Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan 2013-2029

Our vision for the future

Draft for consultation October 2014, Chipping Norton Town Council 1 Foreword

on the Chipping Norton town appraisal of Like other residents of Chipping Norton I’m 2003. Many of the aspirations identified in justifiably proud of our town. Its combination the 2003 appraisal remain undelivered but of thriving community spirit, attractive built are recognised by the Steering Group as environment, stunning landscape setting, essential long-term goals for ensuring a safe, rich history and active calendar of events sustainable and connected community. makes ‘Chippy’ a highly desirable place to Unlike the 2003 appraisal, if the Chipping live, work and visit. While the town is an Norton Neighbourhood Plan is adopted it will undeniable jewel of the Cotswolds as one of become a statutory document within the its gateways, it’s also a real, working town local development framework; its policies that maintains a sense of independence and would carry legal weight. welcoming spirit increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world. The Steering Group believes this draft Plan

reflects the views of our community. A strong The challenge over the coming years is to message emanating from the consultation meet the needs of development without process was that the residents of Chipping compromising the town’s unique appeal. It’s Norton are proud of their town and have a a formidable challenge but one that the strong desire to retain its unique character. Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group feels is This was key to developing the overarching addressed by this draft Neighbourhood Plan. vision of the Plan from which its objectives

and policies have been derived: The primary purpose of this document is to provide guidance to any parties wishing to A working Cotswold town thriving submit planning applications for development economically and socially as a rural hub while within the town. The Plan has been produced maintaining its strong sense of community by the Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan spirit and conserving and enhancing its Steering Group after some two years of character, natural environment, local services background research and community and facilities. consultation. All documents relating to the Chipping Norton Neighbourhood We strongly believe that this Plan is robust Plan can be accessed via the Neighbourhood and when formally adopted will provide the Plan pages of town website: necessary policies for determining planning www.chippingnortontown.info applications. It provides clarity to the

community, landowners and other interested As the neighbourhood planning process is parties on how the town will evolve for the new and we were awarded Front Runner benefit of the existing and future population status, we have had to learn and adapt up to 2029. It is expected that Chipping throughout, sharing experiences with other Norton will continue to thrive over the period towns embarking on their own plans. We of the plan, maintaining its reputation as a have worked closely with planning officers at welcoming, warm-spirited and beautiful place West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) to live, work and visit. and with Planning Aid, a service provided by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Chris Butterworth

Chairman, Chipping Norton The Steering Group has consulted the Neighbourhood Plan community through open days, surveys, task Steering Group groups, focus groups and the intermediate consultation document ‘Chipping Norton: Looking Back, Stepping Forward’ which built

2 Contents

Section 1: Introduction……………………………………………………………….……………………………. 5 What is a Neighbourhood Plan?………………………………………………………………………..….………. 5 Chipping Norton’s Neighbourhood Plan…………………………………………………………….….………. 5 Submitting body…………………………………………………………….….…………………………………………… 5 Plan period and monitoring…………………………………………………………….….…………………………. 5 Purpose of this document…………………………………………………………….….……………………………. 5 Neighbourhood Plan area…………………………………………………………….….……………………..……. 5 The Neighbourhood Planning process…………………………………………………………….….…………. 7 Section 2: National and local planning context………………………………….……………………… 8 Setting the context……………………………………………………………………….……………………………….. 8 National Planning Policy Framework and planning practice guidance…….……………………… 8 National Planning Policy and Neighbourhood Planning……………………..……...... 9 Status of the West Oxfordshire District Council Local Plan 2029…………………………………… 10 Section 3: Chipping Norton today……………………………………………………..…………………..... 11 The evidence base…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11 Chipping Norton’s setting……………………………………………………………………………….….………….. 11 The natural environment…………………………..…………………………………………………………………… 11 Built environment….…………………………………………………………….….…………………………………….. 13 Population…….…………………………………………………………….….……………………………………………… 13 Local economy….…………………………………………………………….….………………………………………… 14 Transport………………………………………………………………….….………………………………………………… 14 Housing………………………………………………………………….….…………………………………………………… 14 Health and wellbeing………………………………………………………………….….………………………………. 14 Section 4: Community engagement………………………….…………………………………..………….. 15 Methods of engagement………………………………………………………………….….………..………………. 15 Key issues raised………………………………………………………………….….…………………………………….. 15 Section 5: Vision and objectives………………………….……………………………………….…………… 16 Our vision………………………………………………………………….….…………………………………………….... 16 Objectives……………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………..….. 16 Section 6: Masterplanning…….…………………………………………………………….…………………… 17 Employment policies….…………………………………………………………………..………………..…………… 17 Town centre policies…………………………………………………………….….………………………………….… 18 Play and green space provision policies…………………………………………………………………………. 19 Previously developed (brownfield) land policy………………………………………………………………. 23 Natural environment and landscape protection policies……………………………………………….. 25 Section 7: Transport and movement….……………………….………………………………………….... 27 Impact on highways network policy……………………………………………………………………………….. 27 Public transport policies……………………………………………………………………………………………….... 28 Parking policies………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30 Walking, cycling and accessibility policies……………………………………………………………………... 31

3 Contents cont…

Section 8: Building design and use.…………………………………..…………………………………….… 33 Historic built environment…….………………………………………………..……………………………………… 33 High street character and viability policies…………………………………………………………………….. 35 Housing typology policies………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37 Self-build policies…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 39 Bicycle and bin storage policy………………………………………………………………………………………… 40 Energy and water efficiency policies……………………………………………………………………………… 41 Appendix A: WODC Draft Local Plan Core Objectives…………..……………………………………. 43 Appendix B: Public rights of way assessment……………………………………………………………. 44 Appendix C: Summary of policies……………………………………………………………………………… 51 Appendix D: Suggested projects……………………………………………………………………………….. 55 Appendix E: Steering Group members………………………………………………………………………. 56

4 Section 1: Introduction

What is a Neighbourhood Plan? Plan which this Plan will sit alongside. As 1.1 A Neighbourhood Plan sets out the vision the Neighbourhood Plan authority, for an area and planning policies for use Chipping Norton Town Council will hold and development of land. It will become primary responsible for delivery and part of the statutory local development monitoring of the Plan and, as required, framework for the area, which means its review over the course of the Plan that the policies and proposals contained period. within the Neighbourhood Plan will be

used to help determine planning Purpose of this document applications, including appeals. The 1.5 This document builds on previous public policies within a Neighbourhood Plan engagement exercises and draws on cannot block the strategic development comments from statutory consultees to needs of the wider area as outlined in produce a series of policies for suggested the local development framework. What inclusion in the final Neighbourhood they can do, however, is shape and Plan. It therefore forms the draft influence where that development will document for public consultation prior to go and what it will look like. submission of the final Plan to the local

planning authority, West Oxfordshire Chipping Norton’s Neighbourhood Plan District Council. 1.2 In 2012 the imminent publication of

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Draft Neighbourhood Plan area Local Plan 2029 was recognised as an 1.6 The Plan relates to the Parish of Chipping opportunity for the residents of Chipping Norton in West Oxfordshire, as outlined Norton to contribute a local perspective on the map in Figure 1.1 on the next to the statutory planning framework for page. the area. The town enjoys a rich history

and distinctive character, something the 1.7 The area of the Plan was decided in Town Council wants to conserve and consultation with WODC. The Plan area enhance through its own Neighbourhood was formally designated by the District Plan (hence forth ‘the Plan’). Council on 12 December 2012. The

parish boundary forms a logically defined Submitting body area, incorporating the entirety of the 1.3 This Neighbourhood Plan is submitted by town and its immediate surrounding Chipping Norton Town Council, a countryside. qualifying body as defined by the

Localism Act 2011. The preparation of 1.8 Chipping Norton Town Council confirms the Plan has been delegated to the that the Plan relates solely to the Parish Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan of Chipping Norton and that no other Steering Group. The members of the Neighbourhood Development Plan is in steering group are listed in appendix E. development within this designated

area. Plan period and monitoring 1.4 Working in consultation with the local planning authority West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) it was decided that the Plan should cover the period 2013-2029. This mirrors the timeframe of the District Council’s emerging Local

5 Figure 1.1: Boundary of Chipping Norton Neighbourhood Plan area

6 The Neighbourhood Planning process and local planning policy; this will 1.9 The journey to reach a final guarantee it is legal and robust. Neighbourhood Plan consists of an eight- step process, as outlined in Figure 1.2 1.10 Following approval by the examiner a below. This document concludes step local referendum will be held so that five of the process. After a six-week residents can decide if they wish to consultation period any amendments will adopt the Plan. A simple majority voting be made and the final Plan then in favour of the Plan will see it become submitted to WODC. The final Plan will part of the formal development plan for then be presented to an independent the area and a legally binding document. planning expert for examination in order to ensure it conforms to both national

Figure 1.2: Eight steps in preparing a Neighbourhood Plan

1. Getting 2. Identifying 3. Develop a started the issues vision and objectives

5. Draft your 6. Consultation Neighbourhood 4. Generate and submission Plan options

7. Independent 8. Referendum examination and adoption

7 Section 2: National and Local

Planning Context

Setting the context Local Plans must be consistent with the 2.1 As the Chipping Norton Neighbourhood principles and policies set out in the Plan forms part of the statutory planning Framework, including the presumption in framework it must: favour of sustainable development. The i. Have appropriate regard to national NPPF accepts the UN General Assembly planning policy definition of sustainable development as: ii. Contribute to the achievement of Meeting the needs of the present sustainable development without compromising the ability of iii. Be in general conformity with the future generations to meet their own strategic policies in the development needs. plan in the local area iv. Be compatible with EU obligations, 2.5 The UK Sustainable Development including human rights requirements Strategy Securing the Future set out five ‘guiding principles’ of sustainable 2.2 Chipping Norton sits within the District of development: living within the planet’s West Oxfordshire. The development plan environmental limits; ensuring a strong, of the local area (point iii above) is healthy and just society; achieving a therefore set by the West Oxfordshire sustainable economy; promoting good District Council Local Plan. The current governance; and using sound science Local Plan (2011) was adopted in 2006 responsibly. and the Council is currently in the process of preparing a new Local Plan 2.6 To deliver sustainable development the covering the period 2011-2029. It is NPPF lists the following factors as hoped that the new plan will be adopted desirable: by mid-2015. • Building a strong, competitive economy, ensuring the planning system National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) does everything it can to support and planning practice guidance economic growth. 2.3 The NPPF sets out the Government’s • Ensuring the vitality of town centres. planning policies for England and came • Supporting a prosperous rural into effect in March 2012. It replaces economy, with planning policies that over a thousand pages of planning policy support economic growth in rural areas statements and planning policy guidance to create jobs and prosperity through previously issued by the Government conversions and new build. with a document of around 50 pages. It • Promoting sustainable transport. provides the basis for local planning • Supporting high quality authorities to prepare their Local Plans communications infrastructure, and for communities producing including the development of Neighbourhood Plans. telecommunications and high-speed broadband technology. 2.4 The Framework states that the purpose • Delivering a wide choice of high quality of the planning system is to contribute to homes to boost significantly the supply the achievement of sustainable of market and affordable homes. development, introducing a presumption • Require good design. in favour of sustainable development1.

1CLG, National Planning Policy Framework, May 2012

8 • Promoting healthy communities, system previously only published in including the provision of shared space separate documents can now be found and community facilities (local shops, in one place quickly and simply. Users meeting places, sports venues, public can link between the National Planning houses and places of worship) and Policy Framework and relevant planning protection of existing open space and practice guidance, as well as between playing fields. different categories of guidance. • Meeting the challenge of climate change and flooding. National Planning Policy and Neighbourhood • Conserving and enhancing the natural Planning environment. 2.9 The NPPF states that Neighbourhood Plans should support the strategic 2.7 On 6 March 2014 the Department development needs of the wider area set for Communities and Local out in the Local Plan. They should not Government (DCLG) launched a promote less development or undermine planning practice guidance web-based the Local Plan’s strategic policies. It adds resource available to search at: that Neighbourhood Plans should plan planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk positively to shape and direct development that is outside the strategic 2.8 The website means that planning elements of the Local Plan. This three- practice guidance is now available layered planning approach is entirely online. Any important summarised in Figure 2.1 below. information for any user of the planning

Figure 2.1: Layers to the statutory planning framework

9 Status of the West Oxfordshire District Council Local Plan 2029 2.12 The Draft Local Plan sets out a vision for 2.10 Following consultation of WODC’s draft Chipping Norton as follows2: Local Plan in 2012 the District Council had hoped to publish its final plan in Chipping Norton will strengthen its role summer 2013. However, a decision was as a centre of enterprise. It will continue made to delay this pending the outcome to be an economically and socially strong of the new Oxfordshire Strategic Housing market town serving the needs of a large Market Assessment (SHMA). The Council rural area. Its distinctive historic has considered its findings and is character and fine setting will be currently consulting on an appropriate conserved and enhanced at the same housing target for delivery through the time as accommodating new Local Plan. development to meet identified needs.

2.11 For the purposes of this document the 2.13 Five key strands make up the Draft Local objectives, policies and proposals arising Plan’s approach to development: from the Draft Local Plan (2012) are 1. Presumption in favour of sustainable taken into consideration. Key points of development. the Draft Local Plan relating to Chipping 2. Locating development in the right Norton are detailed throughout the places document. Its core objectives are listed 3. Prudent use of natural resources in Appendix A. 4. High quality design 5. Supporting infrastructure

2WODC, Draft Local Plan, Oct 2012, p.16

10 Section 3:

Chipping Norton today

The evidence base 3.4 The Chipping Norton Landscape 3.1 The background evidence on which this Assessment 2009 notes the town’s Neighbourhood Plan is written is derived relatively high altitude having grown up from a series of public consultations as along the western side of a pronounced well as a number of published sources ridge which affords a far-reaching including: outlook to the west of town, overlooking • Demographic and transport choices a steep-sided valley that runs south to data based on the 2011 Census the Evenlode Valley3. Much of the town results available from the Office for lies between the 183m and 213m National Statistics. contours. • Local economy data based on the WODC Economy Study Update and 3.5 The historic Bliss Mill and its setting Retail Needs Assessment. within a relatively rural valley on the • Transport data based on Oxfordshire west side of town are regarded as a County Council’s Local Transport Plan particularly important component of the 2011-2030 and the WODC Air Quality local landscape, providing a distinctive Action Plan for Horsefair and High landmark structure visible from many Street Chipping Norton. parts of the town. • Housing data derived from the Office for National Statistics, WODC’s The natural environment Affordable Housing Consultation 3.6 The countryside surrounding the town Paper, the Oxfordshire Strategic comprises a range of distinct character Housing Market Assessment and types, as identified in the Oxfordshire WODC’s 2011 Housing Needs Wildlife and Landscape Study4, Assessment. dominated by farmland slopes and valley • Leisure and green space provision sides to the west and a broad area of from the West Oxfordshire Open farmland plateau to the east. The Space Study 2013-2029. Neighbourhood Plan area includes within its area a Site of Special Scientific 3.2 Much of the evidence base material may Interest (SSSI) to the east of the town. be found on the WODC website: The Glyme and Dorn Conservation http://www.westoxon.gov.uk/residents/ Target Area occupies a substantial part planning-building/planning-policy/local- of the southeast quadrant of the development-framework/local-plan- Neighbourhood Plan area. evidence-base/ with specific references made throughout this document and 3.7 The valley bottoms and sides support a listed in Appendix A. linked network of semi-natural habitat that is particularly important to the Chipping Norton’s setting wildlife and the landscape of the town. 3.3 Chipping Norton has a highly attractive Large, established trees along the landscape setting with the majority of roadsides and among built-up areas are a the town, excepting the most recent notable feature of the town. developments on the east, lying within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding 3Chipping Norton Landscape Assessment 2009, June Natural Beauty (AONB). 2009 4 Oxfordshire Wildlife and Landscape Study, available at: owls.oxfordshire.gov.uk

11 Figure 3.1: Constraints to development in Chipping Norton

12 3.8 The Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 3.11 The town has a high proportion of Listed 2008-20135 states that ‘characteristic structures (126) and a substantial habitats and some species are in decline Conservation Areas, in which the town or have been lost’ and notes that this is centre is fully encompassed. Around 50 due to a combination of direct human buildings pre-date 1700. There is a influence and indirect factors such as Scheduled Ancient Monument near the climate change. parish church of St Mary’s.

3.9 The hilltop position of Chipping Norton Population means that only a very limited area of 3.12 The population of Chipping Norton was Chipping Norton parish is affected by a 6,337 at the time of the 2011 census, an flood zone, as outlined by the dark blue increase of 6% on the 2001 census6. The shading in Figure 3.1 (constraints map) town’s population is also ageing, with on the preceding page. the proportion of residents over the age of 60 rising from 22.9% to 26.8% in 2011. Built environment 3.10 Chipping Norton’s distinct character is in 3.13 Both the proportion and absolute part down to its historic built number of those aged over 65 is environment. The town has a distinct expected to continue to increase over and diverse architectural style consisting the coming decades7. Ward forecasts for of a mix of imposing formal and less the town produced by Oxfordshire imposing functional buildings, often built County Council predicts the population in local materials. The honey-coloured of this age group will increase by 36% in stone of many buildings within the town the 15 years from 2011 to 2026. creates an attractive townscape. 6ONS 2011 Census 5Chipping Norton Landscape Assessment 2009, June 7Hollis, J., West Oxfordshire: Three Demographic 2009 Projections using the first 2011 Census Results, Sept 2012

Figure 3.2: Population pyramids for Chipping Norton, 2011 and 2026 90+ 85 to 89 2011 80 to 84 2026 75 to 79 70 to 74 65 to 69 60 to 64 55 to 59 50 to 54 45 to 49 40 to 44 35 to 39 30 to 34 25 to 29 20 to 24 15 to 19 10 to 14 5 to 9 0 to 4 - 100 200 300 400 500 600 13 Local economy Housing 3.14 At the time of the 2011 census 71% of 3.21 An average of 34.9 new dwellings per those aged 16 to 74 were in employment year were added between 1990 and with the rate of employment growth 2012. In 2011 there were 3005 separate outpacing the rate of population growth dwellings in Chipping Norton. over the previous 10 years. The town has a greater than average proportion of 3.22 There is a high level of single households residents employed in skilled trades and (31.8%). Single pensioners account for personal services. 16.2% of all households11. This proportion is forecast to grow 3.15 Thirty six per cent of those in significantly over the Plan period. employment work in the town centre or one of the town’s industrial estates, 3.23 The town has a high percentage of social while 26% work from home and 38% housing at 17.3%. However, with 80.3% commute8. of concealed households12 unable to afford a one-bedroom flat in town, there 3.16 Two-thirds (66.3%) of residents’ is a need for more affordable housing. convenience shopping is bought within the town9. 3.24 Affordable housing is defined by the NPPF as social rented, affordable rented 3.17 Total retail expenditure in Chipping and intermediate housing that is Norton is forecast to grow from £40.1M provided to eligible households whose in 2012 to £62.7M by 20299. needs are not met by the market. Eligibility is determined with regard to Transport local incomes and local house prices. 3.18 Residents of Chipping Norton heavily Affordable housing should include rely on private vehicles; just over 65% provisions to remain at an affordable travel to work by car. While nearly a fifth price for future eligible households or for of residents walk to work, cycling uptake the subsidy to be recycled for alternative remains low. A network of footpaths and affordable housing provision. bridleways gives ready access to the surrounding countryside. Health and wellbeing 3.25 Almost seven percent of residents’ day- 3.19 The town has one of the highest to-day activities are limited by a long- nitrogen dioxide levels within West term health problem or disability11, Oxfordshire at the pinch point of reflecting the town’s higher-than- Horsefair. Nitrogen dioxide levels at this average proportion of older residents. point regularly exceed the Government’s target – 40 μg/m3 when expressed as an 3.26 Among older people Chipping Norton annual mean – by more than 50%10. sits within the most income deprived group11. 3.20 The difficulty of finding a parking space in peak times has been identified as a 11ONS 2011 Census 12 major issue by residents. Defined as a household living in a multi-family household in addition to the primary family – e.g. a young couple living with parents 8Chipping Norton residents’ questionnaire 9WODC, West Oxon Retail Needs Assessment Update, 2012 10WODC, Air Quality Action Plan Horsefair and High Street, Oct 2008

14 Section 4:

Community Engagement

4.1 All stages of the Neighbourhood Planning Environment process demand that the community and The rural landscape setting and wildlife relevant statutory bodies are involved. habitats of the town are highly valued and The Plan is for the people of Chipping must be protected and enhanced. New Norton, so the Steering Group strongly housing and commercial premises must meet felt from the outset that every the most rigorous environmental standards. opportunity should be taken to engage the local community. Local economy There is a desire for a thriving town centre Methods of engagement with shops and services for both residents 4.2 A full list of the activities and methods of and visitors, plus a wide range of employment engagement undertaken are given in the options within the town. Better quality office separate Statement of Community space is needed. Tourism should be Engagement. In summary the following encouraged. groups were invited to contribute: • All residents and businesses within the Transport town through open meetings/ Traffic and pollution, particularly from HGVs, workshops, an exhibition, is seen as a major issue. Parking provision is questionnaire and regular publicity. regarded as inadequate. There is a call for • Requests for feedback were also improved public transport links. invited on the intermediate consultation document ‘Chipping Housing Norton: Looking Back, Stepping The town needs more affordable housing to Forward’, a summary leaflet of which rent and buy as well as smaller units, was delivered to all properties within accommodation suitable for older residents the town. and housing for families – so a wide variety of • Outreach via focus groups comprising housing types. Development must integrate the following groups: older people, within the town and complement the local businesses, working age people, vernacular architecture. It should be well young people. connected, facilitating walking and cycling • Statutory consultees including: West into the town centre. Oxfordshire District Council, Oxfordshire County Council, the Built environment Highways Agency, Environment The town has an exceptionally high quality Agency, Natural England, English built environment. This is one of Chipping Heritage, Network Rail, Cotswold AONB Norton’s greatest assets that makes it a good and Thames Water. place to live and visit.

Key issues raised Health and wellbeing 4.3 Issues raised through community and Recreational facilities and green spaces are statutory consultee engagement include valued, but additional natural and open green the following13: space and play areas are called for within any new developments. Community facilities are 13Background documents to each consultation exercise important to individual well-being and some may be found at: key facilities are seen as lacking, for example http://www.chippingnortontown.info/ NEIGHBOURHOODPLAN/tabid/1216/Default.aspx an improved capacity library.

15 Section 5:

Vision and objectives

5.1 The residents of Chipping Norton Objectives overwhelmingly want to see a lively, 5.3 In support of this vision the broad economically active town that continues objectives in the table below are to support its unique character and expressed from which the policies and community spirit. The vision for the town proposals discussed in the coming builds on input from residents. chapters are derived.

Our vision 5.4 Discussion of the policies and proposals 5.2 The agreed vision for the town of arising from these objectives is grouped Chipping Norton is: under three broad categories for coherence: Masterplanning, Transport A working Cotswold town thriving and Movement, and Design. Policies are economically and socially as a rural hub preceded by a general discussion and while maintaining its strong sense of followed by justification for the policy or community spirit and conserving and policies put forward. Their relevance to enhancing its character, high-quality the planning framework is shown. built and natural environment, local services and facilities.

Theme Objective Employment OB1: Protect existing employment land and identify new opportunities in land order to support a diverse range of employment opportunities within the town. Town centre OB2: Ensure all new development enhances the town centre’s special character and appearance, making the town a destination in which people wish to spend time. Parking OB3: Support the expansion of town centre car parking capacity and improvements to its functionality. Transport OB4: Ensure new development is well connected to the rest of the town and surrounding area, especially by public transport, walking and cycling, and that existing routes are improved. Housing type OB5: Housing supply must meet the overall housing needs in town to include a broad mix of housing types and sufficient provision of affordable homes. Community OB6: Provide high-quality natural and open green space and youth recreation facilities opportunities as an integral part of new developments. Favour development that incorporates community facilities. Build design OB7: New development, be it traditional or contemporary, must respect the local vernacular. Built OB8: The historic environment of the town should be conserved and enhanced environment for future generations to enjoy. Natural OB9: Developments must conserve the natural environment and where environment possible enhance it. This includes local green infrastructure and biodiversity. Energy and OB10: Ensure all new dwellings and non-domestic buildings are built to water efficiency exemplary environmental standards. 16 Section 6: Masterplanning

Employment policies Justification 6.1 Chipping Norton enjoys low rates of 6.4 Small businesses make up a sizeable unemployment, with the growth in proportion of the local economy; 70% of employment outpacing the growth of businesses in West Oxfordshire employ economically active residents in the fewer than five people. 14 period 2001-2011 . Despite this there is a call from residents for more local 6.5 Paragraph 3.24 of the West Oxfordshire employment opportunities (over a third 2012 Economy Study Update16 states: of residents commute out of town for ‘Existing employment sites in Chipping work) and for a broader variety of roles. Norton are typically well occupied, particularly the industrial estates and 6.2 Residents have expressed concern that there appears to be a lack of good unless business is attracted into Chipping quality small industrial units.’ The study Norton it could become a dormitory states a wish to see an increase in the town. The protection of affordable supply of land for businesses ‘to support employment land for job creation is seen key industrial, manufacturing, and as essential, along with the provision of engineering sectors’ as well as facilitating smaller industrial units and office space. investment in the stock of business premises. It outlines that design and 6.3 The following policies seek to ensure build opportunities for offices and light existing employment land and land industrial premises remain within the allocated for employment uses within town. the WODC Local Plan remains in employment use while facilitating 6.6 Dukes Mill has lain empty for a number provision of flexible units. of years. Sitting at the heart of the Station Road industrial area, this is M1: The total area of land allocated for considered a prime employment site employment within Chipping Norton within the town that is capable of must not drop below the current figure supplying a range of office spaces. 15 (September 2014) of 15.17 hectares . Relevance to planning framework M2: Proposals that create flexible industrial NPPF para 20; WODC Draft Local Plan CO8 and office units will be supported, and para 6.13. particularly where they are of a high quality design and in a sustainable, Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objective accessible location. OB1

M3: The development of the Duke’s Mill 16WODC Economy Study Update, Nov 2012 (former Solar Building) on Station Road for employment use will be supported. Any alternative use will need to be robustly justified and consistent with the objectives and other policies laid out in this Plan.

14ONS 2011 Census 15Total employment area calculated from: WODC Economy Study Update, Nov 2012 17 Town centre policies development here, with the town centre 6.7 The town centre offers a vibrant reorganised as opportunities arise to environment and a good range of shops offer a more attractive and traffic-free supplemented by street markets setting for people to linger for longer. supporting both the town’s residents and residents of the surrounding rural area. 6.11 The town’s historic environment offers Retail expenditure in the town is set to great potential for attracting more grow to £62.7M by 202917. visitors. This strong asset is relatively underdeveloped and should be exploited 6.8 Businesses owners in the town centre as a reason for including Chipping Norton wish to see Chipping Norton promoted on any trip to the Cotswolds. as a destination, appealing to a wide audience. The recently launched not-for- 6.12 Results from the Neighbourhood Plan profit group Experience Chipping Norton survey show residents like to support (www.experiencechippingnorton.com) is their local shops. The West Oxfordshire hoping to facilitate this message. Retail Needs Assessment17 emphasises that ‘if this function were to erode we 6.9 Residents value the town centre but expect that visitation rates could drop evidence from the public consultation which would consequently result in a exercises suggest that the town could be detrimental impact on Chipping Norton improved in appearance while making town centre.’ Ensuring a vibrant and more of passing trade and tourism. attractive town centre will help to There is support for increasing the promote the town and make it a provision of town centre facilities. desirable setting in which to shop.

M4: Proposals for significant 6.13 Tourism in West Oxfordshire supports redevelopments within the town centre nearly 4,000 jobs18. The District Council’s must provide space for community Tourism Strategy 2009-2012 Priority 4 on facilities where feasible. Quality includes an action to ensure destinations are ‘perceived to have a M5: Proposals that improve signage, quality environment through public interpretation and street furniture within realm activity including working with the town centre will be supported to Street Scene and Town and Parish encourage tourism and longer stays. Councils and County Council to maintain the quality of footpaths, toilets, waste M6: This Plan supports the reorganisation of and signage’. the spatial layout of High Street/Market Place to offer a more pedestrian-friendly 6.14 Core Policy 15 of the WODC Draft Local environment and better public transport Plan supports the development and interchange facilities conducive to a retention of local services and town that is attractive to both tourists community facilities to promote ‘social and residents. interaction and healthy inclusive communities’19. Justification 6.10 Tourists and visitors are already Relevance to planning framework attracted to Chipping Norton but the NPPF para 23; WODC Draft Local Plan CO9-11 town benefits less from this trade then and paras 6.13, 7.19. nearby centres such as Burford or Stow- on-the-Wold. There is room for Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objectives OB2, OB6 17WODC, West Oxon Retail Needs Assessment Update, 2012 18WODC, Tourism Strategy 2009-2012 19WODC, Draft Local Plan, Oct 2012, p.61 18

Play and green space M7: Proposals for residential development provision policies must contribute towards the provision of 6.15 One of the major themes identified by high-quality play and activity spaces for the Neighbourhood Plan questionnaire children and young people, designed in was the perception that the existing consultation with the local community, supply of play areas and facilities for with sufficient funding to ensure that the young people is inadequate. It also found town’s play spaces can be maintained to that residents clearly value the an appropriate standard. The location of landscape setting of the town. any new play spaces should be such that they fulfil access standards for the town. 6.16 The town has just over 75 hectares (186 acres) of open space, equating to 11.6 M8: Any proposal for residential hectares (28.8 acres) per 1,000 development should provide areas of residents. However, there are significant accessible green space designed and shortfalls of amenity green space maintained to enhance the lives of local (around a quarter of the required residents, wildlife and the landscape. provision), accessible natural green Natural England standards for Accessible space and play space for youth (less than Natural Green Space (ANGSt) are to a half of the required provision)20. provide a benchmark against which proposals are judged. Where these 6.17 Access to amenity green space and standards cannot be achieved within the children’s and young people’s play limits of a particular development a spaces is below existing standards (junior contribution should be made to provision of 10 minutes straight line walk achieving ANGSt standards in other parts time, or 480m; and youth provision of of the town. 12-13 minutes straight line walk time, or 600m). The inaccessibility of play space is particularly acute on the eastern side of town, as shown by Figure 6.2.

20WODC, West Oxon Open Space Study 2013-2029

19 Figure 6.1: Open space provision in Chipping Norton

20 Figure 6.2: Access to children’s and youth play spaces in Chipping Norton

Children’s play space provision showing 480m buffer zone (10 minutes straight line walk time)

Youth play space provision showing 600m buffer zone (12-13 minutes straight line walk time)

21 Justification 6.18 As well as an undersupply of amenity 6.21 Paragraph 8.6.5 of the Open Space green space, accessible natural green Study states: ‘There is an under supply of space and youth play space, the 2013 provision of both children and young West Oxfordshire Open Space Study21 people’s space and access to both types ranked Chipping Norton’s three play of facilities also falls below the standard. spaces to the south of town (in Cotswold There is a need for provision of these Crescent, Walterbush Road and Cornish facilities through new development – for Road) as being in the bottom half of the example a major facility within a new District’s play spaces as ranked for park and recreation ground would quality. contribute significantly to meeting needs.’ The best position for any new 6.19 Paragraph 8.6.3 of the study states: park and play facilities to fall within ‘There is an existing shortfall of this access standards is likely to be towards [amenity green space] typology, and the east of town, in or near to Strategic access is limited. It is therefore Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) recommended that existing provision is sites 212 and 204. protected, and new provision (in combination with requirements for 6.22 There is a significant body of research natural green space provision) is evidence that natural green space provided through new development.’ contributes to mental and physical wellbeing22. Natural green spaces 6.20 There is a lack of accessible natural provide opportunities for wildlife to green space, as defined by Natural flourish and can help to mitigate against England’s ANGSt standard22. Currently the local effects of a changing climate. there is 1.65 hectares per thousand people while the standard is 2.00 Relevance to planning framework hectares per thousand. NPPF paras 69-70; WODC Draft Local Plan CO13-15 and paras 7.13, 7.20, 7.25. 21WODC, West Oxon Open Space Study 2013-2029 22 Natural England, Nature Nearby, Mar 2010 Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objectives

OB6, OB8

22 Previously developed (brownfield) Justification land policy 6.26 WODC’s Draft Local Plan stresses that 6.23 With residents responding so positively new development should take place on to the landscape setting of the town it the most sustainable, available sites makes sense that as much effort as (para 4.13). It states that development possible is taken to conserve the natural within the town or on the edge of a environment and to avoid undue urban settlement will have the least sprawl. Concern about urban sprawl and environmental impact and readier access over-reliance of cars was expressed in to existing services, particularly on 24 the community consultation phase of the foot . Neighbourhood Plan process. 6.27 Draft Local Plan Core Policy 2, ‘Locating 6.24 Chipping Norton is a relatively compact development in the right places’ town; even its furthest extremities are specifically says that new development no more than one kilometre from the should ‘make use of previously town’s centre. The current developed land where available, approximately oval outline to the town’s provided it is not of high environmental 24 urban boundary, with the town centre at value’ . This Plan aims to preserve the its heart, makes for a very walkable unique character of the town. scale. Significant development beyond the current boundary could threaten Relevance to planning framework this. NPPF paras 17, 111; WODC Draft Local Plan CO1-2 and para 4.13. 6.25 While the Town Council recognises that some development will be needed on Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objectives greenfield sites the priority should be for OB2, OB9 the redevelopment of previously 24WODC, Draft Local Plan, Oct 2012, pp.24, 26 developed (brownfield) land. There are a number of vacant and soon-to-be-vacant brownfield sites throughout the town. These are indicated in Figure 6.3.

M9: Proposals for development that reuse brownfield land will be strongly supported in principle. In particular proposals for the following sites that are in line with other policies within this Plan23 will be supported: Penhurst School, Castle View/The Chestnuts/ former ambulance station, the police station, former Parker Knoll site and The Pillars.

23Suitable uses are those consistent with other policies and objectives of this Plan

23 Figure 6.3: Vacant and soon-to-be-vacant sites in Chipping Norton

24 Natural environment and landscape M14: The design of new development on the protection policies urban fringe should protect and where 6.28 As revealed by the Neighbourhood Plan possible enhance the character of adjacent questionnaire the residents of Chipping rural areas and green spaces. Norton highly value the natural environment and setting of the town. Justification Wildlife and the habitats that support it 6.30 Fragmentation and piecemeal have been lost or are under threat from degradation of existing habitats is a a range of direct and indirect factors25. particular threat to the survival of wildlife. New natural and open green 6.29 Chipping Norton lies on the eastern spaces with appropriate landscaping edge of the Cotswolds AONB and as such within developments can be of benefit has a rich diversity of wildlife. by acting as a bridge between more Immediately to the east of the town lies natural elements of the wider the Glyme and Dorn Conservation Target countryside. The retention and Area, incorporating the Glyme Valley Site enhancement of existing biodiversity of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). features within development can help to 26 achieve this . M10: Developments must protect and where possible enhance the high quality 6.31 The guidance document Biodiversity and landscape setting of the town. Planning in Oxfordshire published by 27 Development outside of the designated BBOWT , Oxfordshire County Council 28 Cotswold AONB should take precedence and TVERC suggests that ‘Landscaping over development within it. should aim to retain and enhance existing biodiversity features, and link up M11: Developments must protect and where habitats. For example, native hedgerows possible enhance the natural and strips of species-rich grasslands environment. This specifically includes provide routes along which species such the network of existing habitats and the as hedgehogs, butterflies and bats can species that this supports. Measures to move… A series of ponds can link with improve the provision of new habitat wetland features in the wider and maintain existing areas of habitat countryside.’ The Biodiversity and and species will be supported. Planning in Oxfordshire document offers a number of valuable suggestions for M12: Development must include measures to developers. retain existing trees, hedgerows and habitats in accordance with current 6.32 A 2009 landscape assessment of 29 guidance including BS 5837:2012 Trees Chipping Norton noted the importance in relation to design, demolition and of natural screening alongside construction – Recommendations or its developments to ensure a soft edge to future equivalent. the town. The imposing hard edge of the recent Parker Knoll development is M13: The inclusion and retention within noted as an example of where this has developments of large growing trees in not been successful. sufficient space to allow them to reach 26BBOWT, OCC, TVERC, Biodiversity and Planning in their mature size and with regard to Oxfordshire, March 2014 underground and overhead services will 27BBOWT = Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire be supported in order to maintain the Wildlife Trust character of the town. 28TVERC = Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre 29 Chipping Norton Landscape Assessment 2009, June 2009 25CCB, Cotswold AONB Management Plan 2013-18, March 2013 25 6.33 The National Planning Policy Framework Relevance to planning framework explicitly states that the planning system NPPF paras 109, 113, 115; WODC Draft Local should ‘contribute to and enhance the Plan CO13, 18 and paras 7.7, 710, 7.13, natural and local environment by 7.18. protecting and enhancing valued landscapes’ and by ‘minimising impacts Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objective on biodiversity and providing net gains in OB9 biodiversity where possible’. Ensuring provision for wildlife within development helps achieve these aims.

26 Section 7: Transport and movement

Impact on highways network policy Justification 7.1 Due in part to its rural setting Chipping 7.4 The Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan31 Norton rarely has serious traffic Policy CN8 states that the county council congestion. However, at peak times ‘will ensure that best use is made of traffic can build up at key point on the existing road space through careful town’s road network, particularly along planning, working with partners and West Street to meet the junction with utilising technology’. the A44 and along the A44 itself.

7.5 WODC’s Draft Local Plan expresses the 7.2 The A44 and A361 which run through the desire of the district council to work with town centre act as major routes for developers and other stakeholders such through traffic, most notably heavy as the highway authority to secure goods vehicles (HGVs). This often causes improvements to the road network so as pollution levels well above Government to reduce congestion. targets at pinch points such as Horsefair.

Consideration needs to be given to Relevance to planning framework introducing environmental weight limits NPPF paras 30-32; WODC Draft Local Plan and signage to divert all but locally CO6, CO12 and para 8.9. serving HGVs away from the town.

Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objectives 7.3 There is heavy reliance among residents OB2, OB4 on private vehicles, with just over 65%

travelling to work by car. Conversely 31OCC, Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan 2011-2030, Oct there is also a higher than England 2012 average of workers choosing to walk to work at close to 20%30. With car usage so prevalent the impact of new developments on the existing highways capacity must be seriously considered so as to avoid any new traffic hotspots and so that the town continues to remain agreeable for pedestrians.

T1: Proposals for development should take into full account the capacity of the existing highway network, protecting the town’s historic character of narrow roads and pavements and taking note of its hilly nature. If an acceptable level of impact cannot be achieved additional infrastructure must be provided that is compatible with other policies within this Plan.

30ONS 2011 Census

27 Public transport policies T4: As part of any developments along or off 7.6 Bus services operate between Chipping London Road, provision of a secure Norton and Oxford, departing hourly parking area for service buses should be with more buses during peak times. provided or an equivalent area provided Hourly services to Witney and Banbury locally. The exact area and location of also exist, along with a two-hour this bus parking area should be decided frequency service to Stratford-upon- through dialogue between Oxfordshire Avon. There are once a week County Council and bus service ‘community bus’ services to Chipping providers, most notably Stagecoach. Norton from villages to the west and east but there is a possibility that these T5: Opportunities for public transport links to could be reduced as a result of be developed and maintained between Oxfordshire County Council cutbacks. residential areas and healthcare facilities There are also once per week services to on London Road at all times of the day Cheltenham and Moreton-in-Marsh will be supported. market. T6: This Plan supports proposals that are 7.7 While Chipping Norton does not have a consistent with policies CN1-CN8 of the railway station, a dedicated rail-bus Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan 2011- exists to link the town with nearby 2030 and equivalent policies appearing Kingham Station, connecting with trains in future revisions of this document. to and from Oxford, Reading and London Paddington. As this link offers Justification commuters a vital connection it is locally 7.9 If dependency on private vehicles is to be significant. This bus also serves to reduced it is important that new connect the town centre with the health development must accommodate and centre on London Road from mid- enhance the existing public transport morning to afternoon only. network. In particular, there is a need to provide improved services to the 7.8 During the public consultation hospitals in Oxford and Banbury. This will respondents emphasised the need for have knock on effects on improved air more direct bus routes to nearby quality, reduced congestion and could centres, as well as links to other tourist make Chipping Norton a more accessible centres west and south of town, such as place for people of all mobilities. Stow, Moreton and Burford. Improved bus links would be attractive to 7.10 WODC’s Tourism Strategy 2009-201232 commuters and tourists alike. has developed a series of priorities for tourism in the district, including the T2: The road layout in new housing estates encouragement of sustainable tourism. must accommodate efficient bus access. Priority 5 in the document states an action point to ‘encourage the T3: Any significant proposal for development improvement and usage of public must facilitate the provision of enhanced transport to and within the District public transport, in particular increased [WODC]’. frequencies to Oxford and express, 32 evening and Sunday services to Banbury WODC, Tourism Strategy 2009-2012 and, where possible, new tourist- focussed routes to Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh plus enhanced services to Burford.

28 7.11 Policies T2 to T4 above are directly help the provision of vital early morning supported by the Oxfordshire Local buses to Oxford and late night last return Transport Plan’s public transport policies services. Without this parking such for the town. This Plan wishes to see the provision would be more difficult and full implementation of policies laid out expensive. Bus parking must be fully for Chipping Norton as they reflect our secure to deter vandalism and arson of vision of a well-connected and hence parked vehicles. viable and inclusive town. Relevance to planning framework 7.12 Buses currently used to provide service NPPF paras 30, 32, 35; WODC Draft Local Plan S3 from Chipping Norton to Oxford are CO6, CO7, CO14-16 and para 8.23. securely parked overnight on the former Parker Knoll employment site on London Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objective Road (site 6 in Figure 6.3, page 24). This OB4 facility and the local team of bus drivers

29 Parking policies 7.15 The new healthcare/hospital facility on 7.13 The public consultation exercises found London Road offers parking for patients. that parking provision was perceived as a However, the number of people using major issue among respondents, this facility is likely to rise significantly particularly at peak times when it can over the coming years as a result of an take a considerable amount time to find increasing population and a greater a space. While public transport, walking proportion of that population comprising and cycling must be encouraged to elderly residents. To avert potential reduce dependency on private vehicles it strain on parking at the healthcare is unrealistic to expect the net use of centre it would be prudent to reserve private vehicles to decline in the near space for additional parking on adjacent future given population projections for land. the district. Relevance to planning framework T7: Space for additional car parking should be NPPF para 40; WODC Draft Local Plan CO12 reserved within any new development and paras 8.34-8.35. adjacent to the London Road healthcare complex to meet the future needs of Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objective people within the town and surrounding OB3 areas in accessing these facilities.

T8: Any proposal that increases the provision of off-street car parking to serve the town centre will be supported.

Justification 7.14 Car parking has been identified by the District Council as insufficient, creating congestion and constraining the viability of the town33. If the desire to see a thriving town centre and local economy is to be realised then parking must be addressed as a priority. Increased parking provision will also improve the viability of Chipping Norton as a tourist destination. Solutions such as the decking of the lower section of New Street car park could provide significant extra capacity.

7.15 Parking is a complex issue. Alongside increased capacity other controls may be available to improve the functionality of parking within the town. This could include the use of different time limits within different locations, reviewing current parking limit zones to produce an optimal solution.

33WODC, Draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan, p40

30 Walking, cycling and accessibility T10: As part of development schemes, policies attractive and safe walking and cycling 7.16 Despite Chipping Norton’s hilly routes towards the town centre and topography walking levels in the town other community facilities must be are relatively high, though cycling levels provided. are substantially below national levels – the percentage of residents choosing to T11: Developments should take account of cycle to work is one fifth of the England the movement needs of people of all average34. This is almost certainly due to abilities on pavements, pathways and a combination of the town’s rural road crossing points. Access to new setting, its topography, busy traffic and developments should flow seamlessly the town’s compact nature making from the existing pedestrian network walking a more desirable option. and prove easy for all to navigate.

7.17 The town has an extensive and well- Justification connected network of footpaths both 7.19 The benefits of increasing the uptake of within the urban area and out into the walking and cycling as a means of surrounding countryside. The town transport is clear and includes among centre’s truly central location makes it other things: reduced congestion, highly accessible by foot from all areas of reduced emissions of climate change- town. However, while the western side causing gases, improved local air quality, of the town can be effectively bypassed a healthier population and financial via a series of linking footpaths and savings on transport infrastructure. bridleways, as outlined in Figure 7.1, the eastern side of town is lacking a similar 7.20 Oxfordshire County Council’s Local 35 joined-up pedestrian route. New Transport Plan (LTP) highlights how development presents an opportunity to ‘improving links where public rights of help redress this imbalance. way meet urban footways and highways could help to enable more people to feel 7.18 Appendix B details a full footpaths confident in using alternatives to the assessment performed by members of private car’. The LTP suggests a full audit the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group. of footways across town, which the steering group has completed in order to T9: New developments must protect and identify where improvements to the enhance the public rights of way rights of way network can be made – see network within and around the town Appendix B. through the creation of new footpaths/bridleways and the 7.21 The Local Transport Plan goes on to say enhancement and upkeep of existing that when resources allow the cycle rights of way, in keeping with the network across the wider area will be existing rural character of the town. joined up to provide better routes for Appendix B lists opportunities for the commuting and recreation. New extension and creation of new public developments within the town present rights of way as a result of new an ideal opportunity to initiate this. development. Relevance to planning framework 34ONS 2011 Census NPPF para 30, 32, 35; WODC Draft Local Plan CO7, 14-16 and paras 8.27-8.28.

Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objectives OB2, OB4

35 OCC, Oxon Local Transport Plan 2011-2030, Oct 2012 31 Figure 7.1: Ordnance Survey map showing footpath and bridleway connections

32 Section 8: Building design and use

Historic built environment 8.2 Within the town there is one Grade I listed building (Church of St Mary’s), 11 8.1 Chipping Norton has a high density of Grade II* listed buildings and 114 Grade listed and locally listed buildings, II listed buildings36. All lie within the reflecting a particularly rich historic town’s designated Conservation Area. environment borne out of its Cotswolds There are also 468 locally listed location and prominence as a market structures within the Conservation Area. town at the centre of the wool trade. A The Grade II* listed buildings are: Church market has been held here since the Street (north side) nos. 1 to 4 13th century, the word ‘Chipping’ (consecutive, Almshouses); High Street stemming from the word ‘Cheaping’, nos. 7, 15, 20 and White Hart Hotel; meaning a market. Market Place nos. 15, 16, 20 and The

Town Hall; New Street (south side) King’s

Head Court; and Bliss Tweed Mill.

36WODC, Chipping Norton Conservation Area Appraisal, Sept. 2013

Figure 8.1: Location of the Conservation Area and all Listed Buildings within Chipping Norton

33 8.3 The historic core of the town has Justification changed little over the centuries, 8.6 The questionnaire results forming part of ensuring a real sense of place and an the initial consultation with residents anchor for the town’s newer 20th and and local businesses highlighted the 21st century housing developments. importance of the town’s pleasant physical environment, with 93% of 8.4 Other elements aside from buildings respondents agreeing or strongly contribute to the town’s character. agreeing that this element of the town These include, for example, stone makes it a desirable place to live. boundary walls. All these elements can add up to create the special sense of 8.7 The preservation and enhancement of place that the town enjoys. It therefore the existing historical built environment stands that where these traditional is essential if the town is to retain its assets exist they should be preserved for attractive townscape. This will prove future generations. essential to the town’s economy as it seeks to position itself to attain a greater 8. 5 Trees within the Chipping Norton share of the local tourist market. Conservation Area help to soften the townscape and create cooling vistas on 8.8 Full descriptions of Chipping Norton’s hot days. Similarly, open spaces such as built environment and the individual Chipping Norton Common contribute to components that contribute to its the appearance of the town and its rural character can be found in the WODC setting, providing a valuable amenity for document ‘Chipping Norton: local residents. Conservation Area Character Appraisal’ adopted in September 2013. The B1: The character of Chipping Norton’s document includes a map and full list of Conservation Area must be preserved or all listed and locally listed buildings. This enhanced. New development or Plan supports the use of this document proposals involving the alteration or as a guideline for development and extension of a building in or within the alterations within the Conservation Area setting of the town’s Conservation Area of the town. will be supported subject to the following criteria being met: 8.9 Records of archaeological sites, finds and • The form, design, scale, methods of all designations may be found in the construction and materials must respect Oxfordshire Historic Environment Record the characteristics of other buildings in held by Oxfordshire County Council. the area, the townscape and its Email [email protected] landscape setting. for further information. The county • The siting of proposals must respect council is also completing a Historic existing open spaces, trees and the Landscape Character project, which is townscape. due to be available in 2016. • It does not reduce the total area of open space which makes an important Relevance to planning framework contribution to the character of the NPPF paras 126-141; WODC Draft Local Plan Conservation Area. CO9, 10, 12, 13, 18 and paras 4.22-4.24, • Features of historic value such as stone 7.57-7.65. boundary walls are preserved or enhanced. Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objectives • Important views within, into and out of OB2, OB7, OB10 the area are preserved or enhanced.

34 High Street character and viability B3: To ensure the vitality of the town centre policies this Plan will protect, where possible and 8.10 The town centre of Chipping Norton has with due regard to Permitted a distinct vernacular. Its line of imposing Development Rights, the continued buildings, constructed primarily from existence of ground-level shop, craft soft-coloured oolitic limestone, appears activity and restaurant frontages within to glow when the sun illuminates the the defined retail area, as outlined in stonework37. The town centre has Figure 8.2. A mixture of office space and escaped the hotchpotch of architectural residential accommodation above these styles that have evolved over the retail spaces is supported. decades in other towns, giving a pleasing harmony appreciated by residents and Justification visitors alike. Other areas of the town, 8.12 Chipping Norton has tourism potential. particularly within its wider Conservation To realise this and in order to continue Area, also contribute to Chipping to preserve the town’s special Norton’s vernacular. environment it is important that existing retail and restaurant units are protected, 8.11 The survey of residents undertaken as where possible, and that every part of the consultation process found opportunity is taken to improve the that 93% of respondents agreed that the infrastructure of the town. pleasant physical environment of 38 Chipping Norton was a major positive 8.13 WODC’s Retail Needs Assessment aspect of the town that made them want states that while internet shopping will to live here. Open views of the continue to put pressure on bricks and countryside to the west are clearly mortar retail spaces ‘it will be important visible from the High Street, enhancing that the West Oxfordshire centres the centre’s appeal as a destination; the continue to provide a differentiated survey also found that 99% of retail and leisure offer, tailored to the respondents value the surrounding local catchment and encouraging countryside as a contributing factor to resident and tourist spend.’ making the town a desirable place to live. Local services and shops (89%) and 8.14 The assessment goes on to suggest that the community and its spirit (93%) also if the provision of local shops is eroded scored highly. then visitation rates could drop which could ‘result in a detrimental impact on B2: Any suitable town centre proposals that Chipping Norton town centre. Therefore protect and enhance the existing the retail and leisure offer should be character and amenities of the high protected and consolidated over the street will be supported in principle. plan period to ensure the continued health of the centre’. 37WODC, West Oxfordshire Design Guide Relevance to planning framework NPPF para 23-24, 26-28; WODC Draft Local Plan CO9-11 and paras 6.43-6.45, 6.47- 6.51, 9.76.

Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objectives OB1, OB2, OB6, OB8

38 WODC, West Oxon Retail Needs Assessment Update, 2012

35 Figure 8.2: Shop frontages in Chipping Norton town centre

36 Housing typology policies B5: Housing developments that increase the 8.15 Housing costs are higher in Chipping choice of different types of housing Norton than the national average, with available to older42 and disabled people affordability issues common among even in the town will be supported including: those with average salaries39. Social • Specialised housing provision that housing comprises 17.3% of the housing meets both the housing and care needs stock in town, higher than the West of people (taking due consideration of Oxfordshire average of 12.5%40. recent developments of this type in Chipping Norton) 8.16 Feedback from the consultation process • Accessible housing that meets the identified a strong desire for a wide mix needs of people with disabilities of housing for all members of the • Housing that offers people the community, particularly affordable opportunity to move into more housing for young people, young families manageable accommodation that and those on low incomes. better meets their needs as they grow older. B4: Residential development should meet a range of households’ needs for B6: Housing developments that will enable affordable housing41 to either rent or younger people and families that have buy. In particular, affordable housing connections (as defined in policy B4) to schemes that meet the housing needs of Chipping Norton to set up a new home in households who have connections with the town will be supported. the town and its local community will be supported. Justification 8.17 Within West Oxfordshire 96% of Households may have connections with concealed households cannot afford a the town because of current or previous deposit for a one-bedroom flat without residence, family associations, parental assistance, while 83.8% of new employment reasons or because of other households forming cannot afford to social, health and wellbeing rent in the private market43. considerations. Someone has a local connection to Chipping Norton if they: 8.18 According to the Housing Needs • Live here in permanent Assessment 2011, the income needed to accommodation buy a one-bedroom flat in Chipping • Have lived here for three years out of Norton was £28,200, meaning that the last five years before applying for 80.3% of concealed households were affordable housing, or ten years in total unable to buy. Furthermore, 32.0% of • Are employed here or have the offer of recently formed households were unable a job here to buy a one-bedroom flat in the town. • Have close family who have lived here The recent revival of the property for at least five years market is likely to have exacerbated this • Are threatened with homelessness and situation. WODC has a duty to secure accommodation. 8.19 Within the social rented sector there is a significant undersupply of one-bedroom 39DCA, West Oxon Housing Needs Assessment Update, units with demand vs supply at 14.6:1. 2011 This stock size represents 56.9% of the 40 ONS 2011 Census total Housing Register. 41Social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing provided to eligible households whose 42 needs are not met by the market Persons of 55+ years 43 DCA, West Oxon Housing Needs Assessment Update, 2011 37 8.20 The number of applicants on the WODC 8.23 This Plan’s definition of a local housing waiting list specifically connection to Chipping Norton is a town- requesting a property within Chipping scale execution of WODC’s district-wide Norton is 13044. Of this number 80 are criteria for eligibility for social housing45. applicants of working age seeking a one- Someone has a local connection to West or two-bedroom property, while a Oxfordshire if they: further 35 of retirement age seek a • Live here in permanent similar home. Combined this represents accommodation an application weighting of 88.5% for • Have lived here for three years out of one- and two-bedroom properties. In the last five years before applying or addition to the housing waiting list there ten years in total are a further 73 transfer applicants • Are employed here or have the offer of within the town. a job here • Have close family who have lived here 8.21 Paragraphs 3.4.14-15 of the Housing for at least five years Needs Assessment 2011 report state: • Are threatened with homelessness and ‘Affordability in the rural areas of West WODC has a duty to secure Oxfordshire is a problem as the cost of accommodation. buying a property is far greater than that of urban areas. This makes it extremely 8.24 In order to ensure opportunities for local difficult. The Council should consider people this Plan believes applying these introducing initiatives and establishing criteria on a town-wide scale is planning policy to help local people in appropriate. rural areas access the market.’ Relevance to planning framework 8.22 Smaller housing units will be increasingly NPPF paras 47, 50; WODC Draft Local Plan in demand as the local population CO4 and paras 5.1-5.2, 5.14-5.15, 5.18- continues to age; population projections 5.19, 5.20-5.32. to 2026 signal significant growth in the over 65 category with an increase of Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objective 66.1% during the forecast period. The OB5 Housing Needs Assessment 2011 suggests the housing market sector 45www.westoxon.gov.uk/residents/housing/register- delivers 60% of units for single/couple for-housing/how-we-assess-housing-applications/ and small households and 40% for larger families to bring about a more balanced housing offer across West Oxfordshire.

44WODC housing waiting list supplied by WODC

38 Self-build policies B8: Dwellings may only be built on 8.25 The demand for self-build and custom- self/custom-build-allocated sites by build plots in the area remains high. Self individuals, or builders or developers and custom builders can support the acting on behalf of individuals or a area’s economy by stimulating the local community group of individuals. Those supply chains and providing local wishing to purchase a self-build plot employment. must demonstrate a local connection (as defined in policy B4) and that they 8.26 Self- and custom-built units also have the intend to live in the property once it is potential to provide better quality completed. Dwellings must be homes built to a higher standard of constructed within two years of sustainability/energy efficiency. They purchase by the self/custom builder. offer the chance to express individual architectural style (in conformity with Plots may be sold to individuals without local planning standards) and are a local connection if a lack of local need generally cheaper to build than has been demonstrated. This will be equivalent units. As they are more likely deemed to be the case if the plot has to be built by local residents, they can been on the open market at a fair enhance the area’s sense of community market price for more than six months while allowing bespoke housing tailored without being sold. to meet the exact requirements of those involved in the build46. Justification 8.28 Finding suitable self-build plots is the 8.27 The residents’ questionnaire identified greatest hurdle to projects of this type. A housing and employment opportunities recent analysis of users of the Self Build as the least favourable aspects of living Portal found that 41% believed this to be in Chipping Norton. Over half of the case, with obtaining planning (12%) respondents (56%) disagreed that local and securing finance (10%) the next employment opportunities make them biggest hurdles47. want to live in the town. One third (33%) felt the right housing is not available in 8.29 Allocating a modest provision for self- Chipping Norton. Self-build has the builders within the town will help to potential to address both these areas. address the need for affordable owner- occupied housing. Furthermore, the B7: Developments over 50 units in size must addition of a local connection clause will allocate five percent of the total land ensure the greatest benefit for local area to self-build and custom-build residents and the local economy. schemes. Where this is not practical, the 47 self-build provision can be located offsite NaSBA, A second progress report to Government on the implementation of the Action Plan to promote the within Chipping Norton. Developers may growth of self build housing, Aug. 2013 undertake activities to sub-divide the site into plots and provide supporting infrastructure such as roads and services.

46NaSBA, An Action Plan to promote the growth of self- build housing, July 2011

39 Bicycle and bin storage policy 8.30 Clutter on pavements and streets is common on and around refuse collection day. This not only contributes a detrimental aesthetic to the street scene but can lead to scattering of refuse on windy days.

8.31 Chipping Norton’s low uptake of cycling may start to be addressed by making cycling more accessible. Offering convenient, well-placed cycle storage will help with this.

B9: Any proposals for development must provide adequate storage for bicycles as laid out in the Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide November 2010 or its future equivalent. There must also be adequate closed storage for wheelie bins and recycling boxes in order to reduce impact on the street scene.

Justification 8.32 The West Oxfordshire Design Guide48 offers guidance for the storage of bins and recycling boxes. This Plan supports the implementation of its recommendations in all new developments.

8.33 The current Code for Sustainable Homes awards credits for the provision of adequate secure cycle storage as it encourages the uptake of this more sustainable form of transport, thereby reducing carbon emissions. With such a low level of cycling uptake within the town this Plan considers the provision of cycle storage a small step towards improving cycling rates.

Relevance to planning framework NPPF paras 56, 58, 64; WODC Draft Local Plan CO1, 7 and paras 4.22-4.24, 4.25, 7.55, 8.3-8.4, 8.7.

Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objectives OB2, OB4, OB10

48WODC, West Oxfordshire Design Guide

40 Energy and water efficiency policies 8.35 The eastern side of town sits above the 8.34 Feedback from the consultation process Ground Source Protection Zone for the emphasised the importance to residents public water supply at Old Chalford. The of energy efficiency in new development quality of water in this Principal Aquifer and the prudent use of water. With will need to be protected in the instance temperatures set to rise over the coming of any new development within this years and summers predicted to become area. drier49 it is important that the root 49 causes of climate change are addressed. http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/

Figure 8.3: Map showing area of the local Ground Source Protection Zone

B10: New development must strive for the B11: Development should incorporate highest possible energy efficiency sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and standards suitable for the development provision for their ongoing maintenance in question. This could include, for in order to buffer rainwater runoff and example, the incorporation of renewable alleviate flood risk. energy technologies and other low energy systems, exemplary standards of B12: All new houses with a garden should insulation, and passive measures such as include water butts to reduce treated intelligent development layout and water consumption within the garden. building orientation and design. Where feasible new development should also incorporate rainwater harvesting Proposals seeking to achieve zero carbon and/or grey water recycling techniques in emissions are encouraged. Where order to reduce household water developers cannot achieve a zero carbon consumption further. standard they will need to provide a robust assessment to the local planning authority as to why this isn’t possible.

41 B13: As much of Chipping Norton is underlain 8.38 Water uses considerable energy to treat by a Principal Aquifer, foul water from all and distribute. West Oxfordshire lies development should connect to the foul within an area of ‘serious’ water stress. sewer so as to avoid groundwater Many day-to-day uses such as garden pollution. Developers must demonstrate and car washing and toilet flushing do that adequate water supply and not require potable, treated water. sewerage infrastructure capacity exists both on and off sites to serve 8.39 Rainwater collected on site would save developments being proposed and that energy and reduce the load on the local any development would not lead to water supply system. Stalling runoff will problems for existing users. help to reduce the impact of storm events and unusually wet periods. The Where there is a capacity problem and promotion and adoption of water no improvements are programmed by efficient practice in new developments the water company, then the developer will help to manage water resources and needs to contact the water company work towards sustainable development. (Thames Water) to agree what improvements are required and how 8.40 Overloading of existing water and they will be funded prior to sewerage infrastructure could lead to commencement of the development. supply problems and ineffective treatment of sewerage. In some Justification circumstances it may be necessary for 8.36 Climate change is a very real threat to developers to carry out appropriate global security. By 2050 the median studies to ascertain whether the prediction is that temperatures will have proposed development will lead to risen by 2°C in Central England, bringing overloading. substantially wetter winters and drier summers50. To help mitigate these 8.41 Further information for developers on effects it is important that local water/sewerage infrastructure can be development takes its contribution found on Thames Water’s website at seriously. www.thameswater.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/c orp/hs.xsl/558.htm or by emailing 8.37 New development over the coming [email protected] decades is one of the most accessible or calling 0845 8502777. means of taking action through preventative measures. Standards already exist in the Code for Sustainable Relevance to planning framework Homes51, which it is anticipated will soon NPPF paras 56, 93-97, 99; WODC Draft Local be disbanded through incorporation into Plan CO14, 16-17 and paras 4.14-4.21, building regulations. Aiming for the very 7.34, 7.39. highest environmental standards, above that of current building regulations, is Relevant Neighbourhood Plan objective achievable and will save building OB10 occupants considerable running costs over the lifetime of the building.

50http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/ 51CLG, Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide, Nov 2010

42 Appendix A: WODC Draft Local Plan Core Objectives 1. Strong market towns and villages CO1: Provide new development, services and facilities of an appropriate scale and type in locations which will help improve the quality of life of local communities and where the need to travel, particularly by car, can be minimised. CO2: Locate new residential development where it will best help to meet local housing needs.

2. Meeting the specific housing needs of our communities CO3: Ensure the timely delivery of new housing to meet forecast needs and support sustainable economic growth. CO4: Plan for an appropriate mix of new residential accommodation which provides a variety of sizes, types and affordability with special emphasis on the provision of homes for local people in housing need who cannot afford to buy or rent at market prices including those wishing to self- build, as well as homes to meet the needs of older people, newly forming households and travelling communities.

3. Sustainable communities with access to services and facilities CO5: Promote inclusive, healthy, safe and crime free communities. CO6: Ensure that land is not released for new development until the supporting infrastructure and facilities are secured. CO7: Maximise the opportunity for walking, cycling and use of public transport. CO8: Achieve sustainable economic growth which improves the balance between housing and local jobs, provides a diversity of local employment opportunities, removes potential barriers to investment and provides flexibility to adapt to changing economic needs. CO9: Achieve a prosperous and sustainable tourism economy. CO10: Promote safe, vibrant and prosperous town centres and resist proposals that would damage their vitality and viability or adversely affect measures to improve the centres. CO11: Maintain or improve where possible the health and wellbeing of the District’s residents through increased choice and quality of shopping, leisure, recreation, arts, cultural and community facilities. CO12: Improve access to services and facilities without unacceptably impacting upon the character and resources of West Oxfordshire.

4. Protecting and enhancing our environment and reducing the impact from climate change CO13: Conserve and enhance the high environmental quality of West Oxfordshire with protection and promotion of its diverse landscape, biodiversity and geological conservation interests, and its local cultural, heritage and environmental assets. CO14: Reduce the causes and adverse impacts of climate change, especially flood risk. CO15: Achieve improvements in water and air quality. CO16: Minimise use of non-renewable natural resources and promote more widespread use of renewable energy solutions. CO17: Improve the sustainable design and construction of new development, including improving energy, water efficiency and water management. CO18: Ensure that new developments are suitably located and well designed to protect and enhance the individual form, character and identity of our towns and villages as well as contributing to the quality of life in West Oxfordshire. 43 Appendix B: Public rights of way assessment

Introduction During a review of transport objectives it was recommended by WODC that a survey be carried out of existing public rights of way and possible desire lines relating to recent and proposed developments. A list of statutory rights of way has been notated onto a map of the town.

A number of ginnels are also described. The ginnels are of regular use and lie mainly within the built-up parts of town. New routes that could be achieved as part of development are proposed.

Assessment A number of the statutory paths may be very short in themselves but join up to make a route. The routes and their components are listed in the table below with an assessment of their use and character. Only one footpath (Path number FP28) crosses possible development sites (WODC Strategic housing land availability assessment (SHLAA) sites 204 and 212 – Tank Farm). A few others run alongside SHLAA sites, as noted in the table below. A map of SHLAA sites can be found in Figure B.3 on page 50.

Pedestrian routes around Chipping Norton Route Path Assessment numbers Walterbush Road SW to FP1 Across fields and, once clear of Hailey Road estate, provides Old London Road open views of countryside to the north and west with creating link to Churchill glimpses of Bliss Mill. Touches one corner of SHLAA site 284. If developed, the latter would destroy the open aspects from this footpath. From junction of A361 FP2 Runs to NE side of Greystones and the Rugby Club. Open (Burford Road) and countryside. No development proposed nearby or with B4026 (to Charlbury) SE potential impact. towards Chadlington ‘Glyme’ route: east FP3, CRF4 Runs along north side of allotments. Open countryside from CN School to interspersed with just two sets of farm buildings. Wooded Glyme Farm, past ruins alongside Golf Club with significant wildlife interest en route. of old farm, then N Opposite allotments, runs along southern edge of SHLAA site alongside Golf Club via 204 (Tank Farm). View towards this is uphill and could be New Chalford Farm to mitigated by tall landscaping as major view attractions are to A44 London Road S/SE. ‘Swing Swang’ CRF5 From end of CRF 4, N to A3400. Through countryside but trees/brush on both sides so only intermittent views. Ancient route. A3400 towards FP7, Two separate parallel routes NE dropping down to stream Heythrop FP8 through woods. No development sites nearby. Portland Place FP27 Urban tarmac route down from Albion Street via Portland Place and White House surgery west side entrance down to Horsefair. Important through cross route but may be affected by development of surgery site.

44 Route Path Assessment numbers Over Norton and ‘The FP30, FP29, Runs SW from Over Norton through Over Norton Park open Cleeves’ FP9 countryside to Over Norton Road, then across down to the stream, SW, to St Mary’s Church. The latter section is generally wooded but is bounded above and to the south by houses on Over Norton Road and the Wilcox Road estate. Attractive and quiet alternative route to Over Norton Road, although can be very wet in winter. Before reaching the church it is bounded on the E by SHLAA site 228 and by Castle Mound to the west. It would be difficult to mitigate the impact of the former by landscaping. Church Lane to ‘Salt BR10 Runs W between Church and the Castle ruins. Generally Way’ across Over wooded within Chipping Norton. Principle attraction is access, Norton boundary through open fields, up to the Salt Way between Over Norton and Salford. No developments proposed. St Mary’s Church to FP11, FP13, Runs through churchyard and is then bounded on S and E by playground, Worcester CRF14, Penhurst (ex-children’s home). One route runs diagonally Road and access to FP15, FP16, across the playground, the other continues direct to A44. Salford FP17, FP18, From the playground there are two routes, climbing up FP19, FP 20 through fields, although bounded to NE by housing, across the access road to Elmsfield Industrial Estate and across more fields to connect with the Salt Way to Salford. Principle views are to the S/SE over the Town. No developments proposed. St Mary’s Church to FP12 A short length along the southern side of the churchyard to Diston’s Lane Diston’s Lane, providing a route through to New Street. A44 Worcester Road FP21, FP22, Various routes across open spaces near to Bliss Mill including via Commons or Bliss FP23, FP24, Chipping Norton Common. Continues to W and then S Mill to Churchill Road FP25 through fields, crossing old railway line. Vital route with glimpses of Bliss Mill and open countryside in all directions. Development of SHLAA sites 270 and 284 would have damaging impact. Vital to be protected. ‘Tank Farm’ FP28 Runs between hedges to E from Wards Road up to Tank Farm and then N to A44 London Road adjacent to Holy Trinity primary school. Open aspect to E. Route near to Parkers Circus estate and school is poor – hedges need cutting back on one side and barbed wire is on the other side. Much unofficial use in adjoining fields because of these obstructions. Runs through SHLAA sites 212 and 204 and adjacent to site 299. Careful design of pedestrian routes through such developments would be needed to maintain and enhance a feeling of a green route. ‘Stretch Pool’ BR26 Urban tarmac route between West Street and Withers Way via ‘Stretch Pool’. No adjacent developments planned. A44 to A3400 FP6 Across open fields. 45 Figure B.1: Map of statutory paths, ginnels and proposed/desire routes (see pg 48)

46 Figure B.2: Map of statutory paths in Chipping Norton and surrounding area

47 Ginnels and unofficial paths impacted by SHLAA site 291 and terminates There are a number of pedestrian routes that opposite the corner of site 290 (on opposite are important but not officially listed. All but side of Banbury Road). Provides quiet route one are tarmacked in urban areas. Only two alongside A361 and a useful link at easterly of the routes run near or through potential end to permissive paths to Over Norton. development sites, as identified by the Important to maintain wooded nature of this SHLAA. All of these routes should be route. maintained/enhanced if any developments were to be planned in the longer term: Proposed/desire routes • Along rear of houses in Webb Crescent With development of the medical centre on and Lewis Road London Road it would be appropriate to • To rear of houses on Leys Approach achieve pedestrian access that avoids the • To rear of houses on Hailey Avenue and main roads. with spur access down to Churchill Road • A link from A361 Banbury Road adjacent • Two access routes from Cornish Road to to Cromwell Park to the rear of the new recreation ground to rear (north). hospital has been requested and in • From Burford Road through to Cotswold principle approved by OCC, though it is Crescent (near to SHLAA site 289 – subject to funding. It could be further enhanced additional green path planned progressed as a result of the Aldi proposal. as part of this development). • There is evidence of unofficial use from • From West Street, past Banner’s electrical the east (garage) end of Coopers Square shop, down via Hill Lawn Court to access and from the path to the rear of Rowell road to New Street car park (only open on Way up on to Tank Farm to provide access weekdays when shop is open, due to a to London Road and Holy Trinity School. planning dispute relating to housing Links could be enabled, subject to development on Hill Lawn Court) negotiation with residents of Coopers • From A361 Banbury Road (opposite Police Square and any developers of SHLAA site Station) to Marlborough Road 212. • The old rope walk from High Street to • It has been suggested that there could be Albion Street (past Gill’s hardware shop – a link from Fox Close to the Glyme route private route closed at night) (FP3) but this would have to be across the • From Albion Street to Shepard Way Chipping Norton School playing fields. • Rear of Fox Close and Hitchman’s Mews There is a gate off Fox Close which is • From top of Rock Hill to Coopers Square opened for access by school pupils only. (not fully tarmacked – can flood in wet However, it is unlikely that OCC and the weather) school authorities would grant approval to • Two links from Rowell Way up to and an unregulated public footpath. A cross along banking to rear of houses and linking town route from London Road and from through to Wards Road (runs adjacent to houses in Fox Close, Foxfield, Wards Road, SHLAA site 212 – would need careful Rowell Way areas would depend upon any consideration of landscaping to maintain Tank Farm development (SHLAA sites 204, green route but could provide link to Tank 212, 299). Farm site and London Road – see below) • Links from Insall Road and Park Road to Banbury Road are rather tortuous. There is The one non-urban, non-tarmacked route a private driveway alongside the property runs through woods parallel to A361 Banbury on Over Norton Road opposite Park Road Road opposite Cromwell Park Industrial leading through to a gateway on Insall Estate and adjacent to allotments. The route Road. If this property were ever proposed will be affected by development of the for development (e.g. back land), it could veterinary surgery off Marlborough Road/ be appropriate to request the driveway be Park Road and Aldi store. Also could be made into a through footway.

48 • Similarly if SHLAA site 291 were to be If all these developments were to be approved, then a footway could be made approved then a cross-town pedestrian as part of the plan from the site of the sub- bypass route would be achieved, as indicated station along the rear of properties on in Figure B.1, linking Insall Road/Wilcox Road, Park Road or through site 291 up to the Over Norton Road, Banbury Road, the Banbury Road. This would also require hospital/medical centre, Holy Trinity School, negotiation with the new veterinary housing on east side of town, Burford Road, surgery. Walterbush Road and Hailey Road. Even if this were achieved in stages it would be beneficial, although an overall strategy should be followed.

49 Figure B.3: Map of Strategic Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) sites in Chipping Norton

50 Appendix C: Summary of policies Masterplanning policies standard. The location of any new play spaces should be such that they fulfil access M1: Employment land standards for the town. The total area of land allocated for employment within Chipping Norton must M8: Green space not drop below the current figure (September Any proposal for residential development 2014) of 15.17 hectares. should provide areas of accessible green space designed and maintained to enhance M2: Industrial and office units the lives of local residents, wildlife and the Proposals that create flexible industrial and landscape. Natural England standards for office units will be supported, particularly Accessible Natural Green Space (ANGSt) are where they are of a high quality design and in to provide a benchmark against which a sustainable, accessible location. proposals are judged. Where these standards cannot be achieved within the limits of a M3: Development of Duke’s Mill building particular development a contribution should The development of the Duke’s Mill (former be made to achieving ANGSt standards in Solar Building) on Station Road for other parts of the town. employment use will be supported. Any alternative use will need to be robustly M9: Brownfield land justified and consistent with the objectives Proposals for development that reuse and other policies laid out in this Plan. brownfield land will be strongly supported in principle. In particular proposals for the M4: Community facilities provision following sites that are in line with other Proposals for significant redevelopments policies within this Plan will be supported: within the town centre must provide space Penhurst School, Castle View/The for community facilities where feasible. Chestnuts/former ambulance station, the police station, former Parker Knoll site and M5: Street furniture The Pillars. Proposals that improve signage, interpretation and street furniture within the M10: Landscape setting town centre will be supported to encourage Developments must protect and where tourism and longer stays. possible enhance the high quality landscape setting of the town. Development outside of M6: Reorganisation of High St/Market Place the designated Cotswold AONB should take This Plan supports the reorganisation of the precedence over development within it. spatial layout of High Street/Market Place to offer a more pedestrian-friendly environment M11: Natural environment and better public transport interchange Developments must protect and where facilities conducive to a town that is attractive possible enhance the natural environment. to both tourists and residents. This specifically includes the network of existing habitats and the species that this M7: Play space supports. Measures to improve the provision Proposals for residential development must of new habitat and maintain existing areas of contribute towards the provision of high- habitat and species will be supported. quality play and activity spaces for children and young people, designed in consultation with the local community, with sufficient funding to ensure that the town’s play spaces can be maintained to an appropriate 51 Masterplanning policies continued… T4: Bus parking As part of any developments along or off M12: Green infrastructure London Road, provision of a secure parking Development must include measures to area for service buses should be provided or retain existing trees, hedgerows and habitats an equivalent area provided locally. The exact in accordance with current guidance including area and location of this bus parking area BS 5837:2012 Trees in relation to should be decided through dialogue between design, demolition and construction – Oxfordshire County Council and bus service Recommendations or its future equivalent. providers, most notably Stagecoach.

M13: Trees T5: Transport to healthcare facilities The inclusion and retention within Opportunities for public transport links to be developments of large growing trees in developed and maintained between sufficient space to allow them to reach their residential areas and healthcare facilities on mature size and with regard to underground London Road at all times of the day will be and overhead services will be supported in supported. order to maintain the character of the town. T6: Local Transport Plan M14: Urban fringe development This Plan supports proposals that are The design of new development on the urban consistent with policies CN1-CN8 of the fringe should protect and where possible Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan 2011-2030 enhance the character of adjacent rural areas and equivalent policies appearing in future and green spaces. revisions of this document.

Transport and movement policies T7: Car parking at healthcare facilities Space for additional car parking should be T1: Highways network reserved within any new development Proposals for development should take into adjacent to the London Road healthcare full account the capacity of the existing complex to meet the future needs of people highway network, protecting the town’s within the town and surrounding areas in historic character of narrow roads and accessing these facilities. pavements and taking note of its hilly nature. If an acceptable level of impact cannot be T8: Town centre car parking achieved additional infrastructure must be Any proposal that increases the provision of provided that is compatible with other off-street car parking to serve the town policies within this Plan. centre will be supported.

T2: Bus access T9: Public rights of way network The road layout in new housing estates must New developments must protect and accommodate efficient bus access. enhance the public rights of way network within and around the town through the T3: Public transport creation of new footpaths/bridleways and the Any significant proposal for development enhancement and upkeep of existing rights of must facilitate the provision of enhanced way, in keeping with the existing rural public transport, in particular increased character of the town. Appendix B lists frequencies to Oxford and express, evening opportunities for the extension and creation and Sunday services to Banbury and, where of new public rights of way as a result of new possible, new tourist-focussed routes to development. Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh plus enhanced services to Burford.

52 Transport and movement policies cont… the continued existence of ground-level shop, craft activity and restaurant frontages within T10: Walking and cycling routes the defined retail area, as outlined in figure As part of development schemes, attractive 8.2. A mixture of office space and residential and safe walking and cycling routes towards accommodation above these retail spaces is the town centre and other community supported. facilities must be provided. B4: Affordable housing T11: Easy access for all Residential development should meet a range Developments should take account of the of households’ needs for affordable housing movement needs of people of all abilities on to either rent or buy. In particular, affordable pavements, pathways and road crossing housing schemes that meet the housing points. Access to new developments should needs of households who have connections flow seamlessly from the existing pedestrian with the town and its local community will be network and prove easy for all to navigate. supported.

Building design and use policies Households may have connections with the town because of current or previous B1: Conservation Area residence, family associations, employment The character of Chipping Norton’s reasons or because of other social, health and Conservation Area must be preserved or wellbeing considerations. Someone has a enhanced. New development or proposals local connection to Chipping Norton if they: involving the alteration or extension of a • Live here in permanent accommodation building in or within the setting of the town’s • Have lived here for three years out of the Conservation Area will be supported subject last five years before applying for affordable to the following criteria being met: housing, or ten years in total • The form, design, scale, methods of • Are employed here or have the offer of a construction and materials must respect the job here characteristics of other buildings in the area, • Have close family who have lived here for at the townscape and its landscape setting. least five years • The siting of proposals must respect existing • Are threatened with homelessness and open spaces, trees and the townscape. WODC has a duty to secure accommodation • It does not reduce the total area of open space which makes an important B5: Housing for the elderly and disabled contribution to the character of the Housing developments that increase the Conservation Area. choice of different types of housing available • Features of historic value such as stone to older and disabled people in the town will boundary walls are preserved or enhanced. be supported, including: • Important views within, into and out of the • Specialised housing provision that meets area are preserved or enhanced. both the housing and care needs of people (taking due consideration of recent B2: High Street character developments of this type within Chipping Any suitable town centre proposals that Norton) protect and enhance the existing character • Accessible housing that meets the needs of and amenities of the High Street will be persons with disabilities supported in principle. • Housing that offers people the opportunity to move into more manageable B3: Retail activity accommodation that better meets their To ensure the vitality of the town centre this needs as they grow older. Plan will protect, where possible and with due regard to Permitted Development Rights,

53 Building design and use policies continued… B10: Energy use and efficiency New development must strive for the highest B6: Housing for young people and families possible energy efficiency standards suitable Housing developments that will enable for the development in question. This could younger people and families that have include, for example, the incorporation of connections to Chipping Norton (as defined in renewable energy technologies and other low policy B4) to set up a new home in the town energy systems, exemplary standards of will be supported. insulation, and passive measures such as intelligent development layout and building B7: Provision of self-build plots orientation and design. Developments greater than 50 units in size must allocate five percent of the total land Proposals seeking to achieve zero carbon area to self-build and custom-build schemes. emissions are encouraged. Where developers Where this is not practical, the self-build cannot achieve a zero carbon standard they provision can be located offsite within will need to provide a robust assessment to Chipping Norton. Developers may undertake the local planning authority as to why this activities to sub-divide the site into plots and isn’t possible. provide supporting infrastructure such as roads and services. B11: Sustainable drainage systems Development must incorporate sustainable B8: Allocation of self-build plots drainage systems (SuDS) and provision for Dwellings may only be built on self/custom- their ongoing maintenance in order to buffer build-allocated sites by individuals, or rainwater runoff and alleviate flood risk. builders or developers acting on behalf of individuals or a community group of B12: Water use and efficiency individuals. Those wishing to purchase a self- All new houses with a garden must include build plot must demonstrate a local water butts to reduce treated water connection (as defined in policy B4) and that consumption within the garden. Where they intend to live in the property once it is feasible new development must also completed. Dwellings must be constructed incorporate rainwater harvesting and/or grey within two years of purchase by the water recycling techniques in order to reduce self/custom builder. household water consumption further.

Plots may be sold to individuals without a B13: Water supply and sewerage local connection if a lack of local need has As much of Chipping Norton is underlain by a been demonstrated. This will be deemed to Principal Aquifer, foul water from all be the case if the plot has been on the open development should connect to the foul market at a fair market price for more than sewer so as to avoid groundwater pollution. six months without being sold. Developers must demonstrate that adequate water supply capacity and sewerage B9: Bicycle and bin storage infrastructure exists both on and off sites to Any proposals for development must provide serve developments being proposed and that adequate storage for bicycles as laid out in any development would not lead to problems the Code for Sustainable Homes Technical for existing users. Guide November 2010 or its future equivalent. There must also be adequate Where there is a capacity problem and no closed storage for wheelie bins and recycling improvements are programmed by the water boxes in order to reduce impact on the street company, then the developer needs to scene. contact the water company (Thames Water) to agree what improvements are required and how they will be funded prior to commencement of development. 54 Appendix D: Suggested projects

Introduction During the public consultation exercises a number of specific projects were suggested. The table below lists some of these suggestions. These projects are aspirational and have not been assessed for viability. However, they give an indication as to how some of the more general guideline policies contained within this Neighbourhood Plan could eventually come to fruition.

Project Possible funding source Double deck New Street car park to provide additional parking CIL, OCC, WODC capacity Weight limits and improved signage to reduce HGV impacts such CIL, OCC highways department as pollution on town centre Provide further car parking in addition to the New Street car OCC, WODC, Town Council, CIL park site, e.g. at Castle View site Household waste recycling centre at Greystones or other site WODC close to Chipping Norton Bus terminal to improve frequency and viability of bus services Private transport providers, OCC to and from CN Increased frequency bus services to Oxford and Banbury Tank Farm development Create eastern arc of footpaths linking Over Norton Rd to CIL from sites 212 & 204 (Tank Burford Rd to Hailey Rd Farm) and 289 (Chadlington Downs) Undertake a programme to improve the footpaths around town WODC, Town Council Improve the provision and quality of play areas for children and Town Council, CIL young people Improvements to visitor accommodation, e.g. hotels Private funding Extend pedestrianised zone in town centre and make associated CIL improvements (e.g. better public transport interchange and turning facilities) Further improvements to local public transport to serve CN as a Private transport providers hub to the surrounding area Create a green space/pocket park within the town centre that is WODC, Town Council, private free from traffic fumes and noise funding Information and research hub housing IT services, library, info. CIL and voluntary fundraising centre, public education, local history and wellbeing centre Use the roofs of industrial units as a host for larger scale Private funding photovoltaic (solar) panel projects

55 Appendix E: Steering Group members

The current members of the Chipping Norton • Nick Mottram, Chartered Forester Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group are as and Chartered Environmentalist. follows: Environmental Strategy Officer at Oxfordshire County Council. • Chris Butterworth, Steering Group • Nigel Rose, Chartered Mechanical Chairman. Chipping Norton town Engineer, past member of Southeast councillor and past mayor. Regional Transport Board with • Don Davidson, Steering Group deputy involvement in other planning and chairman, Chipping Norton town transport bodies. Former councillor of councillor and past mayor. Wokingham Unitary District Council. • John Grantham, Honorary Citizen, former • Michael Tysoe, Chipping Norton town Chipping Norton town councillor, former councillor and mayor. West Oxfordshire District Council • Benedict Vanheems, Neighbourhood Plan councillor and past mayor. Former director Project Officer and writer. of Parker Knoll. • Martin Jarrett, Chipping Norton town All members of the Steering Group are acting councillor and past mayor. Former forest in the capacity as residents of Chipping manager of the Bruern Estate, west Norton. Oxfordshire. • James Kitcher, Director of Cotswold Lettings.

56