village

2.19 The Parish Council grant funds to support the parish “Pitsford News”, which is edited by volunteers and is published 10 times a year. The parish website, http://www.pitsfordvillage.org.uk/ contains news and information and is again administered by volunteers. 2.20 An important site for employment within the Parish is located north of the village boundary at Spring Hill Farm and here approximately 144 people are in full-time employment plus part-time and visiting service providers. Spring Hill Park Development Partnership was established when a group of redundant farm buildings were converted into 12 office units and are well served by car parking space and direct access to the A508. Work commenced on the site in 1994 and was completed in 2007. The conversion of the farm buildings was done in a sympathetic manner to reflect the rural surroundings, the site currently is home to 10 companies. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 12

2.21 Pitsford Water supplies water to Northampton and its surrounding villages and at the top of Grange Lane is the water treatment plant which provides employment and is also a base for touring water company vans. 2.22 Although farming as an industry is no longer a major employer in Pitsford, horticulture and fencing are well served by Hassett Fencing and the recently opened Hassett Plant Centre. These are based to the south of the village along the A508 road and are both open to the public. As they are located outside the village they do not cause any parking problems. Located on the Brampton Lane is a commercial grounds maintenance plant centre. The work here is mainly carried out off-site by teams of touring gardeners in vans. 2.23 Pitsford provides both full-time, part-time and seasonal work within the catering/ hospitality/conference/leisure industry. There are two public houses, The Griffin Inn, located on the High Street in Pitsford, and the Brampton Halt, on Brampton Lane, close-by is the Sedgebrook Hall Hotel and Conference Centre. 2.24 The Griffin Inn is a traditional small pub with restaurant and is considered to be a valuable community asset and is registered as such. The pub has a relatively small carpark however much of its trade is local and is within walking distance for most Pitsford villagers. 2.25 The Brampton Halt pub is based in the former Station Master’s house and has over the last 10 years expanded and is now a very busy active pub, especially in the summer, with large outdoor seating area overlooking landscaped lakes. The original Northampton and Lamport Railway next to the Brampton Halt is now operated by a team of volunteers and is run as a tourist attraction for railway enthusiasts. 2.26 Sedgebrook Hall is based in a Victorian Manor house set in 13 acres of grounds with large car parks and offers 103 hotel bedrooms, a restaurant, leisure centre, beauty salon and conference and training rooms. 2.27 Education provides many employment opportunities in Pitsford with both a primary school and a private school located here. These provide employment for teachers, and support staff as well as opportunities for volunteers to assist with help with reading and running clubs. The larger private school occupies the Georgian Pitsford Hall and currently has around 440 pupils between the ages of 3-18 years. Pitsford Primary School which has around 58 pupils.

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3.0 Pitsford Neighbourhood Development Plan Key Issues, Vision and Objectives

Key Issues raised by responses to the Questionnaire

3.1 To help identify the Key Issues to be addressed in the PNDP a Resident Survey was conducted in May/June 2018. The survey was delivered to all households in the neighbourhood area and a total of 320 questionnaires were returned. Detailed results of the survey can be obtained from our Secretary and are published as part of this consultation (http://www.pitsfordvillage.org.uk/). In summary, the survey revealed the following:

• Nine out of ten residents feel it is very important to retain the area’s rural character

Q1 How important is it to you that Pitsford parish retains its rural character and distinctiveness?

94% 18-40 41-60 61+ All 86% 92%90%

8% 3% 1% 3% 0% 0% 0% 0%

Very important Neutral Not important

• Most people value access to the surrounding countryside and village facilities PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 14

• Residents most commonly would find a 5% increase in new housing acceptable.

• Nine out of ten residents feel it is important to protect the area’s open spaces

• Four out of ten residents agree that suitable employment opportunities should be encouraged in the area

• Residents identified car parking, speeding and HGVs as traffic issues

3.2 Based on the survey and the work of the PNPWG the following Key Issues have been identified for the PNDP to address:

PITSFORD NDP KEY ISSUES Managing future housing development in the village. Maintaining the area’s rural character and access to the countryside.. Maintaining and protecting a suitable range of community facilities and open spaces. Supporting appropriate local employment opportunities. Addressing traffic and transport problems.

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Vision 3.3 The PNDP will help to address some of the Key Issues with the aim of achieving our Vision for Pitsford in 2029. Neighbourhood plans must run for the same time period as that for strategic plans, in this case the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy that runs to 2029.

2029 Vision for Pitsford ‘Increase the cohesion and sustainability of Pitsford as a community for all its residents and businesses and for those working in the parish. Through the empowerment of local people we will plan for the future housing, transport, employment, educational, environmental, social and recreational needs of the whole community.’ Objectives

3.4 To achieve the 2029 Vision for Pitsford and to help address the Key Issues identified, the following objectives have been set for the PNDP. The objectives are not ranked in order of importance, seeking to achieve all of them is integral to delivering our Vision. Pitsford Neighbourhood Development Plan Objectives 1. To help manage future housing growth within the village. 2. To conserve and enhance the character and natural environment of the neighbourhood area. 3. To protect local green spaces and open spaces within the area. 4. To protect and enhance community, education and recreation facilities. 5. To ensure that the area has appropriate levels of transport infrastructure. 6. To retain and support the growth of local employment.

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4.0 Planning Policy Context

4.1 Neighbourhood Development Plans must have regard to national policies and advice and be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan for the area. These currently comprise the saved policies in the 1997 Daventry District Local Plan and the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan (Part 1). It is therefore important that as the Plan is prepared, the emerging draft policies reflect this higher-level planning framework. 4.2 National planning policy is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)1 published in revised form in February 2019. This sets out in paragraphs 7 and 8 that the purpose of the planning system is to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development by performing an economic role, a social role and an environmental role. 4.3 National planning policy sets a presumption in favour of sustainable development: “12. The presumption in favour of sustainable development does not change the statutory status of the development plan as the starting point for decision making. Where a planning application conflicts with an up-to-date development plan (including any neighbourhood plans that form part of the development plan), permission should not usually be granted. Local planning authorities may take decisions that depart from an up-to-date development plan, but only if material considerations in a particular case indicate that the plan should not be followed.” 4.4 The application of the presumption has implications for the way communities engage in neighbourhood planning. “13. Neighbourhood plans should support the delivery of strategic policies contained in local plans or spatial development strategies; and should shape and direct development that is outside of these strategic policies.”

Strategic Planning Policy 4.5 Local Strategic Planning Policy is set out in several local development plan documents (DPD) as follows: 4.6 The West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy which was adopted in December 2014 which sets out an overall vision setting out how the area and places within it should evolve, strategic objectives for the area focusing on key issues, a strategy for the delivery of these objectives, and an explanation of how the delivery process will be monitored. 4.7 The 1997 Daventry District Local Plan ‘Saved’ policies, which will eventually be superseded by the Settlements and Countryside Local Plan Part 2 for Daventry District Council 2011-2029 (SCLP). The SCLP has reached examination stage. The latest information on the examination can be found here: https://www.daventrydc.gov.uk/living/planning-policy/part-2-local-plan/local-plan- examination/

1 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/6077/2116950.pdf

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5.0 Pitsford Neighbourhood Development Plan Policies

5.1 This section of the PNDP sets out the draft planning policies to guide development in the Parish of Pitsford up to 2029. The policies are defined below each PNDP objective. Whilst the policies are divided between the objectives the policies of the PNDP should and will be read as a whole. This written PNDP document is accompanied by a separate Policies Map. This has two components:

• PNDP Policies Map A • PNDP Policies Map B - Non-designated Heritage Assets

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PNDP OBJECTIVE 1 - To help manage future housing growth within the village.

Draft Policy PNDP1 – Housing in Pitsford Village

Development within the village confines of Pitsford village (Figure 3) will be supported when it meets the criteria in SCLP Policy RA2 – Secondary Service Villages and when it also meets the following:

a) In terms of scale and in view of the small areas of land available within the existing confines of the village developments of one or two houses are more likely than large developments. b) It does not have a significant adverse impact on designated heritage assets (e.g. Pitsford Conservation Area, Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monuments); c) It is in accordance with the design (PNDP2) and landscape policies (PNDP3) of the PNDP; and d) It would not lead to the loss of any of the local green spaces, open spaces, community and recreation facilities identified for protection in the PNDP.

Background/Justification 5.2 Pitsford is designated as a Restricted Infill Village in the existing development plan – the saved policies of the 1997 Daventry District Local Plan. This policy restricts development to small-scale infill development within the existing confines of the village. Although the boundary of those confines was not shown on the Proposals Map of the Local Plan. As set out below, this policy is in the process of being replaced. 5.3 In 2014 the West Northamptonshire local planning authorities, including Daventry District, adopted the first part of the plan that would replace the Local Plan. This is the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan (Part 1) (WNJCS). Policy R1 of the WNJCS sets out that between 2011 and 2029 there will be a need for 2,360 new homes in the rural area of Daventry District. Development within Daventry’s Rural Area will be guided by a rural settlement hierarchy to be defined in the Settlements and Countryside Local Plan Part 2 for Daventry District Council 2011-2029 (SCLP). The SCLP has reached the examination stage in its preparation process. The SCLP identifies Pitsford as a secondary service village. In such villages, development will be located within the confines of the village as defined on an inset map, Figure 3 of the PNDP. Development outside of the confines would only be allowed in defined circumstances where it could not be met in the Village Confines and when Daventry District Council cannot identify a five-year supply of housing land. 5.4 The SCLP is going through its own preparation process and has currently reached its penultimate examination stage (https://www.daventrydc.gov.uk/living/planning- policy/conservation-areas/). As part of the examination process Pitsford Parish Council objected to the identification of the village as a secondary service village. The Parish Council were of the view that Pitsford did not merit designation as a PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 19

secondary service village due to its limited facilities and services and that the village should be identified as an “other village”. 5.5 Development in the SCLP’s defined “other villages” will be limited to the village confines and small-scale. Villages identified under Policy RA3 do not have village confines identified on the SCLP’s Policies Map. The Parish Council, through the examination, sought to have Pitsford reclassified as an “other village” However, this objection has been unsuccessful and the proposed modifications to the SCLP continue to identify Pitsford as a secondary service village, the PNDP has, therefore, been prepared in accordance with latest version of the emerging SCLP, including Policy RA2, and the PNDP uses the SCLP’s identified village confines, Figure 3 of the PNDP. 5.6 Draft Policy PNDP1 sets additional criteria for the assessment of planning applications over and above those identified in SCLP Policy RA2. These are considered necessary to ensure new development in Pitsford is appropriate in scale and in keeping with the village’s character and identity.

v Mimosa Cottage: sympathetic new build

5.7 The Working Group are of the view that any additional housing within the confines of the village, in view of the limited land available, should be limited to one or two houses per year going forward. The Working Group are also of the view that development on the Moulton Road, heading south, as it leaves the village would be very unlikely to be considered acceptable. Development in this location cannot be PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 20

linked to the village centre by off-road footpaths, meaning there is no safe walking route to access these amenities. 5.8 The neighbouring villages of Moulton, Boughton and Brixworth have all experienced major residential development and it is of great importance that Pitsford has a clear separation or ‘buffer zone’ from this expansion and retains its separate, rural character. The residents have expressed the clear view that the essentially rural, village community is very important to them and should be preserved in the years ahead. Speculative residential development outside the village confines and in the open countryside should be resisted, to retain the character of the village and to nurture this for future generations. 5.9 All age groups were consulted, and young residents of primary and secondary school age were also strongly supportive of the existing quality of life in the village with its strong community spirit, ‘beautiful old buildings’, recreation and play areas and the access to surrounding countryside. 5.10 It is clear that any development should be of a restrictive nature with high standards of design and construction demanded to enhance the village setting. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 21

Figure 3. Pitsford Inset, Daventry Settlements and Countryside Local Plan Policies Map (Source: Settlements and Countryside Local Plan Part 2 for Daventry District Council 2011-2029, Submission Version)

Note: The Conservation Area boundary is that currently designated. Following a review Daventry District Council will seek to amend the Conservation Area boundary on 10th October 2019.

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PNDP OBJECTIVE 2 - To conserve and enhance the character and natural environment of the neighbourhood area. Draft Policy PNDP2 – Design Principles

All new development will be expected to respond positively to the key attributes of the neighbourhood area and the key local design features of the village. Development will not be supported where it is of poor design that has a significant adverse impact on the character of the area and/or its surroundings. To ensure good design is achieved development should be designed to take account of, and will be assessed against, the following criteria, where relevant. The development:

(a) Reinforces local distinctiveness by demonstrating that appropriate account has been taken of existing good quality examples of street layouts, blocks and plots, building forms, materials (Northamptonshire sandstone and ironstone, local red brick, Welsh slate and thatch), detailing, building style and the vernacular of the settlement; (b) Makes a positive use of local landform, trees, hedgerows and other vegetation, and for larger proposals, has had suitable regard to wider landscape setting and local settlement pattern; (c) Conserves and/or creates new wildlife habitats and produces a net gain in biodiversity; (d) Uses space and creates new public open spaces that are enclosed, integrated and overlooked by buildings and are in prominent useable locations. (e) If it includes public realm works it should retain the uncluttered nature of the village by keeping signage and lighting to a minimum; (f) Includes sufficient amenity space to serve the needs of the development and its users; (g) Includes appropriate boundary treatments that reflect local context, for example by matching those of adjoining properties, when these are appropriate to the local context and of good quality; (h) Does not have a detrimental effect on the amenity of existing or future occupiers in neighbouring property; (i) Does not have a severe adverse effect on the safe and efficient operation of the existing transport and road infrastructure; (j) Includes measures that seek to improve pedestrian facilities and linkages in the village and neighbourhood area to encourage walking and cycling; (k) Respects the height of the buildings in the immediate surrounding area and is domestic in scale. New buildings should not adversely affect the setting or views of prominent local buildings (All Saints, Pitsford Hall and Pitsford House) and should not create new landmarks in the village’s historic core; (l) If a domestic extension should be subordinate and sympathetic to the character of the existing building in terms of proportions, scale, materials and detailing. (m) Uses, and where possible re-uses, local and traditional materials appropriate to the context of the site, or suitable high-quality alternatives that authentically reinforce or positively contribute towards local distinctiveness; PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 23

(n) Contributes to reducing carbon emissions, where possible, and where such features are included they are a sympathetic enhancement to the building and surrounding area; (o) Is designed to be as water efficient as possible; (p) Includes space for refuse, recycling and vehicle charging points; (q) Has appropriate car parking in accordance with locally adopted standards and, where possible, such parking is sited so that it is unobtrusive and does not dominate the street scene e.g. by minimising the visual impact of car parking; and (r) The development is compatible with the principles of “Secured by Design”.

Background/Justification 5.11 Draft Policy PNDP2 will provide a distinct, neighbourhood area specific, set of criteria against which to judge planning proposals and which should be used by prospective applicants and their design teams in the preparation of planning proposals. 5.12 By setting this local design policy the PNDP is helping to meet one of the key aims of national planning policy – “good design”. Good design is seen as being indivisible from good planning and planning policies and decisions should ensure that development: “a) will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over the lifetime of the development; b) are visually attractive as a result of good architecture, layout and appropriate and effective landscaping; c) are sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change (such as increased densities); d) establish or maintain a strong sense of place, using the arrangement of streets, spaces, building types and materials to create attractive, welcoming and distinctive places to live, work and visit; e) optimise the potential of the site to accommodate and sustain an appropriate amount and mix of development (including green and other public space) and support local facilities and transport networks; and f) create places that are safe, inclusive and accessible and which promote health and well-being, with a high standard of amenity for existing and future users; and where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience.” (NPPF, paragraph 127) 5.13 Design and Access Statements (DAS), when submitted to accompany planning applications should demonstrate how applicants have had regard to the criteria listed in Draft Policy PNDP2. Where criteria in Draft Policy PNDP2 are not considered relevant applicants should set out in the DAS why this conclusion has been reached. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 24

5.14 Draft Policy PNDP2 does not seek to stifle innovation or produce pastiche copies of the past. Innovation and contemporary design are encouraged; applicants should draw on the principles of local distinctiveness to inform their proposals to ensure that new development preserves or enhances the character and appearance of the historic environment. 5.15 In seeking to achieve good design it can often be the small details that result in a development achieving, or failing to achieve, this objective. This can be the result of a single poor choice, for example the wrong brick colour, or use of the wrong window shape or style. In these days of mass production and homogenised house types the temptation to produce a standard solution is strong. But such solutions fail to undertake a proper analysis of local context. In doing this, such an approach is not in line with national planning policy. This states that “Permission should be refused for development of poor design that fails to take the opportunities available for improving the character and quality of an area and the way it functions, taking into account any local design standards or style guides in plans or supplementary planning documents.” (NPPF, paragraph 130). Draft Policy PNDP3 – Development Affecting Non-designated Heritage Assets

Development affecting the non-designated heritage assets identified below, and on Policies Map B, should conserve those assets in a manner proportionate to their significance:

PNDP3/1 - Middlesex House (now subdivided), High Street – has an interesting and varied history and is an excellent example of early 20th century architecture.

PNDP3/2 - The Old Dower House – has retained its handsome Georgian façade as well as its fenestration and doorway.

PNDP3/3 - K6 Telephone Box, Glebe Lane– an iconic kiosk designed by George Gilbert Scott in 1935.

PNDP3/4 - The Birches, Grange Lane– good example of an early Arts and Crafts dwelling.

PNDP3/5 - Pitsford House (now subdivided), Manor Road – originally, large early 19th century house, that still possesses fine period detailing.

PNDP3/6 - The Old Chapel – formerly a Baptist chapel, a charming building with lancet windows surrounded by polychromatic brickwork.

PNDP3/7 - No.4, York Cottage, Manor Road – thatched cottage that contributes positively to the village streetscene.

PNDP3/8 – Corbet Cottage and Thimble Cottage, High Street – two small, linked cottages of considerable age with a small stone window in the former.

PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 25

Background/Justification 5.16 As well as designated heritage assets, such as Listed Buildings, that already have statutory protection through existing legislation, the neighbourhood plan area includes several other buildings and structures that have heritage value. These are termed non-designated heritage assets. These assets are links and reminders of the area’s long and varied history. National planning policy is set so that heritage assets should be conserved in a manner proportionate to their significance. These non- designated heritage assets have been identified as part of work on the PNDP and the Parish Council will seek to add them to Daventry District’s “Local List” of buildings and structures of special local interest.. 5.17 The draft Pitsford Conservation Area Management Plan will be adopted as a supplementary planning document later in 2019 (https://www.daventrydc.gov.uk/living/planning-policy/conservation-areas/). This document will provide guidance and advice to applicants proposing development within or affecting the setting of the Conservation Area.

Draft Policy PNDP4 Protecting Landscape Character

New development should conserve and enhance the landscape character of the area by:

(a) Conserving or enhancing landscape features, such as field boundaries and settlement pattern; (b) Conserving or enhancing areas of historic local woodland; (c) Conserving or enhancing water features (such as ponds and streams) and their setting, especially Pitsford Water; (d) Conserving in situ known heritage assets of archaeological value, including crop marks and features such as “ridge and furrow”; (e) Minimising light pollution to retain and enhance the area’s dark skies; (f) Conserving or enhancing mature trees, ancient and mature hedgerows, or where removal of such features is proposed, as a last resort, using offsetting by way of replacement planting of appropriate native species elsewhere on-site or within the neighbourhood area; (g) Using native species in planting and landscape design so as to ensure that such treatment is suitable when considered within the wider local landscape, and where appropriate, provides links to existing woodland and hedgerows; (h) Assessing and mitigating the impact of development on significant and important views, including those identified in the draft Pitsford Conservation Area Management Plan (https://www.daventrydc.gov.uk/living/planning-policy/conservation- areas/); (i) Creating new views and vistas, where such opportunities arise; (j) Retaining existing Public Rights of Way and improving access to the countryside; (k) Seeking to minimise the encroachment of development into visually exposed landscapes. Where development is proposed on the edge of the village, designing and mitigating this in a way that such development enhances views of the settlement edge from the surrounding countryside, and does not lead to inappropriate incursion PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 26

into the surrounding countryside, by reason of siting, design, materials or use of landscaping; and by (l) Seeking to conserve or enhance the integrity and fabric of heritage assets and their settings, through the use of appropriate styles and sustainable, locally distinctive materials.

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Background/Justification

5.18 Natural England has produced profiles for England’s 159 National Character Areas (NCAs). These are areas that share similar landscape characteristics, and which follow natural lines in the landscape rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good decision-making framework for the natural environment. Pitsford lies within NCA 95 – Northamptonshire Uplands.

5.19 The Northamptonshire Uplands National Character Area (NCA) consists of an area of gently rolling, limestone hills and valleys capped by ironstone-bearing sandstone and clay Lias, with many long, low ridgelines. Rivers flow out from the NCA in all directions, including several major rivers – the Cherwell, Avon, Welland, Tove, Ouse, Nene and Ise. While there are areas of differing character, there are strong unifying landscape features across the Northamptonshire Uplands, most importantly the extensive areas of open field systems with ridge and furrow and the earthworks of deserted and shrunken settlements which occur throughout. Other features include the strong, mostly Parliamentary enclosure pattern with high, wide, A-shaped hedgerows bounding the largely rectilinear fields with their frequent mature ash and oak trees; the many country houses and their associated extensive areas of historic and nationally important designed parkland landscapes; the distinctive ironstone, cob and brick nucleated settlements with their large stone churches, often with prominent steeples; the narrow lanes with very wide grassy verges; and the small, scattered but prominent broadleaved woods and coverts. There are also wide, long-distance views from the edges and across the ridgetops throughout the area. Land is in mixed agricultural use, mostly pasture and arable, and reservoirs are a significant feature. Woodland is sparse, with many scattered, small, broadleaved coverts and copses, some in prominent hill-top positions, dotted across the landscape. The few ancient woodlands, such as Badby, take on a special value and interest in an NCA with few other areas of seminatural vegetation and relatively limited wildlife interest.

5.20 The NCA identified four Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEOs)for this NCA:

• SEO 1: Protect, manage and promote the historic and archaeological features, designed landscapes and field patterns – including the parkland, battlefield sites, canals, ridge and furrow and settlement sites, and distinctive high hedgerows with their many trees – to ensure that these key features for sense of place and history are conserved, people’s enjoyment and understanding is increased, and recreation opportunities are enhanced. • SEO 2: Conserve, enhance, expand and restore the semi-natural and farmed features of the area – including the mix of agricultural production, particularly the pasture and meadows, patches of semi-natural habitats, and veteran and ancient trees – to enhance biodiversity and landscape character and to safeguard the continued sustainable provision of food. • SEO 3: Conserve, manage and enhance the river catchments and reservoirs, improving water quality and flow management and benefiting biodiversity and recreation through managing soils, diffuse pollution and run- off, reconnecting flood plains and extending natural habitats. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 28

• SEO 4: Conserve, maintain and promote local building styles and materials and plan strategic growth, infrastructure development and mineral extraction to ensure they protect remaining areas of high tranquillity, strengthen local sense of place and biodiversity, and increase adaptation for climate change through multifunctional green infrastructure networks, building on existing resources such as canals, rivers and access routes, creating strong ecological and recreation networks.

vi Pitsford's landscape setting PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 29

5.21 As well as national characterisation work, the Daventry District Landscape Character Assessment 2017 has reviewed and updated the existing landscape evidence base. Part of this 2017 Assessment reviewed the Northamptonshire Current Landscape Character Assessment (2005) and provided more District specific detail of the 11 landscape character types and 21-character areas present in the District. The Pitsford neighbourhood area is covered by four of the Landscape Character Areas (LCA) in the 2017 Assessment:

• LCA4b – Moulton Slopes – the central heart of the parish, including Pitsford village. This area is characterised by a gently rolling landform occupied by arable farming in moderately sized fields with predominantly hedgerow boundaries. Pitsford is one of three ironstone villages in this LCA. • LCA4e – Pitsford Water – the north eastern corner of the neighbourhood area characterised by gently sloping agricultural land and the recreational activities associated with the reservoir. • LCA5b – Sywell Plateau – an area south of east of the village and east of Moulton Road. This is an elevated area that forms the catchment for the Pitsford Water. • LCT17c - Brampton Valley Floodplain – a small area of flat floodplain landscape with gently sloping valley sides to the west of the rail line and east to the neighbourhood area boundary with Chapel Brampton

5.22 The Landscape Study 2017 proposes a Landscape Strategy for each of the LCAs. The key conclusions are:

• Moulton Slopes – “The fine grained nature of the pastoral fields around Pitsford should be conserved to maintain the distinctive setting of the village. Any development proposals should be carefully integrated into the pattern of the landscape and should include retention of hedgerows to field boundaries. The fields to the western side of Pitsford and next to the A508 are particularly vulnerable to development due to their accessibility and any proposals should not dominate the footprint and setting of the village.” • Pitsford Water – “The fine grained nature of the pastoral fields surrounding the ironstone villages should be conserved to maintain their distinctive wooded setting and appearance in the more open wider landscape. Any development proposals should be carefully integrated into the pattern of the landscape to include retention of hedgerows to field boundaries. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 30

Pitsford Water and land to the fringes has a discrete landscape character compared with the wider character area to the north. The publicly accessible areas along the southern part of the reservoir have an appropriate mix of grass, meadow and maturing woodland planting. The landscape near to the northern part of the reservoir includes some blocks of conifer woodland with straight edges. Over time the strategy should encourage the modification of these woodland blocks in accordance with the UK Forestry Standard Guidelines to include more of a patchwork of conifer and broadleaved trees, with a more diverse edge to include shrub species. Any new woodland proposal near to Pitsford Water should also follow the same guidelines.” • Sywell Plateau – “The nucleated pattern of the settlements in the south east of Sywell Plateau and the fine grained field pattern to the settlement fringes needs to be conserved. Any development proposals should be consistent with that pattern and the outer edges of any development should be softened with hedgerows, hedgerow trees and small copses. Development proposals should also respect approaches and gateways into villages, views towards church spires, relate to local vernacular and make reference to village design statements, character appraisals and neighbourhood plans where available.” • Brampton Valley Floodplain – “Woodland cover within the floodplain is generally low, with the local pattern of tree lines along watercourses, Brampton Valley Way and Midshires Way and roads forming important local features. The introduction of extensive woodlands would be inappropriate, but the more intricate pattern of tree cover along the above linear features should be conserved, and where possible enhanced. The enhancement of hedgerows to strengthen their visual contribution to the landscape as well as their biodiversity value should also be encouraged.”

5.23 Draft Policy ENV1 aims to ensure that development has regard to landscape character and quality, using the evidence provided by the 2017 Daventry District Landscape Character Assessment. This evidence should be referred to for information about the characteristics and features of each character area and landscape elements that would benefit from enhancement.

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PNDP OBJECTIVE 3: To protect local green spaces and open spaces within the area.

Draft Policy PNDP5 Protecting Local Green Space

a) The following local green spaces as shown on Policies Map A and designated in accordance with paragraphs 99 and 100 of the NPPF:

PNDP5/1 - Millennium Spinney PNDP5/2 - The Square PNDP5/3 - Flagpole Green PNDP5/4 - Churchyard and green space when approaching the church PNDP5/5 - Valley area to the west of Grange Lane north of Meadow View Cottage PNDP5/6 - Reservoir Car Park PNDP5/7 - Bennie Quarry Area PNDP5/8 - Fishing Lake Area

b) Development of these Local Green Spaces must be consistent with national planning policy for Green Belt.

Background/Justification 5.24 Paragraph 99 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) allows “local communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them.” (NPPF, paragraph 99). Once identified these Local Green Spaces will be protected in manner consistent with Green Belt policy (NPPF, paragraph 101). In effect, these spaces are given a very high-level of protection through the planning system.

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5.25 Paragraph 100 of the NPPF goes on to advise that Local Green Space designation “should only be used where the green space is: a) in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves; b) demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and c) local in character and is not an extensive tract of land..” 5.26 Figures from the PNDP questionnaire survey show that local people value the village’s open spaces. 5.27 In order to use the Local Green Space designation an analysis of all green and open spaces in the neighbourhood area has been undertaken those meeting the criteria in national planning policy for designation as Local Green Spaces are shown in Table 1

Table 1. Local Green Spaces Green or Open Is the site in close Demonstrably Local in character Space proximity to the special to a local and not an local community it community? extensive tract of serves? land? Millennium High Street, small quiet Historically part of High Street, small quiet Spinney area with seating and local cottage hospital area with seating and trees with open fencing. and now owned by the trees with open fencing. Open to all. village. The Square. A grassy area with trees Greatly appreciated by A grassy area with trees in the centre of a small the residents of the in the centre of a small housing development surrounding houses as housing development within the village. Open to a place where local within the village. all. children can play without passing traffic. Flagpole Green Within the Conservation Focal point of the Small, self-contained and small grassy area of the village. village. Used for area. gatherings such as area nearby. Open to all. Armistice Day Parade etc. Churchyard and Within the Conservation This area allows an Self-contained, green green space area of the village. Open uninterrupted view of spaces within the to all. the church and village.l when graveyard. approaching the church Valley area to the On the edge of the An old orchard with The view across the west of Grange Conservation area of the arguably the most orchard and the valley village. picturesque views from towards the reservoir Lane north of the village overflow stream, is Meadow View valued by a lot of Cottage residents. It is mostly pasture land grazed by sheep, but it has many trees and areas for wildlife. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 33

Reservoir Car On the edge of the village, Car park and adjoining Car park and the Park with views within a short walk for all land used by many reservoir owned and residents residents and those maintained by Anglian across the water. from farther afield for Water. walking, dog-walking, and other seasonal activities such as tobogganing in the winter. Bennie Quarry Adjacent to Recreation Extensive area of Public access via Home Area field to the east of the mixed woodland Farm beside the A508 and extending along (mainly deciduous Recreation Field and the southern border of the trees) and natural various points along the village to the Moulton ponds. The area is Moulton Road including Road. A508 entrance used by walkers, dog- a public footpath to approximately 600 metres walkers and bird- Boughton. by foot from the Village watchers. It is the Hall via High Street. subject of a local wildlife survey and has the potential to be a significant bio-diverse area. Fishing Lake area Adjacent to Moulton Of significant interest Adjacent to footpath Road, approximately 750 and important for south towards Bunkers metres from village wildlife including birds Hill Farm and Boughton. entrance sign. and amphibians. Private land with fishing rights, open to residents to use with prior permission and payment of fee.

Draft Policy PNDP6 Protecting Other Open Spaces

Development that would result in the loss of the open spaces identified below and shown on Policies Map A will be only supported when:

a) Equivalent or better provision is provided elsewhere within a suitable location within the Pitsford Village Confines boundary; or b) It can be clearly demonstrated by the applicant that the open space no longer performs a useful open space function in terms of the local environment, amenity, or active public recreation use.

PNDP6/1 - Footpath (DK 6) between The Poplars and No.8 Orchard Cottages PNDP6/2 - Punny Lane Footpath from Grange Lane to Manor Road PNDP6/3 - Grange Lane Nature Reserve opposite main reservoir. PNDP6/4 – Village Green / Jubilee Tree Island .

Background/Justification PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 34

5.28 As well as the key green spaces that are identified for the highest level of protection as designated Local Green Spaces under Draft Policy PNDP5, the neighbourhood area also has several other important open spaces that perform a variety of useful functions and can provide connections between gardens and larger wildlife areas, such as fields and woodlands: no matter how small these spaces can be they are ‘green corridors’ that allow wildlife to move through human settlements. These smaller, often quite incidental open spaces help to make the area a greener place and all add to the quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors. It is proposed that these spaces are also protected but not with the high degree of protection offered to designated local green spaces that precludes most built development. These spaces, being less important, could be developed in certain circumstances that are set out in Draft Policy PNDP6. The analysis used in assessing these spaces is summarised in Table 2. This used the same criteria as for Local Green Spaces, but the sites set out under Draft Policy PNDP5 are not considered to meet the national planning policy criteria.

vii Pitsford has a number of small. but important open spaces

Table 2. Other Open Spaces PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 35

Green or Is the site in close Demonstrably Local in Open Space proximity to the local special to a local character and not (name and community it serves? community? an extensive tract reference of land? number)

Footpath Opposite Village Hall An OS marked footpath Site of historical value (DK 6) leading to site of village and listed on OS maps well and view to Spring Hill as a public footpath. between The Lane and All Saints Poplars and Church. This has been No.8 blocked by over-growing Orchard shrubs, and requires Cottages reinstatement. Punny Lane Footpath from Grange Lane From Grange Lane end, Footpath (listed on OS Footpath to Manor Road within village. view north west of Maps) connecting significant beauty. Well Grange Lane with used footpath. Manor Road.

Grange Lane Top end of Grange Lane Nature reserve of Directly beside Grange Nature approx. 750 metres from significant interest and Lane and opposite junction with Manor Road. importance for wildlife, entrance to Pitsford Reserve Also opposite one of the including birds and Reservoir footpaths. opposite main pathways round amphibians. main Pitsford Reservoir used by reservoir. walkers and cyclists.

Village Green/ On the crossroads of High Sycamore tree and green Self-contained. Open Jubilee Tree Street and Grange Lane. space established for the to all. Island Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 36

PNDP OBJECTIVE 4 - To protect and enhance community and recreation facilities.

Draft Policy PNDP7 – Protection of Existing Community Facilities

A) There will be a presumption in favour of the protection of existing community facilities. Where planning permission is required, the change of use of local community facilities, will only be permitted for other health, education or community type uses (such as village halls, local clubhouses, health centres, schools and children’s day nurseries), unless one of the following can be demonstrated:

1. The proposal includes alternative provision, on a site within the neighbourhood area, of equivalent or enhanced facilities. Such sites should be accessible by public transport, walking and cycling and have adequate car parking; or 2. Satisfactory evidence is produced (including active marketing locally and in the wider area) that, over a minimum period of 12 months, it has been demonstrated that there is no longer a demand for the facility.

B) Proposals that would enhance the appearance, improve access and accessibility to these facilities will be supported when they are in accordance with other development plan policies and the policies of the PNDP.

C) The facilities covered by Draft Policy PNDP7 are listed below and shown on Policies Map A:

PNDP7/1 - Griffin Inn PNDP7/2 - All Saints Church PNDP7/3 - Village Hall PNDP7/4 - Brampton Halt Inn PNDP7/5 – Heritage Railway PNDP7/6 – Pitsford Primary School PNDP7/7 – Pitsford School

Background/Justification 5.29 Community facilities are the essential glue that help bind a community together. They provide important services, places for people to meet and interact contributing to individuals’ and the community’s health and well-being. 5.30 National planning policy acknowledges that the planning system can play and important role in facilitating social interaction and creating healthy, inclusive communities. 5.31 From our questionnaire survey we know that existing facilities are valued by those who live in the neighbourhood area:

PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 37

5.32 In line with national policy, Draft Policy PNDP7 identifies those community facilities that should be protected in the neighbourhood area. These include: ▪ All Saints’ Church – Listed Grade II*, the church is important to the life of the village, an historic and special building within a splendid, well maintained churchyard and surrounded by a dry-stone wall, all within the proposed, extended Conservation Area (https://www.daventrydc.gov.uk/living/planning- policy/conservation-areas/).

viii All Saints Church

▪ The Griffin Inn – Listed Grade II, the Griffin is a focal point for social events in Pitsford and a greatly valued asset. The pub industry is undergoing a difficult period of trading and it is important that all residents give their full support to the current landlords. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 38

▪ The Village Hall - Central to many of the organisations and activities that take place in the village and an invaluable asset to Pitsford. An energetic and enthusiastic Committee manage the hall; it is well maintained and a welcoming environment for all its users. ▪ Brampton Halt - Based adjacent to a former railway station Brampton Halt has over the last 10 years expanded and is now a very busy active pub/restaurant with large outdoor seating area overlooking landscaped lakes. It is very busy in the summer months. ▪ Heritage Railway - a strong visitor attraction maintained by an enthusiastic volunteer force who continue to develop and extend the length of railway and rolling stock on the disused route of the Northampton to Market Harborough railway. ▪ Primary School and Pitsford School – The two schools within the village are important assets to the village and surrounding area, each contributing in its own way to the life and cohesion of the community. Pitsford School and features within the school grounds are Listed Grade II.

Draft Policy PNDP8 – Sport and Recreation Facilities

A) The following recreation facilities identified on Policies Map A will be protected:

PNDP8/1 - Pitsford Pavilion and Sports Field PNDP8/2 – Allotments

B) Development proposals for the improvement of the existing recreation facilities on these sites will be supported when they would not have a significant adverse impact on residential amenity.

C) Development proposals that would result in the loss of these facilities will only be supported when the applicant can demonstrate that the facility is no longer needed for recreational use or suitable alternative provision can be provided elsewhere within the neighbourhood area to an equivalent or better standard and in a location that is in close proximity to the community it serves.

Background/Justification 5.33 The neighbourhood area has a limited number of recreational facilities and these play home to various formal and informal recreation activities. To support the health and wellbeing of those living in the area and to offer opportunities for people to meet and interact with different groups, the recreation facilities identified under Draft Policy PNDP8 will be protected. Proposals to enhance and improve these facilities will be supported. Draft Policy PNDP8 sets out those circumstances when it may be acceptable for the protected recreation facilities to be developed for other uses. This will only be when the facility is no longer needed for recreational use or suitable alternative provision can be provided. 5.34 Pitsford Pavilion and Sports Field is adjacent to the A508 main road, fronts onto the High Street and is well situated to serve Pitsford’s sporting and recreational PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 39

requirements. The Sports Field covers approximately five acres and has an area for car parking via a private lane. There is a children’s play area with well-designed equipment which is greatly valued by local parents and young children. 5.35 The playing surface is grassed, well maintained, used by locally based football clubs for training and matches and is a very valuable recreational resource for children and young people of all ages. In addition, special open air events often take place which form a focal point for the people of Pitsford including May festivals, summer fetes and school sports. At all times the field is open to residents and is valued as an area for walks and general recreation.

ix Pavilion and Sports Field

5.36 The brick-built pavilion is a very important resource for the village, being not only the changing facility for those playing sports, but also a focal point for the outside events and by providing an additional indoor meeting place within the village confines for local groups of all kinds, including the cub and scout group. 5.37 The allotment area is in the heart of the village on Moulton Road, adjacent to the Primary School, and is well used and maintained by villagers who value the amenity and spend much time tending their crops.

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PNDP OBJECTIVE 5 -To ensure that the area has appropriate levels of transport infrastructure

Draft Policy PNDP9 - Traffic Management and Transport Improvements

Proposals to improve road safety and traffic management throughout the neighbourhood area will be supported, including:

• Improved car parking to support the use of local services and facilities • Improved public transport, cycling and footpath links from Pitsford village to the surrounding countryside and key centres

Background/Justification

5.38 The neighbourhood area has a number of transport, traffic and accessibility issues. Draft Policy PNDP9 identifies a number of areas where such issues can be improved through the planning system and should be considered for inclusion in planning applications. Some of the areas identified could also form separate distinct projects and the Parish Council will pursue these or work with other agencies to implement these e.g. speeding and issues associated with HGVs.

Source: Residents’ Survey

5.39 As well as transport issues that are highlighted in Draft Policy PNDP9 there are also a number of non-planning related traffic and transport issues. These cannot be tackled through the planning system but require other non-planning action. The Parish Council think it is important that these issues are addressed and so have identified the following supporting Parish Council Actions to ensure these issues are PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 41

recorded and commitments made to do something about them. Some road traffic issues, such as inconsiderate car parking and speeding, do not necessarily need any formal action they are matters that can be more simply addressed by moderating behaviour.

Parish Council Supporting Actions 1. Car Parking. Car parking is clearly an issue for the village at the present time and with further increases in car ownership being almost inevitable the problem is likely to get worse. Planning applications should include the need for suitable off-road parking. The Parish Council will encourage householders and others, where they have suitable hard standing or a garage, to use such spaces rather than leave vehicles on the road outside their premises. The Parish Hall, The Griffin Inn, All Saints’ Church and Pitsford Primary School present special problems at certain times of day and a solution may not be readily available, but the users of these facilities should be reminded of the need for thoughtful parking to avoid accidents. The Parish Council will continue to monitor areas on the highway system where double yellow lines or other improvements might be used to achieve to improve road safety and traffic flow. 2. Through Traffic. The volume of cars, lorries, buses and other vehicles travelling through the village continues to grow and until the Highway Authority provides a proper solution to the circulatory traffic around Northampton there is no foreseeable solution. The current proposal to bring a Northern Relief Road up to the southern edge of the village with a roundabout rather than through the valley area between Boughton and Pitsford with a graded junction is unlikely to provide an acceptable route into Moulton Park from the west and The Bringtons, Bramptons, Pitsford and Boughton are likely to remain as a more attractive way to circumnavigate Northampton. Should a road be constructed through the valley area and link with the Moulton Road close to the Pitsford Centre of Moulton College then much of our current through traffic in the village would then use that direct route to the A508 relieving the pressure on the village’s roads. 3. The A508 Main Road. Entering and exiting Pitsford via the A508 Northampton – Market Harborough Road is a major problem and the Parish Council would support any proposal from the Highway Authority that would improve this situation from a road safety viewpoint. Any solution would have to incorporate, not only the entrance to the village but also the entry point to Sedgebrook/Chapel Brampton road. A widened carriageway with a substantial central refuge for turning traffic might be a possible solution but this may be outside the PNDP’s scope. 4. Public Transport. The village is no longer served by a public transport system and this is likely to remain the case with the current road pattern. If changes are made then every effort should be made to bring buses back through the village and encourage the use of public transport.

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HNDP OBJECTIVE 6 - To retain and support the growth of local employment

Draft Policy PNDP10 – Supporting Local Employment

Development proposals of an appropriate scale that would help to retain and support the growth of the neighbourhood area’s existing sources of local employment (this includes those existing uses in Use Classes A, B and C1) will be supported when such proposals would not lead to significant adverse impact on:

a) Existing and future amenity of neighbouring uses; b) Highway safety and on-street car parking; and c) The rural character of the area.

Background/Justification

5.40 Pitsford, although a relatively small village, has several employment sources that at present do not detract from the rural character of the area or their immediate surroundings. Although a rural area, the volume of employment provided makes a significant contribution to our community by providing local work opportunities that help to reduce the need to travel and contribute to the health of the local economy.

5.41 The main site for employment within the Parish is located north of the village confines boundary at Spring Hill Farm, here approximately 144 people are in full-time employment, with further part-time and visiting service providers. Spring Hill Park Development Partnership converted a group of redundant farm buildings into 12 office units, with car parking and direct access to the A508, between 1994 and 2007. The conversion was carried out in a sympathetic manner to reflect the rural surroundings. The companies currently based here include

▪ Gilroy Steel Solicitors ▪ Fellside Estates and Neil Mason Associates Ltd ▪ ASL Holdings (computing and telecommunications) ▪ Blue Skies Holdings (fruit suppliers) ▪ Steris (medical equipment) ▪ Rafter Associates Financial Management ▪ NFU Mutual (insurance provider) ▪ Results Global Marketing solutions ▪ Chandler Communications Ltd (telecommunications and utilities) ▪ Aitchison Raffety (planning)

5.42 Education provides many employment opportunities in Pitsford through the primary school and private school. The larger private school occupies the Georgian Pitsford Hall and currently has around 440 pupils between the ages of 3-18 years. Pitsford Primary School has around 58 pupils. Combined the two schools employ over 70 staff. . PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 43

5.43 Although farming as an industry is no longer a major employer in Pitsford, horticulture and fencing are well served by Hassett Fencing and the recently opened Hassett Plant Centre. These are based to the south of the village along the A508 and both are open to the public. Located on the Brampton Lane is TCLandscapes Ltd, a commercial grounds maintenance plant centre which employs some 200 staff, locally, but is HQ for a much larger national organisation employing over 400 staff. The work here is mainly carried out off-site by teams of touring gardeners in vans.

5.44 Pitsford provides both full-time, part-time and seasonal work within the catering/ hospitality/conference/leisure industry with two public houses The Griffin Inn located on the High Street in Pitsford. On Brampton Lane the Brampton Halt and the Sedgebrook Hall Hotel and Conference Centre employ 30 and 65 staff respectively.

5.45 Also on the Brampton Lane is a small barn which forms the base for Grange Groundworks, and a small kennels and cattery called Meadow Brook Kennels is a little further down the Lane.

5.46 The Pitsford Reservoir and Water Treatment Works operated by Anglia Water is approached through the village. This provides employment for 10 people full-time and other staff visit on a regular basis. Pitsford Network Engineers with 3 staff on site also operates here.

5.47 As well as the commercial/industrial sites listed above there are also other employment opportunities in Pitsford as there are many people who run their own small business from home. Examples of these are a cookery school, photographer, builders, party planner, computer consultant and an accountancy practice.

5.48 Pitsford is, therefore, reasonably well served by employment opportunities and any further business development needs to be in keeping with the rural character of the village and wider neighbourhood area. A large percentage of Pitsford residents view the existing rural character as the main attraction for living in the area and any new business development must take into account this strongly held view.

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6.0 How to comment on this document

6.1 The Pitsford Draft Neighbourhood Plan has been published for a period of informal consultation from 7th October to 21st October.

See Page 6 of this report for details of how to comment.

6.2 The results of the consultation on the Draft PNDP will be considered very carefully and be used to finalise and prepare an amended PNDP which will then be consulted on formally, for a minimum six-week period in November and December, under Regulation 14 of the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations

6.3 Comments made at Regulation 14 stage will be considered and further amendments may be made to the plan before it is submitted to Daventry District Council. The District will then consult for a further minimum six-week period on this submitted plan.

6.4 Following this, the Plan and any representations made will be subject to independent examination. This will be carried out by a suitably qualified, independent person, jointly appointed by DDC and the Parish Council to consider whether the Plan meets the basic conditions and any legal and procedural requirements.

6.5 It is likely that the independent examiner will recommend further changes, before the Plan is the subject of a local Referendum. A straight majority vote (50% of turnout +1) of those on the Electoral Register will be required, before DDC may “make” the Plan. The PNDP will then be used to help determine planning decisions in the Pitsford neighbourhood area alongside DDC and National Planning Policies.

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Glossary of Terms

The Glossary is neither a statement of law nor an interpretation of the law, and its status is only an introductory guide to planning terminology and should not be used as a source for statutory definitions. Accessibility: The extent to which employment, goods and services are made easily available to people, either through close proximity, or through providing the required physical links to enable people to go to locations where they are available. Affordable Housing: Housing that is provided to eligible households at a price/ rent below the market rate, whose housing needs are not met by the market. It includes socially rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing. Ancient Woodlands: These are defined as areas where there is believed to have been continuous woodland cover since at least 1600 AD. It can include both ancient semi natural and ancient replanted woodlands. They are irreplaceable habitats. Biodiversity: The variety of plants, animals and other living things in a particular area or region. It encompasses habitat diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity. Connectivity: The linkages that exist between key locations. Development Plan Document (DPD): These are planning documents forming part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) and which have a status of being part of the development plan. In order to acquire this status, they will be subject to independent scrutiny through a public examination. Certain documents within the LDF must be DPDs, for example a Core Strategy, Site Specific Allocations of land and Area Action Plan where produced. There must also be an adopted Policies Map which may be varied as successive DPDs are adopted. Current Local Planning Regulations no longer use the term DPD and refer to Local Plans instead. Dwelling: A self-contained building or part of a building used as a residential accommodation, and usually housing a single household. A dwelling may be a house, bungalow, flat, maisonette or residentially converted farm building. Economic Development: Development, including those within the B Use Classes, public and community uses, and main town centre uses (but excluding housing development). Evidence Base: The information and data gathered to justify the policy approach set out in the Neighbourhood Plan including physical, economic, and social characteristics of an area. It consists of consultation responses and the finding of technical studies. Greenfield Land: Land which has not previously been developed, including land in agriculture or forestry and land in built up areas used for outdoor sport and recreation (including public and private open space and allotments). Green Infrastructure: A strategically planned and delivered network of high quality green spaces and other environmental features. It is designed and managed as a multifunctional resource capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities. Green Infrastructure includes parks, open spaces, playing fields, woodlands, allotments and private gardens. PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 46

Local Development Documents (LDDs): Any document prepared by a local planning authority individually or with other local planning authorities which deals with one or more of the following:

• the development and use of land; • the allocation of sites for a particular form of development or use; • environmental, social, design and economic objectives relevant to the development and use of land; and • development management and site allocations policies which guide the determination of planning applications. LDDs are referred to in the Regulations as Local Plans and this is the term commonly used in the Joint Core Strategy. Local Development Framework (LDF): The name for the portfolio of Local Development Documents. It consists of Development Plan Documents, 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 a local authority area and may also include local development orders and simplified planning zones. The National Planning Policy Framework no longer refers to LDFs and uses the term 'Local Plan' instead. Local Plan: The plan for the future development of the local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. In law this is described as the development plan documents adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Current Core Strategies and other planning policies which under the Regulations would be considered to be development plan documents, form part of the Local Plan. The term includes old policies which have been saved under the 2004 Act. Localism Act: This is an Act of Parliament that changes the powers of local government in England. The Act includes provisions for local government finance, town and country planning, the Community Infrastructure Levy and the authorisation of nationally significant infrastructure projects. Material Considerations: A material consideration is a matter that should be taken into account in deciding a planning application or on an appeal against a planning decision. Material considerations can include (but are not limited to):

• Overlooking/loss of privacy

• Loss of light or overshadowing

• Parking

• Highway safety

• Traffic

• Noise

• Effect on listed building and conservation area

• Layout and density of building

• Design, appearance and materials

• Government policy PITSFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN INFORMAL CONSULTATION DRAFT, SEPTEMBER 2019 47

• Disabled persons' access

• Proposals in the Development Plan

• Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)

• Nature conservation However, issues such as loss of view, or negative effect on the value of properties are not material considerations. Mode: The type of transport being used for a journey. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF): This document sets out the Government's planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It provides a framework within which local people and their accountable councils can produce their own distinctive local and neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities. Physical Infrastructure: Includes existing and future development required to support utilities, transport and waste management. Previously Developed Land (PDL): Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural and forestry buildings) and associated fixed surface infrastructure, including the curtilage of (land attached to) buildings. It includes defence buildings and land used for mineral or waste extraction when there is no requirement for subsequent restoration. Land in built up areas such as private residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments are not considered as PDL. PDL is still commonly referred to as brownfield land. Qualifying Body: A body that is authorised to prepare a neighbourhood development plan. In Parished areas this can only be the Parish Council. Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI): A site or area designated as being important due to its wildlife plants or flowers and/ or unusual or typical geological features. SSSIs are identified by Natural England and have protected status under Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Social Infrastructure: Includes education, healthcare, sports facilities, cultural and community facilities. Strategic Environment Assessment: A generic term used to describe environmental assessment as applied to policies, plans and programmes. The European 'SEA Directive' (2001/42/EC) requires a formal 'environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes, including those in the field of planning and land use. Supplementary Planning Document (SPD): Provides additional guidance on matters covered by a DPD/ Local Plan. They will be an important consideration in determining planning applications. Sustainable Development: Development which meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Topography: The gradient and variations in height within a landscape.

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