WILTSHIRE COUNCIL
Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Town and Country Planning Act (Development Management Procedure) Order 2010
Town and Country Planning (Hearings Procedure) (England) Rules 2000
Statement of Compliance of Section 106 Obligations with Regulation 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010
Site: Land at Pavenhill, Pavenhill, Purton
Description: the demolition of 1 existing dwelling and erection of 25 market and affordable dwellings, with associated access, car parking and landscaping
Appellant: Mr Nick King of Hills Homes Developments Ltd
Appeal Reference: APP/Y3940/W/17/3166533
LPA Application No: 16/03625/FUL
Appeal Start Date: 17th March 2017
1.0 Introduction
1.1 This statement is to be read in conjunction with Wiltshire Council’s Statement of Case relating planning obligations (refusal reason 5 of Decision Notice reference 16/03625/FUL) and the detailed obligations contained within the S106 agreement prepared by the appellant and the Council.
1.2 The parties reached agreement on the terms and obligations set out in the draft S106 agreement since the determination of the application dated 17th November 2016. The Council consider the obligations to be CIL and framework compliant and lawful. The Council and Developer have continued to liaise with one another in respect of the drafting of the S106 Agreement in the period since the submission of the appeal.
1.3 The agreement is in an agreed form and the terms, conditions and covenants contained therein are considered appropriate and acceptable. The document will be signed and sealed for submission prior to the required submission date of 7th May 2017.
2.0 Policy
2.1 Core Policy 3 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy sets out the Wiltshire Council framework for assessing the need for developer contributions towards infrastructure. This policy is supported by a combination of a suite of specific policies in the Wiltshire Core Strategy that consider infrastructure items, complementary guidance and evidence base strategy documents, namely:
- North Wiltshire Open Space Study adopted 2004 - Wiltshire Council Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document - Wiltshire Council Waste and Collection Supplementary Planning Document (draft)
2.2 On the basis of the above justification the infrastructure items listed below are those that are relevant to the appeal scheme and are required in order to mitigate the impact of the proposed scheme, in line with the tests set under Regulation 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 and paragraph 204 of the National Planning Policy Framework “The Framework”.
2.3 The Council and Developer have worked jointly on preparation of a draft Section 106 agreement on the basis that the planning obligations contained therein are: a) Necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; b) Directly related to the development; and c) Fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development.
2.4 The statement sets out an overview explanation providing justification for requiring the contributions
3.0 OBLIGATIONS/SCHEDULES
Open Space & Play Spaces
3.1 As required by Saved Policy CF3 of the North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011, the submitted Site Plan comprises contributions to open spaces and play spaces on site.
3.2 The scale of development generates the need for 1,806 square metres of open space provision of which 171 square metres should be Play Area. The submitted Proposed Site Plan provides the required 1,806 square metres of open space and 171 of Play Area.
3.3 Schedule 3 Part I of the agreement sets out provisions for the installation and for its management and maintenance under private management company provision. Schedule 3 Part II allows the Open and Play Spaces to be transferred to a nominee.
3.4 The open space and play space obligation is considered to be necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms, directly related to the development proposed and is reasonable in scale and kind to the development and therefore compliant with CIL Regulation 122 and the duplicate tests set out in paragraph 204 of the NPPF.
Affordable Housing
3.5 The Council considers the delivery of affordable housing at 40% fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development and necessary to make the development acceptable in planning policy terms with regards to Core Policy 43 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy. The tenure mix of 60% Affordable rent and 40% shared ownership affordable housing has been agreed to allow for provision of a dwelling mix that is reflective of current and anticipated housing needs in the Purton locality where a housing need has been identified by the Council Housing Services Team. These requirements, along with the agreed housing mix, are reflected and addressed in the terms and provisions as set out in Schedule 1 of the draft S106 Agreement.
3.6 For the above reasons the proposed affordable housing provision the proposed affordable housing provision satisfies Wiltshire Core Strategy objectives as required by Core Policy 43 and 45 of the adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy and Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document and is considered to be CIL Regulation 122 compliant and in accord with paragraph 204 of the NPPF.
Provision of Waste Facilities – £2,276
3.7 Section 10 of Wiltshire Council’s Planning Obligations SPG outlines that waste and recycling container will be taken via s106 agreement relating to each development. The Council Waste Storage and Collection SPD states the requirement of a contribution of £91 per dwelling giving a total of £2,275 for the proposed 25 units. As such the required obligation is considered to be CIL regulation 122 complaint and in accordance with paragraph 204 of the NPPF.
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
Background 1 The Countryside and Open Space Strategy 2 Scope of Study 2 Issues and Limitations 4 Terminology 5
2. CONTEXT
Introduction 6 National Framework 6 Local Framework 13
3. CONSULTATION
Introduction 16 Peoples Voice 16 Mission Impossible 22
4. ASSESSMENT OF SUPPLY
Introduction 24 Typology 24 Survey Methodology 25 Current Open Space Provision - Hierarchical Sites 28 - Non-hierarchical Sites 39 Accessibility 46 Carrying Capacity 49
I 5. QUALITY OF SUPPLY
Introduction 50 Methodology 50 Hierarchical Sites 51 Non-hierarchical Sites 54 Summary 57
6. PROVISION STANDARDS
Introduction 58 Hierarchical Sites 59 Non-hierarchical Sites 61 Development Guidance - Public Open Space on New Developments 62 - Developments on Existing Open Space 68 Payments for Off-site Contributions 70 Adoption of POS and Commuted Sums 71
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction 73 General Principles 73 Improving Park Provision 76 Allotments 76 Play Areas 77 Updating the Study 78 Monitoring 79
II LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 – Key Relationships 8 Table 3.1 – Peoples Attitudes to the Countryside 17 Table 3.2 – Rank of Countryside Issues 19 Table 3.3 – Quality and Accessibility of Open Space 20 Table 3.4 – Open Space Priorities 21 Table 3.5 – Mission Impossible Comments 23 Table 4.1 – Open Space Typology 25 Table 4.2 – Summary of Open Space 28 Table 4.3 – LPAC Open Space Hierarchy 30 Table 4.4 – Adopted North Wilts Open Space Hierarchy 31 Table 4.5 – Summary of Classification 32 Table 4.6 – District Parks 32 Table 4.7 – Community Parks 34 Table 4.8 – Local Parks 36 Table 4.9 – Current Play Area Provision 42 Table 4.10 - Potential National Nature Reserves 44 Table 4.11 – Other Sites 45 Table 4.12 – Pedestrian Catchments 46 Table 5.1 – Scoring System 50 Table 5.2 – Priorities 54 Table 6.1 – Facilities Expected at Sites 59 Table 6.2 – Natural Features at Sites 60 Table 6.3 – POS Requirement by Dwelling Type 64 Table 6.4 – Amount of POS by Dwelling Type 67 Table 6.5 – POS Maintenance Costs 72
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3.1 – Access to the Countryside 18 Figure 3.2 – Distance Travelled to Open Space 20 Figure 3.3 - Visit Frequency to Open Space 21 Figure 6.1 – Process for Deciding POS Provision on New Developments 66 Figure 6.2 – Development on Existing Developments 70
III APPENDICES
Appendix 1 – Glossary 81 Appendix 2 – Supplementary Planning Guidance Notes 83 Appendix 3 – Peoples Voice Questionnaire 85 Appendix 4 – Audit sheets 88 Appendix 5 – Information checklist 98 Appendix 6 – Audited Sites 100 Appendix 7 – Site Designations Using Adopted Hierarchy 114 Appendix 8 - Audit Scoring Sheets 124 Appendix 9 – Current Site Facilities 127 Appendix 10 – Landscape Characteristics 131 Appendix 11 – Quality of Hierarchical Sites 132 Appendix 12 – Quality of allotments 135 Appendix 13 – Quality of Play Areas 137 Appendix 14 – POS contributions – Worked Examples 140
IV 1. INTRODUCTION
Background
1.1 Various Council documents, including the Leisure Plan (2001 - 2007) and the Best Value Review (2000), have indicated the need for the completion of a Countryside and Open Space Strategy, as a necessary document for the guidance of policy in the provision and management of open space, and towards the countryside.
1.2 With this in mind the Council is currently preparing a Countryside and Open Space Strategy that will direct the Council policy towards leisure and recreation in the countryside, and management of open space. To a large extent that Strategy will be informed by this Open Space Study, which identifies current provision and offers recommendations for future provision and management. This Study will be taken as material consideration in the planning of new open space and proposed development on existing open space.
1.3 The recent highlighting of open space as a national issue and the recent updating in 2002 of Planning Policy Guidance Note 17: Sport, Open Space and Recreation, has created a resurgence of interest in the management of open space following many years of decline. This is, in part, due to the realisation of the many benefits that access to open space has on people’s lives, far beyond the leisure opportunities.
1.4 The context (national, regional and local) within which the Study was undertaken is detailed in Section 2.
1.5 A coherent and targeted strategy will be essential to improve not only the provision of new facilities, but also the management of current open space. The Study will do this by establishing a hierarchy of provision and the setting of locally derived standards. It is hoped that this will be a framework that all levels of Local Authority (District and Town and Parish Council’s) will work towards achieving, as well as informing other statutory partner organisations,
1 community groups and the population of North Wiltshire in general, as to the Council’s aims and objectives.
The Countryside and Open Space Strategy
1.6 The aims of the Countryside and Open Space Strategy are:
• To ensure that suitable protection is afforded to a valuable resource. This will be achieved by following the procedures and guidelines set out in PPG17 (Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation) and PPG9 (Nature Conservation), amongst other policies;
• To establish a framework, derived from an assessment of needs, for current and future projects both within the countryside and open space, to allow optimal leisure use of the natural environment of the District, whilst protecting and enhancing its value for wildlife;
• To enable the direction of a limited financial resource, support funding applications to external sources, and benefit from planning gain;
• To complement the Council’s Rural Strategy, and other policies, regarding social well-being and the rural economy;
• To link into the emerging Community Planning Process so that the citizens of North Wiltshire have their say in the provision of countryside leisure facilities.
Scope of Study
1.7 It is clear then, that this Study will provide the basis for much of what the Countryside and Open Space Strategy will try to achieve.
2 1.8 As a basis for this, it is necessary to establish the extent of the current provision of open space. The purpose of this Study then, is two fold:
a) to provide a quantitative and qualitative audit of the existing provision of open space in the District of North Wiltshire so as to identify surplus or deficit of provision and to allow better management of that open space;
b) to provide an effective tool to allow planning of future provision of open space.
1.9 This Study is focused on open space rather than the countryside as this is the main concern of PPG17. It is necessary to understand the current situation regarding open space to allow policies to be developed in the Countryside and Open Space Strategy.
1.10 The Study followed the process recommended in the companion guide to PPG17, ‘Assessing Needs and Opportunities’, which has five steps as follows:
• Step 1 – Identifying Local Needs; • Step2 – Auditing Local Provision; • Step 3 - Setting Provision Standards; • Step 4 – Applying Provision Standards; • Step 5 – Drafting Policies.
1.11 The Study was undertaken ‘in-house’ using existing resources within the Countryside and Community Facilities Team. Consultation was undertaken to establish people’s conceptions of open space and the countryside, and it will be the subject of further consultation as part of the Countryside and Open Space Strategy.
1.12 The Council already has a Playing Pitch Strategy (2001-2007) which includes the major team sports of football, rugby, cricket and hockey at both senior and junior levels. The Study therefore, does not seek to address sports provision
3 issues, but does include playing pitches if they are publicly accessible, and utilised in a less structured way.
1.13 The audit of open space undertaken includes cemeteries and churchyards, allotments, amenity greenspace, semi-natural greenspace and play areas, and whilst not all of these are included in the calculation of provision of open space, they are recorded on the Council’s geographical information system (GIS).
1.14 The Study area was the local authority area of North Wiltshire with a population of 125,372 (based on the 2001 Census data). Whilst the District is unusual in that it has six market towns (Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Malmesbury, Cricklade and Wootton Bassett), it is a predominantly rural district. Chippenham is by far the largest settlement with a population of some 30,000. The District covers an area of 81,240.40 hectares and measures 36,119 kilometres north to south, and 36,072 kilometres east to west. The District has 53 Parishes, 32 wards and 5 community areas.
Issues and Limitations
1.15 Several issues were encountered within the preparation of the Study and these are listed so as to explain some of the limitations inherent within it:
• Defining the term ‘open space’ proved to be a challenge especially as there is such a wide variety, both in terms of the appearance of that space and the purpose for which it is used. This is a result of the predominantly ‘supply-led’ provision of open space which has almost wholly been the manner of provision in the past. This has led to many small areas of open space that can not be utilised for any reasonable activity, whilst at the same time placing a drain on resources for their management that may be better employed elsewhere;
• Equally the term ‘countryside’ can be misleading and difficult to interpret in relation to open space and its use for recreation;
4 • Eliciting the views of the population beyond those involved in Peoples Voice proved difficult; this may be due to consultation ‘weariness’. It is hoped however, that those who may wish to have an input will be able to do so during later rounds of consultation;
• Due to resource constraints it has not been possible to identify the complete usage patterns of the individual open spaces or the opinions of the users as to issues of accessibility and quality. However, a key recommendation of the Study is to engage the community in the management of their open spaces;
• Problems arising from being in a rural district, with urban conurbation’s, created real difficulty. Most guidelines relating to open space provision relate solely to urban areas, and so any local standards are hard to set in a mixed area;
• Within the time-scale of preparing this Study and the Strategy new developments will have taken place. Some of these developments will have open space provision within them that will not have been identified in the Study. The opposite situation is also applicable; new developments may have been built on existing open space;
• Some sites will come out of this Study in a positive light, and therefore the managers of those sites, whilst others may well come out less well. There is no intention to lay blame through this process, rather to learn by good and bad practice so that the District’s open space can be improved upon in the future.
Terminology
1.16 A glossary of the terminology used within the Study can be found at Appendix 1.
5 2. CONTEXT
2.1 There are many other national, regional and local strategies and initiatives that provide a framework that any strategy must work within. The realisation that open space contributes widely to the quality of life, and can have an impact on health, social inclusion and crime, amongst other themes, means that these strategies are far more wide reaching than just leisure and recreation. A selection of the main strategies are detailed below, whilst Table 2.1 gives the wider perspective.
National Framework
2.2 The following are national documents of relevance, and are explained in turn below.
• Policy Planning Guidance 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation. ODPM, 2002.
• Policy Planning Guidance 9 – Nature Conservation. ODPM, 1999.
• Accessible Natural Green Space. English Nature.
• Green Spaces, Better Places. DTLR, 2002.
Policy Planning Guidance 17: Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
2.3 PPG17, updated in 2002, sets out the Government’s policy on open space, sport and recreation, the main planning objectives being:
• Supporting an urban renaissance. Local networks of high quality and well managed and maintained open spaces, and sport and recreational facilities, help create urban environments that are attractive, clean and safe. Green spaces in urban areas perform vital functions as areas for nature conservation and biodiversity and by
6 acting as ‘green lungs’ can assist in meeting objectives to improve air quality;
• Supporting a rural renewal. The countryside can provide opportunities for recreation and visitors can play an important role in the regeneration of the economies of rural areas. Open spaces within rural settlements and accessibility to local sports and recreational facilities contribute to the quality of life and well being of people who live in rural areas;
• Promotion of social inclusion and community cohesion. Well- planned and maintained open spaces and good quality sports and recreational facilities can play a major part in improving people’s sense of well being in the place they live. As a focal point for community activities, they can bring together members of deprived communities and provide opportunities for people for social interaction;
• Health and well being. Open spaces, sports and recreational facilities have a vital role to play in promoting healthy living and preventing illness, and in the social development of children of all ages through play, sporting activities and interaction with others;
• Promoting more sustainable development. By ensuring that open space and sports and recreational facilities are easily accessible by walking and cycling, and that more heavily used or intensive sports and recreational facilities are planned for locations well served by public transport.
2.4 A key change from the previous PPG17 is that of the requirement to undertake a local assessment of existing open space provision and the setting of local provision standards to ensure that adequate supply of high quality open space is provided.
7 Table 2.1: Relationship to Other Strategies, Policies and Initiatives
Context Document/Policy/Initiative National PPG 17: Sport, Opens Spaces and Recreation PPG 9: Nature Conservation Green Spaces Better Places. DTLR Accessible Greenspace. English Nature National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 Countryside Agency Strategy CRoW Act, 2000 Rural White Paper Natura 2000 Regional Cotswold AONB Management Plan North Wessex Downs AONB Cotswold Water Park Strategy Cotswold Water Park Biodiversity Plan Rebuilding Biodiversity North Wiltshire District Local Plan 2011 Council Rural Strategy Leisure Facilities Strategy 2001-2007 Leisure Plan Playing Pitch Strategy Cultural Strategy Local Strategic Partnership & developing Community Strategy Open space management Local Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan PRoW Improvement Plan Great Western Community Forest Plan User ‘Panels’
8 2.5 It is recommended that existing areas of open space that are of high quality or valued by a community should be given protection and any development within them strictly controlled. Areas of particular quality may include:
• Small areas of open space in urban areas that provide an important local amenity and offer recreational and play opportunities;
• Areas of open space that provide a community resource and can be used for informal events;
• Areas of open space that particularly benefit wildlife and biodiversity.
2.6 In terms of provision of new open space it is recommended that local authorities should:
• Promote accessibility by walking, cycling and public transport, and ensure that facilities are accessible for people with disabilities;
• Locate more intensive recreational uses in sites where they can contribute to town centre vitality and viability;
• Avoid any significant loss of amenity to residents, neighbouring uses or biodiversity;
• Improve the quality of the public realm through good design;
• Look to provide areas of open space in commercial and industrial areas;
• Add to and enhance the range and quality of existing facilities;
• Carefully consider security and personal safety, especially of children;
• Meet the regeneration needs of areas, using brownfield sites in preference to greenfield site;
9 • Consider the scope for using any surplus land for open space, sport or recreational use, weighing this against alternative uses;
• Access the impact of new facilities on social inclusion; and,
• Consider the recreational needs of visitors and tourists.
2.7 Finally, PPG17 states that local authorities will be justified (provided that a local assessment has been undertaken and standards set) in seeking planning obligations where the quality of provision is inadequate, or where new development increases local needs.
Policy Planning Guidance 9: Nature Conservation
2.8 PPG9 outlines the Governments policy on nature conservation and gives the background to the statutory framework designed to protect the natural environment, through acts such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Through this framework the Government aims to ‘ensure that policies contribute to the conservation of the abundance and diversity of British wildlife and habitats’ and that any adverse effects on wildlife are minimised. A key point is that it is not central governments responsibility alone, but a part should be played by others to ensure that effective conservation of wildlife and natural resources is maintained, whilst allowing for development and economic growth – that is, sustainable development.
Most nature conservation designations are made by the agency responsible for nature conservation in England, English Nature. The main mechanisms that can be utilised by local authorities are through the Local Plan procedure, development control, declaration of Local Nature Reserves, supporting projects and working towards Biodiversity Action Plan targets, as signed up to by the Council, that promote biodiversity outside of designated sites, and leading by example.
1 0 Accessible Natural Green Space. English Nature
2.9 The Accessible Natural Green Space model from English Nature first met its audience as ‘Reconnecting People and Wildlife’ in 2002. It is concerned with the connection between people and wildlife and the benefit the latter can have on the former. It aims to put sustainability and wildlife issues closer to the centre of political and social debate. One of the key recommendations is to encourage local authorities to adopt English Nature standards for the minimum provision of accessible natural greenspace. These standards are:
• An accessible natural greenspace less than 300 metres (in a straight line) from home;
• Statutory Local Nature Reserves) LNR’s provided at a minimum level of one hectare per thousand population;
• At least one accessible 20 hectare site within 2 kilometres of home; one accessible 100 hectare site within 5 kilometres of home; and one accessible 500 hectare site within 10 kilometres of home.
2.10 These standards are very high and may prove difficult to achieve, however some effort should be put in to working towards them.
Green Spaces, Better Places
2.11 This document is the final report of the Urban Greenspaces Taskforce, which was set up in 2001 to advise the Government on policies and proposals for the future of urban parks, play areas and green spaces. The document is in four parts. Part one sets the scene, detailing the benefits that open spaces bring. Part two outlines current concerns about parks and green spaces and sets out proposals to overcome them. Part three sets out the need for a strategic policy framework within which decision-makers should operate. The final section takes forward the recommendations and shows why they can deliver all the benefits of green space.
1 1 2.12 One of the key recommendations arising from the report was the creation of a national body to represent the interest of open space. This has now been achieved with the establishment of ‘Greenspace’.
2.13 The other recommendations that are pertinent indicate that local authorities should:
• involve and support communities in green space service planning and delivery;
• promote and support partnership working for improving local green spaces;
• explore the potential for making greater use of local ‘open space trusts’ as an effective option for delivering improvements to green spaces and their management and maintenance;
• Provide information and advice on available funding streams and opportunities for supporting local partnerships involving local resident, voluntary and business groups;
• Provide effective leadership at the highest level within the council by designating an elected Member to champion and promote parks and green spaces;
• Give greater weight to the contribution of local green spaces in improving the quality of people’s lives;
• Develop and implement a green space strategy;
• Carry out design reviews for failing or unsatisfactory spaces;
• Prepare a management plan for every major park, groups of smaller parks and types of open space such as allotments;
• Undertake a Best Value review of their park and green space services.
1 2 Local Framework
2.14 The following are all key local documents or strategies:
• The North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011
• The North Wiltshire Playing Pitch Strategy
• The North Wiltshire Leisure Facilities Strategy 2001 – 2007
• The Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan, 2002
• The Community Strategy (In Preparation)
The North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011
2.15 This document is key to the achievement of sustainable development, balancing the need to make adequate provision for development whilst taking into account the need to protect the natural and built environment.
2.16 The Countryside and Open Space Strategy (with recommendations from this Study) will link to many of the sections within the Local Plan.
The North Wiltshire Playing Pitch Strategy
2.17 The Playing Pitch Strategy analyses current provision of facilities for several major team sports, identifies where there is latent demand for more facilities and identifies areas of shortfall.
2.18 There are very strong links between the Playing Pitch Strategy and this Study due to the nature of many playing fields in the District, and their use by the wider population.
1 3 The North Wiltshire Leisure Facilities Strategy 2001 - 2007
2.19 The Leisure Facilities Strategy is a strategic document that looks at the level of several types of leisure facilities in the District. It links to several other key Council documents and has several relevant sections including those on Sport, Countryside and Play facilities.
The Wiltshire Biodiversity Plan
2.20 The Wiltshire Biodiversity Action Plan, 2002. This vision document sets out positive action for increasing the biodiversity (the diversity of habitats and species) of the County of Wiltshire. The document sits within a framework of other biodiversity action plans (BAP’s), including the UK BAP and the South West BAP. Within the plan are individual action plans for many different habitats and species including woodland, standing open water, hedgerows and bats. Whilst the plan makes reference to Prime Biodiversity Areas, of which the Cotswold and By Brook, Spye Park, North Wessex Downs, the Braydon Forest and the Cotswold Water Park are within the District, it recognises that biodiversity, and the possibility of increasing biodiversity is not restricted to these sites. From the plan there are four mechanisms to increase biodiversity that the Council should utilise, these being:
• Development control – to ensure that development does not have any adverse affects on habitats or species;
• Recreation and Leisure – ensure that any projects do not impinge on habitats or species;
• The Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre – adequate resourcing of the WSBRC to enable the collection of up to date and accessible information;
• Raising awareness.
2.21 Semi-natural greenspace, and other open space, has the potential to go some way to meeting the targets of the BAP if managed in a way likely to encourage wildlife.
1 4 North Wiltshire Community Strategy
2.22 The Local Government Act 2000 places a new (mandatory) Duty on all principal local authorities to prepare, in partnership with other organisations, a Community Strategy to promote the economic, social and environmental well- being of their area. The Community Strategy may, or may not, replace other strategies as an ‘umbrella’ strategy.
2.23 The Community Strategy needs to be prepared by a Local Strategic Partnership, bringing together councils, public, private and voluntary organisations and local communities. In areas with both a District and County Council, both authorities are jointly charged with the Duty to prepare a Community Strategy and need to work together to agree an approach.
2.24 The Strategy should provide the strategic direction and framework for action, based on a shared vision for the community, reflecting the local aspirations and priorities arising from the Community Planning process and should include agreed targets and milestones for action.
2.25 There will be a strong symbiotic relationship between both the Countryside and Open Space Strategy and this Study, and the Community Strategy.
1 5 3. CONSULTATION
Introduction
3.1 A variety of consultations were undertaken during the process of compiling the Study including People’s Voice, the Council’s web site and quarterly newsletter ‘Improving North Wiltshire’, and consultation with the town and parish councils. The latter was primarily to help identify areas of open space.
3.2 This Study will also be open to consultation when it forms part of the Countryside & Open Space Strategy, and this may indeed lead to revisions being made.
3.3 The Council’s web site produced only three returned questionnaires and so these have been incorporated into the People’s Voice results below.
People’s Voice
3.4 People’s Voice is the citizens panel through which consultation is undertaken with the public in Wiltshire, and helps to gather information on their needs, opinions and priorities. Questions are tailored on a District basis to enable the various District Councils to gather useful information.
3.5 Questions (Appendix 3) were submitted in February 2003 and provided 733 responses. These 733 responses represent 0.58% of the population of the District, which is a very low proportion; however People’s Voice is representative of the population and so is therefore, relevant and valid.
3.6 It has not been possible to identify the location of respondents in the results which may have provided some useful information as to the open space being accessed or whether the respondents lived in a rural or urban area which would have a significant impact upon their responses.
16 Countryside
3.7 Table 3.1 shows the results of the first set of countryside questions, and should, perhaps, indicate where the Council needs to target its priorities. It shows that there is overwhelming concern for the protection of the landscape and pollution, whilst there is great support for increasing the tree cover in the District. Just under half thought that protection was more important than the recreational use of the countryside, indicating that whilst people feel the countryside deserves protection, they also wish to make use of it for recreational purposes. This may be borne out by the high number wanting to see more designated sites, and the creation of more cycling and walking routes. The number who can access the countryside is surprisingly high and could reflect the high level of car owners in North Wiltshire, or simply the fact that North Wiltshire is a predominantly rural district, and therefore a great number of people are generally considering themselves to already be in the countryside.
Table 3.1: People’s Attitudes to the Countryside
Question Yes No Don’t % % know % Can you easily access the countryside? 94.1 4.8 0.1 Do you think that our landscape heritage is 97.4 1.5 0.7 important? Do you think that adequate protection is given to the 31.5 52.9 14.6 countryside and wildlife? Do you think that protection is more important than 46.4 35.6 15.0 the recreational use of the countryside? Would you like to see more designated areas (e.g. 73.4 14.7 10.4 Local Nature Reserves) in the District? Are you concerned about pollution? 90.0 7.2 1.9 Should more trees be planted in the District? 81.0 10.1 7.5 Should more cycling and walking routes be provided? 75.3 15.8 7.5
3.8 Figure 3.1 shows the distribution of responses by the frequency of access to the countryside, and indicates that 61% of respondents accessed the countryside either daily, or several times a week. Less than 1% never went to the countryside. Of those that did not access the countryside, the main
17 reasons given for not doing so were mainly the poor state of the footpaths/bridleways (or links to these), and to a lesser degree, old age. It is interesting to note the comment on footpaths as this may indicate that there is not such a strong reliance upon the car to access the countryside, and that people would rather walk.
Figure 3.1: Access rates to the Countryside
Daily 8% 1%1% Several times a week 14% 32% Once a week Once or twice a month Less frequently 16% Never 28% No answer
3.9 In terms of activities undertaken in the countryside, the following list gives the preference of respondents, with the highest recorded activity listed first.
• Walking • Quiet enjoyment • Dog walking • Cycling • Wildlife • Informal recreation • Sport • Conservation
There is some deal of overlap in these categories as someone out walking, may also be walking their dog, or enjoying the wildlife. Informal recreation may include walking, dog walking, quiet enjoyment, cycling or enjoyment of wildlife. Sport and conservation, which are the two more specialist categories, are the two areas of activity with the least participation, and these
18 two activities are more likely to be carried out at specific locations, for example the Cotswold Water Park or nature reserves.
3.10 When it comes to ranking areas of importance, Table 3.2 gives an indication of people’s priorities. It is interesting to note that wildlife and the control of pollution are the two highest priorities, indicating that people want a clean and healthy countryside in which to undertake their walking or other activity. The most striking result is that interpretation (information boards, leaflets etc.) is considered to be of such a low priority. This could be because the other issues are considered far more relevant and important, or that people are not aware of exactly what interpretation involves and the relatively simple measures that can be introduced.
Table 3.2: Rank Countryside Issues
Issue Priority %
High Medium Low Wildlife 81.3 16.8 1.0 Landscape 60.4 35.1 3.0 Protected sites 54.2 39.0 4.1 Cycling and walking 55.8 35.9 6.0 Tree cover 69.6 27.3 1.9 Accessibility 49.7 44.7 4.0 Control of pollution 79.8 17.1 1.8 Interpretation 12.1 45.2 26.6 Green belt/ rural buffer 68.6 25.6 4.1 Waterways 74.2 24.0 0.4
Open Space
3.11 Table 3.3 shows the results of two key questions concerned with open space – accessibility and quality of management. This shows that an overwhelming majority have easy access to open space and that those spaces are on the whole managed well. This should not detract from the fact that 3.7% do not
19 have easy access, or the 17.5% who believe that the space is not managed well.
Table 3.3: Accessibility and Quality of Open Space
Question Yes No Don’t Know Do you have easy access to open space? 94.3 3.7 0.5
Is the open space that you use managed 70 17.5 8.7 well?
3.12 Figure 3.2 shows the distances people travel to open space and shows that the majority of 85% travel less than 1km, 13% travel between 1km and 5km and just 1% travel over 5km. This would indicate the huge significance of local areas of open space which are accessible by foot or cycle.
Figure 3.2: Distances Travelled to Open Space
1% 1% 13% Under 1km 1 - 5km Over 5km Don't know 85%
3.13 Figure 3.3 relates to the visit frequency to open space. This would tend to show that people visit open space on a very regular basis with 76% of respondents visiting at least once a week, with 29% of these making daily visits. Only 2% never visit open space at all; this may be due to the fact that these people visit (or live in) the countryside instead, or that they lead a sedentary lifestyle.
20 Figure 3.3: Visit Frequency to Open Space
Daily
8% 2% Several times a 14% 29% week Once a week
Once or twice a month 17% Less frequently 30% Never
3.14 Table 3.4 shows the priorities concerned with open space. Wildlife is the highest ranking priority; people want to enjoy wildlife in their open space rather than have a sterile environment. The second priority is a feeling of safety, a concern which continues to grow in today’s society. These two priorities may come into conflict as areas of wildlife friendly vegetation can also be seen as unsafe areas. Good management comes in third place, whilst the provision of information, facilities, and public art all score low.
Table 3.4: Open Space Priorities
Issue Priority %
High Medium Low Wildlife 77.1 18.7 2.7 Information 23.5 58.3 15 Seating/benches 27 55.9 15.4 Feeling of Safety 71.9 22.6 4.8 Accessibility 59.9 36.7 1.5 Good management 65.1 31.2 1.4 Tranquillity 56.5 37.7 3.7 Play areas 38.3 46.7 13.1 Facilities 27.3 51.3 19.2 Public art 4.9 29.5 63.2
21 Conclusion
3.15 The People’s Voice survey gives a good indication as to the values the North Wiltshire community place on the countryside and open space within the District. The following are the key desires of the respondents:
• That the landscape and wildlife of the District is protected and enhanced; • Tree cover is increased; • More informal recreational opportunities are provided; • Issues of pollution are addressed; • Provision of easily accessible open space; • Open space is managed in a manner that creates a safe, multi- functional and diverse resource.
3.16 The Countryside and Open Space Strategy will try to address all of these issues, although the control of pollution may be achieved through the least direct measures such as the reduction of air pollution by planting more trees.
3.17 In terms of accessibility to open space it seems that the provision of local areas that are accessible by foot or cycle would be the preferred option, with the creation of a green network centred around walking and cycling routes.
Other Consultation – Mission Impossible
3.18 Mission Impossible is the Council’s database created following community consultation throughout the District in 2000. Comments are grouped by theme, with the most relevant theme being ‘Countryside and Land-based issues.’
3.19 Table 3.5 lists a small selection of comments received. They are not in any particular order.
22 Table 3.5: Comments from Mission Impossible
Theme Comment Castlefields Park Progress the River Marden project and make a feature for the town. Grass Cuttings Collect grass cuttings rather than leave them to be strewn by children. Countryside and Open Space Measures should be taken to safeguard the countryside, green belt and play areas. Designated wild areas where people, especially children have access. I would like to see more woodland. Country Park/Nature Reserve which would attract visitors to the area, teach children about nature and local history and would act as a picnic area. Plant more tress in appropriate places Monkton Park could be improved Rigorously control "Development" so it does not spoil our Countryside Environment More emphasis should be put on conservation and planting trees in the area.
The area should be conserved for its beauty. Measures should be taken to protect and safeguard the countryside, Green Belt and play areas. Develop a park which people can sit/exercise dogs in Retain open space and playing fields where ever possible - Malmesbury is already below the open space allocation for the size of the town
23 4. ASSESSMENT OF SUPPLY
Introduction
4.1 This chapter details the current supply of open space in North Wiltshire based on an audit of provision undertaken, as prescribed by PPG17. It provides the following information:
• A comprehensive listing of open space in the District;
• A classification of those open spaces;
• Any deficiencies or surplus of open space provision.
Typology
4.2 There is much debate as to the definition of ‘open space’. In planning legislation open space is generally referred to as:
“land laid out as a public garden, or used for the purposes of public recreation, or land which is a disused burial ground.”
4.3 This is not a very satisfactory definition as it omits many other areas that could also be classed as open space, for example areas of semi-natural vegetation. It also fails to mention whether the area is ‘public’ or ‘private’.
4.4 Some local authorities have abandoned the term ‘open space’ altogether, in favour of terms such as ‘recreational green space’, or just ‘greenspace’.
4.5 The Companion Guide to PPG17 – Assessing Needs and Opportunities, sets out a recommended open space typology that is based on the primary use of the space. Whilst it is recognised that open space may have more than one function, for example it may also contribute to an areas biodiversity, it is easier to use just the primary function so as to avoid over-complication. An amended version of this typology is shown below in Table 4.1. This omits outdoor sports facilities (which is covered by the Playing Pitch Strategy), and civic spaces (generally areas of hard landscaping in the urban context). In
24 the case of the latter this is due mainly to the close links between this Study, and the Countryside and Open Space Strategy. It may be that in the future civic spaces are audited by the Urban Design Team and the Study updated at that point.
Table 4.1: Open Space typology
Typology Description
Parks and Accessible, opportunities for informal Gardens recreation and community events.
Semi-natural Areas acting as a wildlife refuge or areas
e greenspace with a nature conservation designation.
c Green corridor Walking, cycling or horse riding, whether for pleasure or travel. a Amenity Areas for informal activities close to p Greenspace home or work, or enhancement of the
s appearance of residential area.
n Play Areas Areas designed primarily for play and social interaction involving children and e young people.
e Allotments & Opportunities for people to grow produce
r community – sustainability. gardens G Cemeteries and Quiet contemplation and burial of the churchyards dead, often linked to nature conservation.
4.6 It should be noted that this typology has been developed for application in urban areas, however in this case it has been applied District wide, covering both urban and rural areas.
Survey Methodology
4.7 The starting point for the survey was the Companion Guide to PPG17 - Assessing Needs and Opportunities, which gave a basic methodology for undertaking an open space audit.
25 4.8 Not all areas of open space were audited. Sites that were not included in the audit were dedicated sports pitches (including bowls greens and tennis courts), urban civic space and private areas (due to possible issues regarding access). Educational establishments were also not included as there are generally restrictions on access to these sites.
4.9 Where playing pitches formed part of a wider open space, or where they were generally accessible for activities other than the sport, then they were included. This is despite there being issues around the use of sports pitches for other uses, and therefore potential conflict, as well as the problem of taking into account pitches which offer little else to the community.
4.10 Semi-natural areas were defined as those areas that may have some wildlife interest. In its simplest form this may be an area of rough grass with a few trees on it, or it may extend to a small woodland, or areas of unimproved grassland. These areas were surveyed by a member of staff with some experience of undertaking habitat surveys, so as to enable any sites with potential nature conservation interest to be identified. Designated nature reserves were not surveyed as it is considered that they have already reached a specific quality, although they were mapped if there is public access. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s) were not included. Open downland, as defined by the CRoW Act was mapped on GIS for completeness.
4.11 Amenity greenspace does include small pockets of grass within housing developments (if they were thought to be ‘useable’), but not road verges as these are generally considered not to be useable open space, but rather landscaped areas. The inclusion of any particular space was up to the discretion of the surveyor.
4.12 There was a certain amount of crossover in the classification of some sites surveyed. For example, many amenity greenspace areas also included semi- natural areas, and many churchyards are managed for nature conservation areas.
4.13 So, in summary areas that were included in the audit were:
26 • Accessible to the general public;
• Of recreational or amenity value;
• Of wildlife value;
• Could be multi-functional.
4.14 The second stage was a desktop exercise to identify as much open space in the District as possible before undertaking the physical audit of sites. The town and parish clerks were sent a proforma to help with this task. The GIS was also useful for identifying areas; aerial photographs would have provided a very useful tool, but as yet these are not available for the District. Undoubtedly, some open space will have been missed from the audit but it is expected that this will be picked up during later consultation exercises.
4.15 The audit was undertaken through the Summer of 2003 by members of the Countryside and Community Facilities Team. With the huge scale of the task this proved very time consuming and so a limited amount of data was collected from each site, allowing the basic requirements of the audit to be met. These were:
• To identify the boundaries of each site so that they could be mapped on the GIS system, thus allowing a calculation of the amount of open space;
• To collect basic information to allow an assessment of the quality of the open space and;
• To collect information so that a classification of open space could be developed which is applicable to local circumstance.
4.16 The information sheets used for the audit are shown in Appendix 4, whilst the information checklist is shown in Appendix 5.
4.17 All the sites audited, as well as nature reserves owned by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, were plotted on the GIS system. The Woodland Trust provided datasets for sites that they own and have public access.
27 Current Open Space Provision
4.18 Table 4.2 gives a summary of the sites identified along with the land area in hectares. The total land area totals 1,156.66 hectares, or 1.42% of the District. This gives a figure of 9.2ha/000 population, considerably higher than the NPFA standard of 2.43ha/000. The full list of sites can be seen in Appendix 5, giving their unique Identification number and location.
Table 4.2: Summary of Open Space
Type of Open Space No of Sites Area (hectares) Allotments 40 22.76 Play Areas 91 7.02 Amenity Greenspace 201* 194.57 Semi-natural Greenspace 36 308.79 Parks and Gardens 16 15.44 Wildlife Trust Reserves 17 527.20 Woodland Trust Sites 9 80.88 Totals 410 1,156.66
* Some sites have been amalgamated in this figure.
4.19 From the GIS, maps of the District have been produced showing this open space. It can be seen that the reserves owned by the Wildlife Trust are predominantly in the north of the District within the Braydon Forest area, otherwise there is, as would be expected, a generally even spread with concentrations within the major settlements.
Hierarchical Sites - Hierarchy and Classification
4.20 Having identified, audited and mapped all the open space, a hierarchy needed to be developed to allow planning of open space.
4.21 There are many different types of open space, encompassing different scales, with different catchment areas, serving different purposes and with different
28 management regimes. Hierarchies are beneficial in that they allow for consistency within this range. A hierarchy then provides a framework in within which open space can be classified, it allows for differentiation between the more strategically important open spaces, and those that are more local, and allow deficiencies of a particular type to be identified.
4.22 Not all open should be used to calculate existing and future provision due to the function it serves, and it should not, therefore, be included in any hierarchy. Open space, then, has been divided into those that are hierarchical , and those that are not. The latter includes cemeteries, allotments and play areas. Hierarchical sites are dealt with first.
4.23 Few examples of hierarchies exist and probably the best-served area is London where the London Planning Advisory Committee (LPAC) have developed a hierarchy, which is shown in abbreviated form in Table 4.3 below. North Devon District Council has also developed a hierarchy for open space and this geographical area is likely to be similar to North Wiltshire. Whilst the LPAC hierarchy may be applicable for London it would not be appropriate to apply these standards to North Wiltshire. For example, most of the sites audited were fairly small in extent and so it would be difficult to designate many Local Parks of 2 hectares, yet alone a District Park of 20 hectares. Therefore, a hierarchy was developed more suited to local circumstances, with the London and North Devon models as a basis. This hierarchy is shown in Table 4.4.
4.24 Using the adopted hierarchy, every site in the categories: semi-natural greenspace, amenity greenspace and parks and gardens, were classified into one of the typologies based on its size, location and facilities. Where several sites bordered e.g. where amenity greensapce and semi-natural greenspace occurred adjacent to each other, then they were combined to form one site. Appendix 7 shows this classification whilst Table 4.5 gives a summary by category. This classification gives another layer of mapping on the GIS, which formed the basis for calculating areas of deficiency.
29 Table 4.3: The LPAC Open Space Hierarchy
Type of Open Space and Approx Size and Characteristics its Function Distance from Catchment Area Regional parks and Large areas and corridors of Open Spaces natural heathland, downland, commons, woodlands and (linked Metropolitan Open 400 hectares parkland also including areas not Land and Green Belt 3.2 – 8 km publicly accessible but which Corridors) Weekend and contribute to the informal occasional visits by car or recreation with some non- public transport. intensive active recreation uses. Car parking at key locations. Metropolitan Parks Either: i. Natural heathland, downland, Weekend and occasional 60 ha commons, woodland, or visits by foot, cycle, car 3.2 km ii. Formal park providing for and short bus trips. both active and passive recreation. May contain playing fields, but at least 40 ha for other pursuits. Adequate parking. District Parks Landscape setting with a variety of natural features and a range of Weekend and occasional 20 ha facilities including outdoor sports visits by foot, cycle, car 1.2 km facilities and playing fields, and short bus trips. children’s play for different age groups and informal recreation pursuits. Some car parking. Local Parks Provision for court games, children’s play, sitting-out area, For pedestrian visitors 2 ha nature conservation, landscaped 0.4 km environment, and playing fields of the parks are large enough. Small Local Parks Gardens, sitting out area, children’s playgrounds or other Pedestrian visits, Less than 2 ha areas of a specialist nature such especially by old people 0.4 km as nature conservation. and children, particularly valuable in high density areas. Linear Open Space Canal towpaths, paths, disused railways and other routes which Pedestrian visits Variable provide opportunities for informal recreation, including nature Where feasible conservation. Often characterised by features or attractive areas which are not fully accessible to the public but contribute to the enjoyment of the space.
SOURCE: Greater London Development Plan, as amended by London Planning Advisory Committee 1994.
30 Table 4.4: Adopted North Wiltshire Open Space Hierarchy
Type of Open Space Approximate size and Characteristics Catchment
District Park (DP)
Weekend and Min. of 2 hectares. Likely to be the major open space occasional visits by Catchment of 3.2km in a town (and possibly the foot, cycle, car and (2.2km pedestrian) Community Area). Features could short bus trips. include semi-natural areas, landscaped areas, sports area and/or multi use fields, play areas and picnic areas. Should also strive to have fully accessible toilet facilities (or facilities near-by) and regular attendance by park staff. Car parking.
Community Park (CP) Min. 1 hectares. Primarily to meet the needs of a Visits by foot, cycle, Catchment of 1 km number of linked neighbourhoods. and short bus trips. (700m pedestrian) A range of facilities including play areas, pitches, seating, landscaped areas and semi- natural areas.
Local Park (LP)
Pedestrian visits, Min. of 0.2 hectares. Predominantly for local use within especially by old Catchment of 400m easy reach by foot or cycle. May people and children, (280m pedestrian) have some of the following particularly valuable facilities: play area, kick about in areas of high area and turfed open space. density housing.
Open Space (OS)
Other open space. Ranging in size Can act as landscaping, or be Space Left Over After upwards from 100m2. semi-natural habitat, for example Planning (SLOAP), a small area of scrub. May have a but also large areas play area. Minimal management with no facilities. e.g. grass cutting.
Linear open space (greenway)
Pedestrian and cycle Various. A ‘green’ corridor such as a river visits. corridor. Could be of conservation interest and also have a high recreation usage.
31 Table 4.5: Summary of Open Space by Classification
Open Space Type Number of Sites Hectares District Park 3 20.05 Community Park 10 44.62 Local Park 59 93.7 Open Space 194 -
District Parks
4.25 Table 4.6 lists the District Parks, their relative size and the Community Area within which they sit. Whilst there are District Parks in the Chippenham, Malmesbury and Wootton Bassett Community Areas, there is currently no provision in the Corsham or Calne Community Areas. Perhaps, more importantly, there are no District Parks in the major settlements of Calne and Corsham, or lesser settlements, including Cricklade and Box.
Table 4.6: District Parks
ID No. Site Area (Hectarage) Community Area DP1 John Coles Park 6.0 Chippenham DP2 Jubilee Lake 11.5 Wootton Bassett DP3 St Aldhelm Mead 2.4 Malmesbury
4.26 The sites vary in size considerably, ranging from 11.5 hectares at Jubilee Lake to 2.4 hectares at St Aldhelm Mead in Malmesbury. A brief description of Individual sites are given below.
DP1 - John Coles Park, Chippenham
4.27 John Coles Park, which is owned and managed by Chippenham Town Council, is a typical Victorian park, laid out with trees, plantings, games courts, and complete with bandstand. Ideally located in the centre of the
32 town, it is well used for both informal and formal recreation and has toilet facilities on site.
DP2 - Jubilee Lake, Wootton Bassett
4.28 The Jubilee Lake site consists of a range of areas including open water, semi- natural greenspace, amenity grass, playing fields and play areas. It has a small car park and relatively good walking links from the town. The site is owned and managed by the Town Council, with adjacent fields being in private ownership. The Cotswold Water Park have just completed a management plan for the site, focusing mainly on the ecological aspect of the site, it does however, look at recreation and improvements.
DP3 - St. Aldhelm Mead, Malmesbury
4.29 On the south side of the town, St Aldhelm is a large expanse of amenity grassland with park style borders at the south end, mature trees lining the River Avon, a kick-about area, play area and toilet facilities. The site is surrounded by water with the River Avon on one side and a stream on the other, making this site liable to flooding.
Community Parks
4.30 Table 4.7 lists the Community Parks, their relative size and the Community Area within which they sit. Again there is a range in the size of these sites from Pewsham Park, which is the minimum size possible for a Community Park (included due to the range of facilities present at the site), to the site at Kingston St Michael, which is 8.33 hectares (due mainly to the inclusion of the Woodland Trust site at Nymph’s Hay).
CP1 – Monkton Park and River Island, Chippenham
4.31 Monkton Park and River Island are Council owned lands in the centre of Chippenham. The two sites combined form the second largest Community Park in the District and is used for the North Wiltshire Festival and other large scale events. The general character of the site is open grassland with mature
33 specimen trees. The River Avon divides the two areas and lends a natural feel to the park.
Table 4.7: Community Parks
ID No. Site Area Community (Hectarage) Area CP1 Monkton Park & River 6.85 Chippenham Island CP2 Kington St Michael 8.33 Chippenham Recreation Ground and Nymph Hay. CP3 Anchor Road Recreation 3.60 Calne Ground, Calne CP4 Pewsham Park 1.21 Chippenham CP5 Ashton Keynes Recreation 6.10 Wootton Bassett Ground & Millennium Green CP6 Box Recreation Ground 4.83 Corsham and Lovar Water Garden CP7 Castle Park, Calne 2.37 Calne CP8 Wootton Bassett Rugby 4.98 Wootton Bassett Pitch and adjacent lands CP9 Springfield, Corsham 4.25 Corsham CP10 Ashton Keynes Sports 2.15 Wootton Bassett Fields
CP2 – Kington St Michael Recreation Ground and Nymph Hay
4.32 The recreation ground is owned and managed by the Parish Council whilst the Nyph Hay is a woodland Trust owned site. Together they form a large (the largest Community Park) contiguous site on the edge of the settlement with facilities including sports pitch, play areas, informal grass area and a woodland.
34 CP3 – Anchor Road Recreation Ground, Calne
4.33 Anchor Road recreation ground is fairly centrally located in the town and is comprised of sports pitches, play areas and informal grass areas. Although most of the site is sports pitch, there is informal access to these.
CP4 – Pewsham Park, Chippenham
4.34 Pewsham Park is the smallest of the Community Parks but is included because of the range of facilities available on site, which includes a play area .
CP5 – Ashton Keynes Recreation Ground and Millennium Green
4.35 The recreation ground is a typical sports ground but with adjacent areas the site becomes a very good site for community use. The Millennium Green (a Countryside Agency funded project) is an area with natural characteristics and the potential to become a Local Nature Reserve.
CP6 – Box Recreation Ground and Lovar Water Garden
4.36 Box recreation ground has a good range of facilities and along with the adjacent Lovar Water Garden forms a valuable community asset. It could have been designated as a District Park except for the lack of toilet facilities on site. If facilities are nearby then this designation could be changed.
CP7 - Castle Park, Calne
4.37 This Council owned site is on the south-west side of the town and is the smallest of the Community Parks. With the River Marden flowing through the site, as well as a section of restored Wilts and Berks Canal and a re-created hay meadow, the area is natural in character. The North Wilts Cycle Route also passes through the site. The Castlefields Canal and River Park Project (CCARP) was established out of a desire to improve the area, and has received funding from NWDC and the town council to work towards this aim.
CP8 - Wootton Bassett Rugby Ground
4.38 Potentially the most contentious site to designate as a Community Park as the rugby pitch is a dedicated playing pitch. However, there is informal access to this pitch and as it sits within a wider area of open space then it is
35 justified for inclusion. The wider area includes an area of grassland with play area and a natural area of grassland with derelict pond.
CP9 – Springfield, Corsham
4.39 Springfield is a medium sized site adjacent to the leisure centre and has a range of facilities from pitches and courts to play area and skateboard ramps.
CP10 – Ashton Keynes Playing Fields
4.40 This site has two play areas, tennis courts, sports pitch as well as general grassland with seats.
Local Parks
4.41 Table 4.8 gives a list of the sites designated as Local Parks. Being the smallest of the parks (and lower in the hierarchy), there are many more Local Parks than other sites, some fifty eight in all.
Table 4.8: Local Parks
ID No. Site Area Community (Hectarage) Area LP1 Lydiard Millicent Recreation 2.9 Wootton Bassett Ground LP2 North End, Calne (AG5 & 1.06 Calne AG71) LP3 Wessington Park, Calne 0.52 Calne LP4 Whitegates, Castle Combe 0.6 Chippenham LP5 Oaksey Recreation Ground 2.5 Malmesbury LP6 Crudwell Recreation Ground 1.88 Malmesbury LP7 Sutton Benger Recreation 2.97 Chippenham Ground LP8 Lea and Cleverton Playing 0.57 Malmesbury Field LP9 Neston Recreation Ground 2.15 Corsham
36 LP10 Old Court, Wootton Bassett 0.9 Wootton Bassett LP11 Christian Malford, Recreation 1.7 Chippenham Ground LP12 Newbury Avenue, Calne 0.7 Calne LP13 Garraways, Wootton Bassett 0.2 Wootton Bassett LP14 Fairfield, Wootton Bassett 2.1 Wootton Bassett LP15 Longfellow Crescent, Wootton 1.6 Wootton Bassett Bassett LP16 New Road, Wootton Bassett 1.2 Wootton Bassett LP17 Springfield Drive, Calne 0.22 Calne LP18 School Road (S), Calne 0.76 Calne LP19 Cornflower Close, Calne 0.3 Calne LP20 Mallard Avenue/Pintail Court, 1.5 Wootton Bassett Lyneham LP21 Long Close, Chippenham 5.15 Chippenham (AG94, AG95 & SN202) LP22 Charter Road/Avenue La 2.6 Chippenham Fleche, Chippenham LP23 Barrow Green, Chippenham 0.5 Chippenham LP24 Little Batens Park, 0.86 Chippenham Chippenham LP25 Gascelyn Close, Chippenham 1.2 Chippenham LP26 Kingsley Road, Chippenham 1.6 Chippenham LP27 Sarum Road/Goodwood Way, 1.2 Chippenham Chippenham LP28 Broad Town Playing Field 1.0 Wootton Bassett LP29 Fynamore Gardens, Calne 0.37 Calne LP30 Hilmarton Playing Field 1.43 Calne LP31 Lacock Recreation Ground 1.8 Chippenham LP32 Sherston Recreation Ground 1.0 Malmesbury LP33 Charlton Playing Field 2.6 Malmesbury LP34 Luckington Playing Field 0.38 Malmesbury LP35 Colerne Recreation Ground 1.5 Corsham LP36 Gastard Playing Field 0.44 Corsham LP37 Meriton Avenue, Corsham 1.75 Corsham LP38 Bradenstoke Playing Field 1.2 Wootton Bassett
37 LP39 Yatton Keynall 1.9 Chippenham LP40 Castle Combe Playing Field 2.8 Chippenham LP41 Kington Langley Playing Field 2.2 Chippenham LP42 Langley Burrell Playing Field 2.2 Chippenham LP43 Minety Playing Fields 3.2 Malmesbury LP44 Brinkworth Playing Field 1.3 Malmesbury LP45 White Lion Park, Malmesbury 1.2 Malmesbury LP46 Westwood Road, Rudloe 0.68 Corsham LP47 Cricklade Sports Ground 2.8 Wootton Bassett LP48 Biddestone Sports Ground 2.2 Chippenham LP49 Garden of Remembrance, 0.26 Wootton Bassett Purton LP50 Town Garden, Calne 0.3 Calne LP51 Bristol Road (N), Chippenham 5.0 Chippenham LP52 The Batters, Corsham 3.0 Corsham LP53 Beechfield, Corsham 2.2 Corsham LP54 Reeds Farm 2.0 Malmesbury LP55 Paul’s Croft, Cricklade 1.44 Wootton Bassett LP56 Oak Road, Colerne 1.66 Corsham LP57 Portal Place, Lyneham 2.25 Wootton Bassett LP58 The Green, Calne 0.33 Calne LP59 Redhills, Derry Hill 1.28 Calne
4.42 A brief analysis of this information shows that 42.5% of LP’s are from the minimum size of 0.2 - <1.2 hectares, 24.2% are from 1.2 - <2 hectares, and 33.3% are over 2 hectares. The largest of the LP’s is Bristol Road in Chippenham, which could be developed in to a Community Park with the provision of more facilities. In fact, many of these sites could be improved relatively easily.
4.43 Individual facilities provided at all of the above Parks will be looked at in more detail in the next two sections.
38 Open Space
4.44 Sites designated as Open Space have been so because they do not have any facilities, or are too small to be designated as a Park and are, therefore, not considered to be of strategic importance, and thus not included in the POS calculations. However, this does not mean that these sites do not have value. Some of them are quite large and in good locations and could, therefore, be easily upgraded to Park status. Equally, some serve no use what so ever, and the land could be better utilised. However, it is important to establish local perceptions and usage of individual land parcels before any proposals for change of use are accepted.
Non – hierarchical Sites
Allotments – Current Provision
4.45 Current provision of allotment sites is varied both in terms of quantity and quality. The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners (NSALG) recommend a provision of 0.25 hectares per thousand population. Based on a population of 100,00 (approximate adult population) this would give a provision of 25 hectares. Current provision is 22.75 hectares and if the NSALG standards were to be adopted then there would be a shortfall of 2.25 hectares. This need not be an issue if there were not a demand for plots, with people on waiting lists in most areas, and the demand in general for allotments growing, with women in particular, becoming more involved in allotment gardening. It is expected then, that the demand for allotment plots will increase.
4.46 Two allotment sites are no longer used for growing produce, but let as grass keep, presumably due to being surplus to requirement in these areas – Stanton St Quintin and Cleverton.
4.47 On the whole most sites have most of the plots let. Noticeable exceptions are the Upper Pavenhill site in Purton, and the Bences Lane site in Corsham, where the majority of these sites are unused. It is unclear why this is the
39 case, but it could be due to its location or lack of facilities. For the major settlements in the Districts the situations are as follows: • In Chippenham all plots (260) are let and there are six people on a waiting list;
• Despite the new site at Beversbrooke in Calne, which has 65 plots, there is a severe shortage of plots in the town with 80 people on the waiting list. Twenty six plots at Newcroft are planned in the coming year, which will go some way to alleviating the demand. The Town Council is also seeking further provision in the south of the town;
• Corsham, which has approximately 130 plots, has a growing waiting list;
• Wootton Bassett has only one, privately owned site. It is not known how many plots there are due to a complicated history of alteration to plot size, but there is a waiting list of six;
• There are no allotment sites in Cricklade;
• It is not known how many plots there are at the two sites in Malmesbury.
4.48 Legislation pertaining to allotments is confusing with many acts dating back over many years. There are no current plans to rationalise this situation as recommended by the 1998 Government Select Committee Report – The Future of Allotments. This leaves two distinct levels of legislation, Acts of Parliament, and local district Allotment Rules. Under Part 2 of the Local Authority Act 1972, where there are parish councils as well as the district council, then it is the parish council that becomes the Allotment Authority i.e. the parish or town council is responsible for the provision and management of allotments.
4.49 @kknsldmsr sg`s `qd nvmdc nq kd`rdc ax knb`k `tsgnqhshdr l`x ad sdqldc rs`stsnqx nq sdlo nq`qx vgdqd:
40 • Statutory allotment land is land of which the freehold or very long lease is vested in the allotments authority, and which was either originally purchased for allotments or subsequently appropriated for allotments use.
• Temporary allotment land is rented by the allotments authority or owned by the authority but ultimately destined for some other use.
C drhf m`shnm ne ` rhsd `r sdlo nq`qx nq rs`stsnqx hr hlo nqs`ms rhmbd tmcdq R dbshnm 7 ne sgd @kknsldmsr @bs 0 8 1 4 + ` knb`k `tsgnqhsx ltrs rddj o dqlhrrhnm eqnl sgd R dbqds`qx ne R s`sd adenqd rdkkhmf nq bg`mf hmf sgd trd ne ` rs`stsnqx rhsd- S gd knb`k `tsgnqhsx ltrs `krn r`shrex sgd R dbqds`qx ne R s`sd sg`s `cdp t`sd o qnu hrhnm g`r addm l`cd enq `kknsldms gnkcdqr vgn `qd chro k`bdc ax sgd r`kd ne sgd rhsd-
4.50 There appears to be a lack of clarity as to whether allotment sites in the District are statutory sites or not, with managers either unaware of the difference, or not sure if a particular site has statutory designation or not. It is known, however, that the two sites in Calne are statutory sites.
4.51 Other allotments are private allotments that are owned by individuals and organisations; they are therefore not statutory sites.
4.52 As the District Council is not the Allotment Authority then it has no direct input into the provision of allotments. However, it can help with provision through the planning process by:
• Protecting existing allotment sites from development;
• Procure new facilities through planning gain.
4.53 There should be a pragmatic approach to this as there is no point in protecting a site that is not utilised because it is in the wrong place or does not have appropriate facilities. However, if a well-used site is to be disposed of, then equal amount of provision must be provided near by, and after consultation with the community.
41 4.54 The Council should also promote allotment holding as a leisure activity which can offer many benefits apart from the production of quality produce, such as going some way to meeting the objectives of Local Agenda 21, and as an alternative way of taking exercise.
Play Areas
4.55 The most commonly applied standard in terms of play area provision has been the National Playing Field Association’s (NPFA) hierarchy, which is based on the level of the equipment provided, the size of the play area, and it’s distance from home. The hierarchy consists of three levels of play area ranging from the smallest – the Local Area for Play (LAP) catering for children up to 6 years old, through the medium sized – the Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP) catering for 4-8 year olds, to the largest - the Neighbourhood Equipped area for play (NEAP) catering for older children.
4.56 The NPFA standards also recommend a minimum of equipped play area of 0.2 – 0.3 hectares per thousand population. This figure refers to the activity zone and therefore does not include any buffer zone, if one is required.
4.57 These standards have been criticised for a number of reasons, including being difficult to apply in every locality, and for not taking into account informal areas for play, including the wider environment. The main concern is that the NPFA have used a standard population density of 62, 4 – 14 year olds per hectare. Clearly, this standard can not be applied everywhere, and developers may, justifiably, argue that lower provision should be provided in lower density housing.
4.58 However, as no alternative exists, and for ease of calculation, the NPFA standards have been applied to classify the existing provision of play areas as detailed below, and give an indication of any surplus/deficit.
4.59 A total of 105 play areas were identified and audited in the District. In many cases there were two, or sometimes three, individual play areas on the same site, and where this was the case they tended to be on a larger area of open space. Table 4.9 shows the number of LAP’s, LEAP’s and NEAP’s in the District. These figures do not include any indoor provision available.
42 Table 4.9: Current Play Area Provision.
Play Area Type No. of Sites LAP’s 19 LEAP’s 69 NEAP’s 17 Total area 7.2 hectares
4.60 Given this provision, and the population of the District aged 14 years and less (25,189), application of the NPFA standards gives a current provision of 0.28ha/000, well within the standards. However, accessibility to play areas is discussed in 4.76.
4.61 However, there is considerable difference in provision between the different types of play area.
4.62 However, as already mentioned the NPFA standards do not take into account the size of gardens in housing development, the wider environment and network of open space, and their value for play. Children are more likely to ‘roam’ around their locality using the streets, alleys, roads and open space, than be confined to a designated area, such as an equipped play area. Children are more likely to be stimulated and will develop more quickly as a result. Research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation recommends:
“There is a need to change our way of thinking. Our aim should be to provide a safe and interesting environment for play, not just a safe place to play. Children’s needs for safe access to a diverse outdoor environment on the front street and opportunities for extending their free range mobility along the footpath network and traffic calmed roads, need to be incorporated in the design and management process.”
4.63 So, whilst the provision of LAP’s, LEAP’s and NEAP’s are relevant and offer opportunities for play, they should not be the sole provision, rather form part of a ‘web’ comprising:
43 • A network of footpaths, walkways and cycle routes linking residential areas and schools, shops etc.;
• A network of open space including equipped play areas, flat grassed areas for ball games, places for teenagers to ‘hang out’ and ‘natural’ areas, linked by the footpath network;
• Traffic calming measures to reduce car speeds to 10 mph.
4.64 Generally traffic calming measures have consisted of measures such as speed tables and pinch points, however evidence indicates that motorists tend to speed up again between these measures. A more radical approach would be needed, such as the removal of signs and road markings, and the lowering of kerbs, so that the motorist has to reduce speed to enable them to negotiate the road more safely. This ‘reclaiming’ of the streets is used widely in Holland with much success. However, this approach needs a strategic re- think of urban design in developments.
4.65 Whilst it would appear that North Wiltshire is adequately provided for in terms of play areas, the accessibility to those areas is not uniform. This information is shown clearly on the District maps.
Sites with a Wildlife Interest
4.66 During the survey many sites were identified as being of biological interest and work should be done to ensure that this biological interest is maintained and enhanced to increase biodiversity. Some sites may also have the potential to be designated as Local Nature Reserves under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Table 4.10 lists these sites.
4.67 Work should be undertaken to progress designation of some, if not all, of these sites in the near future, based on English Nature guidelines. If the Accessible Natural Green Space standards were to be applied, then 125 hectares of LNR would be needed in the District. Even if all of these sites were designated it is unlikely that this standard would be reached.
44 Table 4.10: Potential Local Nature Reserves Site Name Community Area Mortimores Wood Chippenham Corston Pond Malmesbury Conygre Mead Malmesbury Box Common Corsham Castle Park Calne Ashton Keynes Millennium Green Wootton Bassett Jubilee Lake Wootton Bassett
Other Sites
4.68 As previously mentioned, there will be some sites not included in this Survey for a variety of reasons. There are sites which are either included in the current Local Plan or, those where representations have been made during the new Local Plan process. These areas are those that are not currently Public Open Space (POS), but it is thought that either they will do so in the near future, or should be protected because they have the potential to enlarge existing sites or become POS in their own right. These sites are listed in Table 4.11 below.
Table 4.11: Other Sites
Site Community Area Fields adjacent to Jubilee Lake Wootton Bassett Beversbrook Calne Fields adjacent to Mortimores Wood Chippenham Fields beyond Castle Park Calne Land at Park Road Malmesbury Bell Field, Luckington Malmesbury
45 Accessibility
4.69 Accessibility refers primarily to the location of facilities in relation to the population that wishes to use them, but it should also take into account issues pertaining to equal opportunities. This is more the case with the imminent application of the Disability Discrimination Act. Therefore, the design of facilities should allow for use by all, regardless of their ability.
4.70 Throughout this Survey different catchments have been adopted for different types of open space. These are based on distances that it is thought that pedestrians will walk to access the facility, and are summarised in Table 4.12. These figures should be taken as a guide, as walking distances will vary greatly, and in the case of the larger Parks people will undoubtedly drive, thus greatly increasing the threshold. These distances have been plotted on the District Maps as buffer zones and form the basis for identifying areas of deficiency or surplus of open space.
Table 4.12: Pedestrian Catchments
Open Space Type Pedestrian Catchment District Park 2.2km Community Park 700 metres Local Park 280 metres LAP 60 metres* LEAP 240 metres* NEAP 600 metres*
* Distances suggested by NPFA
4.71 In general, the larger the settlement the better range of facilities there will be in that settlement. Therefore, it would not be sensible to suggest that every settlement should have access to the full range of facilities. For example, District Parks (DP’s) should perhaps be available in only the largest settlements, say with a population above 5,000. This would mean that the towns of Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Wootton Bassett and Lyneham should all have District Parks. Currently, of these, only Chippenham and
46 Wootton Bassett do so. Calne has a potential DP in Castlefields, which if plans come to fruition would easily meet the criteria required. Lyneham has two CP’s, one of which could be upgraded to a DP, however, this would require significant investment, which may be difficult to source. Whilst Malmesbury is of a size that does not warrant a DP, it does in fact have one. All residents in a settlement with a DP should be able to access it. This only becomes an issue in Chippenham where parts of Pewsham and Cepen Park South do not fall within the catchment.
4.72 If a District Park is to serve a settlement with a population over 5,000, then a Community Park should serve settlements with populations over 2,000. This would include Box, Calne, Chippenham, Colerne, Corsham, Cricklade, Lyneham, Malmesbury and Wootton Bassett. There are CP’s in all of these except Colerne, Lyneham and Malmesbury. There are serious shortfalls of POS in Colerne and Malmesbury and it would be difficult to see how provision could be improved in these settlements. Lyneham has two LP’s, one of which could easily be upgraded. There are also CP’s in Kington St Michael and Ashton Keynes. If all residents in these settlements should have access to a CP, then there are also serious shortfalls in Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Wootton Bassett where more CP’s would be required. However, it may be that the other levels of Park do provide a substitute for the lack of CP’s, this would certainly alleviate the problem in Calne, Chippenham and Wootton Bassett.
4.73 Local Parks are the smallest level of park and it they are also likely to be the most widely used. There are more of them and consequently they should provide POS for the smaller settlements. It is proposed, therefore, that settlements with a population reaching 200 should have access to a Local Park. Settlements below this threshold may have an Open Space that has not reached the standard to be a Park, or a churchyard, which may also function as POS.
4.74 Given the threshold figure of 200, the following list gives areas where there are no Local Park’s:
• Ashton Keynes • Grittloton
47 • Hullavington • The Somerfords • Box • Kingston St Michael • Derry Hill • Cherhill.
4.75 There are also areas where there are LP’s but more are required to give full accessibility, these are:
• Oaksey • Cricklade • Malmesbury • Purton • Lyddiard Millicent • Wootton Bassett • Colerne • Yatton Keynall • Corsham • Kington St Michael • Chippenham • Calne • Lyneham.
4.76 It is shown above that there is a significant deficiency of POS within the District. As different spaces serve different purposes it is best to provide the full range of Parks in each locality however, deficiencies of one type of Park can be mitigated for by provision of another type where there is little chance of providing alternatives. With this in mind, the following list details the areas where the deficiencies of POS are most acute:
• Cricklade • Lyddiard Millicent • Lyneham • Corsham and Rudloe • Colerne
48 • Malmesbury.
4.77 Whilst the provision of play areas meets the NPFA standards in terms of play areas/000 population, looking at the threshold distances gives a very different picture with a massive shortfall. It is unlikely to be possible to remedy this situation without huge investment, however this gives the earlier comments on the creation of ‘networks’ for play more significance.
Carrying Capacity
4.78 Whilst the District Maps show accessibility to sites there is no way of knowing how many people use the sites and whether the carrying capacity has been reached. The main factors affecting this will be the location of the site and the density of the housing that it serves i.e. the denser the housing, the higher the population, and therefore the more potential users there will be. If a site is reaching its carrying capacity then it may be damaged (both in terms of its infrastructure and its ecological interest) and people’s enjoyment of it will be diminished. If this is the case then further provision may be needed.
49 5. QUALITY OF SUPPLY
Introduction
5.1 It is recognised that whilst it is relatively easy to provide adequate quantity of open space, if that open space is of a poor quality due to inappropriate management or lack of facilities, then it will not be used. This can effectively lead to a deficiency of provision as people stay away from certain open spaces.
5.2 PPG17 states that as well as assessing the quantity of provision an assessment of the quality of that provision must also be made. Whilst Section 4 has dealt with the quantity of open space provision, this Section deals with the quality of that provision, and the methodology used to assess that quality.
Methodology
5.3 During the audit stage each site was assessed as to its quality. Each type of site was given different characteristics upon which it was judged, for example allotments had different criteria to amenity green space. More information is given in Appendix 3 – Audit Sheets. Each judgement criteria was then given a possible score with guidelines as to what the score should represent – Appendix 5 gives the complete scoring list.
5.4 Upon completion of the audits the scores for each site were converted into a percentage and then given a ranking based on the system shown in Table 5.1, so that each site was given a rating of poor, fair, good, or excellent.
Table 5.1: Scoring system
Rank Percentage Poor 0 – 24% Fair 25 – 49% Good 50 – 74% Excellent 75 – 100%
50 5.5 Where a site is made up of several components, for example natural areas and sports fields, then the individual scores have been amalgamated, and an average determined. This obviously has inherent problems, but is thought to be the simplest way to achieve an overall score.
Hierarchical Sites
5.6 The following paragraphs deal with the hierarchical sites – the facilities and characteristics of the sites – and then discusses each category of Park in turn.
5.7 Appendix 9 lists the facilities found at the higher level of sites (District Parks, Community Parks and Local Parks). The list is not exhaustive but intended to give a picture of the main facilities at sites so that comparisons can be made between sites, and between different levels in the Hierarchy.
5.8 Appendix 10 gives the landscape characteristics of the DP’s and the CP’s only, as most of the LP’s are small areas without much diversity in terms of the landscape setting. This gives an indication as to the range of habitats and natural features at each site.
District Parks
5.9 Common facilities to all the DP’s are toilets (although see comments in Appendix), play areas, paths, seating, sports pitches and bins and/or dog bins, which give a good indication as to the minimum standard. Two of the DP’s have pavilions associated with sports facilities, which St Aldhelms Mead does not provide. John Coles Park is the only DP that does not have a natural area, but does have many trees, which go someway to giving a natural feel. John Coles is the only DP that has a performance space – the bandstand - and sports courts (bowls and tennis), which are provided at other sites within the other settlements with DP’s. None of the DP’s have designated cycle paths, and in the case of John Coles, cycling is prohibited. St Aldhelms Mead does not have a car park, where as the other two sites do. None of the DP’s have a café, although John Coles Park has a seasonal refreshment stall.
51 5.10 Jubilee Lake is the site with the most diverse landscape character with a good range of habitats including ancient woodland, the Thunder Brook, and the lake itself. The site is also on the edge of the town in a very attractive setting with adjacent meadows, which could, in future be brought into the site. This makes it a very rich site in terms of the nature conservation interest, and the inclusion of the site on the list of potential Local Nature Reserves reflects this.
5.11 John Coles has less of a range of features due to its more formal design but still manages to maintain a relaxed atmosphere with nature in evidence.
5.12 St Aldhelm, whilst less formal than John Coles, does not have such a broad range of features as Jubilee Lake, and probably has too much grassland of the same type – a bit more diversity would be beneficial.
5.13 In terms of the quality of District Parks there is quite a variation in ranks as illustrated in Appendix 12.
5.14 John Coles Park is the best quality Park, which is reflected in the range of facilities available and the management of those facilities. Whilst Jubilee Lake has a good range of facilities, the management of the site does need improvement. St Aldhelms is the worst DP in terms of its quality. This is in part due to the smaller site of the site, and therefore the facilities available, but it is felt that much more could be made of this site.
5.15 None of the DP’s provide the full range of facilities, with toilet facilities, cafes, lighting, and cycle routes being particular issues. There is no public art in any of the Parks and this may be due to this being a low priority or the perceived risk of vandalism.
Community Parks
5.16 Appendix 12 shows the quality of the nine Community Parks.
5.17 There is generally an even split in quality with five of the sites being of fair quality and the other four being of good quality. There are no poor or excellent CP’s. Again the ‘good’ sites tend to have more facilities than the ‘fair’ ones.
52 5.18 Common areas for improvement in the Community Parks are:
• Information – The provision of information is a key consideration in the management of open space;
• Vandalism – Whilst the constant repair of facilities is a drain on resources it is essential that this work is undertaken quickly so as to give a clear message;
• Litter/dog mess – Even where bins are provided it seems that this is an issue which needs a real change of attitude among the populace. Some countries have removed dog bins and replaced them with signs intended to shame those responsible for this public health hazard. This has benefits in terms of less time (and cost) spent emptying bins but may not be a successful way forward in this country.
Local Parks
5.19 Appendix 12 also shows the quality of the Local Parks.
5.20 This amounts to 6.8% sites being of poor quality, 50.8% being fair, and 41.4% being good quality. No sites were judged to be of excellent quality.
5.21 Those sites of poor quality tend to have the minimum of facilities and have a general unkempt feel to them, indicating that the management regime could be improved. Some investment would also be welcome.
5.22 Other issues of note are similar to those at other levels of Park, namely litter/dog mess, vandalism, information and access for the disabled.
Priorities
5.23 Table 5.2 represents the high and medium priority list for the Parks i.e. those sites that it would be best to target for improvement. They are prioritised for a number of reasons including their location, size and potential. Those sites not
53 on the list are deemed to be a lower priority, however, if the opportunity arose to improve one of those sites then it should be taken.
Table 5.2: Priorities
Site Priority St Aldhelm Mead High Priority Monkton Park & River Island High Priority Castle Park High Priority Old Court, Wootton Bassett High Priority Long Close, Chippenham High Priority Colerne Recreation Ground High Priority The Batters, Corsham High Priority Reeds Farm High Priority Jubilee Lake Medium Priority Kington St Michael Medium Priority North End, Calne Medium Priority Luckington Playing Field Medium Priority Meriton Avenue, Corsham Medium Priority Cornflower Close, Calne Medium Priority Portal Place, Lyneham Medium Priority Bristol Road (N), Chippenham Medium Priority White Lion Park, Malmesbury Medium Priority
Non-hierarchical Sites
Allotments
5.24 Quality of sites is variable ranging from the new site at Beversbrook in Calne, offering toilet facilities and an equipped kitchen, to most of the smaller sites, which do not even have piped water on site.
5.25 The majority of sites (63%) were judged to be fair, with a further 33% being of good quality. None reached excellent quality, whilst one (Bences Lane in Corsham) was judged to be of poor quality. It is likely that an alternative use
54 will be found for this site in the future as there is only one plot holder utilising it, and there are limited facilities.
5.26 Appendix 12 lists the allotment sites along with their rating.
5.27 The main point that affected sites in terms of quality was one of access for the disabled. Whilst it is recognised that there are historical reasons for access being poor, it is an area that should be addressed with not only access being in need of improvement, but the provision of raised beds should also be sought.
5.28 Another area that needs to be addressed is that of information. Very few sites had information available providing a contact number to enable interested people to ascertain how they obtain a plot.
5.29 Other issues include water supply and making entrances more obvious.
5.30 Whilst there is a deficiency of allotment sites there is currently not enough demand to warrant a further 8.6 hectares of allotment provision. Based on the above evidence, it is apparent that demand-led provision is likely to be the best approach.
Play Areas
5.31 In terms of scoring, 8.7% of play areas were judged to be of poor quality, 38.9% fair, 48.5% good, and 3.9% excellent. Appendix 13 gives the complete list of play areas and their rank.
5.32 The 8.7% of sites judged to be of a poor standard equates to nine sites, these being (along with the issues found):
• Charter Road (baseball area), Chippenham (litter, noise, no disabled access, entrance and boundary issues, no seats and no information);
• Springfield, Corsham (litter, no disabled access, poor grass area, no seating, and poor information);
55 • Pound Close, Lyneham (litter, noise, no disabled access, entrance and boundary issues, poor grass area, poor signage and a poor state of play equipment);
• Loyalty Street, Chippenham (vandalism, litter, no disabled access, entrance and boundary issues, poor grass area, no seats, no signage and bad state of play equipment);
• Pockeridge Road, Corsham (litter, dog fouling, no disabled access, poor entrance, poor grass area, no seats and no information);
• Larkham Road, Chippenham (vandalism, litter, noise, no disabled access, and no information);
• Long Close BMX track, Chippenham (litter, no disabled access, boundary issues);
• Oak Road, Colerne (vandalism, litter, noise, poor entrance, poor signage and poor standard of play equipment);
• Biddestone (dog fouling, poor disabled access, entrance and boundary issues, no seats, no information/signage and poor state of some equipment).
5.33 Disabled access is common to all these sites, although by no means restricted to just these sites. Whilst disabled children may not be able to use the equipment provided in the play areas, it must be highly desirable to give them the choice of being able to gain access to the equipment, so that they would feel included, rather than be excluded.
5.34 Litter is another issue that is common to virtually all of these sites. In some instances this may be due to vandalism of litter bins, but it is more likely that there is a general problem with a disregard for the environment by some.
5.35 Another issue is that of the entrance and boundary to sites. Some play areas do not have boundaries at all, especially where they form part of a larger site, but of those that do there are issues regarding the maintenance. A badly maintained entrance and boundary does not ‘invite’ the site to be used, and it
56 is important that there is a clear boundary to the play area, this is especially the case for the younger age group.
5.36 Lack of information is a common theme needing attention. Information should be provided stating who is responsible for maintenance of the site, along with a contact number, and information regarding the intended user age group.
Summary
5.37 On the whole the quality of all levels of sites is good with very few really poor sites. Those that are poor would not need a great deal of effort to improve their state, but this would need the allocation of resources in terms of finances and staff time.
5.38 Whilst in general it would be best to concentrate on improving the quality of the more strategic sites (the DP’s or CP’s), without knowing the usage levels of all the sites this may direct resources away from sites that could actually provide better recreational opportunities than some of the larger sites. With this in mind it is recommended that surveys are undertaken before any new management proposals are drawn up, so that the users have an input into this management. User Panels could also be a way of improving the management and condition of sites by way of instilling ‘ownership’ within the community.
5.39 Attention should be paid to the priority list for Parks as detailed earlier in this section, and efforts concentrated on the high priority sites as it is felt that improvement to these sites would be of the greatest benefit to the community.
57 6. PROVISION STANDARDS
Introduction
6.1 This section deals with the provision standards recommended as a minimum standard for the following types of open space within the District:
• Allotments; • Play areas; • District Parks; • Community Parks; and, • Local Parks.
It does not include Open Space (as identified and classified in the hierarchy in Section 4), as the creation of new space of this type is not thought to be desirable, as detailed previously in 4.43 (although the existing sites will still need to be maintained). Whilst it does not include cemeteries, as the Council is not responsible for their provision or management, it does include allotments, even though the Council is not responsible for their provision or management. This is because the Council could have a role in terms of provision of allotments space through the planning process.
6.2 The term ‘standards’ refers to both the quantity (and accessibility) and quality of public open space (POS). In the latter case this indicates the range and type of facilities provided at sites.
6.3 Previously the provision of open space has been based on the NPFA 6-acre standard. This essentially calculates that for every 1000 population, only 200 people would need to be catered for and that that would equate to six acres of open space of various types i.e. sports pitches, playground and pavilion. As already discussed in Section 4, it is now thought that this is not the best way to calculate POS provision.
6.4 It is intended that these standards will enable developers to put forward proposals at an early stage of development that will be acceptable to the Council, and meet the needs of both the existing local community, and the new community created by the new development. It covers the provision of
58 open space in new developments, and the loss of existing open space due to development.
Hierarchical Sites
6.5 Section 4 details the minimum size and catchment areas for the different levels of Park. Whilst Section 5 details the quality of the existing provision, this can also be used as a basis for the standards set for new provision.
6.6 In general, a site can have two levels of characteristic, the man-made facilities and the natural landscape features. Each site can have a range of these characteristics, the combination of which determine the nature of that site from those with little interest to those which hold a range of interests for users. Table 6.1 lists the range of facilities that could be expected to be found at sites, whilst Table 6.2 lists the potential natural features.
Table 6.1: Facilities Expected at Sites
Facility District Community Local Park Park Park Toilets1 AB C Café B C C Lighting2 AA A Litter bins & dog bins A A A Car Parking A B C Nature Trails B C C Paths3 AA A Cycle paths3 AA A Picnic area/seating A A A Sports pitches* B B B Sports courts A B B Play area A (NEAP) A (LEAP) A (LEAP/LAP) Performance space B B C Shelter B B C A – Highly desirable; B – Desirable; C – Considered not to be essential at these sites
59 1 These should be fully accessible. 2 Where appropriate. 3 With links in and out of the site. * If needed
Table 6.2: Natural Features of Sites
Feature District Community Local Park Park Park Standing water A B C Running water A B C Woodland A B C Hedgerow A B C Specimen trees A B B Formal planting A A B Informal grassland A A B Recreation grassland A A A Rough grassland B B C
A – Highly desirable; B – Desirable; C – Considered not to be essential at these sites
6.7 The above tables provide a ‘shopping list’ and should not be taken as a definitive list. It is important to appreciate that there may be some conflicts between some of the features if they were all provided, this is particularly the case in relation to nature conservation where sensitive habitats are likely to require segregation from noisier (or lit) areas. So, sites should be considered individually, taking into account the following:
• Existing provision in the locality (to ensure that a range of facilities are provided rather than repetition);
• Area and topography;
• Layout and equipment;
• Biodiversity;
60 • Landscaping and facilities;
• Future maintenance; and,
• Safety and social responsibility.
6.8 Good design will encourage use and ownership by the local community and therefore recent good practice should be used, as well as recognising local distinctiveness.
Non-hierarchical Sites
Play Areas
6.9 The provision of children’s play areas should be based on information provided by NPFA and RoSPA, as detailed below in 6.10 and 6.11, and developers should refer to these organisations for guidance on the creation of new facilities.
6.10 It is proposed that the NPFA typology is adhered to (LAP, LEAP and NEAP).
6.11 The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has produced ‘The Children’s Playground – A Basic Guide’, which gives information on the process for creating a new play area, covering issues such as design and siting, safety and management.
Allotments
6.12 Where a development would require the provision of new POS, but existing facilities are adequate to meet this new demand, then the possibility of creating new allotment plots should be considered if there is a demand for these.
6.13 In any provision of new facilities, or improvement of existing facilities, the following standards should be aimed for:
61 • Soil should be of good agricultural quality, with a sufficient depth of top soil and should be free from toxins, rubble or other material that would be detrimental to the production of food, or not allow digging with reasonable effort;
• Inadequately drained soil should be improved with the installation of a suitable underground drainage system;
• A piped water supply should be provided, and a rainwater collection system should be considered to minimise the use of the water resource. Water butts would suffice although a tank system would be preferable;
• Access roads should be provided on larger sites which are sufficient to allow bulk deliveries;
• The site should be accessible by all users and some raised beds should be provided for use by the disabled;
• The site should be located and secured so as to minimise any vandalism;
• Toilet facilities should be provided (unless facilities are near-by) and a ‘club-house’ should be considered to allow tenants to meet and make refreshments, as well as offering storage.
Development Guidance
Public Open Space on New Developments
6.14 Policy CF3 of Section 12 (Community Facilities Topic Area) of the North Wiltshire Local Plan 2011 refers to open space provision. It states that:
• Proposals for new housing development will be required to make provision for open space on site, to provide 15m² for Local Parks and 3m² for play areas per person.
• The Council will accept in the appropriate circumstances, financial payments from developers for provision of open space according to the following order of preference:
62 i) Provision of open space elsewhere which is appropriately located in relation to the development;
ii) Contributions towards the upgrading of existing nearby open spaces.
• Development will be required to make contributions to remedy local deficiencies in the quantity and/or quality of open space and the future maintenance of open space provided to meet needs arising from the new development.
• All residential developments regardless of scale have the potential to contribute to the increased need generated to improve existing open spaces or provide new open spaces. The preference will be to provide new open space provision on site. However, this may not be practical for minor residential development proposals (ten dwellings or less). For these minor residential proposals, the use of a financial contribution would normally be considered appropriate.
6.15 The first stage then must be to decide if a new facility is required. This will depend largely on the size of the proposed development and the impact that this will have upon the surrounding communities and facilities.
6.16 Given that the minimum size of a Local Park is 0.2 hectares many developments are likely to be of too small a scale to warrant the creation of on-site POS and an appropriate financial contribution for off-site POS, or the up-grading of near by facilities, would therefore be required. The exception to this is likely to be play areas where a LAP or LEAP may be required on-site. For larger sites, this Authority will be willing to consider off-site contributions as an alternative to on-site provision.
6.17 Developers should be encouraged to engage Council Officers at an early stage of proposals to discuss open space provision as based on the provision standards. This will enable Officers to see how the proposals fit into the existing infrastructure, what provision would be needed, and of what type. It would also provide an opportunity to see whether with improved links, existing open space provision would be better improved, rather than new facilities created.
6.18 Integration of any new developments into its surrounding environs is a key principle that should be pursued. Thus, a network of open space is created, linked by pedestrian and cycle links, as well as green corridors, rather than isolated housing and open space.
63 6.19 There will not always be a requirement that developers should provide new POS. A number of factors will determine this, including the type of development and the existing provision. Figure 6.1 illustrates the process in deciding whether POS is required from a development.
6.20 With regard to Figure 6.1 the following gives more detail on the individual steps to be taken in deciding the POS provision.
Step 1 – Will the Development Create Demand for POS? Table 6.3 below outlines the dwelling types that would create demand for POS. This applies only where a net gain of dwelling space is created.
Table 6.3: POS Requirement by Dwelling Type
Open Space type Park Play Area
Dwelling Type Open market new build 99 Conversions 99 One bedroom dwellings 9 8 Affordable housing ?? Nursing/residential homes 9 8 Permanent mobile homes 99 Temporary accommodation 88
9 - POS required ? – Whilst affordable housing will create demand for POS the current situation in terms of funding the build of these dwellings may well take precedence over the funding of new POS. However, each case should be scrutinised individually. 8 - POS not required
64 Step 2 – After development will there be sufficient quantity of POS to meet demands of existing and new residents? Even with the creation of new dwellings (and the demand for POS) it may be that in the development locality, there is sufficient POS to cater for this demand. The District Maps* will be used to determine if there is a deficit or surplus. In the case of a surplus there would not be the need to create new POS, and so a contribution will be sought to improve the existing facilities.
* It should be noted that the District Maps are for internal Council use and not to be made generally available to the public. Requests for maps will be considered for specific development proposals.
Step 3 – Does the existing POS provision meet the desired quality? If the new development does not require the creation of new POS then a contribution will be sought to improve existing near-by facilities. No maximum distance from the development has been set as each case should be judged individually. This is to allow for improvements in areas where there is a severe shortage of quality POS. It would also be permissible for contributions to be used to improve access to existing sites by the creation of walking and cycling routes.
Step 4 – Decide POS requirement and whether on-site or off-site. Analysis of the catchments for Local Parks and play areas indicates that the current provision equates to, on average, approximately 15m2 and 3m2 per person respectively, based on the number of dwellings and estimated occupancy rates, within the catchment areas. It is proposed to use this for the basis of calculating POS provision for both off-site and on-site provision. It is also to be used for calculating the financial contribution for the upgrading of near-by facilities. Table 6.4 summarises the requirements by dwelling type.
65 Figure 6.1: Process for Deciding POS Provision on New Developments
1. Will the development create demand for POS? (Net increase in dwellings) (see Table 6.3)
Yes No
2. After development will there Yes be sufficient quantity of POS to meet demands of existing and new residents? No
3. Does the existing POS 4. provision meet the desired Decide POS requirement quality? and whether on-site or off- site (could be both)
Yes Off- On- site site No 5. Is current allotment provision adequate (both quantity and quality), 6. 7. Developer Developer to required to design and build No contribute to up- POS in grading of near- consultation with by provision Council Yes
8. Developer contribution required 9. for the provision of Contribution towards allotment (if there is a management of local POS need) sought
66 Calculations are based on the number of each different type of dwelling and multiplying this figure by the area per person, to give a total POS provision for the development. This will give a total area of POS, the size of which will determine what type of Park will be required. If the POS size does not meet the minimum for a Local Park then a financial contribution will be sought for improving nearby facilities (see Step 6). On smaller developments the whole POS provision may be used to provide a play facility if there is a deficiency in the area. As well as the land provision the developer will also be required to provide the infrastructure for the appropriate Park or play area. If it is decided to create a new POS off-site then land acquisition costs will also need to be taken into account.
Table 6.4: Amount of POS per Dwelling Type (15 m No. of Residents* (3 m Size of Dwelling Total Area (M Play Area 2 2 per person) per person) POS 2 )
I bed 2 adults 2 x 15 nil 30 x A = B 2bed 2 adults + I child 3 x 15 1 x 3 48 x A = C 3 bed 2 Adults + 2 child 4 x 15 2 x 3 66 x A = D 4+ bed 2 Adults + 3 child 5 x 15 3 x 3 84 x A = E Total POS requirement B+C+D+E
Where A is the number of units. *Assumes maximum occupancy rates
Step 5 – Consider allotment provision otherwise no developer contribution to POS required. In the event that no contribution is required for either more POS provision, or improvement to existing provision, then a contribution should be considered for improving the provision of allotments. Again, this could be the creation of new plots or improvements to existing plots.
67 Step 6 – Developer required to contribute to up-grading of near-by provision. If through step 3 and step 4 it is decided that existing facilities are in need of upgrading, then a contribution will be sought from the developer to allow this to happen. The contribution will be based upon the number of dwellings (as in Step 4 above), and the cost of improved infrastructure (not exceeding the cost if facilities were provided on-site), and will be paid to the Council who will seek to undertake the work at an appropriate time.
Step 7 – Developer to design and build POS in consultation with Council. If it is decided that POS is required on-site then it will be the developer’s responsibility to design, plan and create the new facility, after consultation with the Council, and based on the standards set out in this document.
Step 8 – Developer contribution required for the provision of allotment. If step five indicates that there is a deficiency in either the quantity or quality of allotment provision, and there is a proven need for more plots, then a contribution should be sought to remedy this situation. The contribution will again be based on the number of dwellings in the development.
Step 9 – Contribution towards management of local POS sought The residents of a new development will create a ‘footprint’ on the existing POS, whatever the provision. Even if there is no deficiency of POS in terms of either the quantity or quality, the increased usage of existing POS will have an impact on the management of that POS, and therefore the costs incurred for that management. It is proposed, therefore, that a proportion of the costs that would be generated from the development for POS, be levied for the management of open space in the locality. This proportion is not to exceed fifty per cent of the POS costs as generated by the methods detailed.
Development on Existing Open Space
6.21 Policy CF2 of the Local Plan 2011 states that:
Proposals for the redevelopment, replacement or improvement of existing leisure facilities or open spaces, will be permitted provided that:
i. The replacement or improved facilities will be at least equivalent in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility, and there will be no
68 reduction in the overall capacity of leisure facilities and/or open spaces in the area of the development to accommodate demand; or
ii) The Council accepts that the loss of the existing facility or open space would not result in a deficiency, in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility, either now or in the foreseeable futur,e and a clear environmental justification can be made for an alternative use; or
iii) The proposed development is for outdoor or indoor leisure facilities that will be of sufficient benefit to the community to outweigh the loss of the existing facility or open space; or
iv) Development proposals will improve facilities ancillary to its use.
6.22 This Study will help in determining decisions affecting development on existing POS. A process for achieving this is suggested in Figure 6.2. Reference needs to be made to the earlier sections of this Survey to establish if there is a surplus or deficit in the proposed development area. The value of the POS also needs to be determined and this should take into account the quality of the space and the views of local people. A survey, (along the lines of the Quality of Life Capital approach) to determine this latter aspect should be undertaken by the developer. If the development is to go ahead, contributions would be sought as in Figure 6.1.
6.23 It may also be possible, in certain situations, for developers to offer a land ‘exchange’, whereby a new piece of land is offered for open space, to replace the open space developed. This may be a suitable solution in certain instances, but may also exacerbate deficiencies of provision, and so should be taken on a case by case basis. It should be noted that an existing open space may have a wildlife value which would be difficult to replicate in any new provision, and this should be taken into account when any development proposals are put forward.
6.24 If the proposed development affects playing pitches, then Sport England guidelines should be taken into account.
69 Figure 6.2: Development on Existing POS
Determine if there is a POS deficit or surplus in development area (refer to District Maps)
Surplus Deficit
Determine value (quality and usage) of POS (developer to conduct survey to establish current usage levels and patterns, and resident’s perceptions of POS)
Low value High Value Low Value High Value
Development Development Development Development permitted should be permitted with not allowed resisted contribution to upgrade near- by facility
Payments for Off-site Contributions
6.25 Payments made to the Council for off-site contributions to POS will be held in an appropriate account by the Council until the time that it is required for the off-site development improvements to be implemented. The payment is calculated based on a “profit based” assumption. It will be expected that each associated planning application will be the subject of an appropriate Planning Agreement to set out a reasonable programme in each instance as well as the contribution amount.
70 6.26 The calculation of what is an appropriate contribution is based upon the principle that it would not be reasonable to expect a sum of money to the extent that it rendered the residential development (of that part of the site no longer required for on-site POS) financially unviable. There are three main assumptions:
• That normally a profit of at least 20% is sought by developers on the value of the residential development;
• The average house price in North Wiltshire is £231,148 (source: Land Registry 2006 3rd quarter, figures dated 17/11/2006);
• That landowners can expect a reduction in land value for the notional POS to the extent of the cost of the off-site contribution.
6.27 In addition, it should be noted that in these circumstances, the provision of a commuted sum for maintenance would not be required and therefore at present represents an incentive for off-site contributions. Also as an incentive to off-site provision, in cases where it is determined that the site is too small to provide for an effective Public Open Space on site, a discount of 50% on the “profit based assumption” will be made. The assumptions set out above and the discount will be reviewed annually, beginning 1st April 2005.
6.28 Worked examples of the above methodology are shown in Appendix 14, but it should be noted that these are for illustration only. They are intended to illustrate to developers the general principles being applied, and any sums calculated will be on a site by site basis, to allow for the individual design of sites.
Adoption of POS and Commuted Sums
6.29 Adoption of new POS will only take place if the Council is satisfied that the space has been designed and built to the agreed specification, and the agreed commuted sum is paid to the Council before adoption.
6.30 Commuted sums paid for the maintenance of new POS are incremented on an annual basis and therefore the exact figures would need to be calculated
71 prior to adoption. Some of the typical costs are shown in Table 6.4. All figures will be subject to annual inflation costs of 5% per annum until adoption takes place. A multiplier of 20 (except in the case of play areas) will be used to obtain the total contribution.
Table 6.5: POS Maintenance Costs Per Annum
Feature Cost Grass £ 0.55 per square metre Shrub & Wooded Areas £1.62 per square metre Hedgerows £1.90 per linear metre Fencing £5.00 per linear metre Ditches £1.46 per linear metre Pathways/cycleways * £3.33 per linear metre Furniture (e.g. seats & cycle racks) £ 44.40 per item Play areas One off payment equal to the play area equipment and installation costs
*Generally to be adopted by WCC.
6.31 In line with Council policy it is the intention to devolve play areas to town and parish councils, therefore, any commuted sums will also be transferred to these bodies. It may be more appropriate that the play area (and commuted sum) is transferred directly from the developer to the relevant town or parish council. The management of play areas should be agreed in any Section 106 agreement.
6.32 Some types of open space may require management by a third party, for example wildlife areas. In these cases agreement should be made prior to a Section 106 agreement and the commuted sums should be passed to the relevant organisation upon completion of the works.
6.33 The above figures also apply to on-site landscaping, if applicable.
72 7. RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
7.1 In the previous sections we have looked at the current situation regarding the quantity and quality of POS. We have established a hierarchy and classified open space within this, and we have set provision standards against which existing POS can be judged, but that will also offer guidance to developers proposing new housing developments for which either on-site or off-site POS would be required
7.2 This Section will draw together the work of the previous Sections, and suggest the ways in which the POS of the District should be managed. It is intended that this will safeguard the POS resource, and improve upon it, so that in, and for the future, the District has a network of quality, accessible, public open space that meets the desires of the users.
7.3 Whilst this Study has been undertaken by the District Council, it is hoped that a partnership approach will prevail between all the Local Authorities in North Wiltshire, statutory agencies, voluntary organisations and the community as a whole. Those that have the most responsibility to ensure progress are the land owners – the District and Town and Parish Council’s.
General Principles
7.4 Those sites that have been designated as Open Space do not fit into the hierarchy for the reasons stated earlier, however they are an asset and still need to be managed. Some of the sites could, and perhaps should, be utilised in other ways, for example low cost housing. The Small Sites Project (a Council led project looking at alternative uses for small pockets of land, including POS, owned by the Council) is looking into this very issue. This Study should be used to identify those sites that have less value as POS, and those that potentially could be upgraded to Park status, or, just left as they are for their amenity value. If a site is sold off for development then the process outlined in Section 6 should be applied, and the income raised
73 should go to improve other POS near-by. However, proceeds may be needed for the provision of the low cost housing itself, and each case should be taken individually.
7.5 As well as alternative uses for Open Space, the management of some of these sites could be changed so as to be less resource intensive. Where suitable, management could be more nature conservation orientated with the creation of a more diverse range of habitats. For example, instead of cutting grass many times (and leaving the arisings on site which can give a negative message) throughout the season, the management regime could be changed so encourage the creation of a flower rich meadow. Likewise, there may be areas that could be planted with trees to create mini woodlands. These ideas would need different machinery to enable them (and a different mindset), as well as different expertise, but the affects may be considerable, both in terms of creating a more wildlife friendly environment, and also a ‘richer’ place to live.
7.6 This Study has not identified any user patterns of individual sites, and so it is difficult to recommend management principles for specific sites. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that the opinions of those likely to be affected by any changes to an area of POS are sought as part of the management process, and those opinions are sought before any changes take place. Surveys (both to find user patterns and levels, and opinions) are likely to be a valuable tool in the management of the Parks.
7.7 If an increase in the quality of POS is to be achieved then closer links between Council Departments will be required. This includes Cleansing and Amenities, Urban Design, Countryside and Community Facilities, Rural and Urban Regeneration, and Planning Services. It is proposed that a POS ‘Board’ be created from across these Teams that will be able to take provision and management of POS forward. It also needs to be addressed at Member level, and a popular idea is that of a ‘champion’ - someone to push the POS agenda forward.
7.8 The design of POS is a critical aspect of provision. Whether it be a new site, or improvements to an existing site, the design is, perhaps, the key aspect of ensuring that a site meets the desires of its users (providing a stimulating and
74 rewarding experience), doesn’t attract anti-social behaviour, and ensures that management does not become a costly burden in future years. Whilst the Study has suggested features that should be included at the different levels of Park, this does not constitute comprehensive guidance for design of POS. It is, therefore recommended that a design ‘guide’ should be compiled, that will offer advice to developers and managers alike. In the design of sites, thought should be given to maintaining local distinctiveness and character, for example, by using local materials. It may also be possible to involve the local community in the design of the site.
7.9 Having designed a quality Park, that Park now has to be managed. The best way to ensure this is done effectively is through a management plan, which will cover all aspects of the site, whether this be a wildlife area, a play area or, a playing pitch. Whilst the Council has management schedules for sites that tells the manager when to cut the grass etc., this does not pass for a management plan, which should be in much more detail. Certainly the DP’s and CP’s should have management plans. Jubilee Lake in Wootton Bassett has recently had a Plan written for it by the Cotswold Water Park Society. Whilst this is predominantly a nature conservation document, it does have sections regarding other issues such as recreation, however, it does not include the sports pitches into the overall site. Any plan written for a site must consider the whole site.
7.10 To ensure that the community have a say in the management of their Parks, and to be inclusive, User Panels should be established for the major Parks. The role of these should be to allow users (both local and perhaps those from further afield who may have an interest) of the site to have an input into their management, after all it is these people who use them, and their local knowledge could be invaluable. It may be that Panels are only needed when change is considered, or, perhaps just meet twice a year once the changes have been implemented.
7.11 Where new open space is to be created, thought should be given to the creation of ‘alternative’ open space, where this is suitable. For example, a new woodland could be created instead of the traditional grassed area with a few trees and shrubs. This could be especially the case where the site in question is next to an existing woodland. This would not only contribute
75 towards increasing the tree cover of the District, but also increase the biodiversity of the District. If this option were to be pursued then ownership should, perhaps, be transferred to a specialist organisation such as the Woodland Trust or the Wildlife Trust.
Improving Park Provision
7.12 As identified in Section 4 (4.75), there are areas where there is a deficit of accessible POS i.e. either no Parks of any category, or not enough Parks for the population levels. These then are the areas where new provision should be provided and are the priority areas.
7.13 Likewise, Section 5 (5.23) details the priority areas for improving the quality of existing Parks.
7.14 Whilst the provision of new POS, and significant improvements to existing POS, would require considerable capital costs to achieve, smaller improvements arising from changes in the management may be achievable in the shorter term. It may take some time to realise a POS improvement ‘fund’ generated by the policies suggested in this Study.
Allotments
7.15 Given the deficiency of allotment provision and the growing demand for plots, protection should be afforded to the existing provision as identified on the District Maps. Development should only be allowed if the site is surplus to requirement, following consultation with plot holders and the local community. It would be permissible to develop an existing site if plot holders are in agreement, and an alternative site is provided nearby with an improvement of facilities. The standards as set out in Section 6 should be adhered to.
7.16 Where appropriate, planning gain should be used to provide new facilities where there is a proven need, or improve the facilities on an existing site. Again more detail is given in Section 6.
76 7.17 Given the benefits associated with allotment gardening, the activity should be promoted. Along with the Town and Parish Councils, the District Council should promote plot holding and pursue the minimum standards as set out in 6.13.
7.18 Investigation should be undertaken to identify which, if any, allotment sites are classified as statutory sites. A decision should then be made to consider designating those that are not currently statutory sites. This will ensure that allotments have a higher level of protection.
Play Areas
7.19 In June 2001 Council resolved that play areas should be devolved to town and parish council’s as it was felt that they were the best placed organisations to carry out the management of these facilities. It is unlikely that the Councils would take on any play areas that are not up to standard, and therefore all play areas should be brought up to standard (safety etc. before transfer takes place.
7.20 In some locations a play areas may require considerable investment to bring it up to the required standard. In these circumstances it may be worth investigating whether a play area is needed in this location at all, so as to reduce costs on a facility that is no longer needed.
7.21 Whenever a play area is to be removed (for what ever reason) consultation should be undertaken with the community to establish the usage level and aspirations, and whether an alternative facility would be better in the specific location.
7.22 In light of the Disability Discrimination Act, work should be undertaken to establish how play areas can become more inclusive areas of play. Play areas in the higher levels of Parks (District and Community Parks) should be made fully accessible for play. The DP’s should be targeted first as these are also likely to have the ancillary services needed, such as parking and toilet
77 facilities (assuming that these are fully accessible too). However, there may be more appropriate sites and perhaps a separate DDA compatible audit of play areas should be undertaken.
7.23 In new developments, ‘Home Zones’ should be built into the design to encourage ‘child friendly’ streets. This, linked to a green network, will increase the opportunities for play and may reduce the need for fully equipped play areas that, perhaps, cater for just a few.
Updating the Study
7.24 During the course of preparing this Study, it was recognised that there were areas where further work was needed or, where the Study would need to be updated, both on a regular basis, and as planning legislation and policy (or others) change. The following details these areas.
7.25 As stated earlier, some open space would have been omitted unintentionally from the audit. Whilst these would most likely be smaller sites that would hold no strategic value, there may also be some larger sites that do. It is expected that through further consultation these sites will come to light, and that the Study should be altered to reflect this.
7.26 Likewise, as planning approvals are given for new developments that may create new open space, and for those that will cause the loss of open space, then the Study will need to be changed to reflect this. To ensure that this does happen, a mechanism will need to be put in place to enable communication between Planning Services and the Countryside and Community Facilities Team.
7.27 The sites, as mapped on GIS, do not necessarily correspond with the legal boundaries. The Council’s Legal Team are currently undertaking work to map all sites owned by the Council onto the GIS system, and it should be possible to make comparisons with this Study, to check the legal boundaries, and amend any errors.
78 7.28 This Study has not identified a ‘green network’ which could link sites via footpaths and cycle ways (or other smaller sites). Whilst it is recognised that not all sites could be linked in this way, many could. This should be tied-in to giving more thought to footpaths and cycleways in new developments, as well as ensuring developments do not cut-off existing Public Rights of Way.
7.29 The Study has also not mapped habitat types e.g. woodland, scrub etc., present on sites, and this would be a useful addition to help with management. This should be undertaken as part of any plans to improve individual sites. The GIS would be a useful tool in undertaking both this work, and that in 7.8.
7.30 It would be beneficial if this Study, the Playing Pitch Strategy, and any potential work undertaken to audit civic spaces, be combined in one document. This would minimize the number of documents pertaining to open space and, perhaps, allow one contact to avoid confusion for developers or other interested parties trying to obtain information.
7.31 This Study, as Supplementary Planning Guidance, is an important part of the Local Plan, and it was intended that it would be a part of the emerging Local Plan. However, as the new planning legislation comes into force later this year, the Local Plan will be replaced with a Local Development Framework (LDF). It is intended that this Study will also form part of the LDF, as a Supplementary Planning Document.
Monitoring
7.32 It is intended that the policies put forward in this Study will improve the public open space provision in the District. One of the main mechanisms by which it will achieve this is through planning gain. Due to the nature of developments in the District over the coming years i.e. small scale, it is likely that not many new areas of POS will be created (due to the minimum size of Park being 0.2 hectares), but rather Section 106 agreements made so as to contribute to the management of existing provision. Whilst this will improve the existing provision, it may, as time progresses, increase the usage of some sites
79 beyond their carrying capacity so that damage to that site will occur. It may also lead to areas where there is a deficiency of POS. If this is to be avoided, then it is more important that the POS provision is monitored, and policy changed if there is a negative affect. Whilst there will be continual review of the Study as the stock of POS changes, it is also recommended that a more formal review is undertaken on an annual basis.
80 Figure 6.1: Process for Deciding POS Provision on New Developments
Step 1 No developer Will the development create contribution demand for POS? No required (Net increase in dwellings) (see Table 6.3)
After development will there Yes be sufficient quantity of POS to meet demands of existing and new residents?
Yes No
Does the existing POS meet Decide POS requirement the desired quality? and whether on-sit or off-site
Yes No Off- On- site site
Consider allotment Developer Developer to provision otherwise required to design and build no developer contribut to up- POS in contribution to POS grading of near- consultation with required by provision Council Figure 6.2: Development on Existing POS
Determine if there is a POS deficit or surplus in development area (refer to District Maps)
Surplus Deficit
Determine value of POS (developer to conduct survey to establish current usage levels and patterns, and resident’s perceptions of POS)
Low value High Value Low Value High Value
Development Development Development Development permitted should be permitted with resisted resisted contribution to upgrade near- by facility APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY
Accessibility The degree to which a site or facility can easily be reached or used.
Allotment An area of land used for growing produce or keeping a small range of animals such as rabbits.
Amenity Greenspace A general term used to identify any area of open space within settlements, containing areas of greenery such as trees and shrubs, or just grass areas.
Ancient Woodland Areas that have been under continuous tree cover since 1600.
Biodiversity The range of species within a given area.
Buffer Zone A theoretical area placed around a site that can be used to identify, for example, the number of people living within it.
Carrying Capacity The amount of people that a site can cater for, before becoming susceptible to damage by those people.
Catchment Refers to the area surrounding an open space from which users will be drawn.
Civic space Public open space in urban areas tending to comprise of hard landscaping.
Community Park A designated park in the hierarchy, being of a minimum 1 hectare in size and having a certain level of facilities.
Commuted Sum The amount paid by a developer to cover the cost of maintaining a new POS for several years.
Countryside Taken to mean rural areas, or those areas outside of a town, but could also be the rural/urban buffer zone.
District Park A designated park in the hierarchy, being of a minimum 2 hectare in size and having a certain level of facilities.
Facilities The range or equipment or ‘attractions’ present at a site. The more facilitiesthere are then the more popular a site tends to be and the wider the catchment area.
Green Corridor A linear feature usually following a disused railway or a river corridor. Can have wildlife
81 APPENDIX 1 interest, but usually also a high recreational use. Habitat A distinct type of vegetation, for example a woodland or a meadow.
Landscape The natural scenery of an area.
Leisure Enjoyment of one’s free time.
Local Nature Reserve A site designated because it has an array of biological interest, but also community involvement in its management.
Local Park A designated park in the hierarchy, being of a minimum 0.2 hectare in size and having a certain level of facilities. ‘Open Space’ A specific type of open space as identified in the hierarchy.
Open space/public open space A general term to define the majority of areas (POS) where leisure and recreation are undertaken.
People’s Voice The survey used to identify the opinions of people living in Wiltshire.
Planning Gain Refers to the financial contribution required from developers to improve the infrastructure within and around the development area. Stems from Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1990.
Recreation The activity undertaken in one’s leisure time.
Semi-natural A term used to identify the amount of management natural areas have received by humans.
Settlement Any area where people live in clusters of more than one dwelling.
SSSI A Site of Special Scientific Interest. An area identified as having a biological or geological interest and therefore worth statutory protection. From the Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981.
Supplementary Planning Develops a theme of the Local Plan and Guidance offers more detailed policy. Is not statutory and therefore can only be taken as ‘material consideration’.
User Panel A ‘management’ group for an individual open space. Can consist of Local Authority, statutory partners, charities and users, but more emphasis on the users is preferable.
82 APPENDIX 2
SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE CHECKLIST
A. Plan Policies Proposals
Does the document include guidance (as opposed to simply survey Yes information?) Does the document provide guidance, but also other material that can No not reasonably constitute guidance, or which is not relevant to a development plan document? Is the document consistent with national and regional planning Yes guidance? Is the guidance consistent with and clearly cross-referenced to the Yes relevant Local Plan policy, or proposal, which it is intended to supplement? If Yes, which Policies and Proposals? (reference nos. only)
Open Space Provision Policy RLFI
Is the status of the guidance made clear in the document? Yes Does the document’s guidance make new proposals or policies, or try to No rewrite adopted wording, that instead should be considered in the Local Plan statutory process in the first instance? Does the guidance avoid duplication of contradiction with other No guidance? Does the document try to introduce any new criteria for decision on Yes planning applications that instead need to be considered in the Local Plan statutory process in the first instance?
B Public Consultation
Has the public consultation process been documented? Yes Have the representations been considered by the local planning authority Yes who is being asked to adopt the guidance? Is there a clear record of the recommended responses to the Yes representations submitted and the conclusions of the Local Planning Authority? When, and at what committee, did the local planning authority formally consider the representations? Local Plans Panel 11th May 2004 Executive Committee
Were the arrangements for public consultation on the final draft Yes document equivalent to the opportunities offered under the Local Plan process? (Excepting of course that there can be no public inquiry). In particular, was a notice displayed under Public Notes in the local newspaper circulation in the area indicating:- + where the document could be obtained; + where the document could be inspected free of charge; + a reasonable period within which any representations could be made; and + the address to which such representatives were to be sent? If not, why not? N/A Were all relevant consultees consulted. Yes
83 APPENDIX 2
Did the last public consultation circulate the document now being sought No for adoption (excepting that there might have been minor changes made to the contents of the document following that consulted exercise?) Was Wiltshire County Council consulted on the final document? Yes Does the document affect any other Local Planning Authority whose area No is adjacent to the area covered by the guidance, and, if so, was that Local Planning Authority consulted on the final document? Is the guidance relevant for the Environment Agency, the Countryside Yes Agency, English Nature, or English Heritage, and, if so, were the relevant bodies consulted on the final document? Is the guidance to be publicly available (either free of charge, or at a Yes reasonable cost)? Is a statement of the consultation undertaken, the representations Yes received and the local authorities response to those representations to be made available alongside each copy of the guidance (either in an annex, or in a separate document)?
84 APPENDIX 3
PEOPLE’S VOICE QUESTIONNAIRE FEBRUARY 2003
We would like to thank you for your continued support of People’s Voice. Your views are important to us in order to help us deliver the services that you want, in the best way and at a value for money price. Your responses always generate valuable feedback and we hope that you will continue to support People’s Voice.
In this questionnaire, we will be asking for your views on facilities for young people, your local countryside and open spaces and culture in North Wiltshire. We look forward to receiving your views from this questionnaire, number eleven. If you have any queries relating to this questionnaire, please do not hesitate to contact the new communications team on 01249 706619 or email [email protected]
Countryside and Open Spaces
The Council is currently writing a Countryside and Open Space Strategy, which will help plan the provision of informal open greenspace, play areas, and parks. We are working with many other organisations to provide facilities, some of which may be outside of the District boundary.
The following questions relate to the wider countryside. Please tick one box for each. Yes No Don’t Know
1. Can you easily access the countryside? If no, why not?……………………………………………… 2. Do you think that our landscape heritage is important? 3. Do you think that adequate protection is given to the countryside and wildlife? 4. Do you think that protection is more important than the recreational use of the countryside? 5. Would you like to see more designated areas (e.g. Local Nature Reserves) in the District? 6. Are you concerned about pollution? 7. Should more trees be planted in the District? 8. Should more cycling and walking routes be provided?
9. How often do you access the countryside? Daily Several times a week Once a week Once or twice a month Less frequently Never
85 APPENDIX 3
10. What is the main activity you undertake in the countryside? Walking Dog walking Cycling Wildlife Quiet enjoyment Conservation Informal recreation Sport
11. Please evaluate the following countryside features as having a high, medium or low importance to you by ticking one box per statement
High Medium Low Wildlife Landscape heritage Protected sites Cycling/walking opportunities Trees Accessibility Control of pollution Interpretation Green belt/rural buffer zone Rivers, lakes and other waterways
The following questions relate to ‘open space’ which includes semi-natural greenspace (i.e wooded areas), parks and gardens, amenity greenspace, play areas, allotments, cemeteries and disused churchyard.
12. Approximately how close from your home would you find open space, as described
above?
Under 1km 1-5km Over 5km Don’t know
Yes No Don’t Know 13. Do you have easy access to open space? 14. Is the open space that you use managed well? 15. How often do you access open spaces? Daily Several times a week Once a week Once or twice a month Less frequently Never
16. What is the main activity you undertake in open spaces? Walking Dog walking Cycling Wildlife Quiet enjoyment Conservation Informal recreation Sport
86 APPENDIX 3
17. Please indicate whether you think the features below have a high, medium or low importance: Low High Medium Wildlife Interpretation Seating/benches Feeling of safety Accessibility Good management Tranquillity Play areas Facilities Public art
87 APPENDIX 4
Amenity Greenspace Audit Form
Date: Time:
Street Address: Site ID No.
Grid Ref:
Primary Purpose: Secondary Purpose:
Area (ha): Owner details: Managing agency details:
Habitats: (describe) Wildlife species list:
Landscape Character Policy designations Open/closed: Wildlife: Landform: Sport:: SAM’s etc: Special Historic structures: features Other structures: Describe: Views and vistas: Water: Meeting places: Performance space: Public art: Play areas: Usage Informal: Formal: Educational: People resources Rangers/park keepers: Volunteers:
88 APPENDIX 4
Qualitative data Vandalism: Litter/litter bins: Dog fouling/bins: Sense of safety: Noise: Shade/exposure: Disabled access: Toilets: Planting: Grass Areas: Seats: Lighting: Paths & Trails: Smells (good/bad): Total score: % Financial Cost of management: Income generation: Any other comments:
Improvements: Issue Improvement required
89 APPENDIX 4
Cemeteries and Disused Churchyards Audit Form
Date: Time:
Street Address: Grid Ref:
Site ID No.
Primary Purpose: Secondary Purpose:
Area (ha):
Owner details: Managing agency details:
Habitats: (describe) Wildlife: species list
Landscape Character Policy designations Open/closed: Wildlife: Landform: Landscape: SAM’s etc: Special Historic structures: features Other structures: Describe: Views and vistas: Water: Usage Informal: Formal: Educational: People resources Rangers/park keepers: Volunteers:
90 APPENDIX 4
Qualitative data Vandalism: Litter/litter bins: Dog fouling/bins: Sense of safety: Noise: Shade/exposure: Disabled access: Toilets: Entrance/s: Boundaries: Planting: Grass Areas: Seats: Lighting: Paths & Trails: Smells (good/bad): Information boards etc: Total score: % Financial Cost of management: Any other comments:
Improvements: Issue Improvement required
91 APPENDIX 4
Parks and Gardens Audit Form
Date: Time:
Street Address: Site ID No.
Grid Ref:
Primary Purpose: Secondary Purpose:
Area (ha): Number of Pitches/Courts:
Owner details: Managing agency details:
Charges:
Habitats: (describe) Wildlife: species list
Landscape Character Policy designations Open/closed: Wildlife: Landform: Landscape: SAM’s etc: Special Historic structures: features Other structures: Describe: Views and vistas: Water: Meeting places: Performance space: Public Art: Play Areas: Usage Informal: Formal: Educational: People resources Rangers/park keepers: Volunteers:
92 APPENDIX 4
Qualitative data Vandalism: Litter/litter bins: Dog fouling/bins: Sense of safety: Noise: Shade/exposure: Disabled access: Toilets: Entrance/s: Boundaries: Planting: Grass Areas: Seats: Lighting: Paths & Trails: Smells (good/bad): Information boards etc: Total score: % Financial Cost of management: Income generation: Any other comments:
Improvements: Issue Improvement required
93 APPENDIX 4
Play Areas Audit Form
Date: Time:
Street Address: Grid Ref:
Site ID No.
Primary Purpose: Area (ha):
Number of Pitches/Courts: Charges:
Owner details: Managing agency details:
Equipment List: Safety: inc. surfacing etc.
Special features Describe: Usage Informal:
Formal:
Educational:
People resources Rangers/park keepers:
Volunteers:
94 APPENDIX 4
Qualitative data Vandalism: Litter/litter bins: Dog fouling/bins: Sense of safety: Noise: Disabled access: Entrance/s: Boundaries: Planting: Grass Areas: Seats: Lighting: Information/signage: Play area standard: Smells (good/bad): Total score: % Financial Cost of management: Income generation: Any other comments:
Improvements: Issue Improvement required
95 APPENDIX 4
Semi-Natural Greenspace Audit Form
Date: Time:
Site Name: Site ID No.
Grid Ref: Primary Purpose: Secondary Purpose: Area (ha):
Owner details: Managing agency details:
Habitats: (describe) NVC classification:
Wildlife species list: a=abundant. F=frequent, o=occasional, r=rare
Canopy, sub canopy & Herb layer Ground story Fauna understory
Landscape Character Policy designations Open/closed: Wildlife: Landform: Landscape: SAM’s etc: Special Historic structures: features Other structures: Describe: Views and vistas: Water: Public Art:
96 APPENDIX 4
Usage Informal: Formal: Educational: People resources Rangers/park keepers: Volunteers: Qualitative data Vandalism: Litter/litter bins: Dog fouling/bins: Sense of safety: Noise: Disabled access: Paths & Trails: Smells (good/bad): Information boards etc: Total score: % Any other comments:
Improvements: Issue Improvement required
97 APPENDIX 5
Audit – Information Required by Site
Attribute Information s s r t l r o e e a s s s o r d c c d t e s s i a y i p u n a a r t n r t e n e i r i a p p S r e e t a e
n
o i t s s l r s A n d i e m e
n n C - r o t k c i
y r e e a m o o m a n l a a e e m l l d A e e G r r F t e P A P e C u G G r S O G Location Street Address Grid ref. Site ID/Ref. No. Classification Primary purpose Secondary purpose Size Area/length No. of Pitches/courts Equipment Equipment list Safety Ownership & Name & address of management owner Name & address of managing agency Habitats and NVC classification or wildlife description? Landscape character Policy Wildlife designations Landscape Sport SAM’s; landscaped gardens etc. Special features Historic structures Other structures Views & vistas Water Meeting places Performance space Public art Play areas Usage Informal use Formal use Educational use Schools etc
98 APPENDIX 5
Attribute Information s s r t l r o e e a s s s o r d c c d t e s i s a y i p u n a a r t n r t e n i e r i a p p S r e e t a e
n
o i t s s l r s A n d i e m e
n n C - r o t k c i
y r e e a m o o m a n l a a e e m l l d A e e G r F r t e P A P e C u G G r S O G
People resources Rangers/park keepers Volunteers Qualitative info. Evidence of vandalism Litter/bins Dog fouling/bins Sense of safety Noise Shade/exposure Disabled access Toilets Entrance/s Boundaries Planting Grass areas Seats Lighting Paths and trails Smells (good/bad) Information (Boards, leaflets etc.) Financial Cost of management Income generation Improvements List of improvements required against the adopted vision statement
Shaded areas represent the ‘qualitative’ aspect of the survey.
99 APPENDIX 6
AUDITED SITES
Typology: Amenity Greenspace
Site Name/ Location Parish ID No. Village green, East Tytherton Bremhill AG01 Biddestone Green Biddestone AG02 Lodowicks Bremhill AG03 Lydiard Millicent PF Lydiard Millicent AG04 North End, Bremhill View Calne AG05 Wessington Park Calne AG06 Ebor Paddock Calne AG07 The Green Calne AG08 Box Recreation Ground Box AG09 Whitegates estate Castle Combe AG10 Pikefield crescent Charlton AG11 Village green Grittleton AG12 Village green, Littleton Drew Grittleton AG13 The green, The Street Hullavington AG14 MOD site Corsham AG15 Bakers Field Lyneham AG16 The Green Luckington AG17 Rear Green Luckington AG18 Village green, Upper wraxall North wraxall AG19 The Well Garden, Earls Corner Oaksey AG20 Jubilee Lake Wootton Bassett AG21 Rec Ground Oaksey AG22 Rec Ground Kington St Michael AG23 Corn Gastons Malmesbury AG24 Behind Bonners Close, Reeds Farm Malmesbury AG25 Church Street Purton AG26 Greens, Post Office Green Crudwell AG27 Green, Village Green Crudwell AG28 Recreation ground Crudwell AG29 Lower common (registered) Kington Langley AG30 Hit and Miss Crossroads Kington Langley AG31 Registered commons, middle and upper Kington Langley AG32 Neston Triangle, Neston Corsham AG33 Waylands, Waylands/Pauls Croft Cricklade AG34 Preston Lane/Pintail Ct. Lyneham AG35 Lancaster Square/ Harrow Grove Lyneham AG36 Portal Place Lyneham AG37
100 APPENDIX 6
Pound Close Lyneham AG38 Playing Fields Wootton Bassett AG39 Lyneham Green Lyneham AG40 Victoria Drive Lyneham AG41 Pintail Court Lyneham AG42 Melsome Road Lyneham AG43 Webbs Court Lyneham AG44 Bath Road Cricklade AG45 Recreation Ground Sutton Benger AG46 Jubilee Playing Field Lea & Cleverton AG47 Recreation Ground, Neston Corsham AG48 Recreation Area/Football pitch Purton AG49 Reids Piece Purton AG50a Reids Piece Purton AG50b North Wall Cricklade AG51 Old Court , Wootton Bassett Wootton Bassett AG52 The Pond (now grass), Lower Stanton Stanton St Quintin AG53 Rec ground Christian Malford AG54 Junction crossroads of c45/c66 Little Somerford AG55 The Green, Front of houses at Oakhurst Langley Burrell AG56 Watergates Common, Watergates Colerne AG57 Woodsage Way Calne AG58 Newbury Avenue/bypass Calne AG59 Newbury Avenue Calne AG60 Woolford Grange Wootton Bassett AG61 Garraways Wootton Bassett AG62 Stoneover Lane Wootton Bassett AG63 Shelley Avenue Wootton Bassett AG64 Otter Way Wootton Bassett AG65 Fairfield Wootton Bassett AG66 Skew Bridge Close Wootton Bassett AG67 Longfellow Crescent Wootton Bassett AG68 New Road Wootton Bassett AG69 Springfield Drive Calne AG70 Amberley Close Calne AG71 School Road (N) Calne AG72 School Road (S) Calne AG73 Cornflower Close Calne AG74 Braemor Close Calne AG75 West Mill Lane Cricklade AG76a West Mill Lane Cricklade AG76b Marlowe Way Wootton Bassett AG77
101 APPENDIX 6
Mallard Av/Pintail Ct Lyneham AG78 A3102/Melsome Rd Lyneham AG79 Eider Av Lyneham AG80 Muscovy Close Lyneham AG81 A3102/Slessor Rd Lyneham AG82 A3102/Slessor Rd Lyneham AG83 A3102/Sheld Drive Lyneham AG84 A3102/Teal Drive Lyneham AG85 Calne rec, Anchor Rd Calne AG86 Calne rec, Anchor Rd Calne AG87 Eastern Av/Boundary Close Chippenham AG88 Bruges Cl/Newall Tuck Chippenham AG89 Newall Tuck/Wyndham Chippenham AG90 The Tinings/Blackridge Rd Chippenham AG91 Riverside Road Chippenham AG92 Baydons Bridge Chippenham AG93 Long Close/Baydon Lane Chippenham AG94 Long Close Chippenham AG95 Humbolts Hold Chippenham AG96 Blackwell Hams Chippenham AG97 Rumble Dene Chippenham AG98 Jordan Close Chippenham AG99 Blackthorn Mews Chippenham AG100 Forest Lane (north) Chippenham AG101 Forest Lane (s) Chippenham AG102 Foxcroft Walk Chippenham AG103 Pewsham Way (old canal) Chippenham AG104 Roman Way Chippenham AG105 Hardens Close Chippenham AG106 Charter Rd/Avenue la Fleche Chippenham AG107 Avenue la Fleche Chippenham AG108 Lovers Lane Chippenham AG109 Saxby Road Chippenham AG110 Saxby Road Chippenham AG111 Pew Hill Chippenham AF112 Pew Hill Chippenham AG113 Moorlands Chippenham AG114 Barrow Green Chippenham AG115 Hill Rise Chippenham AG116 Murrayfield Chippenham AG117 Oaklands/Broomfield Chippenham AG119 Oaklands Chippenham AG120a
102 APPENDIX 6
Oaklands Chippenham AG120b Long Ridnap/Brookwell Chippenham AG121 Argyle Drive (top) Chippenham AG122 Argyle Drive (bottom) Chippenham AG123 Sutherland Crescent Chippenham AG124a Sutherland Crescent Chippenham AG124b Sutherland Crescent Chippenham AG124c Celendine Way Chippenham AG125 Barnes Road Chippenham AG126 Barnes Rd/Stainers Way Chippenham AG127a Barnes Rd/Stainers Way Chippenham AG127b Stainers Way Chippenham AG128a Stainers Way Chippenham AG128b Stainers Way Chippenham AG128c Stainers Way/ Old Hardenuish Lane Chippenham AG129 Stainers Way/West Cepen Way Chippenham AG130 Blackberry Close Chippenham AG131a Blackberry Close Chippenham AG131b Pewsham Open Space Chippenham AG132 Allington Rd/Longstone Rd Chippenham AG133 Allington Way Chippenham AG134 Little Battons Park Chippenham AG135 Frogwell Park Chippenham AG136 Brook Street Chippenham AG137 Redland/Brook Street Chippenham AG138 Stonelea Close Chippenham AG139 Derriads Green Chippenham AG140 Derriads Lane Chippenham AG141 Gascelyn Close Chippenham AG142 Turpin Way Chippenham AG143 Derraids Lane (N) Chippenham AG144 Turpin Way Chippenham AG145 Ladyfield Chippenham AG146 Kingsley Road Chippenham AG147 Sarum Rd/ Goodward Way Chippenham AG148 Sandown Drive Chippenham AG149a Sandown Drive Chippenham AG149b Sandown Drive/Derriads Lane Chippenham AG150 Queen’s Crescent Chippenham AG151 Ladyfield Road/Littledown Chippenham AG152 Ladyfield road (S) Chippenham AG153 Southmead Chippenham AG154
103 APPENDIX 6
Westcroft (N) Chippenham AG155 Westcroft (S) Chippenham AG156 Westcroft (E) Chippenham AG157 Gloucester Close Chippenham AG158 Queens Crescent/Salisbury Close Chippenham AG159 Drakes Crescent (E) Chippenham AG160 Drakes Crescent (N) Chippenham AG161 Queens Crescent (b) Chippenham AG162 Queens Crescent (c) Chippenham AG163 Farleigh Close Chippenham AG164 Chepstow Close Chippenham AG165 Neeld Close Yatton Keynell AG166 Dickets Road Corsham AG167 Playing Field Broad Town AG168 Redhills Broad Town AG169 Fynamore Gardens Calne AG170 Hobbes Close Malmesbury AG171 Reeds Farm Road Malmesbury AG172 St Aldhems Mead Malmesbury AG173 Hudson Road Malmesbury AG174a Hudson Road Malmesbury AG174b Maud Heaths Causeway Chippenham AG175 Barrow Green (a) Chippenham AG176 Drakes Crescent (W) Chippenham AG177 Hilmarton Playing Field Hilmarton AG178 Lacock rec Lacock AG179 Sherston rec Sherston AG180 Charlton PF Charlton AG181 Luckington PF Luckington AG182 Oak Road Colerne AG183 Colerne rec Colerne AG184 Gastard PF Corsham AG185 Corsham rec Corsham AG186 Lyneham PF Lyneham AG187 Bradenstoke PF Lyneham AG188 Nettleton Green PF Nettleton AG189 Yatton Keynall Yatton Keynell AG190 Castle Combe PF Castle Combe AG191 Hullavington Stanton St Quintin AG192 Kington Langley PF Kington Langley AG193 Langley Burrell PF Langley Burrell AG194 Great Somerford (Free Gardens) Great Somerford AG195
104 APPENDIX 6
Ashton Keynes Sports Ground Ashton Keynes AG196 Minety Playing Fields Minety AG197 Brinkworth Playing Fields Brinkworth AG198 White Lion Park Malmesbury AG199 Hardhams Rise Corsham AG200 Westwood Road, Rudloe Neston AG201 Cricklade SG Cricklade AG202 Bences Lane (B) Corsham AG203 Biddestone SG Biddestone AG204 Springfield Corsham AG205 Bences Lane (A) Corsham AG206 Pockeridge Road (A) Corsham AG207 Long Dragon Piece Chippenham AG208 A350/Vincients Wood Chippenham AG209 Pockeridge Road (B) Corsham AG210 South of Vincients Wood Chippenham AG211 Webbington Road/Canal Road Chippenham AG212 Rugby Field Wootton Bassett AG213 Sherston Community Centre Sherston AG214 Station Road, Malmesbury Malmesbury AG215 Play Close, Purton Purton AG216 Playing Field Ashton Keynes AG217 Yewstock Crescent Chippenham AG218 Redhill, Derry Hill Calne Without AG219 Jasmine Close Calne AG220 Petty Lane, Derry Hill Calne Without AG221 Lavender Drive Calne AG222
Typology: allotments
Site Name/ Location Parish ID No. Box recreation ground Box AL01a Box recreation ground Box AL01b Beversbrook allotments Calne AL02 Bath road Colerne AL04 Yatton Road Biddestone AL05 Green Lane Sherston AL06 Church Road Stanton AL07 Harpers Lane Malmesbury AL08 Foxley Road St Paul AL09 Malmesbury Without
105 APPENDIX 6
Lea allotments, Little Badminton Lane Lea & Cleverton AL10 Cleverton allotments Lea & Cleverton AL11 Garden of Eden , Pickwick Corsham AL12 Garden of Remembrance allotments, Stokes Corsham AL13 Rd/Station Rd Grove Field allotments, Grove Road Corsham Estate AL14 Middlewick Lane alltoments Corsham AL15 Pickwick Manor Allotments, Valley Road Corsham AL16 Priory Cross, Ivyfield Corsham AL17 The Ridge Allotments, Neston Corsham AL18 Bences Lane Allotments Corsham AL19 Cross Keys Corsham AL20 Free gardens, Dauntsey Road Gt Somerford AL21 Bradenstoke allotments Lyneham AL22 Airfield Road, Marston Masey Marston Masey AL23 North of cemetery on c66 Little Somerford AL24 Ashe Crescent (Deansway) Chippenham AL25 Malmesbury Road Chippenham AL26 Lords Mead Chippenham AL27 Crickets Lane Chippenham AL28 Ladyfield Chippenham AL29 Hungerdown Chippenham AL30 Abbey Gardens Lacock AL31 Melksham Rd, (next to cemetery) Lacock AL32 Nethercote Hill, (east) Lacock AL33a Nethercote Hill, (east) Lacock AL33b Nethercote Hill, (west) Lacock AL34 Hither Way Lacock AL35 Upper Pavenhill Purton AL36 The Parade Purton AL37 Church Path Purton AL38 Greenhill Lydiard Millicent AL39 Church Street Wootton Bassett AL40
Typology: Cemeteries & Churchyards
Site Name & Location Parish ID No. Holy Cross Church, Ashton Keynes Ashton Keynes CC01 Box cemetery, Bath Road Box CC02 St Thomas a Beckett Box CC03 Christ Church, Broad Town Broad Town CC04
106 APPENDIX 6
Cemetery, Curzon Street Calne CC05 St John the Baptist, Charlton Charlton CC06 Chippenham cemetery, London Road Chippenham CC07 St Margarets, Leigh Delamere Grittleton CC08 Cemetery corner, the Street Hullavington CC09 Church of St Mary Hullavington CC10 Lacock Cemetery, Melksham Road Lacock CC11 St Cyriac’s Lacock CC12 Cemetery, Waterhay Leigh CC13 Cemetery, luckington Luckington CC14 St Mary & Ethelbert Luckington CC15 St James Church North Wraxall CC16 St John, Ford Grittleton CC17 All Saints, Oaksey CC18 Holy Cross church, Sherston Sherston CC19 St Gile’s church Stanton CC20 cemetery Stanton CC21 Tetbury Hill cemetery Malmesbury CC22 Burnham Road cemetery Malmesbury CC23 The Abbey Malmesbury CC24 St Nicholas Biddestone CC25 cemetery Lydiard Millicent CC26 St Mary’s, Purton Purton CC27 Ladbrook Lane cemetery Corsham CC28 Old cemetery, Ladbrook Lane Corsham CC29 St Bartholemews Churchyard Corsham CC30 All Saint’s Sutton Benger CC31 Bath road cemetery Cricklade CC32 St Sampson’s, Bath Road Cricklade CC33 St Mary’s, Bath Road Cricklade CC34 St Mary’s, Bradenstoke Lyneham CC35 St Michael & All Angels Lyneham CC36 Cemetery Biddestone CC37 St Peter & St Paul Gt Somerford CC38 Startley cemetery Gt Someford CC39 St Michael’s Brinkworth CC40 St Jame’s Marston Masey CC41 Little Somerford Cemetery Little Somerford CC42 All Saints, Littleton Drew Grittleton CC43 St Marys Grittleton CC44 St John Colerne CC45 All Saints Leigh CC46
107 APPENDIX 6
St Giles, Lea Lea & Cleverton CC47 Cemetery & Garden Of Remembrance Purton CC48 St John the Baptist, The Street Little Somerford CC49 Wood Lane Cemetery Chippenham CC50 All Saints Church Corston CC51 St Giles, Alderton Luckington CC52 Parish Church Easton Grey CC53 Norton Parish Church Norton & Foxley CC54 St Leonards, Upper Minety Minety CC55 Holyrood, Rodbourne St Paul & CC56 Malmesbury Holy Trinity, London Road Calne CC57 St Marys Calne CC58 Cemetery Wootton Bassett CC59 St Bartholemews Wootton Bassett CC60 All Saints Christian Malford CC61 St Nicholas, Hardenhuish Lane Chippenham CC62 St Peters Clyffe Pypard CC63 All Saints, Yatesbury Cherhill CC64 St James’ Cherhill CC65 St Swithuns Compton Bassett CC66 St Marys, Calstone Wellington Calne Without CC67 St Andrews Heddington CC68 St Anne’s, Bowden Hill Lacock CC69 Christ Church, Derry Hill Calne Without CC70 St Martin’s Bremhill CC71 Holy Cross Hankerton CC72 All Saints Crudwell CC73 St Mary’s Sopworth CC74 St Marys, Burton Nettleton CC75 St Marys, W. Knigton Nettleton CC76 St Andrews Castle Combe CC77 St Margarets Yatton Keynell CC78 St Nicholas, Slaughterford Biddestone CC79 St Michaels Kington St CC80 Michael All Saints, Garsdon Charlton CC81 St John the Baptist Latton CC82 Lydiard M. cemetery Lydiard Millicent CC83 St Phillip & Syt James, Neston Corsham CC84 St John the Baptist, Foxham Bremhill CC85 Cemetery Brinkworth CC86 Cemetery Biddestone CC87
108 APPENDIX 6
St Giles Tockenham CC88
Typology: Parks & Gardens
Site Name/ Location Parish ID No. Garden of Remembrance Purton PG01 Castle Park, Station Road Calne PG02 John Coles Park Chippenham PG03 Monkton Park Chippenham PG04 New Hall North Wraxall PG05 Cloister Garden Malmesbury PG06 Memorial Garden Crudwell PG07 Bordered by A429 and Swillbrook Old Pumphouse Gardens Malmesbury PG08 Centenary Garden Corsham PG09 War Memorial Corsham PG10 Memorial Garden, Lyneham Lyneham PG11 Town Garden, Curzon Street Calne PG12 Jubilee Gardens Malmesbury PG13 River Island Chippenham PG14 Garden of Remembrance Corsham PG16 Kings Wall Malmesbury PG17
Typology: play areas
Site Name/ Location Parish ID No. The Lotts, Rixon Gate Ashton Keynes PA01a The Lotts, Rixon Gate Ashton Keynes PA01b Box Rec Ground Box PA02a Box Rec Ground Box PAO2b Redhills Broad Town PA03 Rec ground, Anchor Road Calne PA04a Rec ground, Anchor Road Calne PA04b North End, Bremhill View Calne PA05 Duncan St, Bluebell Grove Calne PA06 Colmans Farm, Adjacent to Pym House Calne PA07a Colmans Farm, Adjacent to Pym House Calne PA07b Estate yard – near village hall Castle Combe PA08 Whitegates estate Castle Combe PA09 Tommy Croker, Mill Lane Cherhill PA10
109 APPENDIX 6
Pewsham Chippenham PA11 Little Batens Chippenham PA12 Gascelyn Close Chippenham PA13 Westmead Terrace Chippenham PA14 Long Close Chippenham PA15 Charter Road Chippenham PA16a Charter Road Chippenham PA16b Rec ground, Bath Road Colerne PA17 Martins Croft Colerne PA18 Briar Leaze Compton Bassett PA19 School Field, Poynder Place Hilmarton PA20 Blackwell Hams Chippenham PA21 Main Road, Corston St Paul PA22 Malmesbury Without School Field, The Street Hullavington PA23 Church Road Kington Langley PA24a Church Road Kington Langley PA24b Playing Field Lacock PA25 Hillside Leigh PA26 Pennymead Sherston PA27 The Park Tockenham PA28 Clarkes Leaze Yatton Keynell PA29a Clarkes Leaze Yatton Keynell PA29b The Mews Lydiard Millicent PA30 Chestnut Springs Lydiard Millicent PA31 Newnton Grove Malmesbury PA32 The Butts Crudwell PA33 Church Street Purton PA34 Play Close Purton PA35 Dogridge, Pavenhill Purton PA36 Springfield, Between Beechfield and Valley Corsham PA37a Rds Springfield, Between Beechfield and Valley Corsham PA37b Rds Meriton Av Rec Ground Corsham PA38 Rudloe, Westwood Road Corsham PA39a Rudloe, Westwood Road Corsham PA39b Westwells, Neston Corsham PA40 Coppershell, Gastard Corsham PA41 Dicketts Rd Corsham PA42 Jubilee playing field, Crabmill Lane Lea PA43 Sutton Benger Rec Ground, Chestnut Road Sutton Benger PA44
110 APPENDIX 6
Bath Road Cricklade PA45 Winkins Lane Great Somerford PA46 Melsome Road Lyneham PA48 Eider Avenue Lyneham PA49 Slessor Road Lyneham PA50 Pound Close Lyneham PA51 Bradenstoke play area Lyneham PA52 Brinkworth play area, Barnes Green Rec. Brinkworth PA53a field Brinkworth play area, Barnes Green Rec. Brinkworth PA53b field Monkton Park Chippenham PA54a Monkton Park Chippenham PA54b Monkton Park Chippenham PA54c Audley Road Chippenham PA55 Sydney Court Wood, Loyalty St Chippenham PA56 Kingsley Road Chippenham PA57 Bences Lane Corsham PA58 Pockeridge Road (x2) Corsham PA59a Pockeridge Road (x2) Corsham PA59b Pinewood Way Colerne PA60 Rodbourne Road Corston PA61 North end of village Marston Masey PA62 Rec ground Christian Malford PA63 The Street Little Somerford PA64 Church Row Charlton PA66 Oaksey PA67 Luckington PA68 White Lion Park Malmesbury PA69 St Aldheims Mead Malmesbury PA70 John Coles Park Chippenham PA71 Larkham Rise Chippenham PA72 Jubilee Lake Wootton Bassett PA73 Fairfield Wootton Bassett PA74 Long Close BMX Chippenham PA75 Longfellow Crescent Wootton Bassett PA76 Longfellow Crescent Wootton Bassett PA77 Otter Way Wootton Bassett PA78 Garraways Wootton Bassett PA79 Town Close Kington St Michael PA80 Grittleton PA81 Stainers Way, Chippenham Langley Burrell PA82 Barrow Green Chippenham PA83
111 APPENDIX 6
Oak Road Colerne PA84 Biddestone Biddestone PA85 Neston Rec Corsham PA86 Fynamore Gardens Calne PA87 Dauntsey Dauntsey PA88 Playing Fields Minety PA89 The Lotts Ashton Keynes PA90 Playing Fields Ashton Keynes PA91 Playing Fields Ashton Keynes PA92
Typology: Semi Natural Greenspace
Site Name/ Location Parish ID No. Millennium Green, Rixon Gate Ashton Keynes SN01 Bristol Road, South Chippenham SN02 Lovar Water Garden, Valens Terrace Box SN03 Box Hill Common Box SN04 Bentley Wood, Quemerford Calne SN05 Bristol Road, North Chippenham SN06 Cherhill Downs Cherhill SN07a Cherhill Downs Cherhill SN07b Bell Field* Luckington SN08 Bradlands Crossroads North Wraxall SN09 North Wraxall Foxley Green? Norton & Foxley SN10 SN11 Jubilee Lake (new planting) Wootton Bassett SN12 Jubilee Lake Wootton Bassett SN13 Lydiard Plain, West of Greenhill Lydiard Millicent SN14 Lydiard Green Lydiard Millicent SN15 The Batters, Off Ludmead Road Corsham SN18 Beechfield, Middlewick Lane Corsham SN19 Dance Common Cricklade SN20 Millenium Wood Cricklade SN21 North Meadow Cricklade SN22 Conygre Mead Malmesbury SN24 Wynyard Malmesbury SN25 Blackland Calne without SN26 The Firs SN28 Calstone Wellington SN29 Heddington Wick Common Heddington SN30 Fairview Field Cricklade SN31
112 APPENDIX 6
Mortimores Wood CBL Charity SN32 Avenue La Fleche CBL Charity SN34 Foxham Common Bremhill SN35 River Walk Calne SN36 Templars Fir Wootton Bassett SN37 Churchill Close Wootton Bassett SN38 Lindisfarne Wootton Bassett SN39 River Park Calne SN40 Hardenhuish Lane Wood Chippenham SN41 Carey Glen Chippenham SN42 Bewley Common (Bowden Hill) Lacock SN43a Bewley Common (Bowden Hill) Lacock SN43b Bewley Common (Bowden Hill) Lacock SN43c Morningside Farm Wootton Bassett SN44 Corston Pond St Paul SN45 Malmesbury Without
NB Any missing numbers are intentional.
113 APPENDIX 7 SITE DESIGNATIONS USING NWDC HIERARCHY
Site ID No. Location Designation AG01 Village green, East Tytherton OS AG02 Biddestone Green OS AG03 Lodowicks, Bremhill OS AG04 Lydiard Millicent Playing Field LP AG05 & AG71 North End, Bremhill View, Calne LP AG06 Wessington Park, Calne LP AG07 Ebor Paddock, Calne OS AG08 The Green, Calne LP AG09 & SN03 Box Recreation Ground CP AG10 Whitegates estate, Castle Combe LP AG11 Pikefield crescent, Charlton OS AG12 Village green, Grittleton OS AG13 Village green, Littleton Drew OS AG14 The green, The Street, Hullavington OS AG15 MOD site, Corsham OS AG16 Bakers Field, Lyneham OS AG17 The Green, Luckington OS AG18 Rear Green, LuckingtonOS OS AG19 Village green, Upper wraxall OS AG20 The Well Garden, Earls Corner, Oaksey OS AG21 & AG39 & Jubilee Lake, Wootton Bassett DP SN12 & SN13 AG22 Rec Ground, Oaksey LP AG23 & SN201 Rec Ground, Kington St Michael CP AG24 Corn Gastons, Malmesbury OS AG25 Reeds Farm, Malmesbury LP AG26 Church Street, Purton OS AG27 Post Office Green, Crudwell OS AG28 Village Green, Crudwell OS AG29 Recreation ground, Crudwell LP AG30 Lower common (registered), Kington Langley OS AG31 Hit and Miss Crossroads, Kington Langley OS AG32 Registered commons, middle and upper, Kington OS
114 APPENDIX 7 Langley AG33 Neston Triangle, Neston OS AG34 Waylands/Pauls Croft, Cricklade LP AG35 Preston Lane/Pintail Ct., Lyneham OS AG36 Lancaster Square/ Harrow Grove, Lyneham OS AG37 Portal Place, Lyneham LP AG38 Pound Close, Lyneham OS AG39 & AG21 & Playing Fields, Wootton Bassett DP SN12 & SN13 AG40 Lyneham Green OS AG41 Victoria Drive, Lyneham OS AG42 Pintail Court, Lyneham OS AG43 Melsome Road, Lyneham OS AG44 Webbs Court, Lyneham OS AG45 Bath Road, Cricklade OS AG46 Recreation Ground, Sutton Benger LP AG47 Jubilee Playing Field, Lea and Cleverton LP AG48 Recreation Ground, Neston LP AG50 Reids Piece, Purton OS AG51 North Wall, Cricklade OS AG52 Old Court, Wootton Bassett LP AG53 The Pond (now grass), Lower Stanton OS AG54 Rec ground, Christian Malford LP AG55 Junction crossroads of c45/c66, Little Somerford OS AG56 The Green, Langley Burrell OS AG57 Watergates Common, Colerne OS AG58 Woodsage Way, Calne OS AG59 Newbury Avenue/bypass, Calne OS AG60 Newbury Avenue, Calne LP AG61 Woolford Grange, Wootton Bassett OS AG62 Garraways, Wootton Bassett LP AG63 Stoneover Lane, Wootton Bassett OS AG64 Shelley Avenue, Wootton Bassett OS AG65 & AG213 & Otter Way, Wootton Bassett CP SN38 AG66 Fairfield, Wootton Bassett LP
115 APPENDIX 7 AG67 Skew Bridge Close, Wootton Bassett OS AG68 Longfellow Crescent, Wootton Bassett LP AG69 New Road, Wootton Bassett LP AG70 Springfield Drive, Calne LP AG71 & AG05 Amberley Close, Calne LP AG72 School Road (N), Calne OS AG73 School Road (S), Calne LP AG74 Cornflower Close, Calne LP AG75 Braemor Close, Calne OS AG76 West Mill Lane, Cricklade OS AG77 Marlowe Way, Wootton Bassett OS AG78 Mallard Av/Pintail Ct., Lyneham LP AG79 A3102/Melsome Rd, Lyneham OS AG80 Eider Av., Lyneham OS AG81 Muscovy Close, Lyneham OS AG82 A3102/Slessor Rd, Lyneham OS AG83 A3102/Slessor Rd, Lyneham OS AG84 A3102/Sheld Drive, Lyneham OS AG85 A3102/Teal Drive, Lyneham OS AG86 & AG87 Calne rec, Anchor Rd CP AG87 & AG86 Calne rec, Anchor Rd CP AG88 Eastern Av/Boundary Close, Chippenham OS AG89 Bruges Cl/Newall Tuck, Chippenham OS AG90 Newall Tuck/Wyndham, Chippenham OS AG91 The Tinings/Blackridge Rd., Chippenham OS AG92 Riverside Road, Chippenham OS AG93 Baydons Bridge, Chippenham OS AG94 & AG95 & Long Close/Baydon Lane, Chippenham LP SN202 AG95 & AG94 & Long Close, Chippenham LP SN202 AG96 Humbolts Hold, Chippenham OS AG97 Blackwell Hams, Chippenham OS AG98 Rumble Dene, Chippenham OS AG99 Jordan Close, Chippenham OS AG100 Blackthorn Mews, Chippenham OS
116 APPENDIX 7 AG101 Forest Lane (north), Chippenham OS AG102 Forest Lane (s), Chippenham OS AG103 Foxcroft Walk, Chippenham OS AG104 Pewsham Way (old canal), Chippenham OS AG105 Roman Way, Chippenham OS AG106 Hardens Close, Chippenham OS AG107 Charter Rd/Avenue la Fleche, Chippenham LP AG108 Avenue la Fleche, Chippenham OS AG109 Lovers Lane, Chippenham OS AG110 Saxby Road, Chippenham OS AG111 Saxby Road, Chippenham OS AF112 Pew Hil, Chippenham OS AG113 Pew Hill, Chippenham OS AG114 Moorlands, Chippenham OS AG115 Barrow Green, Chippenham LP AG116 Hill Rise, Chippenham OS AG117 Murrayfield, Chippenham OS AG119 Oaklands/Broomfield, Chippenham OS AG120 Oaklands, Chippenham OS AG121 Long Ridnap/Brookwell, Chippenham OS AG122 Argyle Drive (top), Chippenham OS AG123 Argyle Drive (bottom), Chippenham OS AG124 Sutherland Crescent, Chippenham OS AG125 Celendine Way, Chippenham OS AG126 Barnes Road, Chippenham OS AG127a Barnes Rd/Stainers Way, Chippenham OS AG127b Barnes Rd/Stainers Way, Chippenham OS AG128 Stainers Way, Chippenham OS AG129 Stainers Way/ Old Hardenuish Lane, Chippenham OS AG130 Stainers Way/West Cepen Way, Chippenham OS AG131 Blackberry Close, Chippenham OS AG132 Pewsham Open Space, Chippenham CP AG133 Allington Rd/Longstone Rd, Chippenham OS AG134 Allington Way, Chippenham OS
117 APPENDIX 7 AG135 Little Battons Park, Chippenham LP AG136 Frogwell Park, Chippenham OS AG137 Brook Street, Chippenham OS AG138 Redland/Brook Street, Chippenham OS AG139 Stonelea Close, Chippenham OS AG140 Derriads Green, Chippenham OS AG141 Derriads Lane, Chippenham OS AG142 Gascelyn Close, Chippenham LP AG143 Turpin Way, Chippenham OS AG144 Derraids Lane (N), Chippenham OS AG145 Turpin Way, Chippenham OS AG146 Ladyfield, Chippenham OS AG147 Kingsley Road, Chippenham LP AG148 Sarum Rd/ Goodward Way, Chippenham LP AG149 Sandown Drive, Chippenham OS AG150 Sandown Drive/Derriads Lane, Chippenham OS AG151 Queen’s Crescent, Chippenham OS AG152 Ladyfield Road/Littledown, Chippenham OS AG153 Ladyfield road (S), Chippenham OS AG154 Southmead, Chippenham OS AG155 Westcroft (N), Chippenham OS AG156 Westcroft (S), Chippenham OS AG157 Westcroft (E), Chippenham OS AG158 Gloucester Close, Chippenham OS AG159 Queens Crescent/Salisbury Close, Chippenham OS AG160 Drakes Crescent (E), Chippenham OS AG161 Drakes Crescent (N), Chippenham OS AG162 Queens Crescent (b), Chippenham OS AG163 Queens Crescent (c), Chippenham OS AG164 Farleigh Close, Chippenham OS AG165 Chepstow Close, Chippenham OS AG166 Neeld Close, Yatton Keynell OS AG167 Dickets Road, Corsham OS AG168 Playing Field, Broad Town LP
118 APPENDIX 7 AG169 Redhills, Broad Town OS AG170 Fynamore Gardens, Calne LP AG171 Hobbes Close, Malmesbury OS AG172 Reeds Farm Road, Malmesbury OS AG173 St Aldhelm Mead, Malmesbury DP AG174 Hudson Road, Malmesbury OS AG175 Maud Heaths Causeway, Chippenham OS AG176 Barrow Green (a), Chippenham OS AG177 Drakes Crescent (W), Chippenham OS AG178 Hilmarton Playing Field LP AG179 Lacock rec LP AG180 Sherston rec LP AG181 Charlton PF LP AG182 Luckington PF LP AG183 Oak Road, Colerne LP AG184 Colerne rec LP AG185 Gastard PF LP AG186 Meriton Avenue, Corsham LP AG187 Westmead Playing Fields OS AG188 Bradenstoke PF LP AG189 Nettleton Green PF OS AG190 Yatton Keynall LP AG191 Castle Combe PF LP AG192 Hullavington PF OS AG193 Kington Langley PF LP AG194 Langley Burrell PF LP AG195 Great Somerford (Free Gardens) OS AG196 & SN01 Ashton Keynes Sports Ground CP AG197 Minety Playing Fields LP AG198 Brinkworth PF LP AG199 White Lion Park, Malmesbury LP AG200 Hardhams Rise, Corsham OS AG201 Westwood Road, Rudloe LP AG202 Cricklade SG LP
119 APPENDIX 7 AG203 Bences Lane (B), Corsham OS AG204 Biddestone SG LP AG205 Springfield, Corsham CP AG206 Bences Lane (A), Corsham OS AG207 Pockeridge Road (A), Corsham OS AG208 Long Dragon Piece, Chippenham OS AG209 A350/Vincients Wood, Chippenham OS AG210 Pockeridge Road (B), Corsham OS AG211 South of Vincients Wood, Chippenham OS AG212 Webbington Road/Canal Road, Chippenham OS AG213 & AG65 & Rugby Field, Wootton Bassett CP SN38 AG214 Sherston Community Centre OS AG215 Station Road, Malmesbury OS AG216 Play Close, Purton OS AG217 Playing Fields, Ashton Keynes CP AG218 Yewstock Crescent OS AG219 Redhill, Derry Hill LP AG220 Jasmine Close, Calne OS AG221 Petty Lane, Derry Hill OS AG222 Lavender Drive, Calne OS
PG01 Garden of Remembrance, Purton LP PG02 & SN40 Castle Park, Station Road, Calne CP PG03 John Coles Park, Chippenham DP PG04 & PG14 Monkton Park, Chippenham CP PG05 New Hall, North Wraxall OS PG06 Cloister Garden, Malmesbury OS PG07 Memorial Garden OS Bordered by A429 and Swillbrook, Crudwell PG08 Old Pumphouse Gardens, Malmesbury OS PG09 Centenary Garden, Corsham OS PG10 War Memorial, Corsham OS PG11 Memorial Garden, Lyneham OS PG12 Town Garden, Curzon Street, Calne LP PG13 Jubilee Gardens, Malmesbury OS
120 APPENDIX 7 PG14 & PG04 River Island, Chippenham CP PG16 Garden of Remembrance, Corsham OS PG17 Kings Wall, Malmesbury OS
SN01 & AG196 Millennium Green, Rixon Gate, Ashton Keynes CP SN02 Bristol Road, South, Chippenham OS SN03 & AG09 Lovar Water Garden, Valens Terrace, Box CP SN04 Box Hill Common, Box OS SN05 Bentley Wood, Quemerford, Calne OS SN06 Bristol Road, North, Chippenham LP SN07a Cherhill Downs OS SN07b Cherhill Downs OS SN08 Bell Field*, Luckington OS SN10 Foxley Green, Foxley OS SN11 Furzehill, Corsham OS SN12 & AG 21 & Jubilee Lake (new planting), Wootton Bassett DP AG39 & SN13 SN13 & AG 21 & Jubilee Lake, Wootton Bassett DP AG39 & SN13 SN16 Vincients Wood (NWDC owned) OS SN17 Clarence Road, Chippenham OS SN18 The Batters, Corsham LP SN19 Beechfield, Middlewick Lane, Corsham LP SN20 Dance Common, Cricklade OS SN21 Millenium Wood, Cricklade OS SN22 North Meadow, Cricklade OS SN24 Conygre Mead, Malmesbury OS SN25 Wynyard, Malmesbury OS SN26 Blackland, Calne OS SN28 The Firs, Calne OS SN29 Calstone Wellington OS SN30 Heddington Wick Common OS SN31 Fairview Field, Cricklade OS SN32 Mortimores Wood, Chippenham OS SN34 Avenue La Fleche, Chippenham OS SN35 Foxham Common, OS
121 APPENDIX 7 SN36 River Walk, Calne OS SN37 Templars Fir, Wootton Bassett OS SN38 & AG65 & Churchill Close, Wootton Bassett CP AG213 SN39 Lindisfarne, Wootton Bassett OS SN40 & PG02 River Park, Calne CP SN41 Hardenhuish Lane Wood, Chippenham OS SN42 Carey Glen, Calne OS SN43 Bewley Common (Bowden Hill) OS SN44 Morningside Farm OS SN45 Corston Pond OS SN101 Clatinger farm OS SN102 Swillbrook Lakes OS SN103 Upper Waterhay OS SN104 Emmett Hill Meadows OS SN105 Distillery Meadows OS SN106 Cloatley Meadows OS SN107 Brockhurst Meadows OS SN108 Stoke Common Meadows OS SN109 The Firs OS SN110 Echo Lodge Meadow OS SN111 Ravensroost OS SN112 Blakehill OS SN113 Vincients Wood OS SN114 Redlodge OS SN115 Morgans Hill OS SN116 Ravensroost Meadows OS SN201 & AG23 The Nymph Hay CP SN202 & AG94 & Baydon’s Wood OS AG95 SN203 Purton OS SN204 Plain Copse OS SN205 Berriman’s Wood OS SN206 Colerne Park and Monk’s Wood OS SN207 Yatesbury Beeches OS SN208 Monks Rest Wood OS
122 APPENDIX 7 SN209 Frank’s Wood OS
DP – District Park CP – Community Park LP – Local Park OS – Open Space
123 APPENDIX 8
AUDIT SCORING SYSTEM
Topic Description Score
Evidence of vandalism No vandalism/graffiti 6 Some vandalism/graffiti 3 Much vandalism/graffiti 0 Total /6 Litter/bins No litter, many bins, empty 15 No litter, many bins but need emptying 10 Some litter, bins full 6 No litter, no bins 3 Much litter, no bins 0 Total /15 Dog fouling/bins No fouling, many dog bins emptied regularly 10 Some fouling, dog bins 6 Some fouling, no bins 3 A lot of fouling, no bins 0 Total /10 Sense of safety A feeling of total safety 6 (a very subjective A feeling of safety in some areas 3 decision) Do not feel safe at all 0 Total /6 Noise Site totally tranquil 10 Some on site noise 6 Off site noise evident 3 Site very noisy 0 Total /10 Shade/exposure Plenty of shady and sunny areas 6 Limited shady and sunny areas 3 No shady or sunny areas 0 Total /6 Disabled access Site fully accessible, surfacing appropriate 10 etc., with a separate audit undertaken by disabled user Site fully accessible 6 Access limited to main areas 3 No access at all 0 Total /10
124 APPENDIX 8
Toilets On-site (or well signed off-site), easy to 15 access (including disabled), signed and well maintained As above but difficult to find/not well signed 10 On or near off-site toilets in average condition 6 As above but in poor condition/ badly 3 maintained, no disabled access No toilets 0
Total /15
Entrance/s (likely to be Easy to find, with information board, well 10 main entrance) maintained and inviting Easy to find, maintenance good and fairly 6 inviting Obvious, maintenance good 3
Difficult to find 0
Total /10
Boundaries _ hedges, All clearly defined and well maintained 6 fences, gates etc. All clearly defined, maintenance patchy 3
Not clearly defined, maintenance needed 0
Total /6
Planting – trees, shrubs Numerous, appropriate plantings, high 10 etc. standard and very well maintained Numerous, appropriate plantings, maintained 6 to a good standard Some plantings, well maintained 3 Inappropriate/no plantings 0 Total /10 Grass areas Full grass cover throughout, dense sward, 15 good colour and cleanly cut Full grass cover throughout, dense sward, 10 good colour and cleanly cut, few weeds, grass cut frequently to keep short Full grass cover throughout main area but 6 some thin patches evident; some bald areas discreet; grass cut frequently but length excessive between cuts, cut quality good (no tearing) General grass cover average and patchy with 3 some bald patches, cut infrequently or at low frequency, clippings obvious or cut quality poor. General grass cover poor, wear has led to 1 patchy and poor cover with little or no serious attempts to correct the problem, clippings obvious or cut quality poor.
125 APPENDIX 8
Total /15 Seats Numerous and in good condition 10 Numerous and in average condition 6 Adequate seats in good/average condition 3 Seats in poor/unusable state or no seats 0 Total /10 Lighting Good lighting scheme, well maintained 6 Reasonable lighting scheme 3 Poor/no lighting scheme installed 0 Total /6 Paths and Trails Suitable materials, level for safe use, edges 15 (see also disabled access) well defined, surfaces clean and debris and weed free. No desire lines Path/s generally very good but some minor 10 maintenance needed. Suitable materials but with many faults 6 Route inappropriate & in need of obvious 3 repair, desire line/s Only route is desire line/s 0 Total /15 Smells Only pleasant smells apparent 6 No smells apparent 3 Unpleasant smells apparent 1 Total /6 Rainwater collection Integral system for communal use 6 system Individual collection system 3 No water collection 0 Composting scheme Communal system in place 6 Individual systems 3 No composting 0 General state of play area Excellent – no reburbishment or 10 improvement/enhancement required Average – some improvement required 6 Poor – extensive enhancement required 3 Needs full refurbishment 0 Total /10 Information Full range of information available (info. 10 boards, leaflets, way marked route, contact number etc.) Some of the above is provided 6 One source of information only 3 No information available 0
126 APPENDIX 9 Current Site Facilities Bin/dog bin Natural area Public art Other Facility Toilets Cafe Lighting Car parking Play area Paths Cycle paths Picnic area/seating Sports court Sports pitches Performance Space Pavilion/hall 1 2 3 4
Site
District Parks John Coles Park t ttt tttttt A Jubilee Lake t ttt t t ttt St Aldhelm Mead ttttttt
Community Parks Monkton Park/River Island t t tttt t tt Kington St. Michael tt t t tt Anchor Road, Calne ttttttttt Pewsham Park tt t t B Ashton Keynes Sports Field tt ttt tt Ashton Keynes Millennium Green ttt t t ttt Box recreation Ground ttt ttt ttt
127 APPENDIX 9 Toilets Cafe Lighting Car parking Play Area Paths Cycle Paths Picnic area/seating Sports Court Sports pitches Performance Space Pavilion/hall Bin/dogbin Natural area Public art Other
Facility 1 2 3 4
Site Castle Park t ttt ttt Wootton Bassett (CP8) tttt t t ttt Springfield, Corsham t tttt tt ttt
Local Parks Lydiard Millicent Rec. Ground tt t tt North End, Calne (AG5 & AG71) tt t Wessington Park, Calne tttt tt The Green, Calne tt Whitegates, Castle Combe tt tt Oaksey Recreation Ground tt t t Crudwell Recreation Ground ttttttt Sutton Benger Recreation Ground tt t tt
128 APPENDIX 9
Facility Toilets Cafe Lighting Car parking Play Area Paths Cycle Paths Picnic area/seating Sports Court Sports pitches Performance Space Pavilion/hall Bin/dogbin Natural area Public art Other 1 2 3 4
Site Lea and Cleverton Playing Field ttt Neston Recreation Ground tt t t t t Old Court, Wootton Bassett tttt tt Christian Malford, Rec. Ground tt t t Newbury Avenue, Calne t ttt t t Garraways, Wootton Bassett tttt t Fairfield, Wootton Bassett ttttt t Longfellow Crescent, Wootton tttt Bassett New Road, Wootton Bassett tt t t Springfield Drive, Calne ttt School Road (S), Calne ttt Cornflower Close, Calne tt t Mallard Avenue/Pintail Court, tt t tt Lyneham
129 APPENDIX 9
Facility Toilets Cafe Lighting Car parking Play Area Paths Cycle Paths Picnic area/seating Sports Court Sports pitches Performance Space Pavilion/hall Bin/dogbin Natural area Public art Other 1 2 3 4
Site Long Close, Chippenham tttt t Charter Road/Avenue La Fleche, tttt tt Chippenham Barrow Green, Chippenham tt t Little Batens Park, Chippenham tttt Gascelyn Close, Chippenham tt tt Kingsley Road, Chippenham tt t Sarum Road/Goodwood Way, ttt t Chippenham Broad Town Playing Field ttt Fynamore Gardens, Calne tttt Hilmarton Playing Field Lacock Recreation Ground tt t t ttt Sherston Recreation Ground Charlton Playing Field tt t t t
130 APPENDIX 9
Facility Toilets Cafe Lighting Car parking Play Area Paths Cycle Paths Picnic area/seating Sports Court Sports pitches Performance Space Pavilion/hall Bin/dogbin Natural area Public art Other 1 2 3 4
Site Luckington Playing Field tt Colerne Recreation Ground tt tt t Gastard Playing Field tttt Meriton Avenue, Corsham tt Bradenstoke Playing Field tttt Yatton Keynall ttttt Castle Combe Playing Field tt Kington Langley Playing Field tt tt tt Langley Burrell Playing Field ttt Minety Sports Fields tt t tt Brinkworth Playing Field tt t White Lion Park, Malmesbury tt Westwood Road, Rudloe tt t Cricklade Sports Ground ttt Biddestone Sports Ground tt ttt t Garden of Remembrance, Purton ttt t
131 APPENDIX 9
Facility Toilets Cafe Lighting Car parking Play Area Paths Cycle Paths Picnic area/seating Sports Court Sports pitches Performance Space Pavilion/hall Bin/dogbin Natural area Public art Other 1 2 3 4
Site Town Garden, Calne ttt The Batters, Corsham tt tt Bristol Road (N), Chippenham ttt tt Beechfield, Corsham tt Reeds Farm, Malmesbury tt Paul’s Croft, Cricklade ttt Oak Road, Colerne tt Portal Place, Lyneham ttt t t tt Redhills, Derry Hill ttt t
Notes: 1 - Whilst there are toilets on site, at two (Jubilee Lake and St Aldhelm Mead) out of the three DP’s these facilities were locked at the time of the visit. Facilities may also be provided at a nearby leisure centre. 2 - Lighting may be restricted to the main areas of the site or adjacent street lighting. 3 - Could be a LAP, LEAP or NEAP or a combination. 4 - May be for sports court use only. A – Sensory garden, seasonal refreshment stand, dog run.
132 APPENDIX 10 Landscape Character H S R G R G R S A g W I F n r o p t Feature r e u o e r r f a a o e a a o r e d n u c s n o m a r s s c r g n g s m d d e s s i a e i h l m n i l l l a a n a a a a l r
g t n o e g n l P n n i
o d w n
d W d d l W n a /
/ s s t s a n a r c a c e l t t r e t r e e u e u d r s b r Site b
District Parks John Coles Park í í í í í Jubilee Lake í í í í í í St Aldhelm Mead í í í í í í
Community Parks Monkton Park/River Island í í í í Kington St. Michael í í í í í Anchor Road, Calne í í í í Pewsham Park í Ashton Keynes Millennium Green í í í í í í Ashton Keynes Sports Fields í í í í Box recreation Ground í í í í í í Castle Park í í í í í í Wootton Bassett (CP8) í í í í í í Springfield, Corsham í í í í í
133 APPENDIX 11
Quality of Hierarchical Sites
District Parks
ID No. Site Rank DP1 John Coles Park Excellent DP2 Jubilee Lake Good DP3 St Aldhelm Mead Fair
Community Parks
ID No. Site Rank CP1 Monkton Park & River Island Fair CP2 Kington St Michael Fair CP3 Anchor Road Fair CP4 Pewsham Park Good CP5 Ashton Keynes Millennium Green Good CP6 Box Recreation Ground Good CP7 Castle Park Fair CP8 Wootton Bassett Rugby Pitch Fair CP9 Springfield Good CP10 Ashton Keynes Sports Fields Good
Local Parks.
ID No. Site Rank LP1 Lydiard Millicent Recreation Ground Good LP2 North End, Calne (AG5 & AG71) Fair LP3 Wessington Park, Calne Fair LP4 Whitegates, Castle Combe Fair LP5 Oaksey Recreation Ground Good LP6 Crudwell Recreation Ground Good LP7 Sutton Benger Recreation Ground Fair LP8 Lea and Cleverton Playing Field Fair
134 APPENDIX 11
LP9 Neston Recreation Ground Fair LP10 Old Court, Wootton Bassett Fair LP11 Christian Malford, Recreation Ground Fair LP12 Newbury Avenue, Calne Good LP13 Garraways, Wootton Bassett Good LP14 Fairfield, Wootton Bassett Good LP15 Longfellow Crescent, Wootton Bassett Good LP16 New Road, Wootton Bassett Good LP17 Springfield Drive, Calne Good LP18 School Road (S), Calne Fair LP19 Cornflower Close, Calne Fair LP20 Mallard Avenue/Pintail Court, Lyneham Good LP21 Long Close, Chippenham (AG94, AG95 & Fair SN202) LP22 Charter Road/Avenue La Fleche, Good Chippenham LP23 Barrow Green, Chippenham Fair LP24 Little Batens Park, Chippenham Fair LP25 Gascelyn Close, Chippenham Good LP26 Kingsley Road, Chippenham Fair LP27 Sarum Road/Goodwood Way, Chippenham Good LP28 Broad Town Playing Field Fair LP29 Fynamore Gardens, Calne Good LP30 Hilmarton Playing Field Fair LP31 Lacock Recreation Ground Good LP32 Sherston Recreation Ground Good LP33 Charlton Playing Field Good LP34 Luckington Playing Field Poor LP35 Colerne Recreation Ground Fair LP36 Gastard Playing Field Fair LP37 Meriton Avenue, Corsham Fair LP38 Bradenstoke Playing Field Good LP39 Yatton Keynell Good LP40 Castle Combe Playing Field Fair
135 APPENDIX 11
LP41 Kington Langley Playing Field Fair LP42 Langley Burrell Playing Field Fair LP43 Minety Playing Fields Fair LP44 Brinkworth Playing Field Good LP45 White Lion Park, Malmesbury Poor LP46 Westwood Road, Rudloe Fair LP47 Cricklade Sports Ground Good LP48 Biddestone Sports Ground Good LP49 Garden of Remembrance, Purton Good LP50 Town Garden, Calne Good LP51 Bristol Road (N), Chippenham Fair LP52 The Batters, Corsham Fair LP53 Beechfield, Corsham Fair LP54 Reeds Farm Poor LP55 Paul’s Croft, Cricklade Fair LP56 Oak Road, Colerne Poor LP57 Portal Place, Lyneham Fair LP58 The Green, Calne Good
136 APPENDIX 12
Quality of Allotments
ID No. Site Rank AL01 Box recreation ground, Box Fair AL02 Beversbrook allotments, Calne Good AL04 Bath road, Colerne Good AL05 Yatton Road, Biddestone Fair AL06 Green Lane, Sherston Fair AL07 Church Road, Stanton St Quintin N/a AL08 Harpers Lane, Malmesbury Fair AL09 Foxley Road, Malmesbury Good AL10 Little Badminton Lane, Lea Fair AL11 Cleverton allotments N/a AL12 Garden of Eden , Pickwick Fair AL13 Garden of Remembrance, Corsham Fair AL14 Grove Road, Corsham, Fair AL15 Middlewick Lane, Corsham Fair AL16 Pickwick Manor, Corsham Fair AL17 Priory Cross, Ivyfield, Corsham Fair AL18 The Ridge Allotments, Neston Fair AL19 Bences Lane, Corsham Poor AL20 Cross Keys, Corsham Fair AL21 Free gardens, Gt Somerford Good AL22 Bradenstoke Good AL23 Airfield Road, Marston Masey Fair AL24 Little Somerford Fair AL25 Ashe Crescent, Chippenham Fair AL26 Malmesbury Road, Chippenham Good AL27 Lords Mead, Chippenham Good AL28 Crickets Lane, Chippenham Fair AL29 Ladyfield, Chippenham Fair AL30 Hungerdown, Chippenham Good AL31 Abbey Gardens, Lacock Good AL32 Melksham Rd, Lacock Fair AL33 Nethercote Hill (east), Lacock Fair
137 APPENDIX 12
AL34 Nethercote Hill (west), Lacock Fair AL35 Hither Way, Lacock Good AL36 Upper Pavenhill, Purton Fair AL37 The Parade, Purton Good AL38 Church Path, Purton Fair AL39 Greenhill, Lydiard Millicent Fair AL40 Church Street, Wootton Bassett Fair
138 APPENDIX 13
Quality of Play Areas
Site ID No. Site Rank PA01a The Lotts, Rixon Gate, Ashton Keynes Good PA01b The Lotts, Rixon Gate, Ashton Keynes Good PA02a Box Recreation Ground Excellent PAO2b Box Recreation Ground Good PA03 Redhills, Broad Town Fair PA04a Anchor Road, Calne Fair PA04b Anchor Road, Calne Good PA05 North End, Bremhill View, Calne Good PA06 Duncan St, Bluebell Grove, Calne Good PA07a Colmans Farm, Calne Good PA07b Colmans Farm, Calne Fair PA08 Estate yard, Castle Combe Good PA09 Whitegates estate, Castle Combe Good PA10 Tommy Croker, Mill Lane, Cherhill Fair PA11 Pewsham, Chippenham Good PA12 Little Batens, Chippenham Excellent PA13 Gascelyn Close, Chippenham Fair PA14 Westmead Terrace, Chippenham Fair PA15 Long Close, Chippenham Good PA16a Charter Road, Chippenham Fair PA16b Charter Road, Chippenham Poor PA17 Recreation ground, Bath Road, Colerne Fair PA18 Martins Croft, Colerne Good PA19 Briar Leaze, Compton Bassett Good PA20 School Field, Poynder Place, Hilmarton Good PA21 Blackwell Hams, Chippenham Good PA22 Main Road, Corston Fair PA23 School Field, The Street, Hullavington Good PA24a Church Road, Kington Langley Good PA24b Church Road, Kington Langley Good PA25 Playing Field, Lacock Fair PA26 Hillside, Leigh Fair PA27 Pennymead, Sherston n/a* PA28 The Park, Tockenham Good PA29a Clarkes Leaze, Yatton Keynall Fair PA29b Clarkes Leaze, Yatton Keynall Fair PA30 The Mews, Lydiard Millicent Good PA31 Chestnut Springs, Lydiard Millicent Good
139 APPENDIX 13
PA32 Newnton Grove, Malmesbury Fair PA33 The Butts, Crudwell Good PA34 Church Street, Purton Fair PA35 Play Close, Purton Good PA36 Dogridge, Pavenhill, Purton Fair PA37a Springfield, Corsham Good PA37b Springfield, Corsham Poor PA38 Meriton Av Rec Ground, Corsham Good PA39a Rudloe, Westwood Road, Corsham Fair PA39b Rudloe, Westwood Road, Corsham Fair PA40 Westwells, Neston, Corsham Fair PA41 Coppershell, Gastard, Corsham Excellent PA42 Dicketts Rd, Corsham Fair PA43 Jubilee playing field, Lea Excellent PA44 Rec Ground, Sutton Benger Good PA45 Bath Road, Cricklade Fair PA46 Winkins Lane, Great Somerford Good PA48 Melsome Road, Lyneham Good PA49 Eider Avenue, Lyneham Good PA50 Slessor Road, Lyneham Fair PA51 Pound Close, Lyneham Poor PA52 Bradenstoke play area, Lyneham Good PA53a Brinkworth play area, Barnes Green Rec. Good field PA53b Brinkworth play area, Barnes Green Rec. Fair field PA54a Monkton Park, Chippenham Fair PA54b Monkton Park, Chippenham Fair PA54c Monkton Park , Chippenham Good PA55 Audley Road, Chippenham Fair PA56 Loyalty St, Chippenham Poor PA57 Kingsley Road, Chippenham Fair PA58 Bences Lane, Corsham Fair PA59a Pockeridge Road (x2), Corsham Poor PA59b Pockeridge Road (x2), Corsham Fair PA60 Pinewood Way, Colerne Fair PA61 Rodbourne Road, Corston Fair PA62 North end of village, Marston Masey Good PA63 Rec ground, Christian Malford Good PA64 The Street, Little Somerford Good PA66 Church Row, Charlton Good PA67 Oaksey Playing Field Fair PA68 Chapel Row, Luckington Good
140 APPENDIX 13
PA69 White Lion Park, Malmesbury Good PA70 St Aldheims Mead, Malmesbury Good PA71 John Coles Park, Chippenham Good PA72 Larkham Rise, Chippenham Poor PA73 Jubilee Lake, Wootton Bassett Fair PA74 Fairfield, Wootton Bassett Good PA75 Long Close BMX, Chippenham Poor PA76 Longfellow Crescent, Wootton Bassett Fair PA77 Longfellow Crescent , Wootton Bassett Good PA78 Otter Way, Wootton Bassett Fair PA79 Garraways, Wootton Bassett Fair PA80 Town Close, Kington St Michael Good PA81 Grittleton Good PA82 Stainers Way, Chippenham Good PA83 Barrow Green, Chippenham Good PA84 Oak Road, Colerne Poor PA85 Biddestone Poor PA86 Neston Rec, Corsham Fair PA87 Fynamore Gardens, Calne Good PA88 Dauntsey Fair PA89 Playing Field, Minety Good PA90 The Lotts, Ashton Keynes Good PA91 Playing Field (LAP), Ashton Keynes Fair PA92 Playing Field (LEAP), Ashton Keynes Good
*Play equipment at this site was in the process of being replaced so no assessment was made.
141 APPENDIX 14
Worked Example 1
Development proposal for 20 dwellings consisting of: 4 of 1 bed 8 of 2 bed 5 of 3 bed 3 of 4 bed
By reference to the provision standards, the POS requirement is 1086m2 (0.1086 ha). At 40 dwellings per hectare (dph) 20 dwellings equates to a site of 0.5 ha.
This area is too small for a Local Park, so a contribution for off-site improvements would be a more appropriate alternative. However, a LAP facility may also be required depending on the availability of a near-by facility.
Assuming no LAP provision
1. Area of required POS 0.1086 ha 2. Intended average density 40 dph 3. Dwelling capacity 4.344 (2. x 1.) 4. Profit based contribution (per dwelling) £46,230 (presently 20% of £231,148) 5. Discount for small site (per dwelling) £23,115 (presently 50%) 6. Total POS Contribution £100,410.69 (5. x 3.)
Assuming LAP provision on site
For the purposes of the POS contribution, the area of the LAP is deducted from the total POS requirement as it is to be provided be on the site. If it is assumed that the LAP will require 100 square metres, this would change the Area at 1. above to 0.0986 ha. Using the above sequence of calculation, starting at 6.
6. Total POS Contribution £91,165.56 7. Installation of a LAP £40,000 (estimated figure) 8. Commuted Maintenance of LAP £40,000 9. Total Contribution £171,165.56 (NB: estimate using 7.) APPENDIX 14
Worked Example 2
Development proposal for 34 dwellings consisting of:
6 off 1 bed 15 off 2 bed 8 off 3 bed 5 off 4 bed.
Reference to the provision standards indicates that the POS requirement is 1800 m2 (0.1800 ha). At 40 dph, this development equates to 0.85 ha.
The area is again, too small for a Local Park, so a contribution for off-site improvements would be required. However, a LAP may be required depending on the availability of a near-by facility.
Assuming no LAP provision
1. Area of required POS 0.1848 ha 2. Intended average density 40 dph 3. Dwelling capacity 7.392 (2. x 1.) 4. Profit based contribution (per dwelling) £46,230 (presently 20% of £231,148) 5. Discount for small site (per dwelling) £23,115 (presently 50%) 6. Total POS Contribution £170,864.60 (3. X 5.)
Assuming a LAP on-site
For the purposes of the POS contribution, the area of the LAP is deducted from the total POS requirement as it is to be provided be on the site. If it is assumed that the LAP will require 100 square metres, this would change the Area at 1. above to 0.1748 ha. Using the above sequence of calculation, starting at 6.
6. Total POS Contribution £161,620.08 7. Installation of a LAP £40,000 (estimated figure) 8. Commuted Maintenance of LAP £40,000 9. Total Contribution £241,620.08 (NB: estimate using 7.) APPENDIX 14
Worked Example 3
Development proposal for 48 dwellings consisting of:
10 off 1 bed 20 off 2 bed 12 off 3 bed 6 off 4 bed
Reference to the provision standards indicates that the POS requirement is 2556 m2 (0.2556 ha). At 40 dph, this development equates to 1.2 ha.
The area has reached the minimum size for a Local Park, so on-site POS (designed to the adopted standards) would be required including a LAP or LEAP (depending upon near provision), and other facilities. For this reason, no “small site” discount has been applied. The calculation below has been made on the basis that this would not preclude discussions for off-site provision should developers wish to do so.
Costs:
1. Area of required POS 0.2556 ha 2. Intended average density 40 dph 3. Dwelling capacity 10.224 (2. x 1.) 4. Profit based contribution (per dwelling) £46,230 (presently 20% of £231,418) 5. Total POS Contribution £472,651.43 (3. x 4.)
6. Installation of play area £60,000 (estimated figure) 7. Commuted Maintenance of play area £60,000 9. Total Contribution £592,651.43* (NB: estimate using 6.)
*The total contribution will also be in addition to commuted sums for other facilities and features included in the design of the site. Wiltshire Local Development Framework
Wiltshire Community Infrastructure Levy
Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document
October 2016 Wiltshire Council
Information about Wiltshire Council services can be made available on request in other languages including BSL and formats such as large print and audio. Please contact the council on 0300 456 0100, by textphone on 01225 712500 or by email on [email protected]. Table of Contents
1. Introduction ...... 5 2. Legislative and policy framework ...... 6 3. The Council’s approach to developer contributions ...... 9 4. Affordable housing ...... 10 5. Education ...... 13 6. Open space/ green infrastructure ...... 17 7. Transport/ highways ...... 21 8. Flood alleviation and sustainable drainage systems ...... 25 9. Community and health facilities ...... 28 10. Other planning obligations ...... 31 11. Negotiating planning obligations in Wiltshire ...... 32 12. Procedure and management ...... 35
Appendix 1 – Affordable housing zones map (Core Policy 43) ...... 37
Appendix 2 – Useful links ...... 38
1. Introduction
1.1 The adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy (2015) provides for at least 42,000 homes and approximately 178 ha of employment land in Wiltshire from 2006 to 2026.
1.2 Ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is put in place to support this new development requires developer contributions, using the following mechanisms (as discussed in Section 2 below):
• Planning conditions (see paragraph 2.2) • Section 278 agreements to deliver highways works (see paragraph 2.5) • Planning obligations (see paragraph 2.7) • Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) (see paragraph 2.13)
1.3 Supplementary planning documents should be prepared only where necessary and in line with paragraph 153 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). They should build upon and provide more detailed advice or guidance on the policies in the Local Plan. They should not add unnecessarily to the financial burdens on development.
1.4 This Revised Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) supports policies within the adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy (January 2015), particularly Core Policy 3 Infrastructure Requirements. It should be read in conjunction with the Wiltshire CIL Charging Schedule and the Wiltshire Regulation 123 List (see paragraph 2.12). The Council will periodically review and update the Regulation 123 List.
1.5 This SPD will identify the planning obligations that will be sought by the Council for development that generates a need for new infrastructure.
1.6 While it is not part of the statutory development plan, this SPD will be a material consideration in determining planning applications.
1.7 Chapter Two of this SPD sets out the legislative and policy framework that shapes the Council’s approach to planning obligations and CIL. Chapters three through to 10 clarify which types of infrastructure will be funded by each mechanism. Chapters 11 and 12 describe the processes for negotiating, implementing and monitoring planning obligations.
5 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 2. Legislative and policy framework
2.1 The legislative and policy framework for planning obligations includes the following:
• Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) • Planning Act 2008 (as amended) • The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) • The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (2012) • The Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) (2014) • The Wiltshire Core Strategy (2015)
Planning conditions
2.2 Planning conditions (under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) require actions needed in order to make a development acceptable in planning terms. They relate directly to the actual physical development and its construction on-site but cannot be used to request financial contributions.
2.3 Paragraph 206 of the NPPF requires conditions to be necessary, relevant to planning and the development, enforceable, precise, and reasonable in all other respects.
2.4 In Wiltshire, planning conditions are likely to cover, amongst other things, the requirement to:
• undertake archaeological investigations prior to commencement • remediate contaminated land • implement necessary local site-related transport improvements • undertake appropriate flood risk solutions • submit details of materials to be used in the development, and • control opening hours of environmentally unfriendly but necessary uses.
Section 278 agreements
2.5 Section 278 agreements (under the Highways Act 1980) are made between a highway authority and a person who agrees to pay all or part of the cost of highways works.
2.6 Regulation 123 of the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended) prevents section 278 agreements being used to fund items on the Regulation 123 List. The exception is where the section 278 agreement relates to roads that are the responsibility of Highways England. There are no pooling restrictions on section 278 agreements. Pooling is discussed in more detail in paragraph 2.12.
6 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Planning obligations
2.7 A planning obligation may be required by the Council to:
• Control the impact of development, for example, a proportion of the housing must be affordable; • Compensate for the loss or damage caused by the development, for example, loss of a footpath; • Mitigate a development’s impact, for example, increase public transport provision.
2.8 To mitigate the impacts of development, planning obligations can be:
• Financial obligations requiring monetary contributions to the local authority to fund works or services, and • In-kind obligations requiring specific actions to be performed by specific parties
2.9 The Council can secure planning obligations through a legal agreement (under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) with an applicant. Or it will expect the applicant to enter into a unilateral undertaking, which is a type of planning obligation where only the applicant need be bound by the obligation. A planning obligation is attached to the land, which means that it will remain enforceable even when the land is sold.
2.10 Regulation 122 of the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended) sets out three statutory tests for planning obligations, namely that:
“A planning obligation may only constitute a reason for granting planning permission for the development if the obligation is:
(a) Necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms;
(b) Directly related to the development; and
(c) Fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development.”
2.11 Planning obligations cannot be used to deliver projects which will be provided for by CIL. The Wiltshire Regulation 123 List sets out the infrastructure projects that the Council may fund, in whole or in part, through CIL and so cannot be the subject of an obligation.
2.12 Regulation 123 of the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended) limits the pooling of planning obligations towards infrastructure not on the Regulation 123 List. The pooling limit includes all planning obligations entered into since 6 April 2010. No more than five separate planning obligations may be pooled towards an infrastructure type or project if it is capable of being funded by CIL. This includes planning
7 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document obligations attached to applications under section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which vary a planning condition. Phased payments as part of a planning obligation collectively count as a single obligation. There are no pooling limits in relation to affordable housing and for infrastructure that is not capable of being funded by CIL.
Community infrastructure levy
2.13 CIL is a fixed, non-negotiable charge on new development. The amount is based upon the size of a development and is charged in pounds per square metre. It varies according to the type of development (e.g. residential, retail or employment uses) and in which area of Wiltshire the development takes place. The Wiltshire CIL Charging Schedule sets out the CIL rates that apply to different types of development in different parts of the county.
2.14 CIL applies to development that creates net additional floorspace (measured as Gross Internal Area) of at least 100 square metres. Development of less than 100 square metres is also liable for CIL if it involves the creation of at least one new dwelling. CIL is calculated at the same time as an applicant seeks planning permission. It is payable upon commencement of development in line with the charging authority’s proposed instalments policy. There are several types of development that do not pay CIL, by virtue of the rates being £0, and these are listed in the Wiltshire CIL Charging Schedule.
2.15 CIL will be used to help fund infrastructure projects on the Wiltshire Regulation 123 List. These projects are taken from the Wiltshire Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which identifies infrastructure necessary to deliver housing and employment development in the Wiltshire Core Strategy. The intention behind CIL is that it will contribute towards the funding of infrastructure to support the cumulative impact of development across the county. Planning obligations will be used to mitigate the site-specific impact of development and deliver affordable housing.
2.16 A broad definition of ‘infrastructure’ for the purposes of CIL funding is set out in section 216(2) of the Planning Act 2008 and includes:
• Roads and other transport facilities • Flood defences • Schools and other education facilities • Medical facilities • Sporting and recreational facilities • Open spaces
8 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 3. The Council’s approach to developer contributions
3.1 Core Policy 3 Infrastructure Requirements of the Wiltshire Core Strategy outlines the Council’s approach to planning obligations, which will be sought to:
• Mitigate the direct impact(s) of a development • Secure its implementation • Control phasing where necessary, and • Secure and contribute to the delivery of infrastructure made necessary by development.
3.2 Since the adoption of Wiltshire’s CIL Charging Schedule, the scope of planning obligations is reduced. However, planning obligations will still be sought towards affordable housing. The Council may also seek planning obligations, where it is not appropriate to use planning conditions, towards site-specific infrastructure projects not on the Wiltshire Regulation 123 List.
3.3 Larger developments, especially residential, typically have greater impacts and may require site-specific infrastructure, such as schools, community facilities and transport/ highways improvements. These can still be secured through planning obligations, even under the tighter restrictions introduced by the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended).
3.4 For large developments, master plans and other planning policy guidance may provide further details. In securing planning obligations on large developments, the Council will apply the statutory tests and avoid duplication with CIL. Where necessary, development viability will be taken into account on a site-by-site basis in assessing planning obligations, in accordance with paragraph 205 of the NPPF.
3.5 The following chapters address in more detail the various types of planning obligations that may be necessary for a development to mitigate against its impact on the local area.
9 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 4. Affordable housing
General approach
4.1 The Council will continue to secure affordable housing through planning obligations. Full details of thresholds, application and requirements will be contained within the forthcoming Affordable Housing SPD. This should be read in conjunction with this SPD.
4.2 One of the key issues facing Wiltshire is the provision of new housing to help meet the needs of its communities. Securing the provision of new affordable housing in all developments will be given a high priority in terms of planning obligations.
4.3 The NPPF (March 2012) definition for affordable housing includes social, affordable and intermediate housing for rent or sale. Affordable housing is provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Eligibility is determined with regard to local incomes and local house prices. This SPD will apply to any definition of affordable housing in future versions of the NPPF.
4.4 Planning obligations used to secure affordable housing should include provisions for the housing to remain affordable for future eligible households.
Policy context and framework
4.5 Any requirements for affordable housing will be justified in accordance with the NPPF and the Wiltshire Core Strategy (Core Policies and the development templates), as amended by the provisions of the PPG at the time of writing (see Table 4.1).
Policy Requirement
NPPF Paragraph 50 To deliver a wide choice of high quality homes and where local authorities have identified that affordable housing is needed, set policies for meeting this need on site, unless off-site provision or a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value can be robustly justified
Wiltshire Core Strategy Core Policy 3 Planning obligations sought to mitigate the direct impact of development, Infrastructure contribute towards delivery of infrastructure made necessary by the requirements development, and provision of local facilities and services.
10 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Policy Requirement
Core Policy 43 Sites of five or more dwellings: Providing affordable homes At least 30% (net) affordable housing within the ‘30% affordable housing zone’ on Policies Map1.
At least 40% (net) affordable housing within the ‘40% affordable housing zone’ on Policies Map.
In exceptional circumstances, the Council will accept a commuted sum.
Core Policy 44 Only affordable houses for local need. Must follow criteria in CP44. Rural exceptions sites Does not apply to principal settlements or market towns. Only local service centres, large and small villages and other settlements (CP1).
The Council will work in a positive way with parish councils and others.
Core Policy 45 Affordable homes provided should meet identified local needs including the Meeting Wiltshire’s appropriate tenure, size and type of home. housing needs
Core Policy 46 New homes should take account of the needs of older and vulnerable people. Meeting the needs of Affordable housing policies in CP43 will apply to extra care housing/very Wiltshire’s sheltered housing and any other accommodation for vulnerable people. vulnerable and older people
Table 4.1 – Summary of affordable housing policies
Thresholds and application
4.6 Core Policy 43 seeks at least 30% or 40% (net) affordable housing provision on-site depending upon the location of development (see Appendix 1 for a map of the affordable housing zones). In exceptional circumstances, the Council will accept a commuted sum. Provision may vary on a site by site basis, taking into account local need, mix and development viability. In applying the affordable housing policy for developments of 10 units or less, the Council will have regard to the Ministerial Statement of 28 November 20142 and the associated changes to the Planning Practice Guidance. On rural exception sites3, Core Policy 44 allows affordable houses for local need.
1 See Appendix 1.
2 Department for Communities and Local Government, the Minister of State for Housing and Planning (Brandon Lewis). (28 November 2014). House of Commons: Written Statement (HCWS50) Support for small scale developers, custom and self-builders. Available: http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-vote- office/November%202014/28%20Nov%202014/2.%20DCLG-SupportForSmallScaleDevelopersCustomAndSelf- Builders.pdf. Last accessed 24th August 2016.
3 The restrictions on seeking affordable housing and tariff style planning obligations introduced by the Ministerial Statement (28 November 2014) do not apply to development on Rural Exception Sites, although they should not be sought from residential annexes or extensions.
11 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 4.7 Affordable housing requirements apply to houses that fall under Use Class C3 of the Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended). It includes market housing, self-contained student housing, homes for the active elderly, sheltered housing and extra care or very sheltered housing. Affordable housing requirements do not apply to nursing homes, residential care homes, hotels and student accommodation (non self- contained).
12 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 5. Education
General approach
5.1 Education impacts of development will be addressed through the use of planning conditions, planning obligations and through the application of CIL receipts.
5.2 Wiltshire’s school population is predicted to increase over the period to 2026 both in the primary and secondary sectors. This is as a result of population growth, economic factors and housing development. There will be a need for a significant increase in school places and in some areas new schools in both sectors. There may also be the need to increase the provision of special school places across the wider catchment area. New development in Wiltshire may also place demands on infrastructure in neighbouring authorities. For example, pupils in Mere and Tisbury attend secondary schools in Gillingham and Shaftesbury respectively.The Department of Education will provide only formula funding where there is a demographic increase in actual numbers. This will not cover the full cost of assembling land and building a school.
5.3 Some development schemes in isolation will result in a significant net increase in the number of residents and a cluster of neighbouring developments will often lead to a significant local increase in population. These factors can and will create the need for new schools on sites in the development locality or extensions to existing schools. This will be necessary unless there is local capacity available in schools or capacity is likely to become available at the right time.
5.4 A specific local education need may be identified that is linked to development. Therefore, this may be secured through planning obligations. The Council can pool up to five separate planning obligations towards a specific project not on the Regulation 123 List. In some cases, the scale of a development may be sufficient by itself to justify a new school. The developer will then be expected to provide the site free of charge and pay the full construction costs, including all design fees and charges.
5.5 Provision of education facilities either on-site or in the vicinity of significant development(s) may be required where justified. To justify any such requirement, the Council will demonstrate that sufficient school age children will be generated to necessitate a new school or an extension to an existing school. The Council will also demonstrate that the additional children could not be provided for within existing schools in the catchment area.
5.6 The Council will seek to open new (4-11) schools for primary phase pupils. For secondary phase pupils, the Council will seek to open new (11-16) or (11-18) schools, however all-through (4-16 or 4-18) schools will also be considered where appropriate for school organisation arrangements. For new primary schools the expectation is that a school will be between one (210 places) and three forms of
13 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document entry (630 places). Smaller new schools will only be considered if it is not possible to expand existing schools and the cumulative additional demand from development does not require seven classes.
5.7 Under the Childcare Act 2006, the Council must provide up to 15 hours free early years funding for all three and four year olds. Since September 2014, the Council must provide free early years funding for 40% of all two year olds. The Council may seek provision of early years facilities through development.
Policy context and framework
5.8 Any education requirements will be justified in accordance with the NPPF, the Wiltshire Core Strategy (Core Policies and the development templates) and saved policies (see Table 5.1).
Policy Requirement
NPPF Paragraphs 38 and 72 Locate key facilities, such as primary schools, within walking distance of most properties, where practical, and provide a sufficient choice of school places
Wiltshire Core Strategy Core Policy 3 Planning obligations sought to mitigate the direct impact of Infrastructure requirements development, contribute towards delivery of infrastructure made necessary by the development, and provision of local facilities and services.
Saved policies Kennet District Local Plan Seeks contributions towards schools from new development
HC37 Demand for Education
West Wiltshire District Plan Seeks contributions towards schools from new development
S1 Education
West Wiltshire District Plan Allocates land for new or extensions to existing primary schools
S2 Primary schools
Salisbury District Local Plan Safeguards sites for new schools from other forms of development
PS4 New school sites at Landford and Shrewton Salisbury District Local Plan Seeks contributions from developers for new education facilities
PS5 New education facilities
14 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Policy Requirement
Salisbury District Local Plan Supports provision of playgroups, childminding facilities and day nurseries PS6 Playgroups, childminding facilities and day nurseries
Table 5.1 – Summary of education policies
5.9 Known site-specific education requirements resulting from strategically important sites are set out in the development templates in Appendix A to the adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy and in subsequent development plan documents, such as the Chippenham Site Allocations Plan and the Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan. They are informed by the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which will be updated periodically over the plan period. Infrastructure requirements may therefore change. The Council will be flexible and responsive to any changes.
Thresholds and application
5.10 The Council will calculate the number of nursery, primary and secondary aged children likely to come from a new housing development. Several factors are taken into account, including the most current data available on pupil numbers and forecasts, schools’ capacities and details of other know housing applied for/ approved within the relevant school catchment area(s).
5.11 The likely number of pupils arising from a development will be calculated using pupil product figures, which have been derived from the number of children arriving in early years settings and schools over a 10 year period. These figures are:
• 0.04 per dwelling for 0-2 year olds (4 per 100 dwellings) • 0.09 per dwelling for 3-4 year olds (9 per 100 dwellings) • 0.31 per dwelling for primary aged pupils (31 per 100 dwellings) • 0.22 per dwelling for secondary aged pupils (22 per 100 dwellings).
5.12 All one bed properties are considered unlikely to generate school age children and so are discounted entirely. A 30% discount is given on the social housing element of applications. This reflects pupils moving within the relevant designated areas (most relevant at secondary level) and so not needing to change their school place.
5.13 It will then be assessed whether the likely number of pupils can be accommodated within the existing capacity of the relevant catchment area school, taking into account other known granted or planning applications in their catchment area. The estimated pupil product calculated for a new housing development, plus the forecast numbers on roll at the appropriate school(s) are compared with their permanent capacities to identify the extent of any deficit that will need to be addressed. The determination of whether or not there is sufficient Early Years provision in the area of the development
15 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document will be done via reference to the current Wiltshire Childcare Sufficiency Report and an assessment of the impact of the development on existing capacity.
5.14 Where the proposed housing development would lead to a forecast school and early years population in excess of the permanent capacity, the Council would seek either land and/ or provision of education facilities to meet the shortfall in places.
5.15 Development proposals for around 400 to 500 houses may require a significant expansion of existing primary and secondary schools (combined or individually). Proposals for more than around 700 houses may require new nursery and primary schools to serve children generated by the development. In both instances, this will depend upon the extent of any surplus capacity within reasonable (defined) walking distance of the development. Proposals of this size may also require significant expansion of existing secondary schools, taking into account any surplus capacity within the catchment area.
5.16 A new secondary school is only likely to be required to serve a major urban expansion scheme. The Council will consider the establishment of a new secondary school where long term demand is likely to lead to a school with 900 11-16 school places. Special schools have a relatively wide catchment area and large development proposals may require the expansion of special school provision serving a wider area.
5.17 The Council uses cost multiplier figures (updated annually) to determine the cost per place for nursery, primary and secondary places. These are applied to the pupil product figures when assessing the amount of financial contributions required from developers towards the provision of school places. Cost multiplier figures on which the final contribution will be calculated are those applicable on the date of signature of a legal agreement.
16 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 6. Open space/ green infrastructure
General approach
6.1 The Council will generally mitigate the site specific impact of development on Wiltshire’s open space and green infrastructure through planning obligations. CIL may be used to fund open space and green infrastructure projects.
6.2 Population increase from new developments creates increased pressure on the use of open space and green infrastructure. Open space and green infrastructure can include allotments, cemeteries, parks, children’s and youth play space, public rights of way, green areas, outdoor fitness and outdoor sports playing fields. It can also include areas of nature conservation, habitat creation and habitat protection, and ecological impacts.
6.3 Mitigation of ecological impacts will generally continue to be managed through planning conditions and obligations as these matters are typically site specific. However, in exceptional circumstances off-site compensation, such as habitat creation or enhancement, may be required to offset the effects of development where onsite mitigation is not possible. For example, a financial contribution may be required to fund capital works and ongoing management by the Council or relevant third parties. This would exclude funding of strategic Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) mitigation strategies, as identified in the Regulation 123 list, Infrastructure Delivery Plan and/ or paragraph 6.76 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy.
6.4 The HRA of the Wiltshire Core Strategy identified that the cumulative effects of planned development has the potential to effect a number of European designations including the Salisbury Plain and the New Forest Special Protection Areas and the River Avon Special Area of Conservation; strategic mitigation strategies for these areas will be funded through CIL receipts. To meet the strict requirements of the Habitat Directive to ensure that these strategies are delivered, funds will be ring- fenced annually from CIL receipts prior to spending on any other infrastructure item.
Policy context and framework
6.5 Any open space/ green infrastructure requirements will be justified in accordance with the NPPF, the Wiltshire Core Strategy (Core Policies and the development templates) and saved policies (see Table 6.1).
17 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Policy Requirement
NPPF Paragraphs 16, Supports positive planning; encourages access to high quality open 17, 73, 74, 99 spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation; protects existing open and 114 space, sports and recreational buildings and land; takes into account climate change, and plans for a strategic approach to biodiversity and green infrastructure.
Wiltshire Core Strategy Core Policy 50 Requires development to mitigate its ecological impact, enhance Biodiversity and biodiversity and, where appropriate, contribute towards management of geodiversity local sites
Core Policy 51 Requires development to mitigate any negative impacts upon landscape Landscape character through sensitive design and landscape measures, and to conserve and, where possible, enhance landscape character
Core Policy 52 Requires development to retain and enhance existing on-site green Green infrastructure, make provision for accessible open spaces according to infrastructure the adopted Wiltshire Open Space Standards, ensure long-term management of directly related green infrastructure, contribute towards the Wiltshire Green Infrastructure Strategy and improve links between the natural and historic landscapes
Core Policy 53 Supports in principle the restoration and reconstruction of the Wilts & Wiltshire’s Berks and Thames and Severn canals as navigable waterways. Canals Safeguards their alignments from new development. Permits proposals that develop the recreational and nature conservation potential.
Core Policy 57 Requires development to adhere to a high standard of design relating to Ensuring high the natural environment, such as the retention and enhancement of quality design landscaping and natural features, for example trees, hedges, banks and and place- watercourses, in order to take opportunities to enhance biodiversity and shaping create wildlife and recreational corridors.
Core Policies See Chapter 7 Transport/ highways, Table 7.1 for policies applying to 60, 61 and 62 rights of way, which may also be classified as open space/ green infrastructure
Core Policy 67 See Chapter 8 Flood risk alleviation and sustainable urban drainage systems, Table 8.1. for policies applying to such schemes that may also be classified as open space/ green infrastructure
Core Policy 68 Requires development to contribute towards the delivery of the relevant Water resources River Basin or catchment management plan and, for non-residential development, incorporate water efficiency measures
Core Policy 69 Requires development to mitigate its impact on the River Avon Special Protection of the Area of Conservation (SAC) River Avon SAC
18 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Saved policies Kennet District Contains the adopted open space standards for east Wiltshire Local Plan
HC34 Recreation provision on large housing sites
Kennet District Contains the adopted open space standards for east Wiltshire Local Plan
HC35 Recreation provision on small housing sites
North Wiltshire Contains the adopted open space standards for north Wiltshire Local Plan
CF3 Provisions of open space
West Wiltshire Contains the adopted open space standards for west Wiltshire Leisure and Recreation Development Plan Document
LP4 Providing recreation facilities in new developments
Salisbury Contains the adopted open space standards for south Wiltshire District Local Plan
R2 Open space provision
Salisbury Contains the adopted open space standards for south Wiltshire District Local Plan
R3 Open space provision
Table 6.1 - Summary of open space/ green infrastructure policies
19 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 6.6 The saved Local Plan policies contain the adopted Wiltshire open space standards. These will be replaced by Wiltshire-wide standards, within the Open Spaces Study (2015 – 2026) Part 1. The new standards will be formally adopted as part of the partial review of the Wiltshire Core Strategy programmed in the Council’s Local Development Scheme.
Thresholds and application
6.7 Thresholds for planning obligations are set out in the adopted Wiltshire open space standards. Four sets of open space standards are currently in operation across Wiltshire, with different standards applying in each of the former district areas. Core Policy 52 requires development to make provision in line with the adopted Wiltshire Open Space standards.
6.8 Onsite provision of open space and landscaping schemes may be offered to the Council or its nominee (usually a town or parish council) by a developer for adoption to be managed in perpetuity by a management company on behalf of the Council or town/ parish council. Where new publically accessible open space is proposed as part of a development, the Council will require these facilities to be useable and of high quality. There are currently no specific standards against which the Council will undertake this assessment. It will be guided by the Open Spaces Study, dependent upon individual site characteristics and, as such, in the interim period decisions will be made on a case by case basis. Open space must initially be maintained by the developer to the satisfaction of the Council for at least 12 months after being provided on-site (this may be lengthened or shortened at the Council’s discretion). All new public open space must be secured and maintained in perpetuity for the benefit of the public. A commuted maintenance payment to cover a period of 20 years will also be required. The payment will be calculated using either the annual maintenance unit rates in place at the time of completion of the section 106 agreement, index linked to take into account inflations that may occur prior to receipt of payment, or the annual maintenance unit rates in place at the time the open space site is transferred to the Council. These are calculated using rates from the current Spons external works and landscape price book.
6.9 Off-site provision of open space will be sought through planning obligations where it is not possible for the provision to be made on-site and the off-site open space is directly related to the proposed development. The off-site contribution will be calculated in line with the adopted Wiltshire Open Space standards and based on rates from the current Spons external works and landscape price book.
20 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 7. Transport/ highways
General approach
7.1 Transport impacts of development will be addressed through the use of planning conditions, planning obligations and through the application of CIL receipts. Generally and in accordance with national guidance, the Council will first try to address transport and highways issues through planning conditions. This might be for on-site highways infrastructure or off-street parking to ensure the efficacy of the proposed network.
7.2 Inevitably, developments generating or attracting significant trips will have an off-site impact. Appropriate mitigation will need to be identified in the supporting transport assessment. It might be possible to directly mitigate the off-site impact of development on the wider transport network. In these situations, mitigation will normally be secured through negatively framed planning conditions, with works carried out under a section 278 (highways) agreement. This agreement can be drafted alongside the section 106 agreement.
7.3 However, section 278 agreements cannot be used to mitigate the cumulative impact of developments. Instead, planning obligations (subject to pooling restrictions) would normally be sought towards, for example, highways infrastructure or revenue support for local bus services. Obligations will also be used for traffic regulation orders directly required by development, typically for controlling traffic parking by directional movement or by weight.
7.4 The principle settlements in Wiltshire (i.e. Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge) are supported by transport strategies. These identify measures to mitigate the cumulative impacts of development. Consideration of these is a key determinant of the highways authority recommendation on a planning application. Specific proposals could be delivered by planning obligations (subject to pooling restrictions). Such measures include:
• Road improvement schemes • Junction capacity improvements • Measures to facilitate the shift from car use to more sustainable means of transport, primary bus, cycle or walking schemes but also improvements to rail infrastructure
7.5 The accessibility and connectivity of development will be taken into consideration, including local destinations reasonably required by future residents, or vice-versa in the case of non-residential development. For example, measures might include new or upgraded pedestrian and cycle facilities. These may be identified in transport assessments, cycle and footpath route audits and travel plans, or through the local knowledge of officers.
21 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 7.6 The provision of sustainable transport measures may be more challenging in rural areas but is likely to reflect those sought in more urban areas of the county.
Policy context and framework
7.7 Any transport/ highways requirements will be justified in accordance with the NPPF, the Wiltshire Core Strategy (Core Policies and the development templates) and saved policies (see Table 7.1).
Policy Requirement
NPPF Paragraphs 29 to 41 Promote sustainable transport measures
Wiltshire Core Strategy Core Policy 3 Planning obligations sought to mitigate the direct impact of development, Infrastructure contribute towards delivery of infrastructure made necessary by the requirements development, and provision of local facilities and services.
Core Policy 60 Reduce the need to travel and deliver sustainable transport. Planning Sustainable obligations sought to mitigate the impact of development on transport users, transport local communities and the environment.
Core Policy 61 Planning obligations sought towards sustainable transport improvements Transport and identified in transport assessments. development
Core Policy 62 Appropriate mitigation measures from development sought to offset any Development adverse impacts on the transport network at both the construction and impacts on the operational stages. transport network
Core Policy 63 Planning obligations sought towards implementing the transport strategies for Transport strategies the principal areas of development in Wiltshire (i.e. Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge) to address the need for integrated transport solutions in these settlements.
Core Policy 64 Demand management mitigation measures sought to reduce reliance on the Demand car and encourage the use of sustainable transport alternatives. management
Core Policy 66 Identifies improvements to the A350 national primary route at Yarnbrook/ Strategic transport West Ashton. Mitigation measures sought to ensure important commuting network routes for Annex II species are protected.
Saved policies West Wiltshire Protects public rights of way network from development and, where Leisure and appropriate, seeks improvements as part of development proposals Recreation DPD
CR1 Footpaths and rights of way
22 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Other Planning Practice Provides further guidance, which will be referred to by the Council in seeking Guidance transport/ highways contributions, especially around the use of conditions, transport assessments and travel planning.
DfT publications Further design-related national guidance, e.g. Design Manual for Roads and the Manual for Streets
Table 7.1 – Summary of transport/ highways policies
Thresholds and application
7.8 Planning obligations may be sought regardless of the size of the development proposed, depending upon the site related circumstances. However, developments not requiring a transport assessment4 are unlikely to need to provide for any off-site works. Those that do can be anticipated to be required to mitigate their impact. Smaller developments will help reduce their limited impacts through the use of CIL receipts.
7.9 Where significant infrastructure is included on-site, it will likely need to be of a size to accommodate internal and any external trips it might facilitate. On-site infrastructure may need to be appropriately upgraded to accommodate planned connecting infrastructure. This will be required as a pro bono contribution, as part of the abnormal development costs.
7.10 In the principal settlements, planning obligations will have regard to the relevant transport strategy. Off-site measures will primarily be restricted to residential development because they generate trips. Contributions (subject to pooling restrictions) are normally sought on a per dwelling basis but this approach is subject to review.
7.11 Employment development attracts trips and is to be encouraged to support the increase in forecast population. It will normally be required only to address immediate and local transport impacts, where they have a deleterious effect on the transport network. Major employment and retail developments may be required to mitigate their impacts away from the immediate area, e.g. congestive impacts at identified junctions.
7.12 There will be some transport schemes that cannot be funded through planning obligations and these will be delivered through CIL receipts.
4 Guidance on Transport Assessments, March 2007, GCLG/ DfT.
23 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 7.13 Any requirements for transport/ highways planning obligations will meet the three statutory tests in CIL Regulation 122 in the following way:
• Necessary – acceptability of the transport impacts of the development in the absence of mitigation, which is consider on a site-by-site or cumulative basis. • Directly related – impact of the development on the local transport network resulting from the trips directly associated with the development • Scale – measures that do not exceed only what is necessary to mitigate the development’s own impact on the local network. However, negotiated mitigation measures might result in, for example, local improvements to capacity at one junction at the expense of another. At least a five year life would be expected from any works on the highway.
24 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 8. Flood alleviation and sustainable drainage systems
General approach
8.1 The Council will continue to secure site-specific flood alleviation and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) mainly through planning conditions but, occasionally, through planning obligations.
8.2 The Council is committed to implementing sustainable approaches to surface water drainage, expecting developments to incorporate SuDS. Additionally, several areas in Wiltshire are within Flood Zones 2 and 3. Developments proposed that fall into those zones will require additional evidence that no lower risk alternative sites were available.
8.3 All new development will need to include measures to reduce the rate of rainwater run-off and improve rainwater infiltration to soil and ground (sustainable drainage), unless site or environmental conditions make these measures unsuitable.
8.4 Development will be expected to incorporate SUDs, such as rainwater harvesting, green roofs, permeable paving, ponds, wetlands and swales, wherever possible.
8.5 The provision of green infrastructure, including woodland, should also be considered as a measure to reduce surface water run-off. Any opportunities to reinstate or create additional, natural functional floodplain through the development process will be encouraged.
Policy context and framework
8.6 Any requirements for flood alleviation and SuDS infrastructure will be justified in accordance with the NPPF, the Wiltshire Core Strategy (Core Policies and the development templates) and saved policies (see Table 8.1).
Policy Requirement
NPPF Paragraphs 99 – 104 Meeting the challenge of climate, change, flooding and coastal change
Wiltshire Core Strategy Core Policy 3 Planning obligations sought to mitigate the direct impact of development, Infrastructure contribute towards delivery of infrastructure made necessary by the requirements development, and provision of local facilities and services.
Core Policy 67 Requires all new development to include measures to reduce the rate of Flood risk rainwater run-off and improve rainwater infiltration to soil and ground (sustainable drainage) unless site or environmental conditions make these measures unsuitable
25 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Saved policies West Wiltshire Requires development to have adequate foul drainage and connect to mains District Plan drainage
U1a Foul water disposal
Other Environment Agency Sustainable Drainage Systems: An Introduction, which sets out the ‘surface water management train’ approach recommended by the Environment Agency that developers will be expected to follow
Wiltshire Council A Developer’s Guide to SuDS in Wiltshire
Table 8.1 – Summary of flood alleviation and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) policies
Thresholds and application
8.7 Major flood alleviation and SuDS projects will be delivered by the water companies, or via CIL and other infrastructure funding. Section 106 agreements will not be used to seek funding for these projects.
8.8 However, developers may be expected to mitigate the direct impacts of their development on local drainage and flood risk management through planning obligations. Planning obligations may be sought where the development requires:
• Off site management of surface water to ameliorate the impact of the development on the capacity of Sewage Treatment Works • Off site management of surface water to ameliorate the impact of the development on the risk of flooding to properties nearby • Off site works to manage the impact of the development on the risk of flooding from fluvial sources to properties nearby
8.9 The section 106 agreement will require the nature of the works to be undertaken to be agreed by the Council. Appropriate contracts will need to be in place to secure the delivery of off-site work before the development can commence. This will involve securing the agreement of the relevant landowner(s) as well as appropriate agreements from the local drainage company and/ or relevant regulatory bodies.
8.10 On-site infrastructure may also be provided to alleviate the risk of flooding, and reduce impacts on drainage infrastructure. Core Policy 3 states that water and sewerage, flood alleviation and sustainable drainage systems are essential infrastructure. This is to be provided by new development, which must be adequately served by on and off-site foul and surface water drainage systems. This will normally form part of the detailed matters submitted and agreed through the planning application process. The delivery can therefore be secured through a planning condition.
26 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 8.11 However, the ongoing maintenance of on-site infrastructure may need to be subject to a section 106 agreement. Off-site infrastructure will need to be maintained in order to ensure it continues to operate effectively. Additionally, some developments will incorporate on-site flood risk management and drainage infrastructure which will require maintenance beyond the normal timeframe of development.
8.12 The developer may be able to get this infrastructure adopted by the local drainage company if it meets their specifications. Where this cannot be achieved, the developer must put in place mechanisms to ensure the ongoing maintenance and effective operation of the infrastructure in perpetuity.
8.13 The Council will include clauses within section 106 agreements to secure the ongoing maintenance of flood alleviation and SuDS. This could apply to both off-site and on-site provision. Normally the section 106 agreement will require either:
• the developer to enter into an agreement with the local drainage company to adopt the flood alleviation and SuDS prior to initial occupation/ use, or • the developer to prepare a management plan for the flood alleviation and SuDS, agreed by the council, and put in place mechanisms to deliver ongoing management of the infrastructure prior to initial occupation/ use.
8.14 Due to the unpredictable nature of flood risk and drainage issues, later implementation of maintenance is unacceptable.
8.15 It is necessary to ensure delivery of flood alleviation and SuDS alongside development. Therefore, any financial planning obligations must be paid upon commencement of development to allow sufficient time to deliver the required infrastructure. If the developer is undertaking the physical work themselves then it must be completed prior to initial occupation or use. The section 106 agreement will set out the phasing requirements for planning obligations related to flood alleviation and SuDS.
27 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 9. Community and health facilities
General approach
9.1 Where there is a direct link to development, the Council will fund community and health facilities through planning obligations. CIL may be used to fund other health facilities and community facilities such as multi-use community facilities, leisure centres and libraries and cultural facilities.
Policy context and framework
9.2 Any requirements for community and health facilities will be justified in accordance with the NPPF, the Wiltshire Core Strategy (Core Policies and the development templates) and saved policies (see Table 9.1).
Policy Requirement
NPPF Paragraphs 28 and Support economic growth in rural areas, and the delivery of social, 70 recreational and cultural facilities and services
Paragraphs 156, 162 Supports strategic policies to deliver health, security, community and cultural and 171 infrastructure and other local facilities, working with providers to assess the capacity of and the need for strategic infrastructure, and work with health providers to understand and take into account the health needs of the local population
Wiltshire Core Strategy Core Policy 3 Planning obligations sought to mitigate the direct impact of development, Infrastructure contribute towards delivery of infrastructure made necessary by the requirements development, and provision of local facilities and services.
Core Policy 48 Supports improving access to services and infrastructure, community Supporting rural life ownership and new shops in rural areas
Core Policy 49 Protects existing services and community facilities Protection of services and community facilities)
Saved policies North Wiltshire Local Supports proposals for leisure facilities (and open space) within settlement Plan boundaries
CF2 Leisure facilities and open space
28 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Policy Requirement
Salisbury District Supports provision of health facilities. Local Plan
PS1 Community facilities
Salisbury District Seeks provision of new indoor community and leisure facilities, or Local Plan contributions towards existing facilities, from development
R4 Indoor community and leisure provision
West Wiltshire Protect and enhance existing open space or leisure and recreation provision. Leisure and Seek provision of recreation facilities in new development. Recreation DPD
Policies LP1, LP2, LP3, LP4 and LP5
West Wiltshire Seek provision of new artificial turf and grass pitch provision from new Leisure and development Recreation DPD
Policies OS1 and OS2
West Wiltshire Seeks provision of youth facilities from new development Leisure and Recreation DPD
Policies YP2
Table 9.1 – Summary of community and health facilities policies
9.3 Known site-specific community and health facilities requirements resulting from strategically important sites are set out in the development templates in Appendix A to the adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy and in subsequent development plan documents, such as the Chippenham Site Allocations Plan and the Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan. They are informed by the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, which will be updated periodically over the plan period. Infrastructure requirements may therefore change. The Council will be flexible and responsive to any changes.
Thresholds and application
9.4 Depending on the size of the residential development it may be possible that community facilities such as a village hall or changing rooms for a sports pitch for example are delivered through planning obligations directly linked to the development and are used in the development.
29 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 9.5 Large residential developments or a cluster of neighbouring developments will lead to a local increase in population. This can create a need for specific local health facilities if there is no existing local capacity or likely to be in the near future. New development may therefore require a new facility or extensions to existing facilities to be provided.
30 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 10. Other planning obligations
10.1 The Council reserves the right to seek additional section 106 planning obligations to those listed above; where justified by local circumstance and where such planning obligations can meet the statutory tests set out in CIL Regulation 122.
10.2 Examples of section 106 obligations may include but will not be limited to:
• Site-specific air quality, contaminated land and noise monitoring and mitigation measures • Fire hydrants (see paragraph 10.3) • Local employment, skills training and enterprise benefits • Waste and recycling containers5 • Art and design in the public realm6 • Site-specific measures to protect and enhance the historic environment
10.3 Development may require the provision of fire hydrants and water supplied for firefighting. Where a direct need arising from the development is identified by the Fire Authority, the Council will seek this through a planning condition or, if this is not possible, a planning obligation. The developer is responsible for the cost of the hydrants and water supplies for firefighting. Consultation should be undertaken with the Fire Authority to ensure that the site is provided with adequate water supplies for use by the fire and rescue service in the event of a fire. Arrangements may include a water supply infrastructure, suitable sitting of hydrants and/ or access to an appropriate water supply. Consideration should also be given to ensure access to the site, for the purpose of firefighting, is adequate for the size and nature of the development. CIL may be used to fund other emergency services infrastructure projects.
10.4 Planning obligations may be secured to ensure that provision is made directly on-site or, as appropriate, off-site.
5 Wiltshire Council (2014), Waste Storage and Collection Guidance for New Developments. This document is currently under review.
6 Wiltshire Council (2011), Guidance Note for Art and Design in the Public Realm.
31 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 11. Negotiating planning obligations in Wiltshire
11.1 The process for negotiating planning obligations is set within the framework of national legislation and guidance, and local policy and guidance, and other material considerations relevant in each particular case. The Council must meet the statutory tests in the CIL Regulations 2010 (as amended) and consider the policy guidance in the NPPF and PPG.
Role of the case officer
11.2 The case officer assigned to assess planning proposals will act as one point of contact for the negotiation of planning obligations.
Pre-application stage
11.3 The Council provides a pre-application advice service to anyone wanting help with a development proposal before the submission of a planning application. The aim is to provide responsive, consistent and timely advice. This de-risks the application process and reduces the time taken to deal with applications at the formal decision making stage. The charge for pre-application advice is set out on the ‘Planning’ pages of the council website.
11.4 Pre-application advice will identify policies of the development plan which generate a need for planning obligations. Where possible, it will specify expected heads of terms for any legal agreement or unilateral undertaking. The advice will provide details and/ or calculations of expected contributions, where relevant and possible. Potentially, this will assist applicants with the drafting of agreements or undertakings to enable them to be submitted before the submission of formal planning applications. Applicants will be encouraged to prepare agreements and undertakings in cooperation with the Council’s solicitors, and, wherever possible, use the Council’s template legal documents.
11.5 Applicants should use this SPD, alongside an analysis of their proposed works, to identify planning obligations necessary to mitigate the impacts of development.
Application stage
11.6 The applicant or their agent must ensure that the formal process of applying for planning permission is followed. Guidance is set out on the ‘Planning’ pages of the Council website.
11.7 Applicants are encouraged to submit forms and related documentation electronically (via the Council website or Planning Portal). Paper submissions are also acceptable. Standard application forms are available in packs either on-line or on request.
32 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 11.8 Planning applications are validated on receipt using ‘local validation checklists’, available to view on-line or on request. The Council can refuse to register a planning application unless it receives all of the information set out in the checklists. Where applications generate the need for planning obligations the local validation checklists require, as a minimum, the heads of terms of the inevitable legal agreement or unilateral undertaking to be set out in the application documentation. The pre- application enquiry process will inform this process.
11.9 In rare situations where an applicant is unwilling to meet any, or all, of the expected planning obligations they should set out their reasons in a separate statement. If necessary, this should be accompanied by a viability appraisal (see paragraph 11.12).
11.10 The Council is not required to enter into protracted negotiations on the nature and extent of expected planning obligations during the formal application process. For this reason, the Council reserves the right to refuse inadequately justified applications without further explanation. To avoid this scenario, pre-application discussions are encouraged.
Thresholds
11.11 Some infrastructure types contain individual minimum thresholds, e.g. affordable housing, below which an obligation of that type will not be sought. In general, whether an obligation is sought will depend upon the nature, type, location and crucially impact of the proposal.
Size of development
11.12 Larger developments tend to create a specific need for infrastructure provision and improvements. They may require site specific infrastructure, such as schools, open spaces, community facilities and highway improvements or enabling works, to be secured through planning obligations. This could apply to smaller developments with site specific impacts.
Viability
11.13 On rare occasions the cost of obligations may be greater than the proposed development is able to bear. Where the outcome is judged to have a significant impact on residual land values and financial viability is raised as a concern, a financial appraisal of the proposed development by the applicant will be required to substantiate the claim. This appraisal should be submitted alongside the application documentation and where possible will be treated and kept as confidential by the Council. The Council will scrutinise the financial appraisal before confirming or otherwise viability.
33 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 11.14 A scenario may arise whereby the financial appraisal shows that little or no infrastructure could be provided. The potential for a planning refusal in these circumstances must be balanced against the benefit of bringing a site forward for development.
11.15 Paragraph 205 of the NPPF addresses concerns about delivery of development and development viability, stating that ‘where obligations are being sought or revised, local planning authorities should take account of changes in market conditions over time and, wherever appropriate, be sufficiently flexible to prevent planned development being stalled.’
Input from local communities
11.16 The Council would encourage developers to undertake pre-application consultation with local communities prior to submitting development proposals. This will enable them to gain a greater understanding of local concerns and issues, including the relative priority of any identified planning obligations at the local level, and should inform the detail of their planning application.
11.17 Parish and town councils are well placed to articulate the needs of the local community. They may identify necessary mitigation measures required from development proposals. In addition, neighbourhood plans may also play a key role in identifying and prioritising local infrastructure that could be delivered via planning obligations or the neighbourhood proportion of CIL receipts.
34 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document 12. Procedure and management
Post-decision monitoring and implementation
12.1 To ensure proper and effective management of planning obligations copies of every agreement and undertaking will be placed on the planning register with the planning decision notice. Thereafter the Council will monitor development sites to ensure obligations are met as and when ‘triggers’ set out in the agreements and undertakings are reached. On the rare occasions when obligations are not fulfilled the Council will take appropriate enforcement action.
12.2 The Council will publish reports setting out details of planning obligations negotiated, details of extant planning obligations where development has not yet commenced, details of works undertaken and/or expenditure from planning obligations where development has commenced, and details of expenditure planned in the future.
Phasing of infrastructure and timing of payments
12.3 The phasing of infrastructure provision or the timing of the payment of financial contributions required within a planning obligation will be negotiated separately as part of the agreement or undertaking. The rate of delivery of infrastructure will be in line with the needs of the development.
Indexing and interest payments
12.4 The Council will require indexing clauses within agreements and undertakings for all obligations which require financial contributions to be made. These will apply where delays in payment are either built-in to the agreement/ undertaking (for example, phased payment conditions) and/ or driven by external influences (for example, delayed commencement of the development). Contributions will be indexed from the date of the agreement/ undertaking to the date of receipt. The form of indexing will be appropriate to the nature of the obligation.
12.5 Interest sums will apply where payments are made later than the date due as set out in the agreement/ undertaking.
Legal costs
12.6 The Council’s legal costs for the drafting or checking of legal agreements must be met by the applicant.
35 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Complying with in-kind contributions
12.7 Where an in-kind obligation is required through an s106 agreement the developer should provide evidence of compliance with the obligation to the Council, as outlined in the terms of the specific clauses. This evidence should be provided to the Council’s Section 106 and CIL Monitoring Officer. If approval is required from the Council on an element of the in-kind obligation, the Section 106 and CIL Monitoring Officer should be the first point of contact.
Non-financial obligations
12.8 The delivery of non-financial contributions, or in-kind obligations, will be monitored by the appropriate service areas responsible for project delivery. For example, where there is an affordable housing element to a legal agreement, the New Housing Team will monitor this section of the agreement to ensure that it is complied with.
Financial obligations
12.9 Once a financial contribution is received by the Council the service area or organisation with the responsibility for delivery of the s106 project will be informed.
12.10 CIL Regulation 123 states that the pooling of contributions from more than five separate planning obligations towards a specific type of infrastructure or infrastructure project will not be permitted.
12.11 Any pooling of contributions will be in line with CIL Regulations and guidance.
36 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Appendix 1 – Affordable housing zones map (Core Policy 43)
37 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document Appendix 2 – Useful links
Planning legislation
• CIL Regulations 2010 • CIL Regulations (amended) 2011 • CIL Regulations (amended) 2012 • CIL Regulations (amended) 2013 • CIL Regulations (amended) 2014 • CIL Regulations (amended) 2015
National planning policy
• Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) • Planning Practice Guidance (PPG)
Local planning policy
• Wiltshire Core Strategy • Wiltshire Community Infrastructure Levy
Local planning application process advice and fees
• Planning and building control
38 Revised Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document
This document was published by Economic, Development and Planning, Wiltshire Council.
For further information please visit the following website: http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal
Waste storage and collection: guidance for
developers
Draft Supplementary Planning Document
Waste storage and collection: Supplementary Planning Document
Contents 0.1 Version history ...... 2 0.2 List of contributors and consultees ...... 3 0.3 Consultation process ...... 3 0.4 Updates to this document ...... 3 1. Introduction ...... 4 2. Wiltshire Council’s waste strategy and service delivery ...... 5 3. How to use this guidance ...... 8 4. Vehicle access ...... 10 5. Waste storage and collection for residential developments ...... 12 5.1. The collection service for individual houses ...... 12 5.2. Collection points ...... 12 5.3. Routes to collection points from external storage space ...... 15 5.4. External storage of waste ...... 17 5.5. Internal storage of waste ...... 19 5.6. The collection service for apartments ...... 20 5.7. Care homes and sheltered accommodation ...... 27 5.8. Collections while developments are under construction...... 29 5.9. Unadopted roads ...... 30 6. Waste storage and collection for commercial developments ...... 31 6.1. The collection service for commercial properties ...... 31 6.2. Collection points ...... 33 6.3. Routes to collection points from external storage ...... 33 6.4. External storage of waste ...... 33 6.5. Internal storage of waste ...... 34 7. Waste storage and collection for mixed-use developments ...... 34 8. Planning applications ...... 34 9. Communication with the waste management services department ...... 36 10. Section 106 agreements, including contributions ...... 36 11. Contacts ...... 39 Bibliography ...... 40 Appendices ...... 41 Appendix A Collection vehicle dimensions ...... 42 Appendix B Example tenancy agreement terms ...... 43 Appendix C Sample indemnity letter ...... 44 Appendix D New development protocol...... 46 Appendix E Template wording for section 106 agreements...... 47
Page 1 of 47 January 2016
0.1 Version history
Table A
Version Status Summary of changes Date number published 1.0 First published version N/A March 2011 2.0 Revised draft circulated • Structure amended. Further details October internally to enhance the added to sections 2 to 8 to reference 2012 technical content the updated waste strategy and to relate Wiltshire’s requirements to documents published by ADEPT and DfT (as referenced in the body of the guidance below). 2.1 Draft circulated internally • Significant revisions to section 5.7 February prior to submission to and section 9 to reflect current 2013 waste management operational practices and HSE services strategic advice and minor amendments to management team other sections. 2.2 Updated draft (post waste • Amendment to the size of containers April 2013 strategic management provided to flats for certain materials team email approval to to reflect Hills’ approach (Table 3) proceed) and to the associated contributions requested. 2.3 Draft updated to • Additional references to Defra’s May 2015 accommodate some Quality Action Plan added. further lessons learned • Changes to the description of the from applying this garden waste service and how s106 guidance to planning contributions would deal with this applications and to change. incorporate service changes which take effect in 2015 2.3.1 Draft updated after first • References to policies updated June 2015 round of internal • Further minor amendments to clarify consultation responses to requirements update the policy context • Addition of Figure 1 to illustrate effect of poor bin storage arrangements 2.3.2 Draft updated after further • Sketches added throughout the January round of internal document to illustrate design 2016 consultation responses requirements • Clarification added to sections 1.1, 2.3, 10.1, 10.2 and 10.4 regarding the criteria for seeking s106 contributions. Addition of a new section 10.3 to outline infrastructure requirements for major developments, with an associated estimation of costs added to section 10.4 • Updated reference to relevant regulations in section 6.1.2 and in
Page 2 of 47 January 2016
new paragraph 5.6.9.6 • A new paragraph 5.7 is added to provide specific guidance on care homes and sheltered accommodation • Comments from urban design colleagues have been accommodated in sections 4.2, 4.6, 5.2.1, 5.4.5, 5.6, 6 (to clarify information on distances and space requirements, to replace cross references with text and to increase information on security of bin stores) • Updates to Table 5 to include more building types • Further cross references to council policies and strategies and to HSE guidance • Other minor proof reading amendments, updates of the bibliography and enhanced cross- references within the document. • Front and rear cover added
0.2 List of contributors and consultees
[Insert table when information is finalised]
0.3 Consultation process
An internal consultation took place in May and June 2015. In response, the document was amended as indicated in Table A above.
[Insert information post-consultation to include member sign off, external consultation, process for adoption of document as SPD]
0.4 Updates to this document
In the guidance below there are a number of signposts to potential changes to this document to take account of projects currently being undertaken by the council. Where such changes are brought into effect, the council will publish an updated version of the guidance on its website. Any such revised version can be issued to any consultees listed in section 0.2 above at the time and will be available to any new applicants at such time on the website.
A further consultation would not be required in the circumstances set out above. The document would only be issued for further consultation where substantial changes were made to the planning policies that underpin this document.
Page 3 of 47 January 2016
1. Introduction
1.1. The aims of this document are to:
• support the interests of the council’s Waste Management Service and delivery of the principles of the Wiltshire Council Waste Management Strategy1 by offering guidance to developers on how to ensure space for waste management is integrated into the designs of all developments and that vehicular access is suitable for Wiltshire Council’s fleet, thereby enabling services to be delivered safely, efficiently and in compliance with regulations • embed the consideration of the issues associated with the management of waste in accordance with the adopted policies of the Council’s local development plan • provide developers with advice on how to meet local plan policy requirements relating to the need to ensure that waste generation is minimised and appropriately addressed prior to the construction and occupation phases in line with the planning process, thus avoiding problems for residents and the council post-construction • provide an appropriate means of calculating section 106 contributions for each new development where the requirements of the Waste Management Service are considered to be directly related to development proposals and where the development meets the criterion in section 10.2.
1.2. As part of the ongoing process of delivering a planned approach to sustainable development in the county, the council is required to detail, where it is considered lawful2 to do so, the waste and recycling collection contributions required as part of the section 106 provision for all new developments (see section 10 below). This requirement sits alongside the council’s other legal obligations, such as how we manage waste in order to increase the rate of recycling that our residents achieve and to reduce the reliance on the unsustainable option of landfill.
1.3. One of the key principles underpinning this document is to ensure that waste management in new developments does not adversely affect the quality of life for residents and other users of the space, which supports the council’s vision of creating resilient communities.
1.4. The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) publication ‘Making Space for Waste: Designing Waste Management in New Developments’ summarises this point by stressing that “it is important not to underestimate how [...] poor planning and design can have a detrimental effect on the quality, character and function”3 of a development. While the council’s
1 Updated and approved by Cabinet in November 2012 (decision published here). Principle 2.6 of the strategy states that the council will “promote provision for collections to take place safely and efficiently in the design of areas of new development”. See section 2.1 below for further information. 2 Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations, 2010 [as amended]; Regulations 122 / 123; and paragraph 204 of the National Planning Policy Framework 3 Making Space for Waste: Designing Waste Management in New Developments, ADEPT, p.16
Page 4 of 47 January 2016
experience at some developments bears out the point made by ADEPT, there is great potential to improve residents’ quality of life through the design process if waste collection services function seamlessly. The work of developers has – and will continue to have – a significant impact on delivery of the council’s business plan aim to “ensure everyone lives sustainably in a high-quality environment”4.
1.5. Waste management should not adversely impact upon users of developments if developers use the guidance in this document. Adopting the principles of this guidance at the earliest stage of the design process will avoid circumstances which the waste department sometimes encounters where a development is constructed with inadequate waste storage solutions, unsuitable collection points, insufficient access to vehicles or a combination of the three. In these circumstances the quality of life for residents suffers, the cost to the council of delivering waste services increases and it is far more difficult to encourage participation in established recycling schemes. An example of an area which has caused complaints from residents about the impact of waste storage arrangements is shown in Figure 1. The guidance here aims to assist developers to integrate waste collection services into the design process.
Figure 1 - example of unsightly bin storage arrangements that impact on residents
1.6. All references to Wiltshire Council in this document should be taken to include any contractors delivering services on its behalf where relevant operational issues are being discussed.
2. Wiltshire Council’s waste strategy and service delivery
2.1. Wiltshire Council’s waste strategy seeks the significant reduction of waste to landfill, with greater emphasis upon reducing household waste and increasing the proportion that is either recycled or composted. The strategy was updated and approved by the council’s cabinet on 6 November 2012. It continues to be based
4 Wiltshire Council Business Plan 2013-2017, p.6.
Page 5 of 47 January 2016
upon the key principles of the waste hierarchy (shown in Figure 2), which seek to optimise the use of the most beneficial methods of landfill reduction. The waste hierarchy gives the highest priority to preventing waste in the first place. When waste is generated, it gives priority (in order) to preparing it for re-use, then recycling, then other recovery (e.g. energy recovery), and last of all disposal (e.g. landfill).
Figure 2: the waste hierarchy (source: ‘Government Review of Waste Policy in England 2011’, Defra)
2.2. The separate collection of recyclable and compostable waste materials from the kerbside is a key component of the implementation of the strategy. Wiltshire is already well provided for in respect of household recycling centres. The kerbside collection service has been the priority for service development since Wiltshire Council was formed in April 2009.
2.3. Among the initial objectives of the new council was the provision of the same waste and recycling collection service in all areas. Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet approved these service changes in October 2010 and it also decided that section 106 contributions should be sought where, in the light of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations it is considered lawful to do so, to cover the cost of providing waste containers at new residential developments (details on the threshold at which section 106 contributions are sought is set out in section 10.2). Policy support for seeking developer contributions towards the provision of waste management facilities is provided by the adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy, Wiltshire and Swindon Waste Core Strategy and the Wiltshire Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (see paragraph 10.1 for further details).
2.4. The service changes referenced in section 2.3 were implemented during 2011-12 to create a harmonised kerbside collection scheme, which included additional recycling services alternating with a fortnightly collection of residual (general) waste. In agreeing this service, the council has brought forward its target for recycling. In addition, the provision of bins, and the services required to support
Page 6 of 47 January 2016
waste collection, is a burden on the council that can often be directly related to new developments and hence firmly within scope for financial contributions to be made through s106 agreements.
2.5. In 2014, the council closed many of its remaining local recycling sites (i.e. bring facilities often located at locations such as supermarkets) due to the comprehensive kerbside collection service offered to residents, leaving 14 operational sites.
2.6. The detailed specifications associated with the collection of waste from residential developments set out in Section 5 reflect the harmonised kerbside collection services. These services will help to deliver the objectives of the council’s waste strategy and provide a mechanism for supporting the implementation of adopted local development plan policies.
2.7. The provision of alternating weekly collections of residual waste and kerbside collections of multiple recyclable materials, in addition to the option for residents to use the chargeable garden waste collection service, are intended to enable the council and residents to reach the targets for recycling and diversion from landfill. The withdrawal of the local recycling sites has further increased the importance of the new kerbside collection services for achieving these targets.
2.8. In order to ensure that these objectives continue to be attainable, it is vital that new buildings are designed and constructed to enable waste to be segregated for recycling and composting, and to be stored and collected in a way that is practicable for all parties involved. Further to the publication of the Council’s waste strategy, the focus on improvement at both EU and national level for waste management concerns an improvement in the quality of recyclable material captured. By following the guidance in this document, developers will embed the capture of high quality recyclable material into the design process. Following this guidance is therefore essential to ensure that the Council is able to meet the requirements of the EU revised Waste Framework Directive, any regulations transposing this into UK law and any guidance documents, such as Defra’s Quality Action Plan.
2.9. In September 2013 the council published an OJEU notice that commenced a procurement process to invite tenders to deliver its waste management and collection services from August 2017 onwards. As part of the process, the council will amend its collection model to further enhance the quality of recyclable materials captured. At such time minor changes to this document may be required to update tables listing the type and quantity of containers to be used by residents. However, much of the technical content of this document will not require amendment as it will be unaffected. For example, large vehicles will still need to access properties in the same way and residents will still generate broadly similar amounts of waste and will require adequate storage space as set out in this document. The level of contributions set out in section 10 may adjust slightly to take account of any change to the type and quantity of containers issued to residents.
Page 7 of 47 January 2016
2.10. The council would also like to see non-residential buildings designed, constructed and managed in a way that better facilitates the recycling of waste, to assist with reducing the reliance on landfill and to improve sustainability in the county. Many of these aspirations can and will be delivered through the execution of local development plan policies relating to good design. On these matters, this document intends to assist the development management process by assisting pre-application/planning application processes in a pro-active manner.
3. How to use this guidance
3.1. This document will help all those involved in the design and management of buildings (and wider development sites) to produce waste management strategies that best facilitate the storage/movement of waste; and maximise the amount which can be sent for recycling, thereby diverting it from landfill.
3.2. It is a material planning consideration that developers are aware of the waste that will be generated by their developments once occupied, a point that is made clear in Policy WCS6 of the council’s adopted Waste Core Strategy5. Policy WCS6 also requires new development to have regard of the council’s municipal waste strategy. To demonstrate that due consideration has been given to the council’s waste strategy – specifically, consideration of waste generation and of the feasibility of delivering safe and efficient services – developers’ proposals should satisfy all of the requirements of this document.
3.3. The guidance intends to help developers produce successful waste management strategies at an early stage. The content reflects the requirements of a number of sources, such as the Approved Document to Part H of Building Regulations (as amended from time to time) and BS 5906:2005 (see the Bibliography for further information), so following the guidance should allow developers to comply with a number of regulatory requirements. It also aims to translate the lessons learned through operational delivery into practical suggestions for how to improve access to waste collection services through the design process, which helps to contribute to successful delivery of the council’s business plan aim referenced in section 1.4.
3.4. As previously outlined, this document also serves to ensure that developments enable collection vehicles and crews to access collection points in accordance with Wiltshire Council’s development plan policies and to provide sufficient internal and external storage for waste and waste containers in line with the council’s application of its powers under sections 45, 46 and 47 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Paragraph 4.38 of the Wiltshire Council Core Strategy6 states that “It will be important that all new development proposals build safeguards into schemes to protect and enhance appropriate services and facilities, including […] waste management services.” These safeguards come in the form of designing
5 Wiltshire and Swindon Waste Core Strategy, July 2009 (available here) 6 Wiltshire Core Strategy, January 2015 (available here)
Page 8 of 47 January 2016
waste services in from the outset of the application process, taking account of the information in this document to ensure sufficient space is available.
3.5. Sections 5 to 7 below outline separate guidance on storage and collection arrangements for residential developments, commercial developments and mixed- use developments respectively. The requirements for vehicle access set out in section 4 apply to all types of development. For residential developments, this document differentiates the arrangements for houses and apartments, as the requirements for communal facilities for apartments differ from the approach taken for individual houses (see section 5.6 for further information on the service for apartments).
3.6. The structure of the following sections aims to set out the steps required to allow successful delivery of waste collection services to be built into the design process, from considering vehicle access through to allocating storage space within a property for waste and recycling. As an example, the process that should be followed for an individual household (as distinct from apartments) is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3
Are all parts of the development accessible to vehicles in accordance with section 4?
Does each household have a designated collection point in accordance with section 5.2?
Does each household have a suitable route between the designated collection point and the external storage point in accordance with section 5.3?
Does each household have a suitable external storage point in accordance with section 5.4?
Does each household have a suitable internal storage point in accordance with section 5.5?
Page 9 of 47 January 2016
3.7. While this guidance primarily focuses on new developments, it is also applicable to developments at existing properties where waste and recycling storage will be affected, such as extensions or alterations to existing properties.
3.8. This document is part of an evolving process to develop best practice guidance for the design and management of buildings in Wiltshire and should be read within the context of other Wiltshire Council policies, guidance and legislation.
3.9. It has been developed in accordance with the list of contributors and consultees stated in section 0.2 above and in line with the process set out in section 0.3.
4. Vehicle access
4.1. One of the main barriers to the integration of waste management facilities into new developments is insufficient vehicle access for refuse collection vehicles (RCVs). Where vehicles cannot access collection points, there is an adverse impact on the streetscene because waste containers have to be presented at locations that are not designated as waste collection points (see Figure 1 for an example). In addition to detracting from the attractiveness of an area, such inadequate arrangements may also require residents to carry their waste in excess of distances between collection points and storage points (25m) stated in Part H of the Building Regulations, as detailed in section 5.3.1 below. In addition, vehicle movements generate health and safety risks which need to be minimised through the design process. Health and Safety Executive guidance states that “Containers for waste and recyclables should be placed in locations that minimise the need for difficult vehicle manoeuvres”7. Developers need to help the council manage its health and safety performance by ensuring that vehicle access meets the requirements set out in this document.
4.2. Reversing RCVs cause a disproportionately large number of accidents in the waste and recycling industry. These moving-vehicle accidents often cause severe or fatal injuries to workers or members of the public. Plans should aim to eliminate (where possible, or substantially minimise where not) the amount of reversing required by RCVs with collection routes designed to operate in a forward gear. Where reversing is necessary, developers should work within the stipulations of BS 5906:2005, Waste Management in Buildings, which states a maximum reversing distance of 12m and should ensure that the route is straight and free from obstructions, as noted in paragraph 6.8.8 of ‘Manual for Streets’. The overuse of cul-de-sacs, often in the form of private drives, increases the risks associated with reversing. The council can operate on private land subject to section 5.9 below and where suitable vehicle turning room is provided, where carry distances for collection crews (see section 4.4) and occupiers (see section 5.3.1 below) are minimised, in accordance with the council’s duty to safeguard the health and safety of employees and Part H of Building Regulations respectively. Minimising
7 Waste and recycling vehicles in street collection, Health and Safety Executive, 2014
Page 10 of 47 January 2016
risk in this area should be critical to any consideration of movement and circulation in the development.
4.3. The council requires vehicle tracking to be included in each application to assess layouts for accessibility. This tracking should not be undertaken on the basis that parking on the street is absent, as this would not truly reflect the ‘live’ accessibility for the street. Instead the tracking should demonstrate how the vehicle can access the development when cars are parked on the street. For the purpose of generating the tracking information, developers should use the information about the council’s vehicles used for waste collection (included here in Appendix A). Further, developers should note that BS 5906:2005 recommends a minimum street width of 5m for waste collection vehicles.
4.4. Vehicles should be able to approach collection points so that a waste collection operative can collect containers from a collection point that abuts a footway designated for public use. The greatest distance over which a waste collection operative should move is 10m. Generally waste collection points will be at the curtilage of each property where it meets the highway, as described above and detailed further in section 5.2, so it should be rare that the distance approaches 10m. The waste management service would not support applications where all collection points are at the maximum limit of 10m, as the efficiency of collection operations would be significantly reduced.
4.5. At any collection point, space at the rear of the collection vehicle should be sufficient to allow efficient and safe operation. ADEPT recommends a minimum working area of 3.5m width and 4m length, while sufficient vertical clearance should be allowed at all times, taking account of the information provided in Appendix A.
4.6. As intimated in section 4.1, another major impediment to the successful delivery of waste collection services is parked cars preventing RCVs from accessing collection points. The cars that cause the problems are often parked outside of allocated parking areas by residents who want their cars closer to their front doors. When considering access for RCVs, developers should consider the impact of residents’ parking habits to ensure that cars parked outside of allocated areas will not obstruct access to RCVs. To that end, unbroken lines of on-street parking should be avoided on streets where waste collection will take place. The requirement in section 4.4 regarding carry distances for waste collection operatives requires careful consideration in relation to how parking spaces are laid out.
4.7. Road surfaces (including manhole covers) at all parts of a development where RCVs are expected to operate must be able to bear the weight of a fully laden vehicle, which weighs up to approximately 32 tonnes.
Page 11 of 47 January 2016
5. Waste storage and collection for residential developments
5.1. The collection service for individual houses
5.1.1. Wiltshire Council’s harmonised waste collection service is summarised in Table 1.
Table 1
Materials collected Container type Size Quantity Collection frequency Residual waste 2-wheel bin 180 litre 18 Fortnightly Plastic bottles and 2-wheel bin 240 litre 19 Fortnightly cardboard (co-mingled) Paper, glass, cans, foil and Kerbside box 55 litre 2 Fortnightly textiles (kerbside sort) Garden waste (opt-in, 2-wheel bin 180 litre 110 Fortnightly chargeable service)
5.1.2. Any storage areas, both internal and external, must take account of the materials that residents are able to recycle through their kerbside collection scheme, as listed in Table 1.
5.1.3. The sections below detail how waste management should be integrated into the design process working back from the collection point all the way through to internal storage of waste within a property. An example of the process is shown in Figure 3 above.
5.1.4. For new developments only the container types listed in Table 1 can be used for the services. The only exception permitted is where six or more flats are situated together in a block, in which case communal containers may be issued in accordance with section 5.6.
5.2. Collection points
5.2.1. Wiltshire Council collects waste containers from where the boundary of a property meets the public highway (i.e. collection points must not be on the public highway) at a point clearly visible from the road. Collection points must be on hard standings and gradients must not exceed 1:12. Meeting these standards will “Ensure that material for collection is easily accessible, placed at the property boundary where possible”11, in accordance with Health and Safety Executive guidance on operating safe collections. Generally collection points will be at the front of a property unless otherwise shown on plans (and agreed by the council), in accordance with guidance in section 8 below.
8 Eligible households may be authorised to use a larger 240-litre wheeled bin or a 360-litre wheeled bin 9 Second bin available on request 10 Additional bins available on request, on receipt of an annual service charge per bin 11 Safe waste and recycling collection services, Health and Safety Executive, 2014, p.20.
Page 12 of 47 January 2016
Developers should ensure that containers can be left out for collection without blocking the footway or presenting hazards to users, as stated in the Department for Transport’s ‘Manual for Streets’, paragraph 6.8.18 (see Figure 4). In addition, collection points should not be on driveways unless they are wide enough to accommodate vehicles and the containers. Floor space of 1.3m width and 0.85m depth should be sufficient to accommodate two wheeled bins side-by-side (the maximum number that ought to be presented for collection on any collection day) with room for manoeuvring. Further guidance on these matters can also be sought through pre-application dialogue with the council’s highways development control officers.
Figure 4: collection point at a detached property with garage (not to scale)
5.2.2. Subject to agreement by the council, external storage points (i.e. where residents permanently store their containers between collections) can be used as collection points provided that:
5.2.2.1. they are located in positions that comply with the guidance set out in section 5.2.1;
5.2.2.2. crews are not required to open gates to access containers;
5.2.2.3. residents are not unreasonably required to carry waste through the house from the point of generation (e.g. if garden waste had to be carried through the house to be deposited in the bin or if waste from a kitchen bin, where located at the rear of the property, had to be carried through main living areas within the property);
Page 13 of 47 January 2016
5.2.2.4. any such storage and collection points do not detract from the streetscene and quality of place in a development, as further described in paragraph 5.4.1.
These requirements are likely to be difficult to satisfy as, by their nature, collection points need to be visible otherwise crews will assume that containers are not out for collection. However, the approach can be considered in exceptional circumstances.
5.2.3. Developers should ensure that collection points are free from obstructions that would prevent waste collection from successfully taking place, such as (but not exclusively) bollards, hedges, shrubs and cars parked in allocated parking spaces. Allocated parking spaces should therefore not interfere with waste collection points. The information in paragraph 4.6 should be taken into account when deciding upon the location of parking spaces. Figure 5 provides an example of how the collection point should be located in relation to parking spaces and soft landscaping.
Figure 5: interface between the collection point and parking spaces/soft landscaping at a detached property with no garage (not to scale)
5.2.4. As noted in 4.4 above, the council’s collection crews will not carry/wheel waste containers over distances greater than 10 metres.
Page 14 of 47 January 2016
5.2.5. Developers should give particular consideration to making collection points accessible to elderly residents. While the council offers an assisted collection service for residents who cannot use the designated collection point due to reasons of illness, physical inability or infirmity, the provision of accessible collection points will help to maintain the independence of elderly residents until such time that they need the assisted collection service. In delivering the assisted collection service, the council’s crews will carry containers from a nominated point at the property to the vehicle and return the containers to the nominated point after emptying. Developers should consider and aim to minimise the carry distances that would be required in such circumstances. Other areas of external storage should comply with the guidance in 5.4 below so that the council can carry out assisted collections safely from such points.
5.3. Routes to collection points from external storage space
5.3.1. Occupiers are responsible for moving containers from storage areas to designated collection points. The Approved Document to Part H of the Building Regulations stipulates the following conditions, which should be met in order for developers to comply with Part H:
• containers should be stored within 25m of the waste collection point defined by Wiltshire Council (see 5.2 above and associated sketches) • occupiers should not be required to carry or wheel containers from the storage point through a dwelling on collection days • there should be no steps or other obstructions between the storage area and the collection point • gradients of routes to collection points should not exceed 1:12.
5.3.2. Where distances exceed those stated in 5.3.1, the council’s experience shows that occupants are less likely to participate in recycling schemes because of the inconvenience (perceived or otherwise) of carrying another container to the collection point. This potential outcome would have a negative impact on delivery of the council’s waste strategy.
5.3.3. Under no circumstances should a resident be required to carry or wheel containers through their dwelling to facilitate collection.
5.3.4. These requirements can prove challenging for terraced properties. Figure 6 and Figure 7 below give examples of solutions for terraced properties that would meet the requirements of this section. In Figure 6 two properties share each collection point, so each collection point is wider to accommodate up to two wheeled bins per collection per property. In Figure 7 a ginnel is used to avoid lengthy carry distances between the storage point and the collection point. The mid-terrace properties share a collection point, which, like Figure 6, is wide enough to accommodate up to two bins per property per collection day. The end-of-terrace properties each have their own collection point. The principles of Figure 7 can be applied to more than four consecutive terraced
Page 15 of 47 January 2016
properties to ensure that distances between storage and collection points are minimised.
Figure 6: terraced properties where containers are moved to the collection point from the rear of mid- terrace gardens (not to scale)
Page 16 of 47 January 2016
Figure 7: terraced properties using a ginnel to move containers between containers and collection points (not to scale)
5.3.5. Because of the council’s assisted collection policy, as described in 5.2.5, collection crews may have to carry limited numbers of containers from storage points to the collection vehicle. Where the stipulations in 5.3.1 are not followed, collection staff would be exposed to manual handling practices that are strongly discouraged by the Health and Safety Executive. It is important therefore that this aspect of design does not compromise the council’s health and safety performance.
5.4. External storage of waste
5.4.1. Waste storage areas should be appropriately located, never on the highway and therefore within the boundary of the property, and designed to minimise visual impact with features that screen containers from public view. These storage facilities should not obstruct sight lines for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists and they should not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular access to buildings.
5.4.2. External storage spaces must be on hard standings and they should be away from windows and ventilators, preferably under shade where possible. All storage areas must be accessible to disabled people and, in particular, wheelchair users. Level storage space is desirable to ensure that containers do not roll of their own accord when full of waste, particularly where larger
Page 17 of 47 January 2016
four-wheeled bins are in use. Where a gradient is unavoidable, it should not exceed 1:12.
5.4.3. Rear-garden storage is preferable where possible provided that there is a suitable route to the collection point that complies with carrying distances stipulated in Building Regulations, as detailed in 5.3.1 above, and any other provisions required under section 5.3. Figure 8 provides an example of rear- garden storage (also see Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 above for examples). Rear gardens should be at least equal to the ground floor footprint with adequate space for waste containers. Containers should be stored away from windows and ventilators.
Figure 8: semi-detached property with rear-garden storage (not to scale)
5.4.4. Storage areas should be large enough to accommodate all of the containers listed in Table 1 above at least. It is desirable for capacity for future additions to the kerbside collection service to be accommodated into storage areas as well (e.g. small electrical items, batteries) because the council’s waste strategy states that it will seek to achieve continuous improvement of the kerbside collection service. Future legislation may also require the separate collection of further materials in order to comply with bans of certain materials being disposed of in landfill.
5.4.5. External storage areas will require a clear turning circle area to allow containers to be manoeuvred when bins are being moved to and from the
Page 18 of 47 January 2016
collection point. ADEPT recommends a minimum 1.5m diameter turning circle for two-wheeled bins12 but 1m may be acceptable where necessary.
5.4.6. Table 2 identifies the approximate dimensions for waste containers used for delivering waste collection services.
Table 2
Materials collected Container Size Quantity Dimensions13 (height type (litres) x width x depth in mm) Residual waste 2-wheel bin 180 114 1100 x 580 x 755 Plastic bottles and 2-wheel bin 240 115 1100 x 590 x 800 cardboard (co-mingled) Paper, glass, cans, foil and Kerbside 55 2 585 x 375 x 395 textiles (kerbside sort) box Garden waste (opt-in, 2-wheel bin 180 116 1100 x 580 x 755 chargeable service)
5.4.7. Properties with larger gardens are likely to opt to pay for and use more than one garden waste bin, so storage space should account for how much garden waste might be produced based on the size of the garden.
5.4.8. To encourage waste minimisation, ADEPT recommends that room for a home composter is allocated for each plot with a garden17. The council’s waste strategy also promotes the use of food waste digesters in gardens, as a waste minimisation measure. Principle 1 of the strategy promotes continued focus on the prevention of biodegradable waste, including food waste and garden waste. Developers should consider providing home composters and/or food waste digesters for homes, particularly where developers wish to demonstrate the sustainability performance of a scheme under the Code for Sustainable Homes.
5.4.9. By following the information in this section 5.4, developers should be able to ensure that waste containers are not stored on the public highway and therefore comply with the requirements of the Department for Transport’s ‘Manual for Streets’.
5.5. Internal storage of waste
5.5.1. To encourage occupants to recycle their waste, internal storage areas should be designed into each unit of a new development. This will enable occupants
12 Making Space for Waste: Designing Waste Management in New Developments, ADEPT, p.26 13 The dimensions quoted in Table 2 and Table 3 take account of the bins produced by a range of suppliers and assume that a raised aperture is required for the deposit of recyclate into four-wheeled containers. Datasheets from Craemer, ESE, MGB, Spider, Taylor and W Weber were used. 14 See footnote 8. 15 See footnote 9 16 See footnote 10 17 Making Space for Waste: Designing Waste Management in New Developments, ADEPT, p.76
Page 19 of 47 January 2016
to segregate their waste into residual waste and recyclables, and to store it temporarily until transferring it to the external waste and recycling containers available.
5.5.2. Occupants should be supplied with allocated spaces and, where possible, containers for the internal segregation of their waste for recycling as part of the development process. Wiltshire Council does not provide such containers.
5.5.3. To make the most efficient use of space within properties, storage facilities should be integrated into the design of cabinets and fittings in the kitchen (or point of arising). Integrated solutions for storage are likely to be less obtrusive than requiring householders to acquire free standing bins after they have moved in. Where such containers are convenient to use, it is more likely that residents will separate their waste for recycling. The provision of internal storage for waste is an important measure in achieving the targets set out in the council’s waste strategy therefore.
5.5.4. Options that developers may wish to consider include kitchen units with pull- out cupboards containing separate receptacles (one for residual waste and others for dry recyclables), under-sink storage solutions or an area of storage available in the kitchen/utility room to enable the separation of waste within the home. When designing storage solutions, consideration should be given to the materials that residents can recycle at the kerbside, as outlined in Table 1 above. ADEPT recommends that at least three containers are provided with a minimum total capacity of 60 litres, where no single container is smaller than 15 litres.
5.6. The collection service for apartments
5.6.1. Residents in apartments are able to recycle almost all of the same materials as occupiers of individual households but the service is delivered in a different way, with ground-floor communal collection points used in most cases.
5.6.2. Save for exceptional circumstances, the only material that the council does not routinely collect from apartments is garden waste because very few residents have a garden to tend. Where an apartment does have an allocated garden, external storage space should be allocated for the provision of a garden waste bin in accordance with the information in Table 2. Table 3 below assumes that a garden waste container is not required.
5.6.3. The number of apartments within a block determines the number of containers required, as set out in Table 3. Storage for individual containers per flat, as listed in the first section of Table 3, should be provided for blocks of five or fewer flats. For blocks with 6 or more apartments, the sections in Table 3 set out the number of containers required per block for communal use by residents dependent on the number of apartments sharing the storage area.
Page 20 of 47 January 2016
Table 3
1-5 apartments per block (see 5.6.3 above) The containers listed in this section are to be issued per apartment Materials collected Container Size Quantity Dimensions18 (height x type (litres) width x depth in mm) Residual waste 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Plastic bottles and 2-wheel bin 240 119 1100 x 590 x 800 cardboard Paper, glass, cans, Kerbside box 55 2 585 x 375 x 395 foil and textiles For each section below, the communal containers listed are to be issued per block 6-10 apartments per block Materials collected Container Size Quantity Dimensions (height x type (litres) width x depth in mm) Residual waste 4-wheel bin 1100 1 1470 x 1375 x 1120 Plastic bottles and 4-wheel bin 660 1 1330 x 1375 x 785 cardboard Cans, foil, aerosols 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Green glass 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Brown glass 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Clear glass 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Paper 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 11 – 14 apartments per block Materials collected Container Size Quantity Dimensions (height x type (litres) width x depth in mm) Residual waste 4-wheel bin 1100 2 1470 x 1375 x 1120 Plastic bottles and 4-wheel bin 1100 1 1470 x 1375 x 1120 cardboard Cans, foil, aerosols 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Green glass 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Brown glass 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Clear glass 2-wheel bin 180 1 1100 x 580 x 755 Paper 2-wheel bin 180 2 1100 x 580 x 755 15-18 apartments per block Materials collected Container Size Quantity Dimensions (height x type (litres) width x depth in mm) Residual waste 4-wheel bin 1100 3 1470 x 1375 x 1120 Plastic bottles and 4-wheel bin 1100 1 1470 x 1375 x 1120 cardboard Cans, foil, aerosols 2-wheel bin 180 2 1100 x 580 x 755 Green glass 2-wheel bin 180 2 1100 x 580 x 755 Brown glass 2-wheel bin 180 2 1100 x 580 x 755 Clear glass 2-wheel bin 180 2 1100 x 580 x 755 Paper 2-wheel bin 180 3 1100 x 580 x 755
18 See footnote 13 19 See footnote 10
Page 21 of 47 January 2016
19 or more flats per block More than one bin storage area will be required. The number of flats per block will determine which combination of containers from the sections above may be required. For example, a block of 24 flats would require two stores, each of which will accommodate the set of containers listed in the section ‘11-14 apartments per block’. However, the requirement will depend upon the precise design of the site, so developers should consult the council to identify the precise requirement.
5.6.4. Any storage areas, both internal and external, must take account of the materials that residents are able to recycle through their kerbside collection scheme.
5.6.5. The sections below detail how waste management should be integrated into the design process working back from the collection point all the way through to internal storage of waste within a property.
5.6.6. Collection points and external storage
5.6.6.1. Individual storage and collection points
Where apartments are grouped in blocks of five properties or fewer, the storage facilities required for individual households, as referenced in Table 3, should be allocated to each property. The collection points at these properties should comply with section 5.2 above and the external storage should be provided in accordance with 5.4. Figure 9 gives an example of a suitable arrangement for flats in this category.
Figure 9: storage solution for flats which require storage for individual containers
Page 22 of 47 January 2016
5.6.6.2. Communal storage and collection points
Sections 5.6.6.3 to 5.6.6.17 set out the circumstances in which the provision of communal collection points and communal storage points are acceptable to the council. They also provide guidance on designing such facilities.
5.6.6.3. For blocks of flats with more than five properties, a communal surface- level storage and collection point will usually provide the best solution. Developers should identify on plans which residential units are allocated to use each store. Sections 5.6.6.4 to 5.6.6.17 relate to such communal storage points. An example is shown in Figure 10 for a bin store for a block of 6-10 flats.
Figure 10: storage solution for block of 6-10 flats sharing a bin store
5.6.6.4. A bin store should be sited in a location that does not unreasonably compromise pedestrian routes during collection times, which may be for several minutes. All such storage areas should be screened to some extent and preferably they will be in an enclosed and covered compound. Sufficient space should be provided for each container and there should be sufficient operating room to allow both residents and waste collection operatives to access and use each container without having to move another container. Clear space of 150mm between containers should be allowed as a minimum, in compliance with BS 5906:2005.
5.6.6.5. Walls and roofs of bin stores shall be constructed of non-combustible, robust, secure and impervious material with the appropriate level of fire resistance to meet the requirements of BS 5906:2005. The walls should be
Page 23 of 47 January 2016
suitably constructed or lined to make them suitable to be washed down and should have bump strips placed at bin height to prevent damage.
5.6.6.6. Doors to bin stores must be fitted with a means of being opened from the inside by means of a thumb turn (to avoid accidental lock in) and should be capable of being secured from the outside (see 5.6.6.13.3 for further information). Doors should also include restrictive openers to prevent over extension, scratch plates on the relevant side and a means of keeping them open during the collection process where they open immediately to the outside air20 (any such doors must not open outwardly onto a street, in accordance with section 153 of the Highways Act 1980). ADEPT recommends that doors should have a minimum width of 2 metres so that the removal and return of containers is manageable without obstructions to the manual handling operation.
5.6.6.7. Any distance between a bin store and the collection vehicle should also have a minimum width of 2 metres to allow the safe removal and return of containers. If the collection point is not also the storage point, where containers are stored between collections, then any distance between the storage point and the collection point should have a minimum width of 2m as well.
5.6.6.8. The floor of a bin store must be constructed of hard impervious material, which also reduces the risk of slips and trips21, without steps or kerbs. The surface should be one that can easily be cleaned and it should contain adequate drainage (or access to adequate drainage) suitable for receiving a polluted effluent, in accordance with Part H of Building Regulations.
5.6.6.9. If a change of level is required to get bins from the storage area to the back of the RCV, dropped kerbs will be required. Any slope must not exceed a gradient of 1:12 and there should be no steps between a storage area and the collection point.
5.6.6.10. All bin stores should be adequately lit either by artificial or natural lighting. Artificial lighting should be controlled by a switch that prevents lights being left on, preferably fully operated through presence-sensing functionality22. In accordance with BS 5906:2005, artificial lighting should be sealed to allow cleaning with hoses and/or to protect against splashing from general washing down of the storage area.
20 While we would not favour doors that do not open immediately to the outside air, in the unlikely event that a proposal is accepted that would not have doors that meet this description, those doors should be self-closing in order to comply with BS 5906:2005. 21 The HSE provides information to assist architects/developers to select an appropriate flooring material at http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/flooring.htm. 22 An acceptable example of presence-sensing lighting, as noted in section 19.7 of Secured by Design’s New Homes 2014 guidance.
Page 24 of 47 January 2016
5.6.6.11. Where storage areas are covered or integrated into buildings, adequate, fly-proof and vermin-proof permanent ventilation should be provided to minimise odours. Any such ventilation should be away from windows of dwellings.
5.6.6.12. The bin store should be of adequate height to allow container lids to be opened without the need to move the containers outside of the store.
5.6.6.13. Safety and anti-social behaviour
5.6.6.13.1. Poor location and poor design of container stores can either be a source of anti-social behaviour or it can be perceived as an unsafe place for residents, which can lead to a reluctance to use facilities properly.
5.6.6.13.2. Bin stores should be located in overlooked areas, albeit in positions that do not detract from the quality of place.
5.6.6.13.3. Secure doors with a controlled access (e.g. key pad access) will deter non-residents from misusing the storage area (see 5.6.6.15 and 5.6.6.16 for further information regarding how collection crews can access such stores).23
5.6.6.13.4. Consideration of the noise created by residents depositing waste (particularly glass) should be central to deciding upon the location of the bin store, so that it will not create a nuisance for residents. Factoring noise reduction into the design of storage areas may mitigate any such problems.
5.6.6.13.5. The proximity of containers to residents’ windows or ventilators should be considered to avoid odours entering premises.
5.6.6.14. Appropriate signage in storage areas is critical to the successful use of recycling containers. The council does not provide these signs, but it can supply graphics templates to allow developers to procure appropriately branded signage.
5.6.6.15. It is the responsibility of caretakers or management companies to allow collection crews to access the containers on collection day and to ensure that vehicle access is not obstructed.
5.6.6.16. Collection crews should not be expected to hold keys, codes or electronic fobs in order to collect waste and recycling. However, where necessary,
23 See Secured by Design’s New Homes 2014 guidance for further information on appropriate security measures for communal storage areas.
Page 25 of 47 January 2016
and subject to agreement, such arrangements may be made. This must be discussed and agreed by the council prior to the submission of plans.
5.6.6.17. To comply with the guidance in this section 5, communal stores should not be located in courtyards to the rear of properties. The waste service has experienced problems on developments where a public pavement runs immediately across the face of a block of flats and vehicle parking and bin storage is proposed at the rear of the building, where vehicles gain access via an archway. In such circumstances the council will not be able to make collections safely (e.g. carry distances are greater than stated in section 5.2.4) as it is highly unlikely that suitable vehicle access and turning room would be provided for in such a restricted area. The council’s experience of trying to resolve these situations is that arranging feasible collection arrangements requires a solution that detracts from the streetscene of an area, causes additional manual handling for residents and as a consequence, in some cases, the recycling performance of the area is affected. Consideration of access to waste services from the outset will avoid these undesirable outcomes.
5.6.7. Routes to collection points from external storage
5.6.7.1. Apartments in blocks of five or fewer properties will require a route to the collection point from the external collection point usually. The guidance in 5.3 applies to flats in that category.
5.6.7.2. Paragraph 5.6.6.7 should also be considered for premises requiring the use of four-wheeled bins if a caretaker has to move the bins to the collection point, where the storage point is not also the collection point (e.g. it is located in excess of 10m from a point that is accessible to a RCV). The principles of section 5.3 apply if the collection point is not also the external storage point.
5.6.8. Internal storage
5.6.8.1. The information on internal storage in section 5.5 applies to apartments. With space often at a premium in apartments, well-designed internal storage solutions will ensure that waste management is integrated into the living space instead of becoming an inconvenient add-on which affects the space available and makes it less likely for an occupier to separate materials for recycling.
5.6.9. Management arrangements
5.6.9.1. Under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the council has the power to specify the substances or articles that may be put into designated receptacles. In applying this power, Wiltshire Council only collects waste contained in designated receptacles where the materials
Page 26 of 47 January 2016
within the containers are correctly separated into the appropriate containers (e.g. only paper is in the paper bin).
5.6.9.2. Any materials not presented in accordance with 5.6.9.1 will not be collected by Wiltshire Council. These materials will have to be dealt with by a management company or similar organisation.
5.6.9.3. If incorrectly deposited waste prevents operatives from accessing designated containers, such as waste left on the floor around containers, all waste may be left uncollected. It will be the responsibility of management companies to return the bin store to an acceptable state that will facilitate collection on the next collection day. Additional waste arisings generated before the next collection day may cause a repeat of the problem, so the management company should factor that into any solution that intends to return the bin store to the required state by the next collection day.
5.6.9.4. Where a bin store requires cleaning, a management company will have to carry out this function. Wiltshire Council does not provide a cleaning service.
5.6.9.5. Tenancy agreements and management company terms and conditions for occupiers of flats should include statements which show the course of action that management companies will take when tenants misuse storage areas. Storage areas are almost exclusively on private land, so the council has limited powers to intervene. Well-worded, binding agreements will allow problems related to waste to be resolved quickly and successfully. Appendix B includes sample terms that management companies may wish to incorporate in tenancy agreements and further general guidance on points to consider when deciding the course of action to take where tenants fail to comply.
5.6.9.6. Developers have a key role in allowing management companies and tenants to meet their responsibilities under regulations 9 and 10 of the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations respectively by ensuring that adequate facilities and access to services are provided.
5.7. Care homes and sheltered accommodation
5.7.1. The waste arrangements for premises that fall under these categories do not fit neatly into the arrangements set out above in this section 5. The Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 define which waste producers generate household, commercial and industrial waste and whether charges can be made for waste collection. Based on terms used in these regulations, residential homes are classified as household waste producers but the council can charge for collection and disposal of the waste and nursing homes fall into the same category. While sheltered accommodation is not specifically
Page 27 of 47 January 2016
listed in the regulations, it is treated as household waste where no charge is made for collection or disposal.
5.7.2. Section 106 contributions would not be sought for any residential homes or nursing homes, as these premises would have to pay for their waste collection service (either to the council or a private sector waste collection operator) so the cost of container provision would be included in the charge they would pay for their collections. For sheltered accommodation, section 106 contributions would be sought as the waste would be collected as part of the domestic collection service.
5.7.3. Care homes and nursing homes
5.7.3.1. The information in Table 3 regarding waste capacity for apartments is not likely to be directly applicable to care homes due to the number of units on a site. As an alternative to the capacity allowed in Table 3, ADEPT recommends that a minimum of 180 litres of capacity is allowed per unit with 2 bedrooms or fewer. This capacity should include provision for recycling and not just residual waste.
5.7.3.2. However, it is likely that these premises will generate clinical and offensive waste (also referred to as hygiene waste or sanitary waste). Any capacity calculation should consider the extent of offensive waste generation (e.g. incontinence pads) and allow sufficient capacity in a bin store. Where the amount of offensive waste exceeds a standard container over a week, a separate offensive waste bin would be required (i.e. general waste should not be disposed of in the same bin). Clinical waste would require separate containment as well and room should be allocated in storage areas for containment.
5.7.3.3. Access requirements and design requirements (e.g. lighting, drainage and ventilation) for bin stores should be provided in accordance with sections 4 and 5.6 above.
5.7.4. Sheltered accommodation
5.7.4.1. Sheltered accommodation provided as individual houses or bungalows should be treated like any other domestic household, albeit caretakers may have to undertake the transfer of bins between the storage point and collection point where residents are unable to do so.
5.7.4.2. Where sheltered accommodation is provided as flats or any other arrangement where bins are stored communally, the provisions of section 5.6 regarding waste storage for flats will apply.
Page 28 of 47 January 2016
5.8. Collections while developments are under construction
5.8.1. A number of problems for waste collection can occur while properties are occupied before construction is completed. These include restricted vehicle access due to parked construction traffic, restricted vehicle access due to cordoned off areas of the site and unsuitable collection points where hard standings, pavements etc have not been made to the final, adoptable standard. Other factors that affect access include scaffolding protruding into the road and problems are also experienced where waste operatives cannot access containers on foot due to obstructions.
5.8.2. The council’s duty to safeguard the health and safety of members of staff and/or contractors engaged in service delivery means that we will usually require residents or the construction contractor to carry residents’ containers to a suitable point on the development where access is clear. The results of the council’s risk assessments at each site will determine the suitable interim collection point(s).
5.8.3. This point should be considered by developers and their construction partners because the sequence in which properties are constructed and then released for the market will have an impact on waste collection if these areas have restricted access while other parts of the development are being built. The scenario outlined in 5.8.2 is inconvenient, and potentially dangerous, for residents but it can be avoided if the release of properties onto the market is organised with residents’ access to services in mind. Where problems persist and waste accumulates, the visual impact may affect prospective buyers for plots that are for sale.
5.8.4. The interim arrangements referenced in 5.8.2 may be required over a lengthy period of time, depending on the size of the development. Table 4 below identifies the length of the construction period for a development depending on the number of properties being constructed on a site. It also identifies when sale of the constructed properties begins24. Table 4 demonstrates that construction continues beyond the point that residents are likely to move in, which poses risks to the safety of collection crews and residents while interim collection arrangements are in place. For larger sites, exposure to these risks can be over prolonged periods. Developers should therefore seek to manage the risk by carefully considering the sequence of construction and release for sales.
24 All data is taken from information in the document Community Infrastructure Levy: Viability Study by BNP Paribas
Page 29 of 47 January 2016
Table 4
Item Commentary Site information Number of units 4 15 50 60 70 Construction period 8 18 23 23 27 (months) Sale start (month 8 15 15 15 12 from commencement) Number of months Period during which interim during which arrangements for waste collection will construction and be required if sequencing of 1 4 9 9 16 sales take place construction and release for sales is concurrently poorly considered
5.8.5. During the period where interim arrangements referenced in 5.8.2 are in effect, developers and their construction partners should liaise with residents over moving their containers to a suitable point. Wiltshire Council will not be responsible for moving containers over distances greater than those stated in 5.2.4 above.
5.8.6. While roads are under construction, and for a considerable period thereafter, they are likely to be unadopted but Wiltshire Council does not collect waste from unadopted roads save for in exceptional circumstances. Section 5.9 details how collections work where unadopted roads are concerned.
5.8.7. The council is developing a protocol for new developments to set out further practical advice on how to manage service delivery from the period prior to occupation, through to the point of occupation and continuing until all building works are completed. The protocol will be appended to a future version of this document as Appendix D.
5.9. Unadopted roads
5.9.1. As referenced in 5.8.5, Wiltshire Council will not collect from unadopted roads, save for the exceptional circumstances outlined in 5.9.3.
5.9.2. Collection crews encounter unadopted roads either on newly constructed developments before adoption has taken place or where roads or access routes are never formally adopted.
5.9.3. The council will only collect from unadopted roads where the council and its contractors are indemnified against damage to property and where the council assesses that operations can be safely carried out (examples of safety considerations include whether the surface is suitable for RCVs to manoeuvre safely and/or for manual handling). A sample indemnity is included in Appendix C.
5.9.4. Unless an indemnity is signed by the landowner at new developments, collections would have to be made from a point where the unadopted road
Page 30 of 47 January 2016
meets the public highway. For most new developments, the adoption process will not be concluded until long after (in terms of the number of scheduled waste collections) residents have moved in, so a signed indemnity should be provided for each new development to enable collections to occur from within the development prior to adoption. Figure 11 provides an example of the collection arrangements where an indemnity is not in place for using the private roadways (or where the private drives do not include suitable turning room for the RCV). Clearly, if there were additional properties accessed via the private drivers, the carry distances for residents would be excessive.
Figure 11: collection arrangements at private roads (not to scale)
5.9.5. To facilitate an easy process of continuing the indemnity, any private roads will need to be managed and maintained through a “properly-constituted body with defined legal responsibilities” as set out in paragraph 11.6.2 of ‘Manual for Streets’. This measure should avoid protracted investigations to establish the identity of the landowner(s) who would be authorised to sign an indemnity.
5.9.6. A signed indemnity does not guarantee that collections will take place from within the development. Operational problems, as discussed in 5.7, may prevent the council from making collections within the development.
6. Waste storage and collection for commercial developments
6.1. The collection service for commercial properties
6.1.1. Waste generated from commercial premises is less easy to quantify when compared to waste from domestic households. Different businesses generate different types and volumes of waste dependent on the activities and ethos of each one. These differences may require different collection frequencies depending on the nature of the waste.
Page 31 of 47 January 2016
6.1.2. A further complication is that each business on a single development could have its own waste management contractor, so there could be a range of vehicles wanting to access waste containers at different times of the week. Commercial waste collection service providers are increasingly offering recycling collections in response to the duty placed upon businesses to apply the waste hierarchy to the waste they produce under regulation 12 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (as amended). In practice, businesses often comply with the regulations by sorting their waste for recycling collections. This may require additional provision of storage space for bins.
6.1.3. All waste from commercial premises must be stored in containers off the public highway. The information in Table 5 and Table 6 below should allow developers to design adequate storage space for waste containment. Table 5 shows the litres of waste capacity required by commercial premises by type, as suggested by ADEPT or by the examples set out in BS 5906:2005. Table 6 shows indicative dimensions for the size of bins that commercial premises may use.
Table 5
Development type Litres of waste per Litres of waste per 2 2 1000m gross floor 1000m of sales floor space25 space Offices* 2,600 Shopping centre 10,000 Large supermarket 15,000 Small supermarket 10,000 Department store 10,000 Retail (except where otherwise 5,000 listed in this table)* Restaurants and fast-food outlets* 10,000 Hotels* 7,500 Entertainment complex 5,000 Leisure centre 5,000 Industrial unit 5,000
Table 6
Container size Dimensions (height x (litres) width x depth in mm) 180 1100 x 580 x 755 240 1100 x 590 x 800 660 1330 x 1375 x 785 1100 1470 x 1375 x 1120
25 Except where marked with an asterisk, storage is based on weekly waste arisings. For development types marked with an asterisk, the source doesn’t stipulate a collection frequency on which these capacity limits are based, perhaps on the basis that commercial collection frequencies can be tailored to meet the needs of the customer (at the customer’s cost). However, assuming weekly collections would seem to be a reasonable approach.
Page 32 of 47 January 2016
6.1.4. Where waste storage is shared between premises and where there are both producers of commercial waste and industrial waste on site, separate storage and/or containment for the commercial and industrial elements should be maintained so that waste types are not mixed.
6.2. Collection points
6.2.1. The majority of waste collection contractors will operate in the same way as Wiltshire Council. The Council will collect waste containers from waste storage points provided that there is suitable vehicle access. Collection points must be on hard standings and gradients must not exceed 1:12.
6.2.2. At commercial developments, developers should ensure that waste collection points are free from obstructions that would prevent waste collection from successfully taking place, such as (but not exclusively) bollards, hedges, shrubs and cars parked in allocated parking spaces. Allocated parking spaces should therefore not interfere with waste collection points. The information in paragraph 4.6 should be taken into account when deciding upon the location of parking spaces.
6.2.3. Where it is likely that future occupiers will use four-wheeled bins, dropped kerbs should be installed where relevant to eliminate the need to bump bins down kerbs, which is an unacceptable practice in terms of safeguarding the health and safety of waste collection operatives.
6.3. Routes to collection points from external storage
6.3.1. Where external storage space is not also the collection point, occupiers are responsible for moving containers from storage to the collection point.
6.3.2. Owners or proprietors at commercial premises have a duty to safeguard the health and safety of their employees, so there are limits on the distances that they can carry/wheel waste containers. The guidance relating to carry distances for crews in 5.2.4 (10m) should be applied to commercial premises. Routes from storage points to the collection point should comply with the information in 5.3.1 and not exceed 25 metres for two-wheeled bins therefore. Distances should be considerably less where four-wheeled bins are in use.
6.4. External storage of waste
6.4.1. The information in Table 5 and Table 6 should allow developers to account for suitable storage space at each site, where the collection point is not also the storage point. In addition, a clear turning circle of 1.5m diameter should be provided for the purpose of manoeuvring containers in any storage space but 1m may be acceptable where necessary.
Page 33 of 47 January 2016
6.4.2. Commercial external storage points should be constructed in the same way as residential storage (section 5.4.2), so they must be on hard standings and they should be away from windows and ventilators, preferably under shade where possible. All storage areas must be accessible to disabled people and, in particular, wheelchair users. Level storage space is desirable to ensure that containers do not roll of their own accord when full of waste, particularly where larger four-wheeled bins are in use. Where a gradient is unavoidable, it should not exceed 1:12. The specification for storage and collection points in section 5.6.6 applies to commercial developments where a storage point is also a designated collection point (i.e. where it complies with the carry distances stated in 5.2.4).
6.5. Internal storage of waste
6.5.1. Internal waste storage facilities will vary for each development depending on the size of the premises and the activities which take place on site. When considering the amount of room required, developers should include room for recycling containers as well as residual waste containers.
6.6. Collections while developments are under construction
6.6.1. The information in section 5.7 applies to commercial developments, where relevant.
7. Waste storage and collection for mixed-use developments
7.1. In mixed-use developments, waste for residential premises and commercial premises should be stored separately. This measure will protect the facilities available to council tax payers, but it will also ensure that businesses which pay for waste collection have dedicated facilities for their exclusive use. Given the potential for regular collections from commercial premises (e.g. restaurants), due consideration of the location of storage and collection points should be given, to avoid nuisance to occupiers of residential dwellings.
7.2. The guidance in sections 5 and 6 applies to mixed-use developments, provided that developers adhere to the principle in 7.1.
7.3. Collections while developments are under construction
7.3.1. The information in section 5.7 applies to mixed-use developments.
8. Planning applications
8.1. In order to verify whether a proposed development has suitable access, storage space and collection points, the council requires plans to highlight certain information through the application of its adopted ‘Validation Checklist’. By providing this information, developers will assist us in pro-actively making
Page 34 of 47 January 2016
decisions about waste matters quickly, rather than having to engage in lengthy dialogue on details that could be provided at the front end of the process.
8.2. The items that would enable a full assessment of the feasibility of a development, if shown on site layout plans, waste management plans or other relevant application documents, are set out in Table 7.
Table 7
All developments Vehicle tracking to show that access and turning room for a RCV is acceptable, with reversing minimised Individual residential properties and flats grouped in blocks of five or fewer Indication of the external waste storage area per property Indication of the internal storage space including, where applicable, an indication of the types and sizes of containers used Identification of the collection point per property Identification of the route from the storage area to the collection point, including the distance and the width (minimum 1m) of all such routes (may be tabulated separately for ease of reference) Residential flats which are grouped in blocks of 6 or more Plan of the container storage area with containers drawn in situ (all to scale), to show that sufficient room has been allowed (including sufficient space to manoeuvre each container individually without the need to move other containers to facilitate such a manoeuvre) and a statement of the distance from the bin store to the kerbside List of the flats that are allocated to use each bin store Identification of the collection point (if the container store is not also the collection point) Identification of the route between the storage area and collection point, and an indication of the distance between these points (only applicable where the container store is not also the collection point) and the width of the route (minimum 2m) Indication of lighting, drainage and ventilation provisions (where required) on plans for container storage areas and a list/plan to show materials used to construct the storage area, to demonstrate compliance with paragraph 5.6.6 Commercial developments Indication of the waste storage area per premises, based on the information supplied in Table 5 and Table 6 above Identification of the collection point per property Identification of the route between the storage area and the collection point, and an indication of the distance between these points and the width of the route (minimum 1m for 2-wheel containers and 2m for 4-wheel containers) Mixed-use developments All of the information required for the sections above on residential and commercial developments; identification of items for residential and commercial developments should be differentiated by colour coding
Page 35 of 47 January 2016
8.3. Where there is a significant gap between the granting of planning permission and construction of the development, the developer should contact the waste collection department to ensure that the information about the collection system provided during the application process is still applicable. Further information about communication is detailed in section 9.
8.4. The council will monitor how far applications meet the requirements set out in this document in the coming months. If the level of information submitted in applications does not enable quick decision making about the suitability of the development for waste services, changes to the validation checklist may be made to ensure that the required information is submitted at the first opportunity.
9. Communication with the waste management services department
9.1. A major barrier to the successful delivery of services to new residents, and the associated effect on recycling performance, concerns how the council’s waste service receives information about when residents move into their properties.
9.2. In many cases, the first contact the council receives from a new resident is to request delivery of containers and to establish why their waste has not been collected. This situation is clearly unsatisfactory for the resident but it also puts the council at a disadvantage because properties have to be quickly added to rounds, which can introduce imbalances and inefficiencies. Bins also have to be delivered at short notice which may interrupt planned delivery schedules. The council’s experience suggests that residents will often contact the sales office to attempt to resolve such problems. Measures to avoid these outcomes would benefit all parties therefore.
9.3. To avoid these outcomes, and to help alleviate the problems identified in 5.7, 6.6 and 7.3, developers and their construction partners should contact the waste management services team as early as possible in the construction phase to outline when they anticipate that residents will move in. Contact details per area are listed in section 11. Developers should provide the council with contact details for a senior site representative.
9.4. Continued contact during construction is advisable to ensure that any movements in projected dates are communicated to the waste service. This will also allow the council to identify the location of suitable interim collection points, as referenced in 5.8.2, to developers and their construction partners so that all parties have the relevant information about service delivery.
10. Section 106 agreements, including contributions
10.1. Core Policy 3 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy (Adopted January 2015) provides overarching policy support for securing developer contributions towards ‘waste management services such as recycling and collection facilities’, which is classed as ‘essential infrastructure’. In the event of competing demands for infrastructure provision, essential infrastructure will be afforded the highest priority. The Wiltshire
Page 36 of 47 January 2016
Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) (Adopted May 2015) supports Core Policy 3 and provides further detail on the council’s approach to developer contributions. The Planning Obligations SPD lists ‘waste and recycling containers’ as an example of site-specific infrastructure that would be sought through section 106 contributions (where the criterion in section 10.2 applies) rather than through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Policy WCS6 of the Wiltshire and Swindon Waste Core Strategy requires developers “to design and provide facilities for occupiers of the development to recycle/compost waste […] and/or facilities within individual groups of properties or premises for the source separation and storage of different types of waste for recycling and/or composting”. Wiltshire Council retains control of procuring containers that are issued to occupiers of residential properties. The reasons for this are to ensure that the containers are compatible with lifting equipment and that branding – which is essential for ensuring that residents know what materials are designated for each container – meets the required standard. As a developer cannot directly provide the facilities for the separation and storage of waste, instead the requirement under WCS6 is met by securing a section 106 contribution.
10.2. The council will seek section 106 contributions for residential developments with 11 units or more26 and these contributions shall be calculated in accordance with paragraph 10.4.
10.3. For major residential developments, where the number of properties can be demonstrated to require the use of a whole additional RCV in order to make all of the required collections, the council will seek contributions towards the cost of providing the vehicle because it will be specifically required for the type and scale of development. Current performance suggests that a whole additional vehicle would be required where approximately 2,000 residential units are included in a single application.
10.4. Waste and recycling provision costs
Containers
Table 8 sets out the contribution required per container. Table 9 below uses the costs in Table 8 to calculate the contributions required either for each individual household or for each bin store. The required containers for each scenario are stated in Table 1 and Table 3 above. Please note that the amounts shown in Table 9 only apply where the threshold in section 10.2 is met. For example, if an application was only for construction of 7 flats that shared a single bin store, the council would not seek a contribution towards the provision of containers as fewer than 11 units are proposed. However, if an application was for construction of 7 flats that shared a single bin store and 5 individual houses, then a contribution
26 To comply with the national guidance (Paragraph: 012 Reference ID: 23b-012-20150326) on the 2014 Written Ministerial Statement on small-scale developers.
Page 37 of 47 January 2016
would be requested – as 12 units are proposed – and calculated in accordance with the categories in Table 9 ((5 x £91) + £581 = £1,036).
Table 8
Containment Cost*
180 litre wheeled bin 17p per litre £30 240 litre wheeled bin 19p per litre £45 660 litre wheeled bin 22p per litre £145 1100 litre wheeled bin 26p per litre £286 55 litre black box 15p per litre £8
Table 9
Scenario Cost per scenario* Households £91 Flats 1-5 £91 per apartment Flats 6 - 10 £ 581 per store Flats 11 - 14 £1,038 per store Flats 15 - 18 £1,474 per store Flats 19+ Calculation will be based on the agreed number of containers, as per the final row in Table 3.
*The prices in Table 8 and Table 9 were set [or reviewed] in 2015. These prices will be increased from 1 April each year in accordance with RPI.
Vehicles
Where section 10.3 applies, an indicative contribution of £165,000 will be sought for the provision of an additional RCV. This indicative figure is correct in 2015 and will be increased from 1 April each year in accordance with RPI.
Example:
A development of 130 houses and a block of 12 flats with a single bin store is being built. The contribution is worked out as follows (at the current rates stated in Table 8 and Table 9): • multiply the number of individual houses (130) by the “cost per scenario” for households (£91) = £11,830. • add the “cost per scenario” for the number of flats in the development. In this case there are 12 flats so the scenario for “Flats 11 – 14” is used - £1,038. • total section 106 contribution for waste and recycling services is £11,830 + £1,038 = £12,868.
Page 38 of 47 January 2016
Notes
Please note that: • if the development includes flats which have gardens, then allowances will have to be made to store garden waste bins for the flats in the bin store • these costs are subject to change depending on what services are in place at the time the development is completed, as noted in section 2.9.
10.5. Section 106 agreements
The council intends to develop template wording for s106 agreements in respect of waste contributions, which will be included in Appendix E once finalised. The council requests that contributions are paid prior to commencement of development (per phase, where applicable).
11. Contacts
[Insert from previous version and revise as necessary]
Page 39 of 47 January 2016
Bibliography
This bibliography highlights specific external sources referenced within the document above only. The list of sources that informs the contents of this guidance document would be much greater and would take account of Wiltshire Council policies, plans and procedures, waste industry guidance (e.g. from WRAP), legislation and government guidance.
Community Infrastructure Levy: Viability Study, BNP Paribas, 2012
Making Space for Waste: Designing Waste Management in New Developments – A Practical Guide for Developers and Local Authorities, ADEPT, 2010
Manual for Streets, Department for Transport, 2007
Safe waste and recycling collection services, Health and Safety Executive, 2014
Secured by Design: New Homes 2014, Secured by Design, 2014
The Building Regulations 2000 Approved Document: Drainage and Waste Disposal (Part H) (as amended), Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 2002
Waste Management in Buildings – Code of Practice (BS 5906:2005), BSI, 2005
Waste and Recycling Vehicles in Street Collection, Health and Safety Executive, 2014
Page 40 of 47 January 2016
Appendices
Page 41 of 47 January 2016
Appendix A Collection vehicle dimensions
The dimensions included in Table 10 below are based on the vehicles used by Wiltshire Council. Sufficient room should be allowed to enable these vehicles to move around the development. Dimensions are included for a standard RCV and for ‘kerbsiders’ used for dry recycling collections (all dimensions are in millimetres).
Table 10 - vehicle dimensions (mm)
Vehicle type RCV (for wheeled bin Kerbsider (for kerbside collections) box collections) Length 11300 8800 Width 2900 2900 Height (travelling) 3580 3550 Height (operating) 5638 5638 Vertical clearance required when 4500 4500 travelling (i.e. when collections are not actively taking place) Turning circle between kerbs 18500 Turning circle between walls 20300
Further points to consider regarding vehicle access include:
• Fully laden collection vehicles weigh approximately 26 tonnes. Service manholes and road surfaces should be constructed with this in mind. • Overhead service cables, pipes, archways and other potential obstacles must be located at a level that will not prevent the vehicle from operating or travelling safely. • To allow Waste Management Services to verify the suitability of a proposal in terms of collection vehicle access, accurate technical drawings with swept-path analysis detailing the proposed route of collection vehicles around the development should be included in plans submitted to the council. • It should be noted that all residual waste and some recycling containers are picked up from the rear of the waste collection vehicles, while some other recycling containers are picked up from the nearside of recycling vehicles. Sufficient room should be allowed at the side of kerbsiders to allow loaders to stand and fill the loading trough. This should also be reflected in the proposed routes of the collection vehicles. • Collection vehicles should not reverse into the development from a major road, or reverse onto a major road when exiting the development • Parking on site (including visitors’ parking) should be managed to avoid on-street parking that might prevent the collection vehicle accessing collection points.
Page 42 of 47 January 2016
Appendix B Example tenancy agreement terms
[Draft circulated internally for comment; signed off version to be included in the public consultation version]
Page 43 of 47 January 2016
Appendix C Sample indemnity letter
Waste Collection
[Depot]
[Street] [Town] Wiltshire [Post code]
Tel: 0300 456 0102
Dear Sirs,
Waste and Recycling Collections
Wiltshire Council, Hills Waste Solutions Ltd and FCC Environment provide waste and recycling collections in Wiltshire.
[Name of Developer] is the owner of the land [description of land] (the Development)
In order to access the properties forming part of the Development to collect residents’ waste and recycling container(s) it will be necessary for the staff and vehicles of both Wiltshire Council and its contractors to operate within the Development. Therefore, an indemnity is required from [Name of Developer] as landowner with responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the Development. If [Name of Developer] is willing to provide such an indemnity, please complete the section below and return this letter to Wiltshire Council.
[Name of Developer] incorporated and registered in England and Wales with company number [Number] whose registered office is at [Address] HEREBY gives permission to Wiltshire Council and its contractors, including all parties’ staff and vehicles, to operate within the Development to access the properties within the Development to collect residents’ waste and recycling container(s). [Name of Developer] is the landowner of the Development and is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Development.
[Name of Developer] HEREBY agrees to indemnify Wiltshire Council against all costs, claims, damages or expenses incurred by Wiltshire Council arising from Wiltshire Council or its contractors operating within the Development to collect residents’ waste and recycling container(s). This indemnity shall not cover Wiltshire Council to the extent that a claim under it results from Wiltshire Council or its contractors’ negligence.
Signed by [Name of Director] for and on behalf of [Name of Developer]:………………………………………… Director
Completed letters should be returned to:
FAO: [Waste Technical Officer]
[Depot address]
Please note that completion of this form does not guarantee that a kerbside collection of waste and recycling will be possible from the properties forming part of the Development. A physical assessment of the access, in terms of suitability, road width and available turning space will need to be undertaken before collections can be made.
Page 44 of 47 January 2016
Yours faithfully
Waste Management Services Tel: 0300 456 0102 Web: www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Page 45 of 47 January 2016
Appendix D New development protocol
[To be inserted in due course – see paragraph 5.8.7]
Page 46 of 47 January 2016
Appendix E Template wording for section 106 agreements
[To be inserted in due course – see paragraph 10.5]
Page 47 of 47 January 2016