DevelopmentPlanSOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE September 2011
Public Consultation Summary Document
The Preferred Options are open to Public Consultation from 26 September to 18 November 2011
Published in September 2011 by The South Worcestershire Development Plan Team
The South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) is a planning framework, which aims to ensure that development has a positive impact on the area. It is being jointly prepared by the three local authorities and communities of Malvern Hills, Wychavon and Worcester City.
It considers the long term vision and objectives for South Worcestershire and will contain the policies for delivering these objectives in a planned and cohesive manner.
We welcome views from everyone as they are critical to the future plans of the area. Contents
Introduction
1 Introduction 3
Why a South Worcestershire Development Plan
2 Why a South Worcestershire Development Plan? 4 3 What is the Preferred Options Document? 8 4 How can I have my say? 9 5 Future Stages 10
What is our Vision?
6 What is our vision for South Worcestershire? 11 7 Sustainable Development Principles 15 8 Strategic Policies 16
Key Proposals
9 The Key Proposals 18 10 Jobs 19 11 Homes 20 12 Key Diagram 21 13 Delivery of Infrastructure 22 14 Environment 23
Housing Overview
15 Housing Sites in Urban and Rural Areas 24 16 Worcester 25 17 Droitwich Spa 27 Contents
18 Evesham 28 19 Malvern 30 20 Pershore 32 21 Tenbury Wells 33 22 Upton-upon-Severn 34 23 Rural Housing 36
Guiding the Future Character of South Worcestershire
24 Guiding the Future Character of South Worcestershire 38 25 Development Management Policies 39
Contact us
26 Contact us 43 Introduction 1
View of Broadway Tower
1.1 This document is intended to encourage you to find out more about the South Worcestershire Development Plan and how it may affect the area where you live, work or visit in the next 20 years.
1.2 This summary gives only a flavour of the contents of the Preferred Options for the Development Plan. It does not include the detailed wording or full background information.
1.3 If you wish to understand the details more fully, and decide to complete and return a comments form, please refer to the full version of the document, available at www.swdevelopmentplan.org. Hard copies are available at the three councils’ Customer Service Centres and local libraries listed at the end of this document, at the roadshow or by contacting an Officer on: 01905 722233.
3 2 Why a South Worcestershire Development Plan?
2.1 In order to manage future development, Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon Councils have joined together to prepare a Development Plan with the aim of ensuring that new development within South Worcestershire is well planned. It is called the South Worcestershire Development Plan.It will guide the amount and location of employment, housing and other development, as well as set out policies to protect and enhance the environment up to the year 2030.
2.2 Each local council is required to produce a Development Plan.With the election of the coalition Government in May 2010, responsibility for assessing the need for housing and employment development needed in the area in the next 20 years has shifted from the regional to a more local level. The three South Worcestershire councils have therefore reviewed progress on the Development Plan to ensure a more ‘bottom-up approach’.
2.3 The proposals build on the work done between 2007 and 2010 on the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy. Much of the research behind the Joint Core Strategy has been used in preparing the draft South Worcestershire Development Plan Preferred Options, but our approach to providing housing has changed and many of the proposed housing sites are now either smaller than previously or have been removed from the proposals altogether.
2.4 The new proposals differ from the Joint Core Strategy in several significant ways and are discussed in further detail below. However the main changes include:
The focus on supporting and delivering economic growth and jobs Housing numbers are now driven by assessments of more local needs, not top down regional targets Approximately 20,000 new homes are proposed – around 20% less than in the Joint Core Strategy 40% of the homes required by 2030 have already either been built, given planning permission or had sites allocated to them. That means that, in the 19 years remaining until 2030, locations only need to be found for another 12,000 homes Worcester City has been able to identify land for half of the city’s housing growth within its administrative area, reducing the need for expansion beyond the city boundaries Although extensions adjacent to Worcester are proposed, what used to be the largest site – to the west of the city – will include around 2,500 fewer dwellings than were proposed in the Joint Core Strategy In Malvern Hills and Wychavon, it is proposed to have a smaller proportion of new homes built in the main towns. There will also be new housing built in rural villages, with the aim of supporting the needs of the local population.
2.5 We are now at the first stage of consulting – setting out the options of where development might go and suggesting a framework to guide how decisions are made - which is the ‘Preferred Options’ stage.
4 Why a South Worcestershire Development Plan? 2
2.6 The amount of future employment and housing development suggested in the Preferred Options is no longer led by targets set by the West Midlands Regional Assembly (in a document called the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy). The Preferred Options also places greater emphasis on promoting economic prosperity for the benefit of South Worcestershire as a whole. However, population and the number of households across the area will obviously grow and change with a higher proportion of natural change (i.e., more births than deaths) in Worcester’s population and continuing trends of migration from within the West Midlands to both Wychavon and Malvern Hills Districts. In terms of housing, this means there is still a need for housing development over the next 20 years. Recent evidence on population change is provided by the Government’s household estimates for 2008 and population projections to 2030.These support an overall reduction against the previous regional housing targets, from 24,500 dwellings to a total of some 20,000 houses over 20 years for the whole of South Worcestershire.
2.7 It is also important that enough job opportunities are provided locally, alongside the projected housing numbers, and that South Worcestershire’s economy is supported and encouraged to grow.Therefore the proposals provide for approximately 300 hectares of employment land up to 2030.
Table 1: Preferred Options Level of development across South Worcestershire to 2030.
Dwellings to be Employment land to be provided between provided between 2006-2030 2006-2030 (hectares)
Worcester City 8,402 124
Wychavon District 7,803 146
Malvern Hills 4,156 39
Total 20,361 309
2.8 Approximately 40% of the housing development and over 65% of the employment land has already been built or has been given approval to go ahead.
5 2 Why a South Worcestershire Development Plan?
Provision for community facilities is required. View of play equipment at Pershore
2.9 This new development will need facilities such as shops, schools, open spaces, health and community facilities to support residents and employees. At the same time a transport network will be required to make services and facilities more accessible, offering alternative ways to travel to help reduce dependence on private motor vehicles, in line with the Government’s target on reducing CO2 emissions.
Shopping facilities are important. Waitrose, view from Gurney's Lane Droitwich Spa
2.10 It is also essential to address the difficult task of protecting and improving South Worcestershire’s high quality environment, and the Development Plan puts forward strategies and policies to help achieve this. These include policies to retain
6 Why a South Worcestershire Development Plan? 2
green spaces, conserve the character of the urban and rural settlements, promote high standards of design and support tourism. In addition, policies are proposed to deal with flooding and wider issues concerning future changes to the climate.
7 3 What is the Preferred Options Document?
3.1 This is the first formal stage in the production of the Development Plan and it builds on the responses since 2007 from residents, businesses and others on the previous South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy. Those responses and the background evidence have helped to identify the main planning issues that will face our area over the next 20 years.
3.2 The Preferred Options is not a first draft of the Development Plan, but a consultation document. It sets out a range of proposals which we would welcome your views on. It has been written taking into account:
Feedback from communities on their needs and aspirations; Assessment against national planning policy; Technical evidence gathered from a wide range of studies reflecting strategies from service and infrastructure organisations, and utilities. In particular, the objectives of the Sustainable Community Strategy for Worcestershire that covers South Worcestershire; A Sustainability Appraisal that assesses the social, economic and environmental impacts of the proposals.
8 How can I have my say? 4
4.1 There is a formal eight-week consultation period from 26 September to 18 November 2011. This will allow local people and businesses the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.
Comments on the proposals can also be made at: www.swdevelopmentplan.org
Views can also be submitted in writing to:
The South Worcestershire Development Plan Team
Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB.
Tel: 01905-722233
4.2 An exhibition road show will run throughout the consultation period and will be staffed by planners from the three councils to discuss the Preferred Options. These events are being held in Worcester, the towns of Malvern, Upton-upon-Severn, Tenbury Wells, Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Pershore and a number of villages.
Consultation exhibition at Evesham Town Hall
4.3 Full details of the dates and venues are available at: www.swdevelopmentplan.org.
4.4 Hard copies of the Preferred Options document can also be viewed at the three councils’ Customer Service Centres and local libraries listed at the end of this document.
9 5 Future Stages
Teaching a member of the community to use the internet
5.1 Responses to this consultation will inform the content of the next version of the South Worcestershire Development Plan. This will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in September 2012, following a pre-submission consultation. An Examination in Public, or Public Inquiry into the plan will open towards the end of 2012. The three councils expect to formally adopt the plan in May 2013.
10 What is our vision for South Worcestershire? 6
Vision
In 2030 South Worcestershire remains a highly desirable place in which to live and work. It is a competitive location with a buoyant local economy which has attracted significant inward investment and an increase in job opportunities particularly from high value businesses locating in the Worcestershire A38 High Technology Corridor. Businesses have access to a locally skilled workforce through the high quality educational and training provision available in the area.
Residents and businesses have better accessibility through major improvements to the A4440 at Worcester and the construction of Worcestershire Parkway.
Small scale businesses have developed in the rural areas through home based and farm diversification opportunities, which have enabled farming and horticulture to continue to play an important role in the local economy.
Employment and housing growth, coupled with continued investment in retail and office space, enables Worcester to successfully compete with the larger centres within and beyond the West Midlands region. Worcester also provides high class and wide ranging leisure and service facilities.
The main towns of Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Malvern are vibrant, offering a range of employment, shopping and community facilities to their residents and beyond. The towns of Pershore,Tenbury Wells and Upton upon Severn also continue to offer local services and remain at the heart of the area’s rural economy. All the towns have benefited from public realm and local transport improvements.
South Worcestershire residents have access to a range of all affordable housing types that meet the needs of young families, the elderly and single households. High quality development has incorporated innovative, environmentally friendly solutions that have helped to reduce resource consumption, achieve sustainable communities and mitigate against climatic variations, particularly flooding.
A growing tourism market is based on the high quality natural and built environments such as Worcester Cathedral and the Cotswolds (including Bredon Hill) and Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. More residents enjoy
11 6 What is our vision for South Worcestershire?
an active life through accessing a comprehensive network of open spaces, which have improved biodiversity. These focus on both the upland landscape and valleys of the Rivers Severn, Avon, and Teme and urban greenspace.
6.1 The following objectives have been developed, based on the themes in the Sustainable Community Strategy for Worcestershire that covers the three council areas
6.2 The themes are:
Economic success that is shared by all
6.3 This looks to improve the area’s economic prosperity, retaining key employers and allowing local business in urban and rural areas (including farming) to start, grow, adapt and diversify. One focus will be on promoting Worcester as the major leisure, retail and tourist destination, and centre of learning.
Promoting Worcester as a major retail and tourist destination
12 What is our vision for South Worcestershire? 6
Stronger communities
6.4 This covers the provision of housing of different types and tenures to meet a range of community needs, particularly affordable housing. This will support economic growth and the housing is located so as to reduce the need to travel and improve access by public transport, cycling and walking.
A better environment for today and tomorrow Festival and market stalls for the community 6.5 The objective is to ensure that new development is designed to reduce environmental impact and reduce resource consumption. This includes protecting and increasing the areas of green space, enhance environmental quality and safeguard the Green Belt and gaps between smaller settlements.
Improving health and well-being
Ensuring new development incorporates green open spaces and provide opportunity for recreation
13 6 What is our vision for South Worcestershire?
6.6 This objective is to ensure new development provides public open space and opportunities for recreation, while providing appropriate healthcare. Also there is an aim of promoting opportunities and access to training, skills and education for all generations.
Communities that are safe and feel safe
6.7 All new development is to be designed to create safe places for both residents and those passing through them.
Opportunities for learning, The Hive, Worcester Library
14 Sustainable Development Principles 7
7.1 Sustainable development is defined as “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987).
Providing jobs is an important part of the Plan. Mazak, Worcester
7.2 It is important to ensure that future development is considered in the context of our sustainability objectives. The aim is to deliver the jobs and houses and the other day-to-day facilities and services that give us a quality of life, while safeguarding the natural and built environment that makes South Worcestershire special.
7.3 We are proposing an overarching policy on sustainable development. The importance of sustainable development lies at the heart of central Government planning policy, and the strategic policies in the South Worcestershire Development Plan seek to achieve this.
7.4 The proposals and policies in the Preferred Options document have been subject to a systematic appraisal process to check whether they can help achieve sustainable development. The Sustainability Appraisal examines the social, environmental and economic effects of the strategy and policies in the Preferred Options from the beginning of the preparation process. The Sustainability Appraisal document can be read via our website: www.swdevelopmentplan.org.
15 8 Strategic Policies
8.1 These are the wider ranging policies that affect future development:
Policy SWDP 1: Development Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy for South Worcestershire
8.2 The location of future development within South Worcestershire has been guided by the sustainability of the existing settlements, in order to make the best use of existing infrastructure and local service provisions.This policy outlines the hierarchy of the settlements within South Worcestershire, explaining their role within the area and the potential implications for development. It also sets out the overarching policy in relation to the open countryside, Green Belt and Significant Gaps.
Policy SWDP 2: Employment, Housing and Retail Supply
8.3 This policy defines the present figures for employment, housing, retail and office development in South Worcestershire and the amount of growth that will need to be accommodated in the Development Plan period until 2030. The key to this policy is the promotion of economic prosperity, by guiding sustainable development to urban Brownfield (previously developed) sites as a priority.
Policy SWDP 3: Overarching Sustainable Development Requirements
8.4 This policy requires new proposals to have regard to the following criteria in line with the wider vision for sustainable development in South Worcestershire:
high standards of design; meeting specific housing needs; creating inclusive communities; improving flooding protection; suitable access, parking and manoeuvring facilities; providing sustainable and environmentally sensitive transport methods; providing appropriate infrastructure; enhancing and conserving landscape character; reducing environmental impact; protecting the individual character of settlements; and an appropriate level of public consultation with local communities.
16 Strategic Policies 8
Policy SWDP 4: Moving around South Worcestershire
Train services will continue to provide sustainable transport. Train at Great Malvern Station
8.5 The main aims of this policy are to reduce the demand for travel by car, promote walking, cycling and public transport opportunities; and encourage innovative transport initiatives in rural areas. A number of key infrastructure improvements are highlighted to support the economic aspirations of the area.
Policy SWDP 5: Strategic Green Infrastructure
8.6 This policy is concerned with protecting, enhancing and increasing the provision of green space and other environmental features within South Worcestershire to benefit the economy, the environment and people’s quality of life.
17 9 The Key Proposals
9.1 The Key proposals:
Have an emphasis on jobs and economic prosperity. It is proposed to allocate 309 hectares of employment land and implement planning polices to support businesses, shopping and leisure opportunities.
Propose to build approximately 20,000 homes – a figure that is 18% lower than that previously proposed by the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy for South Worcestershire.
Focus the development on sites within Worcester and the main towns, with a reduction to the scale of proposed housing numbers on Greenfield sites on the edge of the main urban areas.
Respond to previous public consultations, by including a higher proportion of the housing growth in rural villages. The aim is to help villages retain services and provide housing to meet community needs.
Protect and retain the existing Green Belt area in Worcester and Wychavon. No employment or housing developments are proposed within it.
9.2 Policies proposed in the Preferred Options are supported by evidence covering housing need and employment patterns, plus technical studies on environmental character, flooding, and a study of the existing Green Belt designation. The full set of evidence documents is available at www.swdevelopmentplan.org
18 Jobs 10
An emphasis on jobs
Ensure policies promote jobs in South Worcestershire
10.1 A total of 309 hectares of employment land will be provided over the lifetime of the Plan (2006-2030), 124 hectares within or immediately adjacent to Worcester City (with approximately 55,000 square metres of office space in the city centre), 39 hectares for Malvern Hills, and 146 hectares for Wychavon. It is believed this will assist the aims and objectives of the Worcestershire Local Economic Partnership, build on the recent granting of planning permission for the Worcester Technology Park (in north east Worcester), and support the continued viability of Malvern Hills Science Park and QinetiQ in Malvern.
10.2 Smaller allocations will support the role of the market towns across South Worcestershire, and specific policies are being put forward to maintain the rural economy, based on agriculture, as well as assisting farm diversification and tourism.
10.3 For shopping, a minimum of 10,000 square metres of non-food retail development will be identified in Worcester. Evidence does not point to a strong need for additional retail provision in either Wychavon or Malvern Hills and the general approach will be to put policies in place to protect existing shopping and support retail enterprises.
19 11 Homes
Providing homes to meet local needs
11.1 The Preferred Options paper includes proposals to ensure that enough new dwellings are built to meet local needs and those of future generations. Evidence from the Department of Communities and Local Government 2008 Mid-Term Population Estimates indicates the rate of future household formation will be approximately 20% lower than that assumed for the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (which was published a year earlier in 2007).
Table 2: Comparison of houses to be built under the draft West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (2006 - 2026) and the South Worcestershire Development Plan (2006 - 2030).
Houses to be built between Houses to be built between 2006-2026 under draft West Midlands Regional Spatial 2006-2030 under SWDP Strategy
Worcester City 10,500 8,402
Wychavon 9,100 7,803
Malvern Hills 4,900 4,156
Total 24,500 20,361
20 12.1 The Key Diagram shows the main proposed locations for new development in Worcester and the main towns.
- Key Diagram N W E
S 21
Legend Worcester- Principal Development Focus
46 A46 Main Towns
Other Towns
Category 1 Village
Category 2 Village
Category 3 Village Key Diagram
URBAN EXTENSIONS Housing Employment & Housing
Strategic Green Infrastructure Corridors - Investment Priority
EMPLOYMENT ALLOCATIONS Worcester Technology Park Phase 2 (J6) Employment
Green Belt
Major Transport Infrastructure Investment 12 13 Delivery of Infrastructure
Delivering the main infrastructure
13.1 The level of growth outlined in the proposals can only be made a reality if the necessary infrastructure is delivered.
Road being built in Malvern
13.2 The implementation of the Plan will be largely dependent on private sector investment arising from new development or regeneration of housing, employment, retail and community facilities.
13.3 The community infrastructure needed to support the proposed developments include improvements to hospitals, new schools, water and drainage, roads, leisure and sports facilities and public transport.
13.4 Developers will be required to contribute funds to a range of community infrastructure through a South Worcestershire Community Infrastructure Levy (which comes into force when the Plan is adopted) and via agreement through planning permissions. The Preferred Options paper sets out an implementation and phasing plan, listing what is required and when.
13.5 Worcestershire County Council has published a Local Transport Plan (2011 - 2026) for the county which aims to deliver road infrastructure and public transport improvements to 2026.The Preferred Options paper compliments the projects in the Local Transport Plan, but delivery will be primarily dependent on the County Council making successful bids to secure funding from the Department for Transport.
22 Environment 14
Protecting South Worcestershire’s environment
14.1 South Worcestershire is characterised by attractive countryside, defined by the River Severn, tributaries of the Avon and Teme, and the upland areas of the Malvern Hills, Bredon Hill and Cotswold's edge. Within this landscape are numerous historic villages and urban areas, along with important urban green spaces.
Maintaining the balance of nature through the protection of wildlife and their habitat benefits us all
14.2 The Preferred Options put forward policies to protect and enhance the natural environment, conserve historic towns and buildings, to safeguard existing open spaces and to create new ones. It also outlines strategies to manage flood risk, and promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
23 15 Housing Sites in Urban and Rural Areas
Housing Sites in Urban and Rural Areas
Homes under construction in Malvern
15.1 This section provides more details on the level and location of housing development.
15.2 The Preferred Options proposals are to concentrate most housing development within and on the edge of Worcester, the main towns and those villages with most facilities and services.
15.3 Evidence gathered from recent studies on site availability, planning constraints, retail and employment provision and housing needs, along with previous consultation responses, has been used to identify a range of sites for future development between 2013 and 2030.
15.4 Of the 20,361 houses proposed between 2006 and 2030, 8,402 are suggested in and around Worcester, although nearly 3,000 of these are already built or approved. 1,800 are proposed to be allocated in villages in Malvern Hills and Wychavon. The rest of the new housing is suggested to be centred in and around Malvern, Pershore, Droitwich Spa and Evesham, with only very limited development at Tenbury Wells.
24 Worcester 16
16.1 Worcester City is the retail and employment centre for South Worcestershire and the wider county. It is recognised as being the key location for major growth, without compromising its historic character and rural surroundings.
New development should respect Worcester's exising character.View of Worcester from the Cathedral
Urban capacity
16.2 It is our intention to create a vibrant, dynamic, diverse and attractive city whose prosperity is reflected across the entire South Worcestershire area. The Preferred Options suggests there is a need to provide approximately 8,400 dwellings and 124 hectares of employment land within the Worcester area. Some of this has already been built since 2006, or has planning permission. Worcester City planners have been able to identify land for half of the city’s housing growth within its administrative area, reducing the need for expansion beyond the city boundaries.
16.3 However, there is still an additional need to provide homes and employment land in order to meet the growing demands of the city. It is necessary, due to space limitations, to look to locating some broad areas for growth outside and adjacent to the city boundary, predominantly through planned urban extensions.
City centre development
16.4 Worcester city centre is seen as the focal point for investment, development and regeneration in South Worcestershire for the period to 2030.
16.5 A number of sites within the city are suggested as allocations for new and improved retail development, which will create improved links within retail areas and with the wider areas of the city.
25 16 Worcester
16.6 In addition, a number of ‘Opportunity Zones’ showing areas for potential mixed use and business redevelopment have been identified. Sustainable travel and the enhancement of views and historic information throughout the city, will remain key priorities when considering such development.
Urban extensions
16.7 While increased opportunities for the provision of housing and employment land have been found within the city itself, land for approximately 4,000 homes and 41 hectares of employment land still needs to be accommodated on the outskirts of Worcester. It is considered that the best way of meeting this need is through well designed urban extensions. Consideration has been given to the accessibility of a site, the preservation of historic character and setting, nature conservation and flooding issues when defining how Worcester should meet its employment and housing needs.
16.8 The Preferred Options propose that through the planned urban extensions, it is intended to create attractive and appealing areas where people want to live and work. This approach will ensure that high quality, sympathetic and inclusive design is achieved and key elements of infrastructure and services are provided. Benefits will include:
the provision of open space and the enhancement of important green areas surrounding the city; the availability of sport, recreation and community facilities are made available; the provision of education and health care; the delivery of housing and employment opportunities improvements to accessibility, including public transport and walking and cycling opportunities.
16.9 The urban extensions will be mainly accommodated to the south and west of the city, at two main housing sites within the Broomhall and Norton Barracks community to the south (approximately 2,450 dwellings) and Temple Laughern to the west (975 dwellings). Two smaller housing sites at Kilbury (300 dwellings) and Gwillams Farm, Bevere (300 dwellings) are also included.
16.10 Employment provision is also catered for within the Broomhall and Norton Barracks community (20 hectares of employment land) and Temple Laughern (5 hectares of employment land), along with the creation of Worcester Technology Park near to Junction 6 of M5.
26 Droitwich Spa 17
17.1 Droitwich Spa has been identified as one of South Worcestershire’s main sustainable towns. It is the largest settlement in Wychavon district and is considered an appropriate location to accommodate a proportion of South Worcestershire’s growth over the next two decades.
Urban capacity
17.2 Approximately 1,000 homes and 3.5 hectares of employment land are proposed within the town and the surrounding areas. However, due to the significant constraints of the town – such as natural and man-made landscape features, the Green Belt, and the historic settlement pattern – the majority of this provision will need to be accommodated within an extension to the urban area.
Raven Hotel, Droitwich Spa Town centre development 17.3 Only a limited number of previously developed Brownfield sites are available in the town centre, allowing approximately 400 homes to be built, along with improvements to community and retail facilities.
Urban Extensions
17.4 The urban extension to Droitwich Spa needs to be accommodated to the south of the town, to protect the designated Green Belt to the north. The housing numbers proposed in the Plan can be achieved through one single urban extension which can take advantage of links to the town and still respect and retain the character of the settlement and its surroundings. The urban extension is suggested at Copcut Lane, providing approximately 750 new homes and 3.5 hectares of employment land as part of a phased schedule of development up to 2019.
17.5 This development would provide a range of house sizes and tenures to meet the existing and future needs of the local community and help to strengthen the local economy. It would also enable further investment in a range of key infrastructure projects within the town, including improvements to public transport, walking and cycling opportunities, increased parking at Droitwich railway station, increased capacity for pupils at Droitwich High School and improvements to aid emergency services within the area.
27 18 Evesham
18.1 Evesham is a sustainable market town which straddles the River Avon and is located in Wychavon district. Evesham is highly accessible thanks to its proximity to the Strategic Highway Network, frequent bus services between Cheltenham and Worcester, excellent rail connections to Oxford, London and the South East and river navigation for recreational travel. Growth is proposed within the town and on its borders.
Urban capacity
18.2 Approximately 1,100 homes and 10 hectares of employment land are suggested within Evesham and the surrounding areas. Previously developed ‘Brownfield’ sites within the The Bell Tower, Evesham town have been identified for some housing development. However, in line with previous consultation responses and the desire to protect significant areas of open space, the majority of the new growth is suggested to be outside of the town boundary.
Town centre development
18.3 Seven key previously developed ‘Brownfield’ sites within the town have been identified, providing an urban capacity of approximately 300 homes, including opportunities for improvements to community facilities and retail provision.
Urban Extensions
18.4 Taking into account natural and man-made barriers, historic settlement patterns and accessibility to services, a total of three sites outside of the existing settlement boundary have been identified for urban extensions. Land to the south at Cheltenham Road has been identified for 400 homes; land to the south-west for 400 homes at Pershore Road, Hampton; and an additional 10 hectares of employment land have been identified as an extension to Vale Business Park.
18.5 Development here would provide for a range of house sizes and tenures to meet the existing and future needs of the local community and a range of business units to strengthen the local economy. The delivery of these additional homes and employment opportunities would also enable further investment in a range of key infrastructure projects within the town, such as improvements to hospital and police
28 Evesham 18
services, enhanced walking and cycling links throughout the town, increased parking at Evesham railway station, new first schools, and improvements to sport and recreational facilities within the area.
29 19 Malvern
19.1 Malvern is the main settlement within Malvern Hills district, acting as the centre for employment, retail and tourism. The town benefits from dramatic views of the Malvern Hills which are protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as a large amount of green space. This contributes to the unique character of the area as well as offering recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat.
Urban capacity
19.2 Approximately 1,200 homes and 19 hectares of employment land have been suggested within Malvern and the surrounding areas. Previously developed Brownfield or less sensitive urban Greenfield sites within the settlement have been suggested. An additional site providing 4.5 hectares of employment Malvern Priory land is suggested at Blackmore Park. However, as a result of previous consultation responses, the desire to protect significant areas of open space, and the unique character of the town, new growth is to be provided principally outside of the town boundary.
Development within the existing settlement
19.3 Land at Malvern Hills Technology Park (QinetiQ) is identified for mixed-use development, including approximately 250 homes and 4.5 hectares of redeveloped employment land. The redevelopment envisages that QinetiQ will rationalise its existing operations onto a smaller footprint within the site.The enhancement of public open space and public transport, walking and cycling facilities is also included. High standards of design and energy efficiency will be sought on this site to allow a sustainable and accessible development which will benefit the local community.
Urban Extensions
19.4 The location of the proposed urban extension to the town has been selected on the basis of factors, including proximity to existing services and infrastructure, the need for accessible land suitable for employment development and attractive to investment, landscape considerations associated with the town as a whole and the protection of important areas of open space.
30 Malvern 19
19.5 To the north-east of Malvern, the suggested urban extension at Newland will sit adjacent to the built-up area of the town. This site has been identified for mixed use development, including approximately 10 hectares of employment land and around 700 homes.This will compliment the landscape and include additional benefits such as a primary school, community centre, recreational and leisure space, and facilities to promote the use of sustainable transport.
31 20 Pershore
20.1 Pershore is a historic market town positioned on the River Avon. Its unique features include Pershore Abbey (originating from the 11th Century), the Georgian High Street and important public green open spaces throughout the town.
Urban capacity
20.2 Approximately 700 homes and five hectares of employment land are suggested within Pershore and the surrounding areas. The town has limited urban capacity because of its historic layout and flood plain. Therefore the majority of new housing and employment needs to be located outside of the town boundary.
Pershore High Street Town centre
20.3 Two sites in the town are suggested for housing growth, providing approximately 100 homes, 73 of these are on Greenfield sites adjacent to the edge of the town.
Urban Extensions
20.4 Land to the north of Pershore has been identified to provide approximately 600 homes and five hectares of employment land. It is considered that this urban extension would contribute to the creation of sustainable communities and would enable the enhancement of services and facilities within the town, including improved public transport links, culture and tourism promotion, and improvements at busy road junctions. At the same time, it would retain important views, green space and respect the historic form of the settlement.
32 Tenbury Wells 21
Tenbury Pump Rooms
21.1 Tenbury Wells is a small town located on the River Teme and linked to the nearby settlement of Burford by the River Teme Bridge. The town is largely surrounded by a rural landscape and associated villages to which the town provides an important function.
21.2 To date, only one possible site has been identified for an additional 30 dwellings, along with the proposed redevelopment of the former cattle market, towards the northern end of the town. This would provide opportunities for commercial uses and support wider regeneration aims. Any redevelopment would need to respect the historic character of the town, improve the river frontage and enhance pedestrian and cycle links throughout Tenbury Wells.This is necessary to support the local retail and tourism economy.
21.3 It is proposed that employment provision in Tenbury Wells is limited to meeting local needs, so no specific allocations are put forward.The continued implementation of the Business Park is still supported, and links to Burford employment areas north of the River Teme are acknowledged.
33 22 Upton-upon-Severn
Upton Pepperpot
22.1 Upton-upon-Severn is a small town located on the southern bank of the River Severn. Accessibility to the wider area is catered for by good links to the M50 and M5 motorways, and the town thrives as a local tourist destination thanks to its riverside setting and historic character.
Urban Capacity
22.2 Almost the entire area of the town is surrounded by the flood plain which is a considerable constraint to future growth. It is considered that some additional housing, particularly affordable housing, is required to support the existing economy and facilities within the town. However, it has been necessary to look to areas outside of the flood plain, adjacent to neighbouring settlements, to meet the housing needs of the area.
22.3 The neighbouring settlements of Tunnel Hill, Holly Green and Ryall all share strong links to Upton-upon-Severn. Land for 50 dwellings is suggested at Holly Green, and Upton Marina continues to be promoted for commercial development where boating, recreational and tourism facilities will be encouraged.
34 Upton-upon-Severn 22
22.4 No new employment provision is proposed, as it is considered that the existing commercial, retail and tourism opportunities will support the local jobs market.
35 23 Rural Housing
23.1 There needs to be a balanced level of growth directed to a range of sustainable villages in order to meet the needs of local people. This needs to be done in a way that respects existing settlement patterns and retains the character and individual identity of the villages.
23.2 Where rural settlements offer a range of services and facilities, and have reasonable public transport services available, we are proposing some development.
23.3 These villages are divided into three categories, as defined below. You can see the villages in each category in policies SWDP 23, 24 and 25 of the full Preferred Options document.
23.4 All the suggested housing allocations in rural villages relate to sites that have a capacity for five or more dwellings. Other new housing will be limited to in-fill development within the established village settlement boundaries, such as residential conversions, replacement buildings, redevelopment of unsightly or redundant Brownfield sites, or affordable housing schemes within or adjacent to settlement boundaries.
Cleeve Prior
Category 1 villages
23.5 Category 1 villages are considered most suitable to be the focus for the essential housing needs of the rural areas within the Plan period.
36 Rural Housing 23
23.6 A total of approximately 1,071 homes are proposed within or adjacent to Category 1 villages.
Category 2 villages
23.7 Category 2 villages are considered to be moderately sustainable. Their proposed level of development will be at a density compatible with the character and amenity of the surrounding area.
23.8 A total of approximately 530 homes are proposed within or adjacent to Category 2 villages.
Category 3 villages
23.9 Category 3 villages are locations where a limited level of development has been proposed to address the needs of the local community. A small range of services and facilities and a reduced level of public transport provision are generally available.
23.10 A total of approximately 204 homes are proposed within or adjacent to Category 3 villages.
37 24 Guiding the Future Character of South Worcestershire
24.1 The Preferred Options document contains a range of policies that will guide the future development of South Worcestershire.These are in addition to the strategic policies and vision for growth within the area, and include the provision of jobs, homes, parks, schools, centres for health, culture and leisure. Other policies will guide the details of development, such as their design, and assist with making decisions on day-to-day planning applications.
24.2 A summary of the policies will follow in the next section.
38 Development Management Policies 25
Economic prosperity
25.1 Delivering economic prosperity is the main aim of the South Worcestershire Development Plan. It is important that the local economy is encouraged to diversify and a wider employment base is created.This section is concerned with the provision of land for employment and business purposes. It sets out a more positive policy approach towards determining proposals which help to deliver economic prosperity within the area.
Design
25.2 This section is concerned with encouraging the highest quality design in all areas of development in order to enhance the quality of life for residents, improve visual character, and create safe and well connected places to live and work in South Worcestershire.
Creating and sustaining vibrant centres
25.3 This section is concerned with providing and supporting shopping, recreation, commercial and tourism opportunities in Evesham Leisure Centre locations close to the centre of settlements, so that they are accessible to most people.
Protection and promotion of shopping choice
25.4 This section is concerned with protecting the existing retail provision within local shopping areas and promoting opportunities for further shopping choice to enhance the vitality and viability of our city, town and village centres.
Meeting the housing needs of communities
25.5 This section is concerned with providing the right type of housing, in the right areas, to meet the needs of the community. This includes making sure the homes are the right size; affordable to local people; located in both urban and rural areas; and specific identified needs are catered for (e.g. an increased provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople).
39 25 Development Management Policies
Promotion of tourism and tourist facilities
25.6 The leisure and tourism sectors within South Worcestershire contribute significantly to supporting the local economy. This section outlines how the expansion of these industries should be encouraged further through the promotion of tourism and leisure opportunities, and the provision of a variety of The Plan aims to promote tourism within South Worcestershire overnight accommodation options to increase the length of visitor stays.
Marinas, moorings and boating facilities
25.7 Waterways play an important part in defining the character of South Worcestershire, contributing to our landscape character, providing links to our industrial heritage, and offering tourism and recreational opportunities. This section is concerned with protecting and enhancing our waterways, providing marinas and moorings where needs exist. The wider aim is to create benefits for local communities and the economy.
Moorings at Diglis
Indoor leisure and community facilities
25.8 This section is concerned with protecting existing indoor leisure and community facilities and providing opportunities for their enhancement and expansion within well located, accessible locations.
40 Development Management Policies 25
Protection and promotion of green spaces
25.9 This section is concerned with protecting and providing green open space in order to promote recreational opportunities, enhance biodiversity and improve the urban and rural environment.
Open space for sport and recreation
View of Worcestershire Cricket Club
25.10 This section is concerned with protecting existing outdoor recreational space and facilities and ensuring new developments cater for the recreational needs of the community by securing the right range of facilities in accessible locations.
Energy efficiency and flooding
25.11 This section is concerned with maximising the potential for energy efficient measures to be incorporated into new and existing developments within South Worcestershire and reducing water consumption and the risk of flooding.
Flooding in South Worcestershire
41 25 Development Management Policies
Implementation phasing and monitoring
25.12 The South Worcestershire Development Plan will also need to show how its policies and allocations can be implemented, and how progress can be phased throughout the plan period and monitored. The Preferred Options document shows how this can be achieved.
42 Contact us 26
26.1 We want to hear your views on the South Worcestershire Development Plan Preferred Options.
26.2 Come along to one of a series of roadshow events across South Worcestershire listed on our website or comment directly on the proposals at www.swdevelopmentplan.org.
Or write to:
The South Worcestershire Development Plan Team
Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester WR1 3BB.
Tel: 01905 722233
Customer Contact Centres and local libraries:
Droitwich Spa Tel: 01386 565000
Droitwich Library
Victoria Square
WR9 8DQ
Monday & Wednesday 9.30am-5.30pm, Tuesday & Friday 9.30 - 7pm (closed Thursdays)
Evesham Tel: 01386 565000
Abbey Road
WR11 4SB
Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, Saturday, 10am-2pm
43 26 Contact us
Pershore Tel: 01386 565000
Civic Centre
Queen Elizabeth Drive
WR10 1PT
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Malvern Tel: 01684 892999
The Library
Graham Road
WR14 2HU
Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm
Tenbury Wells Tel: 01684 862151
The Library
24 Teme Street
WR15 8AA
Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm (closed Wednesday)
Upton-upon-Severn Tel: 01684 862151
Upton Library
School Lane
WR8 0LE
Monday, Tuesday & Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm
44 Contact us 26
Worcester Tel: 01905 722233
Orchard House Complex
Farrier Street
WR1 3BB
Monday to Friday 9pm-5pm, Saturday 9am-12noon
45 DevelopmentPlanSOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE
This information is available in large print, Braille, PC, CD-Rom and audio tape on request. Call 01905 722 230 or Typetalk (text telephone for people who are hearing impaired): 1800 01905 722233, or Email: [email protected] for your copy.
If you need help communicating in English please contact the Customer Service Centre on 01905 722 233 or at [email protected].
South Worcestershire Development Plan Team, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester WR1 3BB Tel 01905 722233 Email: [email protected] www.swdevelopmentplan.org