Caterham, Chaldon, and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan
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Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area Profile November 2018 CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 1 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3 2. Area statistics and trends ................................................................................................................... 6 CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 2 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area 1. Introduction In 2012, the parishes of Caterham Valley, Caterham-on-the-Hill, Chaldon and Whyteleafe decided to embark on the process of developing a Neighbourhood Plan, under Part 2 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012. To inform the emerging Neighbourhood Plan, it is helpful to prepare a detailed profile of the neighbourhood area. This includes statistical information about the local population, economy, housing and health. The profile helps to inform the development of the vision and objectives for the Neighbourhood Plan, which the policies contained in the Neighbourhood Plan will seek to deliver. Throughout this document, the neighbourhood plan will be referred to as ‘the Neighbourhood Plan’ or ‘the CCWNP’; and the designated area will be referred to as ‘the Area’ or ‘CCW Area’. CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 3 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area Figure 1.1: Neighbourhood Plan Area CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 4 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 5 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area 2. Area statistics and trends Summary The key aspects of the profile of the neighbourhood areas, as they relate to the Neighbourhood Plan, are as follows1: Compared to the district as a whole, the Area, with the exception of Chaldon, has a high percentage of residents of working age (25 to 64 years), amounting to approximately 54% of the local population. This age bracket grew considerably between 2001 and 2011. Chaldon has seen numbers of residents in all age brackets, expect for 65 years and over, fall. On the whole, the number of older adults aged 65+ is lower than the district and region, again with the exception being Chaldon. This age bracket, however, is rising and, given the numbers of adults in the lower age brackets, is anticipated to rise further over the period of the Plan. There is an average number of children and teenagers in the Area, when compared to the district as a whole. This is perhaps unsurprising given the attractiveness of the Area to working age people, many of who will have started families. Chaldon again remains the exception, with lower numbers of children. The Area has higher than UK average levels of car ownership, with average of 1.4 cars per household across the area compared to 1.2 at the national level. However, car ownership is lower in Caterham Valley (where 17% have no car) and Whyteleafe (where 15% have no car). Higher car ownership is not unexpected in more rural areas, however it will be important to ensure that public transport is adequate for those with limited access. There are three railway stations serving the Area – Caterham, Whyteleafe and Whyteleafe South – linking London and Brighton. Across the Area, 15% of workers travel by train to work, with the percentage rising to 24% in Whyteleafe. The Area is fairly well served by bus links to several major employment centres, however evening services, and those to the more rural parts are less frequent. Unemployment is low with high numbers of people working from home (16%). This figure rises to 24% in Chaldon. The Area has high levels of housing. Chaldon comprises predominantly larger, detached homes. Whyteleafe and Caterham Valley have significant numbers of smaller flats. The vast majority of homes are owned, and, with the exception of Chaldon, the percentage of social and private rental properties is higher than average for the district. Although just under a quarter of workers travel less than 5km to reach their place of work, the majority travel 10km to 30km, which has a reach to London, suggesting high levels out-commuting. The resident population is very well-qualified and it will be important to consider ways to provide additional higher paid jobs locally. The following paragraphs set out the detailed statistics and trend data for the neighbourhood area. Unless stated otherwise, statistics are taken from the 2011 Census: 1 Source: 2011 Census CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 6 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area Population In 2011, the population of the neighbourhood area was 26,725. Compared to the district and regional averages, the Area, taken as a whole, has a higher proportion of working age people between 25 and 44 and children aged 0 to 15, suggesting the Area is popular with young families. This is perhaps unsurprising given the good schools in the Area as well as the plentiful work opportunities due the well-connected location. The Area is comfortably commutable from London which is appealing to many seeking work in the city and would explain its attractiveness to this age group. Notably, Chaldon has a much higher proportion of older residents and the specific needs of this section of the community should be considered, particularly given its more rural location. It will be important to consider the ease of access to local facilities and transport options to reach these. 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 0 to 15 16 to 24 25 to 44 45 to 64 65+ Tandridge Caterham Valley Caterham-on-the-Hill Chaldon Whyteleafe CCW Area South East Figure 2.1 – Population profile, 2011 Between 2001 and 2011, the population of the Area grew by 2,453 persons, a 10% increase (Figure 2.2). 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 0 to 15 16 to 24 25 to 44 45 to 64 65+ -10% -20% -30% Tandridge Caterham Valley Caterham-on-the-Hill Chaldon Whyteleafe CCW Area South East CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 7 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area Figure 2.2 – Change in population, 2001-2011 It can be seen that growth has been particularly significant in both the working age population (45 to 64) and children and teenagers, particularly in Whyteleafe. Chaldon is the exception, where the population of all age groups except those people over 65 years, has fallen. This would suggest that new housing, particularly in Whyteleafe and Caterham, that has been delivered over the last decade has appealed to working families most likely due to the proximity of work available in nearby larger towns and the good commute to London and other nearby work hubs. House prices too have had an impact. Caterham and Whyteleafe are far more affordable than Chaldon, and often to neighbouring areas. Figure 3.3 offers a comparison of average house prices at the time of print: Settlement Average house price Caterham £418,840 Chaldon £713,000 Whyteleafe £297,185 Redhill £376,074 Coulsdon £523,184 Figure 2.3 – Average House prices, 2017-2018 Source: www.rightmove.co.uk (November 2018) Housing Figure 2.3 shows the types of housing that exist already in the Area. Chaldon has a significant proportion of detached houses. Chaldon has a significant number of detached properties, the average having just under four bedrooms (Figure 2.4), which coincides with the house price data and demographic. Caterham Valley and Whyteleafe have seen significant growth in flats and apartments, with a smaller number of bedrooms on average, reflecting the growth that has taken place over the last decade. This has served to keep house prices at a more affordable level, hence the attractiveness to younger and working age people. 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Detached Semi-detached Terraced Flats Other Tandridge Caterham Valley Caterham-on-the-Hill Chaldon Whyteleafe CCW Area CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 8 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area Figure 2.3 – Type of housing in the CCW Area 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 0 1 2 3 4 5 or more Tandridge Caterham Valley Caterham-on-the-Hill Chaldon Whyteleafe CCW Area Figure 2.4: Number of bedrooms The tenure of housing is illustrated in Figure 2.5, revealing that the Area largely comprises homes that are owned by their occupants, either outright or with a mortgage. The number of social rented housing across the area is slightly less than the picture for the district, while private rental availability is higher. Chaldon remains the least accessible in terms of the affordable housing offer. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Owned Shared ownership Social Rent Private rent Other Tandridge Caterham Valley Caterham-on-the-Hill Chaldon Whyteleafe CCW Area Figure 2.5: Tenure of housing Work and skills The Area has very high levels of employment; Figure 2.6 shows that of the 16 to 74 year olds in the Area, 76% of people are in employment with an additional 16% are self-employed. Chaldon in particular has a higher CR3 Neighbourhood Plan Group Page 9 Caterham, Chaldon and Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Area number of self-employed people and it will be important to ensure that the Plan makes provision for home- workers, whose needs will differ from those in employment. In line with the district, 4% are unemployed. Number of those in retirement again largely reflects the district picture, with Chaldon having the highest levels. 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Employed Self-employed Unemployed Retired Tandridge Caterham Valley Caterham-on-the-Hill Chaldon Whyteleafe CCW Area Figure 2.6: Economic activity Understanding how people reach their place of work is helpful when considering the impact on local transport.