CONTENTS

1. Introduction 3 2. Characteristics and Challenges facing South 6 3. Vision and Objectives 8 4. Location of Development and Sustainable Development Principles (Key Diagram) 13

Spatial Strategy Policies for South Worcestershire Settlements 5. Spatial Strategy for Worcester and Spatial Diagram 35 6. Spatial Strategy for Malvern and Spatial Diagram 46 7. Spatial Strategy for Droitwich and Spatial Diagram 54 8. Spatial Strategy for and Spatial Diagram 59 9. Spatial Strategy for and Spatial Diagram 63 10. Spatial Strategy for Upton-upon-Severn and Spatial Diagram 68 11. Spatial Strategy for and Spatial Diagram 72 12. Spatial Strategy for the Villages 78

Core Strategic Policies 13. Infrastructure Delivery 82 14. Moving Around South Worcestershire 85 15. Mix of Housing 87 16. Affordable Housing 89 17. Gypsies,Travellers and Travelling Showpeople 92 18. Employment protection and generation 94 19. Shopping and Leisure 98 20. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 101 21. Managing Flood Risk 104 22. Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity 106 23. Open Space 108

Appendices 1. Evidence Base 2. Implementation Plan 3. Climate Change and Sustainable Development 4. Key Facts about South Worcestershire 5. Glossary

1 1. INTRODUCTION

The Purpose of this Preferred Options Document

1.1. This document sets out the emerging Spatial 1.4 The Preferred Option of the Planning framework for the long-term development Regional Spatial Strategy Phase Two Revision, of South Worcestershire. It seeks to ensure that which has been submitted to the Secretary of State, future investment is made in a properly requires a maximum of 24,500 homes and 183 co-ordinated manner to ensure the delivery of hectares of employment land to be provided in sustainable development and good quality design. South Worcestershire between 2006 and 2026. It has been prepared taking into account the views This Joint Core Strategy Preferred Options of a wide section of the community and other responds to these requirements and considers interested parties, as well as maintaining the implications of possible changes to regional consistency with national and emerging regional guidance. policy. The document provides a spatial expression of the Community Strategies for the three districts 1.5 This Joint Core Strategy does not set out and Local Strategic Partnerships covering South specific proposals or allocations. Neither does it Worcestershire. include detailed policies relating to Development Control matters. These will be the subject of 1.2 The three local authorities of , subsequent Local Development Documents which Worcester City, and are working will need to be in conformity with the Joint Core together to produce a Joint Core Strategy because Strategy. Further, it does not duplicate, but builds many planning issues cross district boundaries. on national and/or regional planning policy.

1.3 This Joint Core Strategy will be a strategic document providing broad guidance  Where this paper refers to the Regional Spatial on the scale, distribution and quality of Strategy, it is this version of the document that reference Image left: Looking at part of Malvern from Hills. development together with the provision should be made, unless otherwise stated. of supporting infrastructure. It contains: • Strategic policies for delivering the spatial vision and guiding broad patterns of urban and rural development. • The directions of strategic housing and employment growth centred upon Worcester and the six towns of , Malvern, Evesham, Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn and Pershore. • Policies setting out the issues to be taken into account when considering development proposals.

2 3 The Production of Preferred Options What Happens Next?

1.6 This document has been published in the light of the responses we 1.12 The overall timetable for the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy received to our ‘Issues and Options’ consultation carried out in November/ along with other related Development Plan Documents can be found in the December 2007. Local Development Schemes for the respective Districts (available at Customer Service Centres and on the website at www.swjcs.org) but the key stages are 1.7 Although we were pleased with the number of responses received (over set out below: 2200), it is important to emphasise that the production of Joint Core Strategy policies is not necessarily based on the most popular options. Whilst the views we received rightly become a very important consideration, there Key Stages Dates are other issues that equally need to be taken into account. For example Issues and options Consultation November/December 2007 alignment with national and regional policy, technical evidence, sustainability appraisal and the way in which the plan will be implemented. Preferred Options Consultation September/October 2008

1.8 We have also reviewed an enormous amount of other information, Publication and representations invited June/July 2009 including statistical data, and other plans and strategies. However, it Submission to the Secretary of State September 2009 is not the purpose of this document to record in detail how this has been Examination December 2009 achieved. All the published material can be viewed at the website dedicated to the Joint Core Strategy www.swjcs.org and is available in hard Inspectors Independent Report May 2010 copies at all Customer Service Centres in South Worcestershire. Adoption July 2010

1.9 We have analysed all the responses and published a Consultation The ‘publication stage’ and subsequent stages may be subject to change. Statement that you are invited to read via www.swjcs.org and at Customer Service Centres. We have progressed this through an on going debate with Councillors, Parish/Town Councils and other interested parties, and are now How to Make Your Views Known publishing what we consider to be the Preferred Options. This Preferred Options 1.13 Throughout this document you will find Preferred Option policies that document represents an opportunity for you to comment. Accompanying this will be central to our Joint Core Strategy. These are the most important document is a Sustainability Appraisal report upon which we would also sections and upon which we want your views to continue the on-going debate welcome your views. that started with our Issues and Options consultation. To be part of this debate 1.10 This document is not a draft plan but includes introductory text on the please: background and context to each proposed policy, an outline of the consultation responses received so far and the preferred approach along with alternative • Let us know your views on the preferred options put forward in this options that have been considered. document, by completing the response form (also on the website www.swjcs.org); and/or 1.11 The new planning system is complicated and we have tried to minimise the use of jargon. However, we have also included a glossary in Appendix 5 • Come along to the Preferred Options events detailed in your local library, to assist in the reading of this document. All words which are defined in the Customer Service Centre, your local paper, residents magazine or on the glossary are underlined in the text. website www.swjcs.org during September/October 2008.

1.14 The period of consultation will start on Friday 19th September 2008 and finish on Friday 31st October 2008. We will then analyse your comments and additional evidence that we are continuing to gather with the aim of having a final document ready for submission to the Secretary of State in 2009.

1.15 The document raises many key issues, some of which are complex. Whilst this document tries to keep matters as simple as possible there may still be issues that need clarification. If that is the case please contact us:

• By Post: South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy Office, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB; • By Telephone: South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy Office - Telephone hotline 01905 722233 • By Email [email protected]

4 5 2. CHARACTERISTICS AND CHALLENGES FACING SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE

2.1 South Worcestershire covers the largely 2.4 The area has a reputation of being a rural districts of Malvern Hills and Wychavon, and desirable place to live, work and visit, based on the predominantly urban area of Worcester City. a number of factors including its high quality Outside the cathedral and university city of environment. As a consequence of its environment, Worcester, there are six main towns: Malvern, location, and transport links it is the focus of Droitwich Spa, Evesham, Tenbury Wells, development pressure and significant levels of Upton-upon-Severn and Pershore. Each of these in-migration from the rest of the UK. The challenge towns has a rich history exemplified by a wide is to develop a spatial planning approach which range of historic buildings and settlement patterns. ensures the most efficient use of land. This can be The remainder of the rural landscape consists of achieved by balancing social, environmental a combination of fields, orchards, woodlands, pressures and economic growth within the context meadows and rivers - primarily the Severn, Avon, of high quality design and sustainable development. and Teme - and over 200 villages, all with their own identity. There are two Areas of Outstanding 2.5 South Worcestershire has a close relationship Natural Beauty: the Cotswolds (that includes with the West Midlands conurbation and the Hill) to the east and Malvern Hills to the west. remainder of Worcestershire. In particular the The combined population is approximately 283,600 town of Droitwich Spa has a strategic role with (ONS mid 2006 estimate). its position close to the M5 and its good rail connections to Birmingham. This has led to 2.2 The M5 runs the full length of the area significant recent growth. The Joint Core Strategy north to south, providing good connections to the has to address the difficult issue of meeting the West Midlands and the South West. It links to the high level of identified local housing needs and the M42 in the north providing convenient routes to town’s status in terms of the Central Technology Left: Bluebell Wood, a characteristic of South Worcestershire. Birmingham International Airport, whilst the M50 Belt, whilst avoiding significantly increased ©Worcestershire Wildlife Trust. in the south west of the area provides connections commuting to Birmingham and The Black Country. 2.7 The key challenges that face us in planning for the future are: with and South Wales. The area is also linked to the national rail network, via the 2.6 In developing our spatial strategy it has a. Job creation to promote economic prosperity; been necessary to look at cross boundary issues Bristol to Birmingham and the to b. Housing provision and addressing a crucial need for affordable housing within Worcestershire and within other counties lines. However, accessibility within and around across South Worcestershire; Worcester in particular, but also further afield, and regions. Consideration has extended to the suffers as a result of inadequate public transport effects of flooding and river catchment areas (e.g. c. Ensuring adequate infrastructure, particularly related to transport; at Tekesbury), important functional links such as the services and congestion on roads, river crossings d. Safeguarding and enhancing the natural environment of the area; and motorway junctions. relationship between Tenbury Wells and Burford and communication linkages such as the effects of e. Meeting the needs of an ageing population; and 2.3 The historic city of Worcester is the county proposed development upon the . f. Ensuring this is achieved in a way which brings better quality development and adds town and administrative centre of Worcestershire. Whilst the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy to the existing characteristics that make South Worcestershire such an attractive The other main settlements across South cannot bring forward policies and proposals which location. Worcestershire that make up the remaining apply to areas outside South Worcestershire our urban areas include the ancient town of Droitwich aim must be to ensure our strategy, policies and 2.8 There are others, of course, and Appendix 4 provides key facts that add to the profile of the Spa, historic market towns of Evesham and Pershore proposals are complementary and consistent with South Worcestershire area. as well as the ‘resort’ towns of Malvern and Tenbury those adjoining our area. Wells that developed from the late 18th century onwards. Upton-upon-Severn also provides the only crossing point over the River Severn in the south of the area, as well as being an important historic settlement in its own right. The remainder of South Worcestershire is characterised by numerous villages and hamlets providing a depth of historical character and thriving local communities.

6 7 South Worcestershire in 2026 will offer a significantly higher quality of life than today, providing a basis for future development into the middle of the 21st century. Spatial Objectives

The greatest change will be at Worcester 3.5 In order to implement the Core Strategy where housing and employment underpinned by spatial vision a number of objectives were put investment in services and infrastructure, including forward in the Issues and Options paper for environmental, social and transport, will establish consultation. These were based on the common the historic, cathedral and university city as a themes of the Community Strategies. vibrant sub-regional centre. This will allow it to fulfil the role of a thriving retail, employment, The majority (84%) of respondents supported the education, leisure and tourist centre. objectives. However, there were some comments, which we needed to consider in arriving at the Significant positive changes will have taken place preferred objectives. These included: We can all work in the main towns of Droitwich Spa, Evesham together to ensure and Malvern, which will continue to function as • Enhance/protect rural communities/farming/ important service centres for a wider area. horticulture; that we build a Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn, Pershore and • Ensure communities have access to all facilities, better future. some Category 1 and 2 Villages will also have including places of worship and local affordable benefited from growth to meet local employment housing; and housing needs. • Education needs to be emphasised; All growth, most noticeably in the urban exten- • The historic environment is not fully addressed; sions, will be characterised by locally distinctive, • Water resources need to be incorporated and 3. VISION AND OBJECTIVES exciting and innovative designs, incorporating greater emphasis given to the effects of climate efficient construction techniques. A forward looking change. 3.1 It is important that the South Worcestershire approach to development will provide people with the opportunity to access work, shopping, health 3.6 In considering these issues we have Joint Core Strategy is led by a spatial vision and a on a proposed vision. The majority (83%) supported series of objectives that link appropriately with the and leisure facilities without needing to rely solely developed the objectives further, aiming to make the vision, but there were some significant upon the use of a car. them clearer and more comprehensive. The Community Strategies prepared for each district, comments made. In the light of these comments Overall commuting outside South Worcestershire policies which are considered to contribute to the as well as the overarching Community Strategy for the Spatial Vision has been revised to: Worcestershire. will have reduced due to the marked investment achievement of each objective are listed below in high technology industries within the Central each one. Our objectives are: • give greater clarity to the role of each town 3.2 By ‘Spatial Vision’ we mean looking forward Technology Belt. More residents throughout South and their relationship with Worcester; to what South Worcestershire should be like in the Worcestershire will be enjoying an active life • to give greater clarity to the purpose of the future, and perhaps more importantly meeting the courtesy of a comprehensive network of linked open Central Technology Belt; and needs and aspirations of the people who live, work spaces, focused on the Rivers Avon, Severn and • to link the future growth to the historic or visit the area. It needs to reflect the uniqueness Teme. of the area and its communities and reflect how we development of each town. There will remain at the heart of the area’s wish to see South Worcestershire develop over the 3.4 The proposal is to revise the spatial vision character the traditional rural economy of farming next 20 years. The Joint Core Strategy is to read: and horticulture which will have been safeguarded about bringing together social, economic and and promoted as part of the specific rural environmental objectives and it is not just a land developments that will have added to the vitality of use plan. the main villages. 3.3 In our Issues and Options Paper we consulted Development, where everyone has access to decent affordable homes, jobs, health, education and community facilities, will have been accommodated in ways which reduce our carbon footprint, as well as protecting and enhancing the area’s natural beauty, its water environment, historic buildings, landscape and cultural heritage, and providing a diverse landscape that is adaptable to the impacts of climate change.

By doing all of this there will be a higher quality environment in South Worcestershire to make it 8 an even better place to live, work and enjoy life. 9

10. To develop thriving, vibrant and self sufficient towns in South Worcestershire by

Stronger Communities encouraging mixed development that supports their function as tourist and service 1. To ensure that enough land is made available, in sustainable locations, in order to centres with a range of good quality businesses, shops and facilities that meet the meet the housing and economic needs of South Worcestershire in the period to 2026 service, employment and leisure needs of local people. as defined by the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. • CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS17, CS18. • CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS16, CS17, CS18. 11. To support the growth and diversification of farming/horticulture in ways which are 2. To locate and design development in order to reduce its carbon footprint, where compatible with sustainable development objectives, and which deliver increased prosperity access to employment, shopping, education, health, recreation, and other services is for the whole community. available by good quality passenger transport, walking and cycling facilities thus reducing the need to travel particularly by private car. • CS10, CS17.

• CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS11, CS12, CS16, CS17, CS18, CS21, CS22. A Better Environment for Today and Tomorrow

3. To provide affordable, frequent, sustainable and safe travel choices throughout 12. To ensure that development is sustainable through efficient design and use of land, respect for our heritage, reducing the consumption of irreplaceable natural South Worcestershire. resources and using environmentally friendly construction. • CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS11, CS12. • CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS16, CS19, CS20.

13. To ensure that development is planned with recognition that South Worcestershire Meeting the Needs of All Generations is a high quality area, in respect of both its built form and landscape character, and all development should enhance, reinforce and safeguard these characteristics. 4. To provide new/refurbished homes with a mix of housing types and tenures, which cater for a range of needs and aspirations, especially those in need of affordable • CS1, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS19, CS20, CS21, CS22. housing. 14. To mitigate and adapt to ‘climate change’ by reducing our energy consumption, in • CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS13, CS14, CS15, CS16. creasing the take up of renewable forms of energy, managing flood risk, promoting 5. To provide accessible opportunities for play, sport, recreation and relaxation. greater levels of recycling, water harvesting and minimising waste and pollution. • CS1, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS9, CS10, CS16, CS21, CS22. • CS1, CS2, CS19, CS20, CS21.

6. To enable the creation of sustainable and inclusive communities. 15. To ensure that the built heritage is protected, and that new development respects • CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS11, CS12, CS13, CS14, CS15, and enhances existing local design characteristics of cultural and conservation importance. CS17, CS19, CS22. • CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS16, CS17, CS18.

Economic Success that is Shared by All 16. To protect the varied rural character of the settlements of South Worcestershire by ensuring that the scale, location and design of development is in keeping with their 7. To maximise the potential of the Central Technology Belt to protect and enhance the size, character and function. existing employment base by attracting new high technology, manufacturing and • CS1, CS2 CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS15, CS17, CS18. service sector businesses. • CS3, CS4, CS5, CS17. 17. To protect, restore and enhance biodiversity, geodiversity, landscape character, air, soil and water quality. 8. To work with partners to strengthen the urban and rural economy by enabling local • CS1, CS2, CS19, CS20, CS21, CS22. businesses to start, grow, adapt and diversify. • CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS17. 9. To maintain and enhance the Sub Regional role of Worcester as a major retail, leisure, university and tourist centre. • CS2, CS3, CS17, CS18.

10 11 Improving Health and Well-being 4. LOCATION OF DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 18. To improve the health of South Worcestershire residents by improving, providing and AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 4.4 The creation of public spaces and the protecting access to healthcare provision, informal and formal green spaces, and varied promotion of building design to a high standard opportunities for leisure, recreation and culture in order to promote happy and healthy PRINCIPLES (KEY DIAGRAM). are central to creating spaces and places that are lifestyles. Introduction valued by the local community for the present and • CS1, C3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS11, CS12, CS16, CS21, CS22. future. It is also crucial to ensure that new 4.1 The overarching aim of the Joint Core developments, e.g. public buildings, places of work, 19. To promote opportunities and access to a range of skills training, and levels of Strategy is to ensure that new development is housing, hospitals and schools are designed to high education for all generations. sustainable. The location of new growth in relation sustainable construction standards, incorporate to existing and proposed, services, facilities, and features to mitigate climate change and are • CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS15. infrastructure is crucial as this will determine the flexible enough to meet the needs of future users demand to travel by car. and residents. Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe 4.2 The location of development will inevitably 4.5 This means that good design is about be of particular importance in consideration of the 20. To reduce crime and fear of crime in South Worcestershire by ensuring that community making places that are functional, durable, viable contents of the Joint Core Strategy, but it is also safety is a fundamental principle of all new development by promoting well designed and attractive for people to use, and that important to ensure that future development places, spaces and buildings. reflect the importance of local character and is considered in the context of the sustainable distinctiveness. It is recognised that good design • CS1, CS18. objectives that are proposed for South can have a positive impact on the health and Worcestershire. The location of development will quality of life for South Worcestershire residents 21. To ensure that schools, places of worship, health facilities, policing and other key also need to have regard to the scale of housing and by including quality open spaces and designing out elements of community infrastructure are provided in locations accessible by sustainable employment growth required in the Regional Spatial crime. The promotion of high-quality urban design means and in time to meet the demands put on such services from South Worcestershire’s Strategy. Improved accessibility to jobs and and architecture that enhances the existing built growth. services can be achieved by the careful location and natural environment throughout the • CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS9, CS10, CS11. of sites for residential development so that they communities and settlements of South either: Worcestershire is essential to new development. • have good access, by non-car modes of transport, to existing facilities’, or 4.6 Detailed guidance will be set out in Alternative Approaches • can be developed to include the right mix of Supplementary Planning Documents to include uses, (such as shops, offices and schools) to 3.7 In preparing these objectives, two broad alternative approaches were considered: reference to best practice, including Commission enable communities to have access to a full for Architecture and the Built Environment range of services locally. 1 a) To have a larger list of objectives. It was considered to be unmanageable to have a longer guidance and Department for Transport/ and hence more detailed list of objectives. The objectives put forward provide greater Department for Communities and Local Government 4.3 An overarching policy is required to give detail to the vision and respect the aspirations of the Community Strategies ‘Manual for Streets’. strategic direction to growth, so that infrastructure and give the guidance for policy development and implementation purposes. and service providers will be able to plan for the 4.7 In turn construction techniques that source level of new development. It will also give greater b) To have fewer, but more general objectives not led by the Community Strategy themes. local materials and recycle demolition waste, as certainty to the public, developers, landowners Although this option is attractive to overcome areas of overlap it was considered important well as seek local skills and labour, are also and communities in general about where to expect to show clear linkage with the Community Strategies in a transparent and robust important to achieving sustainable development. growth and how we can best cater for this, in order way. This approach would also be less distinctive to South Worcestershire. Ensuring new buildings are constructed to the to be sustainable, making the best use of highest sustainable build criteria, incorporating existing resources and mitigating the effects of energy saving, water management, waste climate change. The Joint Core Strategy sets outs minimisation and recycling features, is the best clear guidance to promote the right development use of limited resources. It is also recognised that and to give interested parties the confidence that it is important to design buildings that are flexible inappropriate development proposals, i.e. those to meet users’ needs as businesses expand; which do not support the spatial vision, objectives service delivery changes and people adjust to and identified locations for growth, will be refused lifestyle needs over time. planning permission. 4.8 The protection of buildings of architectural and historical significance, archaeological sites and designated areas of high landscape value should be 1 ‘Building for Life’ and ‘Actions for Housing Growth’ are current CABE publications but this field of planning continues to be furnished a prime concern. However, it is equally important with more best practice guidance which will be incorporated into Supplementary Planning Documents. 12 13 to ensure that the overall character of local The Preferred Spatial Option Proposed Policy CS1: Sustainable Development landscapes and the features that make them unique 3 are given recognition for the important role they 4.11 Worcester and each of the main towns has Sustainable development is defined as “Development that meets the play in helping to define local cultural identity. a strategy with specific policies that include needs of the present without compromising the ability of future The aim should not be to restrict growth but to reference to sustainable development generations to meet their own needs.” plan for appropriate development that protects requirements. In addition, in order to create and enhances what is special and strengthens local more sustainable communities in South In order for development in South Worcestershire to achieve this, all distinctiveness. Worcestershire, all planning applications will be development must: expected to meet the criteria in proposed Policy CS1. This ensures that the possible effects of 1. Be related in character, function and scale to each category of Consultation Response development are understood and adverse impacts the proposed Settlement Hierarchy. minimised. Some of the issues in Policy CS1 are addressed in national or regional policy and as such 2. Be of high quality design which deliver buildings to the highest 4.9 From the Issues and Options Consultation you it is not necessary to elaborate in this document. sustainable design criteria, incorporating energy saving, told us there is a need to: However, the policy provides a checklist of the key renewable energy, water management and use of open space • design a mix of housing type and size to issues that need to be considered in delivering high which shall: reflect local need; quality development. The policy should be read in a) For residential development by 2011 be built to a minimum of • design public places, town centres and conjunction with other relevant Development Plan level 4 of The Code for Sustainable Homes, increasing to level housing development that introduces natural Document policies that provide more detail. 6 by 2016; surveillance and helps to design out crime; • provide more flexible housing, designed to b) For all other development by 2011 be constructed to BREEAM 4.12 Climate change considerations are accommodate ‘lifestyle’ change such ‘very good’ standard, increasing to ‘excellent’ by 2016; integrated into all spatial planning concerns, as to the ‘Lifetime Homes’ Standard; c) Meet ‘Building for Life’ Silver Standard (minimum 14 points) including transport, housing, economic growth and • clearly define the local character of South in respect of major development or achieve a minimum score regeneration, water supply and waste management, Maintaining the Worcestershire’s built and natural of 10 points for minor development; and not considered separately. environment so that it can be balance of d) Deliver a range of house types, sizes and tenures to meet respected in new development; 4.13 The Preferred Spatial Option proposes the identified needs; • recognise the importance of and safeguard nature through release of green field development across South views of significant landscape features and e) Deliver high quality design and place shaping that, where ap Worcestershire primarily in the form of significant the protection important historic buildings; propriate, reduces crime and fear of crime, promotes use of 2 urban extensions. Many of the main urban areas • construct new buildings to BREEAM of wildlife and public space and supports inclusive communities; subject to proposed urban extensions, are ‘excellent’ standard; f) Create a strong sense of place by strengthening the distinctive associated with nearby settlements and villages their habitat • preserve and conserve green open spaces historic and cultural qualities and townscape of the towns and the individual characters and identities of which and maintain the green infrastructure benefits us all. villages through its design, landscaping and use of public art; are vulnerable and important to retain. Therefore, network. it is proposed that the site Allocations Development g) For major sites, require design codes and masterplans; Plan Document and related Master Plans/ h) Incorporate flexible designs for buildings and their settings, 4.10 An Historical Landscape Character Development Brief Supplementary Planning including access to amenity space, enabling them to be Assessment will need to be undertaken for the Documents will identify in detail ‘significant gaps’ adapted to future needs and to take into account the needs of area to gain a clearer definition of exactly what between such settlements in the interests of all users; constitutes the landscape character and local local distinctiveness and to avoid urban sprawl. distinctiveness of the areas around the major towns The identification of ‘significant gaps’ will not 3. Improve flood protection by: of South Worcestershire. Evidence from such a relate to landscape character or landscape quality study will help to highlight the value of all i) Preventing development in flood zones 2 and 3, as defined by and will aim to solely protect the openness of landscapes and landscape features and not merely the Environment Agency; vulnerable gaps so as to maintain a physical and those that are well known or evoke strong images. j) Not locating development that would exacerbate surface water visual separation between currently separate run-off, which would directly or indirectly increase flood risk; settlements and avoid undesirable merger. Where further work on refining the extent of k) Ensuring that development includes the use of sustainable proposed urban extensions allows, consideration drainage systems; will be given to naming key strategic gaps in the submission version of the Joint Core Strategy. 4. Contribute in full (see section on Implementation) to all identified infrastructure requirements and: l) Have a satisfactory means of access and provide for parking, 2 Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method assesses buildings against set criteria and provides an overall score which servicing and manoeuvring of private and public vehicles in will fall within a band providing either a PASS, GOOD, VERY GOOD, OR accordance with adopted standards; EXCELLENT rating.

14 3 Bruntland Report, 1987. 15 7. Safeguard the individual character and identity of settlements m) Allow for travel to home, shops, work and school on foot and and villages surrounding main urban areas subject to urban extension. by cycle and public transport; Significant gaps will be identified in detail in site Allocations n) Ensure both the local road network and strategic trunk road Development Plan Documents and/or Master Plans/Development Brief network will be capable of safely accommodating the type Supplementary Planning Documents in order to maintain the physical and scale of traffic likely to be generated without undue and visual separation of currently distinct settlements. environmental consequences; o) Ensure appropriate utilities and community infrastructure are In order to guide the development of the major growth areas further available or will be provided; Local Development Documents will be prepared to provide the detailed, site specific guidance required to support the vision and 5. Safeguard and enhance established landscape character and community objectives of the Joint Core Strategy. conservation characteristics of the area with specific reference to: p) Safeguard and enhance features of landscape, ecological, Linkage to Spatial Objectives geological, heritage, archaeological and amenity value;4 4.14 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or delivers the q) Protection of designated assets and nationally, regionally and following Spatial Objectives: locally important historic buildings, structures, monuments, • Stronger Communities objectives 1 and 2; landscapes and sites of archaeological significance; • Meeting the Needs of All Generations objectives 5 and 6; r) Respect the setting and views from Areas of Outstanding • A Better Environment for Today and Tomorrow objectives 12, Natural Beauty, historic parks and gardens, significant historic 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17; buildings/structures and public places and ensure development • Improving Health and Well-Being objective 18; and does not obstruct or detract from the important views of these • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe objectives 20 and 21 features; s) Protect and enhance overall landscape character taking into account key characteristics, distinctiveness and sensitivity of Comments on the Alternative Options Considered the landscape and the landscape setting of settlements; 4.15 Reliance on planning policies in the Regional Spatial Strategy, t) Ensure that development does not have an adverse effect on national planning guidance, national strategies for skylines and prominent views of hill features; addressing climate change, circulars and primary legislation. u) Enhance and maintain the green infrastructure network The Joint Core Strategy will provide more specific, locally by providing a network of green spaces that provide for distinctive policies than can be delivered by national policy. larger- scale landscape enhancement, the conservation of The policy provides a checklist of the key issues that need to important environmental assets and natural resources, be considered to deliver high quality development. biodiversity and formal and informal recreation areas; 4.16 Require all new buildings to provide the highest BREEAM v) Encourage the planting, in appropriate locations, of new standard. The proposed Preferred Policy reflects what can hedgerows, trees and woodlands to enhance the landscape; realistically be delivered.

6. Take account of the environmental impact of the development 4.17 An alternative option considered with regard to the landscape by: character was to ‘Protect, conserve and restore only the w) Ensuring that the location and nature of the proposed statutorily protected landscapes’. This was rejected as it fails development, including its relationship to, and impact on, its to place value in the importance of local landscapes and would immediate setting, the locality and local communities is be contrary to national and regional planning guidance. appropriate; 4.18 Extend and create Green Belt around main settlements x) Not resulting in unacceptable adverse impact on the subject to significant urban extension. This is likely to be most amenities of neighbouring properties or the wider area, by relevant around Worcester where the City already has Green reason of noise, vibration, smell, light or other pollution, loss Belt to the north. The South Worcestershire authorities support of light or overlooking; consideration being given to both the extension and creation y) Providing satisfactory amenity to occupiers of the of Green Belt, particularly around Worcester. However, at development. present the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy Phase 2 Partial Review only makes reference to the withdrawal of land from the Green Belt in exceptional circumstances and currently makes no reference to any proposed regional or sub-regional extensions of the Green Belt or the creation of 4 The Landscape Character Assesment and Green Infrastructure Studies new areas of strategic Green Belt. 16 need to be taken into full consideration. 17 LOCATION OF DEVELOPMENT

Housing and Employment Supply Targets for South Worcestershire

4.19 The South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy is required to 4.21 In respect of employment land, Table 2 sets out how much set out a strategy to deliver housing, employment and retail growth employment land has been provided, and how much more land would requirements set out in the Regional Spatial Strategy. The Joint Core need to be provided for each district to satisfy the requirements of Strategy must clearly show where, in broad terms, the growth will the Regional Spatial Strategy. It shows that only another 63 hectares take place and the reasons for the amount of growth in each broad of employment land is required to achieve the Regional Spatial Strat- area. egy target and only 1 hectare of employment land in the whole of 7 Wychavon. The evidence suggests that this would be an underprovi- 4.20 Tables 1 and 2 seek to demonstrate how much development sion if the Joint Core Strategy is to provide for the needs of local busi- expected by the Regional Spatial Strategy has already been provided ness and to continue inward investment into the area. The evidence and what further development is required. In respect of housing there has resulted in the allocations shown in Table 3 and explained in the will need to be careful consideration to ensure that there is sufficient spatial strategies in sections 5–11. land accounted for at any one time during the life of the Joint Core Strategy to deliver five years worth of housing. Table 1 shows how much will be expected each year.

Table 1 - Housing

Table 2 - Employment District Regional Spatial Housing completions Residual Balance Strategy Requirement (1 April 2006 - 31 March (Annual Build Rate) 2006-2026 2007) commitments District Gross Target in hectares Completions Net Target (ha) (number of housing units (ha). (Regional Spatial (1 April 2006 - 31 March with planning permission) and Strategy) 2006-2026. housing allocations set out in 2007) commitments (Land with the three existing adopted planning permission) and local plans allocations set out in the three Malvern 4,900 1,422 3,475 (183) local plans Malvern 33 12 21 5 Worcester City 10,500 2,426 8,074 (425) Worcester City 818 40 41 Wychavon 9,100 1,903 7,197 (379) Wychavon 69 68 1 6 South Worcestershire 24,500 5,751 18,749 (986) South Worcestershire 183 120 63 Total Total

5 7,300 to be delivered outside Worcester. 6 Equivalent to 817 hectares (8.2km 2) of land based on a density of 30 dwellings/hectare.

7 GVA Grimley Employment Study (2007) and Advantage West Midlands Input.

8 27ha to be provided in Malvern Hills/Wychavon. 18 19 Consultation Response Broad areas for housing growth in Malvern Hills and

4.22 Issues 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Joint Core Strategy Issues Wychavon (Issue 5) and Options Report (November 2007) dealt specifically with the 4.27 Most support is for the majority of growth to be at Droitwich location of development. Set out below are the key messages from Spa, Evesham and Malvern with the remaining development directed consultees and other evidence we have gathered so far. to Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn, Pershore and the Category 1 and 2 villages. Placing development in lower category villages is Proposed Settlement Hierarchy (Issue 1) not supported and in any case is not a sustainable option. Given the uncertainty of delivering the Worcestershire Parkway rail interchange 4.23 The proposed settlement hierarchy is strongly supported. station near Norton it is not appropriate to focus development there Evidence, including the Sustainability Appraisal, points to an urban at this stage. focus to development with some development in those villages that still retain a range of services. A freestanding settlement did not find general support for inclusion within the Preferred Options and was not The Location of New Employment Development (Issue 6) favoured by infrastructure providers. 4.28 The response, together with technical evidence, national and regional policy, suggests that employment land needs to be provided Location for Greenfield Development (Issue 2) at Worcester and, to a lesser extent, Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Malvern. There does not appear to be sufficient justification for 4.24 Evidence from previous Urban Capacity Studies and from the focusing employment development (other than for specific local current Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment shows that needs) in other settlements or rural areas. Evidence also suggests there is not enough Previously Developed Land (‘Brownfield’ land) that development to support the implementation of the Central within the settlements to meet the Regional Spatial Strategy growth Technology Belt strategy should only take place at the towns within targets. Greenfield land is therefore required and the evidence clearly it, i.e. Droitwich Spa, Malvern and Worcester. points to this being in the form of extensions to settlements rather than building on open spaces within them. The Development Needs of Rural Communities (Issue 7)

The Green Belt (Issue 3) 4.29 There is good support for small-scale employment development, along with a positive policy for live/work and 4.25 There is strong support for retaining Green Belt boundaries and affordable housing in order to make Category 1 and 2 villages more some support for extending them. A review of part of the Green sustainable. Given the limited scope for viable sustainable transport Belt 9 shows that in general the Green Belt still effectively serves its options and falling school rolls it is evident that directing more than intended purpose. a small proportion of overall growth to the rural areas is not a sustainable option. Catering for Worcester’s Housing Growth (Issue 4)

4.26 Opinion was divided on the location of Worcester growth, although a slight majority supported growth to the east of Worcester. There is some support to go north provided it is not in the Green Belt. There is equal support for going south and west of the city. However there is strong concern that large-scale development to the east would simply increase long distance commuting contrary to the Regional Spatial Strategy objectives and that the location was an unsustainable location.

9 Partial Greenbelt Review, 2008.

20 21 10 Supporting Evidence Policy CS2 Location Strategy

4.30 Feedback from the Issues and Options consultation clearly indicates strong support to locate most development in the urban 1. New development should be located in accordance with the settlement hierarchy as shown below: areas. The Joint Core Strategy has to be in general conformity with the Regional Spatial Strategy, which identifies Worcester as a “Settlement of Significant Development” (Policy CF2), a focus for Proposed settlement hierarchy: regeneration (Policy UR2) and retail development (Policy PA11 refers) in addition to being a key node within the Central Technology Belt Settlement of Significant Development Worcester (Policy PA3). Clearly therefore Worcester has to be a focus for development. The urban capacity (i.e. land with reasonable The focus for strategic housing and employment potential for housing development within the City) is estimated to development and city centre development be 3,200 units. Much of this capacity is already committed and on Main Towns Malvern, Droitwich Spa, Evesham Previously Developed Land i.e. ‘Brownfield’. In order to safeguard These offer the greatest range of services and scarce resources and make more efficient use of land, it is important employment opportunities and other facilities that this urban capacity is considered first in meeting housing supply outside of Worcester targets. Other Towns Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn, Pershore 4.31 Beyond Worcester the Regional Spatial Strategy states that These offer a wide range of services, facilities, (Policy CF2) other urban areas and market towns should deliver growth employment and town centres serving the wider on a smaller scale. Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Malvern fit into this rural communities category as they are already providing a wide range of services. Category 1 villages Common Lower Broadheath In addition Droitwich Spa and Malvern are given a similar role to These offer the greatest range of services and Worcester as key nodes in delivering the objectives of the Central facilities and access to public transport after the Bredon Technology Belt. towns Broadway Clifton-on-Teme 4.32 The Regional Spatial Strategy states that those villages that Welland still retain a limited range of services will have a specific role in Hallow delivering growth within South Worcestershire (Policy CF2 criterion C) which is related to meeting local needs only. In terms of services provision the towns of Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn and Pershore lie somewhere between the main towns and the villages, and consequently they have been placed in a separate category of the Kempsey proposed settlement hierarchy set out in Policy CS2 of this document. Category 2 villages These offer a reasonable range of services and Beckford Flyford Flavell Hanley facilities and levels of public transport Castle Holt Heath Clows Top Crowle Eckington

10 Since the publication of the Preferred Options committee report the Village Facilities and Rural Transport Survey (August 2008) has been updated. The settlement ranking in this document reflects the results of the updated survey. 22 23 Category 3 villages Abberley village Hanbury 5. There will be annual reviews of the housing and employment land supply position that will examine the supply and uptake of sites These have a comparatively limited range of Ashton-under-Hill and, as result, may: services and facilities and lower levels of public transport Littleworth • Bring forward sites identified within the spatial strategy core policies CS3 to CS9 from Phase 3 into Phase 2 by way of Local Childswickham Development Documents. Longley Green • Postpone the release of sites into the next plan period (post Colletts Green 2026) by way of Local Development Documents. Cropthorne • Where greater levels of development capacity come forward on previously developed land in existing settlements, this Ryall/Holly Green capacity will be taken up in preference to allocated greenfield Dunley sites which will be phased to later in the plan period or beyond (subject to objectives relating to delivering a balanced and mix Earl’s Croome Shrawley of dwelling types). Stoke Prior • Review the housing strategy and, if necessary, allocate further sites for housing development through Local Development Grimley Tibberton Documents in accordance with the identified preferences for Tunnel Hill additional housing identified in the Core Strategy’s “Addressing a Higher Growth Target” at para. 4.49. Whittington 6. In order to inform the delivery of the major growth areas further Local Development Documents will be prepared to give the detailed, site specific guidance required to bring the vision and community objectives of the Joint Core Strategy into reality.

Links to Spatial Objectives

4.33 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or delivers the 2. The total amount of development will be in accordance with following Spatial Objectives: the provisions of Table 3 – Distribution of Housing & Employment, the provisions of Policy CS1 and the specific requirements of spatial • Stronger Communities objectives 1 and 2; strategy core policies CS3 to CS10 respectively. • Meeting the Needs of All Generations objectives 4 and 6; • Economic Success that is Shared By All objectives 9 and 10; 3. Development throughout the rural areas will be restricted to • A Better Environment for Today and Tomorrow objectives 12, that required to meet local needs generated from within the rural 14, 15, 16 and 17; and areas themselves and as an aid to rural regeneration. Development • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe objective 21. proposals will be directed to the most appropriate rural settlement in accordance with CS10.

4. Development within the open countryside (beyond develop- ment boundaries) will be strictly controlled. Development will be restricted to those exceptions which can only be located within the open countryside and which maintains or enhances the landscape character and biodiversity of the area.

24 25 Villages DELIVERING HOUSING AND 4.37 Malvern as the principal urban area and main town will be the focus for new development. 4.39 Table 3 includes an indicative figure for 4.41 Every year windfall housing sites come EMPLOYMENT Taking into account the existing completions housing growth for Category 1 and 2 villages. forward for development through planning and commitments, and windfall allowance it is This is supportive of the urban-focussed strategy set permissions and local authorities monitor the out in Policy CS2 as well as being consistent with number of such dwelling completions. Historically 4.34 The distribution of growth to deliver this considered that there is a need to find land in the Sustainability Appraisal and feedback from the local authorities have calculated an annual strategy, in the context of the Regional Spatial sustainable locations, for about 2,100 houses. Issues and Options Paper consultation. allowance for windfall housing, which contributes Strategy for each area is set out below and in The majority of this will be located within or on The considered view is that selected Category 1 to the total number of expected completions that Table 3. More detail regarding the broad locations the edge of Malvern, with an allowance for some villages could accommodate up to 50 units over the can be delivered in the future, along with allocated for this growth is set out in the respective spatial development in Tenbury Wells and for Upton-upon- plan period to 2026. As a comparison, in housing sites. Advice in Planning Policy Statement strategies for the settlements (Policies BS3-CS10). Severn (categorised as ‘other towns’) and the Category 1 and 2 villages. Allowing for employment previous plan periods in Wychavon the more 3 is generally against the continued use of windfall completions and commitments it is considered that sustainable villages were allocated housing allowances in calculating future housing land supply. Distribution of Housing and Employment some 17 hectares of the 33 hectares of employment developments of between 10 and 35 units, but over The government now consider that such allowances a much shorter time period (typically five years). should be the exception, and that local authorities for Worcester land required will need to be provided within or on the edge of Malvern, with an allowance for some Being relatively less sustainable locations up to 30 will need to make a strong case to retain a windfall development in Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn units would be appropriate for the Category 2 allowance. The reason for this change of position 4.35 The Regional Spatial Strategy allocates and the Category 1 and 2 villages. The Employment villages. This does not imply that all Category 1 is that the government consider that more diligent 10,500 dwellings and 81 hectares of employment Land Review net target is lower than the Regional and 2 villages will be allocated housing growth of site finding through the Strategic Housing Land land to the Worcester area. The Regional Spatial Strategy but other evidence suggests more this order as other factors, such as school capacity, Availability Assessment will mean that more sites Spatial Strategy recognises the strategic influence employment land is required if growth in the recent developments and passenger transport will be identifiable in of Worcester and that it would need to expand District is to be balanced and a portfolio of sites is requirements, will need to be taken into account. advance. beyond its administrative boundaries. Around available to investors. It also does not imply that a settlement will provide 3,200 dwellings can be accommodated within the a development of 30 to 50 dwellings at any one 4.42 However, even allowing for Urban existing city boundary (2,400 of which have already time. The Site Allocations Development Plan Capacity work that has taken place in the past 5 been identified), with the remaining 7,300 to be Distribution of Housing and Employment Document will identify suitable villages and sites years and beyond to identify more sites in advance it is clear that in South Worcestershire, windfall accommodated in Malvern Hills and Wychavon for Wychavon to meet local housing needs, and provide the detail Districts. The Regional Spatial Strategy with respect to phasing. housing sites continue to come forward and it is not acknowledges that windfall sites play an possible to accurately predict all housing land important part of the delivery of housing, 4.38 The Regional Spatial Strategy allocates availability. It is the nature of largely rural areas particularly in urban areas and this has remained 9,100 dwellings and 69 hectares of employment Windfall Allowance that many small sites continue to come forward, a consistent theme through recent years in the city land to the Wychavon area. Taking into account often as infill within settlements, such as barn 4.40 The Government’s position on windfall with a constant supply of windfall housing in completions, commitments and Local Plan conversions or as dwellings in the open countryside development is set out in Planning Policy sustainable locations. It is predicted that such allocations as well as an allowance for ‘windfall which accord with national policy such as Statement 3: Housing. Windfall housing sites are sites will continue to become available through development’ (see paragraph 4.41 below) there is agricultural workers dwellings. Windfall has formed those that have not been identified in advance in the plan period and these can be considered in a net requirement to find sufficient land, in a significant and valuable component of housing sustainable locations, to accommodate development plans but are granted permission as land supply for South Worcestershire, for example, accordance with policy CS1 of this document. 12 approximately 5,789 dwellings and 1 hectare of they comply with policies. Windfall development 2001/2 to 2005/6 averaged 456 units employment land to meet the Regional Spatial has been a significant component of housing land per year. Furthermore, projected windfall capacity Distribution of Housing and Employment Strategy net targets. However our evidence 11 supply for South Worcestershire, a fact recognised up to 2026 was fed into Regional Spatial Strategy in the Regional Spatial Strategy. The principles Preferred Option process. The South Worcestershire for Malvern Hills suggests more employment land is required if growth in the district is to be properly balanced. endorsed in the adopted Local Plans for Malvern Authorities contest that to ignore legitimate and In terms of the proposed settlement hierarchy Hills and Wychavon support windfall development proven windfall contribution at this stage would 4.36 The Regional Spatial Strategy allocates Droitwich Spa and Evesham are categorised as and these will remain until 2011. It is recognised lead to excessive release of greenfield land through 4,900 dwellings and 33 hectares of employment ‘main towns’ and Pershore as ‘other towns’. that national policy aims to allocate development the Joint Core Strategy process. Current annual land to the Malvern Hills area. The Issues and It is therefore considered appropriate to allocate rather than rely on windfalls and some windfall windfall allowances for small sites in the Local Options consultation supported the proposed the majority of development in the more developments have been in relatively unsustain- Plans are 125 dwellings in Malvern Hills and 127 hierarchy of city/towns/villages as a basis for the sustainable locations, those where there is able locations due to the presence of development dwellings in Wychavon, with 55 dwellings in development strategy. With respect to the broad currently a broad range of services and relatively boundaries for most settlements. At this stage the Worcester in the Balanced Housing Development locations for growth in the good public transport. evidence suggests that windfall development should Plan Document - a total of 307 dwellings for South most popular option was to direct the majority of only be allowed in the more sustainable locations. Worcestershire. Adopted policy will continue to growth to Malvern, with the balance distributed However, the issue is very complicated and will be allow for windfall development until 2011. amongst, Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn and subject to further analysis prior to submission. the category 1 and 2 villages (Issue 5), this was further generally supported by the infrastructure 11 GVA Grimley Employment Study (2007) and input from 12 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (2008). and service providers. Advantage West Midlands. 26 27 Indicative Housing Indicative Employment Requirements Requirements 4.43 The current adopted Local Plan allowances (Dwellings) (Hectares) for Malvern Hills and Wychavon Districts are broadly WORCESTER 13 similar at around 125 dwellings per annum. This Gross Target (RSS) 2006-2026 10,500 dwellings 81 ha allowance has been taken into account in the period Less Completions (1 Apr 2006 - 31 2,426 40 ha up to 2011 as it represents recently adopted policy 14 Mar 2007) and commitments and it has been incorporated into the Regional 15 Spatial Strategy with respect to assumed Less Windfall Allowance 1,127 N/A development capacity up to 2011. However, with TOTAL DEDUCTIONS 3,553 40 ha respect to the period between 2011 and 2026 the Table 3: Distribution of Housing Total Residual Balance 6,950 41 ha South Worcestershire authorities are conscious that Worcester Urban extensions/ 10,853 41 ha the degree of reliance to be placed upon windfall and Employment Adjacent to Worcester, including dwellings requires further consideration. We intend Fernhill Heath to establish an updated estimate of windfall Worcester City Total 81 ha dwellings in the longer term, to be reported through Regional Investment Site 25 ha the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment study. In the absence of this more detailed baseline information, and whilst the Regional Spatial MALVERN HILLS Strategy approach to making allowances for Gross Target (RSS) 2006-2026 4,900 dwellings 33 ha ‘sustainable windfalls’ remains uncertain, the Less Completions (1 Apr 2006 - 31 1,422 12 ha Preferred Options is taking a cautious approach Mar 2007) and commitments16 to windfall allowances within Malvern Hills and Less Windfall Allowance17 1,400 N/A Wychavon Districts and discounting the adopted TOTAL DEDUCTIONS 2,822 12 ha Local Plan annual allowance to around 60 dwellings Total Residual Balance (About) 2,080 21 ha per annum. Distribution: 4.44 This approach to discounting current Settlement windfall allowances strikes a reasonable balance, Malvern 1,600 17 ha at this stage, between ensuring that we do not Tenbury Wells 100 make excessive provision for the release of green Upton-upon-Severn 100 field land when windfalls will continue to come forward within those sustainable settlements Category 1 & 2 villages 500 identified in the Joint Core Strategy settlement Total Allocations 2,300 17 ha 18 hierarchy. It also ensures that we test a reasonable Malvern Hills total 5,122 29 ha level of development alternatives which can accommodate reduced windfall trends or WYCHAVON allowances in the future. The submission version Gross Target (RSS) 2006-2026 9,100 dwellings 69 ha of the Joint Core Strategy will provide a firm annual Less Completions (1 Apr 2006 - 31 1,903 68 ha windfall allowance. 13 7,300 to be delivered outside Worcester, in Wychavon and Malvern Hills Districts dwellings. Mar 2007) and commitments19 Residentail 5 year land supply estimate. 4.45 The Preferred Option proposes to retain 14 20 15 The windfall estimate of 1127 dwellings is based on Less Windfall Allowance 1,408 N/A development boundaries for the first five categories 87 units in total until 2011 (Balanced Housing Market TOTAL DEDUCTIONS 3,311 68 ha Development Plan Document) followed by 52 units per of the settlement hierarchy (see policy CS2) so the year until 2026. Total Residual Balance 5,789 1 potential for windfall development, an important 16 Commitments include planning permissions and Local Distribution: element of housing land supply in the study area, Plan allocations. 17 The windfall estimate of 1,400 dwellings is based on Settlement will remain in these locations. Settlement 125 units (Local Plan Inspector’s recommendation) for the boundaries will be reviewed as part of the Site remaining period of the Local Plan, i.e. 4 years, followed Droitwich 1,750 10 ha by 60 units per year reflecting a cautious approach to the Allocations Development Plan Document, to take delivery of windfalls for the remaining 15 years to 2026. Evesham 2,300 10 ha account of the Joint Core Strategy policies and 18 It is anticipated the gap between 17ha and the RSS Pershore 1,000 5 ha requirement will be met through opportunities in the rural proposals. area, based on the principle of a rural windfall allowance Category 1 villages 700 No (Local Plan Inspector’s recommendation). specific allocations 19 Commitments include planning permissions for Local Category 2 villages 350 4.46 The supply of housing will be monitored Plan allocations. 20 The windfall estimate of 1408 dwellings is based on Total Allocations (About) 6,100 25 ha and appropriate action taken to ensure that a 127 units (Local Plan Inspector’s recommendation) for the deliverable five-year supply of sites is maintained. remaining period of the Local Plan, i.e. 4 years followed by Wychavon Total About 9,411 93 ha 60 units per year reflecting a cautious approach to the Sustainable urban extensions will be phased as delivery of windfalls for the remaining 15 years to 2026.

28 broadly identified in the spatial strategy policies. South Worcestershire total 25,386 dwellings 228 ha 29 Addressing a Higher Growth Target

4.47 The Regional Spatial Strategy has identified 2. Additional growth in the main towns/other the proposed 6,000 housing units in a sustainable a level of housing growth that it considers towns. To be supportive of strategic planning way then the Joint Core Strategy will have to appropriate to achieve housing objectives in the policy, the amount of development would have to reflect this in the submission to the Secretary of context of providing for sustainable development, be much less than for Worcester. Notwithstanding State in 2009. If developed then Middle Quinton alongside urban and rural renaissance. this the respective spatial strategies in this would probably deliver approximately 1,500 units However the Department of Communities and document identify significant barriers to effectively for Wychavon District. Local Government consider more housing growth deliver additional sustainable development. Further housing units could be delivered at Droitwich Spa is needed and has commissioned further housing 6. A freestanding settlement. This is not and Evesham although this would require significant capacity analysis. This work is unlikely to be supported in the policies of the Regional Spatial new transport infrastructure for which there are published until after the Joint Core Strategy Strategy or through the Issues and Options viability and deliverability issues. Preferred Options has been published. consultation. This is not considered to be a The South Worcestershire authorities believe the sustainable option and would not bring any benefit Regional Spatial Strategy Preferred Option is a 3. Additional growth in Category 1 and 2 to other communities within the city. It would take maximum level of development which can be villages. This would not be supportive of time to establish and would inevitably be a delivered within the physical and environmental strategic planning policy and if implemented commuter village with little hope of being a capacity of the sub-region (subject to infrastructure would result in a significant increase in car trips sustainable community. provision). However, notwithstanding this stance, given the relative lack of services. Only by there is the possibility that a higher housing target increasing development by several hundred in Conclusion will be set out when the Regional Spatial Strategy is any one settlement could a new service e.g. shop finally published. This Preferred Options document become viable. Such growth would clearly not be 4.52 It is clear that there remain a lot of therefore needs to set out how it could best in keeping with the scale/character/function of the uncertainties at this stage of the process that will accommodate any further increase in housing villages. influence decisions on the selection of areas for numbers. additional growth if required. The six options would have to be tested against the scale of growth 4. Growth at Mitton. This land, immediately required and any strategic locational guidance 4.48 If there is more housing required there may to the north of but within Wychavon provided via the Regional Spatial Strategy, to be a need to identify enough land to accommodate District, is being promoted by consortia of identify the appropriate focus for additional growth. a further 7,500 housing units equivalent to a further landowner(s)/agent within the reviews of the 250ha/2.5km2 of land (based on Option 3 of the Regional Spatial Strategies for the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy Spatial Options and the South West. At this stage the Examination consultation). The three South Worcestershire in Public Panel for the South West Regional Spatial authorities expressed, in the response to the Strategy have rejected the need for cross boundary Regional Spatial Strategy Spatial Options Paper, development. The process has not been concluded their concerns regarding capacity and infrastructure and the Department of Communities and Local deficiencies in meeting the level of growth required Government may decide that there is a need. by the Regional Spatial Strategy Preferred Option. Whilst the site has some planning merit being Not surprisingly therefore there are highly accessible to Tewkesbury and outside areas of significant issues to address if further growth is to medium/high flood risk, it is not clear how much of be accommodated in a sustainable manner. the 1,000 unit capacity would actually be meeting the needs of the South Housing Market Area. 4.49 Comments on the options considered: 5. Middle Quinton Eco-Town. The identified 1. Additional growth at Worcester. This would site includes land within Wychavon District and the be in conformity with regional planning policy but whole site is within the South Market Housing Area. given the significant constraints, particularly in At this time Middle Quinton is one of 13 proposed relation to transportation, further major investment Eco-Towns short-listed for the Department for in infrastructure would be required. In addition, Communities and Local Government first phase of the increased rate of growth required over the 10 schemes. The decision however will not be made period after which strategic infrastructure could until at least October 2008 well after the reasonably be expected to be provided (2016-2026) publication of this Preferred Options Document. would make the new communities difficult to If it is demonstrated that Middle Quinton can deliver integrate with the city as a whole. 30 31 key diagram

32 33 expand beyond its administrative boundaries for some of these uses. Around 3,200 dwellings can be accommodated within the existing city boundary WORCESTER AND ITS (2,400 of which have been identified through SURROUNDING AREA existing planning permissions and allocations) leaving the remaining 7,300 to be accommodated 5.2 Worcester City is the county town and in Malvern Hills and Wychavon Districts. There is administrative centre for South Worcestershire a recognised need for the delivery of affordable and beyond with a population of 93,358 in 38,962 housing to satisfy outstanding demand and this will households (2001 census). It is a historic centre need to be addressed as part of the development of based on the cathedral that dominates the skyline the 10,500 dwellings. The Regional Spatial Strategy and despite the growth of recent years the city has indicates a build rate of 525 dwellings per annum. maintained the image of being a city within a rural This will not be achieved prior to larger areas of setting that is distinctive to South Worcestershire. development being released post 2011. However, This distinctive setting, in part is provided by many there needs to be inbuilt flexibility to look beyond villages located within the countryside beyond the the present plan period, and the possibility of city boundary. Their physical and visual separation needing to accommodate greater growth than by significant areas of countryside is important even envisaged by the present Regional Spatial Strategy though all are influenced by the presence of the Preferred Option. city. In this respect, some have closer links due to their location within major transport corridors. Directions of Growth 5.3 The strategic influence of Worcester is recognised in the Regional Spatial Strategy by 5.6 The emerging evidence is proving to be being a Settlement of Significant Development and contradictory on this aspect. The Highway Agency a centre within in the Central Technology Belt. This is concerned that the M5 junctions cannot cope has been further emphasised by it being designated with the additional journeys likely to occur if New development needs to be accommodated whilst retaining Worcester’s existing character. by the Government as a New Growth Point. It is development is focused to the east of the city. the home of the University of Worcester, and is the However, the economic business community wishing major focus for shopping, employment, education, to utilise the motorway have a preference for the sporting, cultural and recreation facilities, as well east. The overall consultation response for Issue 4 as being a major tourist centre. Communications marginally favoured east of the city (Option 1) with are good via the M5, which passes down the west of the city (Option 2), north outside the Green 5. SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR WORCESTER eastern boundary and the rail links via two stations Belt (Option 4) and south of the city (Option 5) all to Birmingham and London. gaining relatively equal support. North within the AND SPATIAL DIAGRAM green belt (Option 3) had little support. The 5.4 The evidence gathered through the Retail Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 5.1 The Spatial Strategy policies set out future directions of growth in the Study, Employment Land Review and Housing Needs indicates that there are potential sites within all context of the special characteristics and design aspirations of the respective Study together with the results of the Issues and the possible directions for growth. settlements. They also set out all the necessary infrastructure/services Options consultation (Issue 1) shows support for required to help deliver sustainable development, known at the time of Worcester to maintain and enhance its role at the 5.7 Issue 6 addressed employment development preparing the Preferred Options as work is ongoing. The Spatial Strategy will top of the settlement hierarchy as the sub-regional where options 1, 2 and 3 with development help deliver both the objectives of the Sustainable Community Strategies and focus, county town and city centre. As such it principally at Worcester were favoured. This the Regional Spatial Strategy. They take on board the full range of evidence should be the focus of future development and the supports the evidence emerging from the gathered including responses to the Issues and Options consultation and location of any national or regionally significant employment land reviews and consultations with technical studies. developments in South Worcestershire. the business community. Advantage West Midlands have indicated that a key part of the economic 5.5 In allocating 10,500 dwellings, 81 hectares portfolio is missing in that there is no provision for of employment land to the Worcester area, and a Regional Investment Site either to support inward seeking an additional 55,000 sq m of city centre investment or indigenous growth. All the offices, and 85,000 sqm of retail floor space the emerging evidence concurs with the need to Regional Spatial Strategy recognised the strategic protect our existing employment sites if local influence of Worcester and that it would need to employment is to be available and meet the sustainable principles in Policy CS1.

34 35 5.8 Issue 19 dealt with retail provision. In However, the evidence which supports the • Nature Conservation. The protection of 5.12 In respect of the remaining 7,300 dwellings respect of Worcester there was support for major integrated transport strategy shows that the most areas with nature conservation value is viewed as a the evidence indicates that the best prospect for retail development to be directed to Worcester city sustainable solution would include dualling the key element in ensuring sustainable development. achieving a sustainable pattern of development is centre (Option 2), which is consistent with evidence Southern Link Road, a new city centre bridge, Planning Policy Statement 9 on biodiversity states by creating two new urban extensions. This will from the retail study. However, the promotion of extensive bus priority with 7 premium routes into that plans should seek to promote sustainable enable high quality design concepts to be pursued local shops on large scale residential and the city, park and ride sites, quality cycle and development by ensuring that biological and via future Supplementary Planning Documents in employment developments (Option 8) had 96% pedestrian routes, use of intelligent transport geological diversity are conserved as an integral the form of Masterplans. These would include, in agreement. systems and greater use of travel plans. These part of social, environmental and economic extension of the existing Green Network, together elements are included in the Regional Funding development. Worcester’s Green Network is with open space, sporting and recreational 5.9 Issue 20 looked at development of the city Allocation bid which has been submitted to the well established and valued, and the Green facilities, educational provision, community centre with all options to promote the city centre West Midlands Regional Assembly. Developer Infrastructure study, which has been carried out, facilities, including primary health care, housing being supported recognising its strategic significance contributions, along with considerable public supports this approach, and promotes a similar of mixed size and tenure, and local employment in South Worcestershire and beyond. However, the investment is required to deliver the necessary approach in the development areas. Planning Policy opportunities. The city successfully accommodated protection of existing leisure, office, education and infrastructure. Guidance Note 17 assessment of open space also growth at Warndon Villages in the 1990s and the retail uses (Option 3) also received significant highlighted the importance of natural and objective is to use the best examples of that area, support. It will be vital that areas of growth link into this semi-natural open space so vital to improving together with the advancements of design and sustainable transport network and this can be biodiversity. Issue 23, protecting and enhancing green infrastructure that have emerged, to create 5.10 In determining the most suitable locations achieved through the principles of sustainable habitats (Option 2) and Issue 24 (protect, enhance high quality places to live and work. for development the emerging evidence indicated development identified in Regional Spatial Strategy and conserve local distinctiveness (Option 3) had (RSS Policy SR2). This would bring benefits in terms four issues that should play a significant role in overwhelming support in the consultation. 5.13 One of these urban extensions would be defining how and where Worcester should grow of accessibility, economy, environment, air quality, health and overall quality of life. However, every located to the west/north west of the city and to meet its economic and housing growth • Flooding. To reduce further damage to would accommodate approximately 3,500 requirements. These are: component is essential to make the whole strategy work. The Highway Agency has looked at the property and infrastructure and to maximise dwellings together with 16 hectares of employment, capacity of junctions 6 and 7 on the M5 motorway. public safety, areas liable to flood were ruled out of a local centre to include, health care, retail, • Accessibility. Providing access to jobs and These assessments involved detailed computer any locational search for future development sites. community and leisure facilities, and provision for essential services is a key part of delivering modelling, and indicated that significant These sites were identified through the use of the the emergency services. A primary school to serve sustainable and inclusive communities. improvements would be needed to Junction 6 to most up to date maps provided by the Environment the development and a secondary school for the Developing at locations where these can be accommodate any major development to north or Agency. The South Worcestershire authorities are wider area would be needed. In order to ensure that accessed by means other than the private east. producing a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment to help this is a sustainable self contained community, only car reduces the need to travel. It can ensure that future development is not within flood dependent on the city centre for major also improve the local environment, quality areas. Issue 25 gave strong agreement to this shopping, leisure and wider employment the of life and promote social inclusion. • Preserving the historic character and approach. fulfilment of the integrated transport strategy will A safe, efficient and integrated setting of Worcester. Emerging evidence from the be vital to ensure frequent and reliable passenger transport system is important (Issue 9 Green Infrastructure Study and the Green Belt transport corridors to provide sustainable transport option 1 had 96% support) to supporting a review suggests that regardless of the extent to The Preferred Spatial Strategy links into and from the city centre. This would be strong and prosperous economy in Worcester. which the city may have to identify further land backed up by quality pedestrian and cycle links to to meet its development requirements and needs, 5.11 The Urban Capacity Study for Worcester has local facilities and beyond. Evidence from Worcestershire County Council has assessed: there would be areas of land outside the built up demonstrated that the 3,200 dwellings can be Worcestershire County Council suggests that the areas of the city that should be retained as open • the highway capacity of the city network as accommodated within the city boundary. This can demand for trips from this direction would not land. This will be important in avoiding the a whole; be achieved through the use of the existing require the construction of a north-west by-pass coalescence of villages whose individual identity • the potential development locations; and allocated sites in the Balanced Housing Market or a new northern bridge crossing. In sustainability and separation contribute to the distinctive rural • the likely impact on the existing road system Development Plan Document, existing commitments terms there is also significant advantage in setting of the city. Planning Policy Guidance Note and the environment. together with other brownfield sites identified in enabling a local community to establish which is not 2 states that one purpose of the Green Belt should the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment dependent on commuting to the motorway. It will be to preserve the setting and special character of also strengthen the viability of the existing St John’s This study looked at all aspects of transport and which are considered appropriate for housing historic towns. It is therefore important to centre, and enable much needed community, sport including public transport, cycling and walking development. There may also be need to recognise Worcester as being a county town within and recreation provision. The development of a park which gained substantial support in the Issues and consider some Green Network sites in the longer a rural setting, which is locally distinctive. Issue 26, and ride site to the west will be essential to enable Options consultation (Issue 9) but also featured term, should the anticipated windfall allowance protecting important views (Option 3) and defining a reduced traffic flow on existing roads, and a rail options considered under Issue 10 including the not happen. The Site Allocations Development Plan local character (Option 1) were well supported. halt in the Rushwick area would improve links to dualling of the Southern Link Road (Option 3) and Document will identify sites for the period 2011 to In this respect much of its distinctive historic the employment areas, the University and the city completing the North West by-pass (Option 4) both 2026. character is maintained through the centre. This would require significant improvements receiving substantial support (78% and 80% conservation areas and listed buildings within the in the rail infrastructure. It will be important to respectively). city, the Green Network protecting the urban open maintain flexibility to accommodate greater growth spaces, and significant strategic views that will need or further growth beyond 2026 that a route for a to be protected. 36 37 future north-west city by-pass is not constrained This would elevate Fernhill Heath to a Category 1 those for Malvern and Droitwich Spa being centred by this proposed development. The dualling of the village resulting in enhanced facilities for both upon high technology development within medical Southern Link Road would need to be a priority in existing and future residents. A rail halt at and environmental industries as well as protecting order that the employment areas in particular have Fernhill Heath would enable rail park and ride and supporting manufacturing industries. access to the national network. making Worcester city centre very accessible for The strategic development of a specialist criminal employment and major shopping, leisure and justice employment sector at the 5.14 The second of the new urban extensions education requirements. However, significant headquarters at would play a significant will be located to the south/south east of the city signalling improvements are required to the rail role in providing additional local employment. for approximately 3,000 dwellings together with 25 line to make this possible. hectares of employment, a local centre to include 5.20 Worcester’s location within the Central community, primary health care, retail, emergency Technology Belt, supported by Advantage West 5.16 Evidence is also emerging from the West services and leisure facilities together with a two- Midlands Economic Strategy, and the Regional Mercia Police Authority of the strategic and regional form entry primary school. Evidence from the Spatial Strategy is potentially a highly attractive importance of their headquarters at Hindlip. This education authority suggests that a small location for economic investment. Therefore, there is already utilised as a national training facility secondary school may be required to absorb is evidence to support the identification of a 25 and the need is being recognised for a specialist pressure from both Worcester and Pershore. This hectare Regional Investment Site in the vicinity of criminal justice park. The Green Belt review provides the opportunity to improve the social, junction 6 on the M5 motorway. This will require indicates that there is scope to expand the community and recreation opportunities, and substantial improvements at Junction 6, but could existing facilities without significantly enables the significant amount of existing accommodate the needs of larger investors or for diminishing the purposes of the Green Belt in development at St Peters and Norton Barracks to indigenous growth. This would respond to business this locality. More evidence is required to confirm have access to local employment opportunities. needs including accessibility, labour market supply this but such provision with the new housing nearby This would require: and deliverability. linked by pedestrian and cycle routes would help • the dualling of the Southern Link Road to turn Fernhill Heath into a sustainable community. 5.21 By allocating development in have been completed together with a a number of strategic locations around the city pedestrian/cycle bridge to link the new 5.17 There is also evidence emerging from the rather than in a single location the potential to development with the existing urban area; consultation, and being supported by several enhance public transport services to and from the • the possible development of a railway national sporting bodies including Sport , surrounding villages is maximised. New or improved halt at Battenhall/Norton with for a new concept of a ‘community sports hub’ on bus services will be provided to service the new long-term link to a Worcestershire Parkway the northern edge of Worcester in the Hindlip area. housing areas and link to the existing settlements station at Norton; Various elements of the scheme are of local, sub beyond the city. Similarly by linking green network • the development of bus park and ride off regional, regional and even national significance extensions with walking and cycling routes opportu- the A38. and importance in the delivery and implementation nities for walking and cycling will be spread into the of educational and skills training through sport. The wider Worcester area. facility would be available for the whole community Evidence from the rail authorities at this time sug- 5.22 These are all shown diagrammatically on the but use by the police for training purposes and close gests that the development of a Parkway station is spatial diagram. not likely to occur until the end of the plan period links to the Worcester Warriors Rugby Club complex so at this time the provision of development in support its location. A by-pass to the east of that location would not be sustainable. However, Fernhill Heath may be required in order to improve it would open up longer-term growth opportunities accessibility. Further work is required but being The City Centre primarily open air sports use would not cause using the rail corridor. Despite new development this image of Central Worcester significant conflict with the Green Belt in this 5.23 The priority in the city centre is for new will be maintained. location. This would require good sustainable development to take place in conjunction with 5.15 Fernhill Heath is currently a Category 2 transport links not only into Fernhill Heath but conservation and environmental enhancement. settlement despite being the second largest also to Worcester to ensure easy access by other There are opportunities for development, in village in Wychavon. However, the village’s close means than the private car. proximity to the Worcester City boundary means particular on edge-of-centre sites, and the strategy should ensure that high quality mixed use schemes there is potential to meet some of the City’s 5.18 The remaining 300 dwellings will be built deliver the correct balance of land uses as well as housing requirement. It is considered that 500 on a greenfield site adjacent to the urban area at improvements to the public realm. dwellings could be accommodated as a greenfield Kilbury Drive to the south east of Worcester, which extension to the north west of the settlement will enable local improvements to facilities, public outside the Green Belt. Development will be transport and public open space. 5.24 The city centre and its immediate environs associated with the provision of a range of will be expected to deliver growth in retail and shopping, social, health, and community facilities 5.19 In respect of employment there will be a office floor space. The city centre will remain the as well as education in the form of a site for an specific role for Worcester within the Central focus of the expanded community for shopping, expanded first school and community facilities. Technology Belt which will be complimentary to leisure, tourism and commerce and education based 38 39 on the new University of Worcester campus and Proposed Policy CS3 Spatial Strategy for urban extension shall reflect the identified needs Masterplans in the form of Supplementary Planning Worcester College of Technology. Opportunities for the occupants, and to address existing service Documents will be prepared for the two proposed Worcester City and its Surrounding Area for residential development will be sought in deficiencies. A specialist Criminal Justice urban extensions and the proposed developments at association with the commercial development but Employment Centre will be based on the West Kilbury Drive, Fernhill Heath and Hindlip. on the majority of major sites it will not be the Worcester’s housing needs and employment needs Mercia Police Headquarters at Hindlip, and a leading land use. Higher education and public will be accommodated by: Community Sports Hub developed on the An Area Action Plan Development Plan Document sector development will also be a driving force in • Infill development within the city, surrounding land both respecting the purposes of will identify areas of opportunity within or regeneration. • Limited Greenfield extension at Kilbury the Green Belt and incorporating sustainable adjacent to the city centre where mixed use Drive immediately outside the City transport measures. redevelopments to accommodate the retail and 5.25 The highest standards are to be set for Boundary, office accommodation requirements will be environmental improvements and design. • Major urban extensions to the west and Central to the spatial strategy will be the priority promoted. This will also cover the development Enhancement of the riverside, new public spaces north west, and south and south east of the implementation of the Integrated Transport of the University of Worcester and any other and a network of pedestrian friendly routes will city, and Strategy for Worcester including strategic park and regeneration opportunities over the plan period. assist in the inspiration of the vision for the city • Limited Greenfield development in the ride sites, quality bus corridors incorporating ex- centre based on the quality of the urban vicinity of Fernhill Heath. tensive bus priority, quality cycle and pedestrian To preserve the setting of Worcester, the environment. routes, a new city centre bridge and the dualling of relationship to the surrounding open countryside The Site Allocations Development Plan Document the Southern Link Road. Rail halts will be pursued and views into and out of the city, development 5.26 The implementation of the integrated will identify sites within the city to ensure the to the north, south and west, in the longer term must result in an enhancement of the city skyline. transport strategy envisages a new city centre development of at least 3,200 new dwellings together with a Worcestershire Parkway at Norton. Within the existing city boundary buildings should bridge, which would enable the existing bridge to between 2006 and 2026 and identify land beyond not exceed four storeys. Outside the existing city be limited to buses, cyclists and pedestrians. It the city boundary for the preferred directions of Development adjacent to the city boundary should boundary buildings should not exceed three storeys. would also enable significant improvements to the growth capable of accommodating at least 7,300 maintain access to the open countryside for existing Worcester residents as well as providing riverside and cathedral square to reflect a first class homes. All development will need to contribute in full via green space and green wedges that ensure all new cathedral and University city. Section 106 Developer contributions Community and existing homes are accessible to the Green In line with the South Worcestershire Employment Infrastructure Levy, towards the range of Network. 5.27 The manner in which the centre grows and Land Review 41 hectares of employment land will infrastructure required to make the overall assimilates growth in accordance with the be identified within or adjacent to the urban growth sustainable. requirements of the Regional Spatial Strategy and extensions. During the construction phase of the major urban extensions developers will be required the Joint Core Strategy would be addressed through This infrastructure includes the following: an Area Action Plan Development Plan Document. to support local labour and training schemes. In addition a Regional Investment Site will be • The Integrated Transport Strategy including the dualling of the identified outside the city boundary in the vicinity Southern Link Road; of Junction 6 for indigenous growth. This will require substantial improvements to Junction 6 on • Pedestrian/Cycle bridge over the Southern Link Road; the M5. • Expanded First School at Fernhill Heath and Primary, secondary school provision within the Urban Extensions; The provision of employment land will seek to make • New Neighbourhood Police Station to the west of Worcester; provision for medical and environmental based • Possible Rail Halts at Fernhill Heath, in the vicinity of Battenhall, industries in accordance with the identification of Worcester as a node in the Central Technology Belt Norton and Rushwick, and Worcestershire Parkway at Norton; and will ensure a supply of sites of size, location • Improvements to signalling on the rail lines; and adaptability to strengthen the local economy. • New open spaces, recreation, community and health facilities; • Improvements to Junctions 6 and 7 on the M5. To avoid the creation of dormitory suburbs urban • Fernhill Heath By-pass extensions will be mixed use developments providing housing in accordance with the identified • Second city centre river crossing Improvements to the riverside for the benefit of residents and tourists. need for Worcester. Any retail development should only seek to meet local needs and not adversely affect any city centre function or the delivery of a city wide integrated transport strategy. The nature of the mixed uses incorporated into any

40 41 Phasing Comments on the Alternative 5.33 Development in the Worcestershire Parkway The development will be phased as follows: area. The three South Worcestershire authorities Options Considered are fully supportive of the principle of a Phase 1 (2006– 2011) Worcestershire Parkway development at Norton but 5.29 More Housing in the City. The requirement Infill development and existing commitments it remains uncertain as to when the development to provide 3,200 dwellings in the city has been within the city boundary (2,000 dwellings and 21 would be brought forward due to circumstances identified in the Regional Spatial Strategy and ha employment) outside the control of the authorities. It will not therefore additional provision would be contrary be in the early phases of the plan period and may to this. Nevertheless the Regional Spatial Phase2 (2012-2016) be further delayed. In such circumstances it Strategy has a principal objective of urban Infill development and existing commitments is inappropriate to rely on such speculative renaissance and therefore additional development plus the greenfield extensions at Kilbury Drive development at this stage, especially as it would in the city would not conflict with that and Fernhill Heath (2,000 dwellings and 20 ha effectively become a freestanding location that objective. Limiting the number of dwellings in employment) Regional Investment Site (25 ha) would be unacceptable for the same reasons as the city to 3,200 is based upon the details of the identified in para. 5.32. Phase 3 (2017 – 2021) Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment Initial development within the Urban Extensions combined with an analysis of the environmental (3,000 dwellings and 20 ha employment) constraints that exist. As a result there will be greenfield development Improved public transport will reduce the need Phase 4 (2022 – 2026) outside the existing city boundary to provide 7,300 to use the car. Completion of the Urban Extensions (3,500 dwelling dwellings but this has to be considered against the and 20 ha employment) recent history of almost exclusively previously developed land house building in Worcester. The Integrated Transport Strategy will be implemented on a phased basis between 2009 5.30 Concentration of Development to the east and 2014. crossing over the M5. Although those who responded to the questionnaire favoured this, it was evident The submission Joint Core Strategy will that it would be a very unsustainable community identify delivery dates for all other elements of with direct access to the M5. It would be difficult infrastructure requirement. In the absence of the to link effectively back into the city and therefore satisfactory delivery of the Integrated Transport any residential development in this location would Strategy and other essential infrastructure elements effectively be a separate settlement. This would Phases 3 and 4 will not be granted approval to require significant infrastructure investment that proceed (to occupation). could be more effectively invested in the identified growth areas. Junction 6 would be unable to cope

with the additional traffic that would be generated. This will be monitored and reviewed on an annual More importantly the character and setting of the basis to ensure that the essential infrastructure is New technology will provide a strong base for future jobs. University of Worcester will provide skills for future employers. city would be dramatically changed in a detrimental provided to enable the development requirements way. One of the valued elements of distinctiveness to be met. would be lost forever. Linkage to Spatial Objectives 5.31 Concentration to the north. Similar reasons 5.28 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or apply to development in this direction with the delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived added constraint of the Green Belt. This was also from the Sustainable Community Strategies: the least favoured with only 20% of respondents • Stronger Communities objectives 1, 2 and 3; supporting it, and is not supported by the Regional • Meeting the Needs of All Generations Spatial Strategy. objectives 4, 5 and 6; • Economic Success that is Shared By All 5.32 A freestanding settlement. Similarly this is objectives 7, 8, 9 and 10; not supported in the policies of the Regional Spatial • A Better Environment for Today and Strategy. This is not considered to be a sustainable Tomorrow objectives 12, 13 and 15; option and would not bring any benefit to other • Improving Health and Well-being objectives communities within the city. It would take time to 18 and 19; and establish and would inevitably be a commuter • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe village with little hope of being a sustainable objective 21. community. 42 43 5.34 Reduced Employment Land Allocations. Once allocations in the adopted Local Plan, completions and commitments since 2006 have been taken into account, The Regional Spatial Strategy only requires an additional 41 hectares. The Employment Land Review and Advantage West Midlands advocate additional supply and this is addressed through this strategy. An alternative however would be to reduce the amount of employment land. The implications of this approach would be:

• In the North-West urban extension: This would have the benefit of reducing the overall Greenfield land take and would omit the location that is perceived to be least favourable at present Spatial Strategy 1 for employment provision. However an urban extension without employment land, or a much lower provision, would not address the objective of having sustainable locations and would fail to Worcester City address the imbalance in the city of residential being the predominant use on the west side of the river with employment being primarily located on the east side.

• In the South and South-East: There is an existing deficiency of local employment opportunities in a location that is regarded as desirable for employment. Failure to provide adequate employment land in this area would again fail to provide a balanced and sustainable community.

• Regional Investment Site: This is not specifically included in the employment land allocations and is therefore in addition to that proposed for Worcester’s needs. The failure to identify this site would result in the loss of an opportunity for major investment, be it local expansion or inward investment and fail to take the opportunities associated with being a node in the Central Technology Belt.

• In general terms the city would be at risk of not being the focus for employment growth in South Worcestershire.

44 45 6. SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR MALVERN AND SPATIAL DIAGRAM

Introduction

6.1 The urban area of Malvern consists of the settlement of , adjacent to the east side of the Malvern Hills, (which extends the urban area to the north east), (which extends the built up area to the east) and the more linear parts of the town at (which follows the contours of the hills to the west) and (which follows the contours to the south). The urban area contains a population of over 36,000 (2001 Census).

Character and Setting

6.2 Great Malvern’s character is based on its more recent history as a spa town and tourist centre and its role as the administrative centre for Malvern Hills District. It also contains the main health, education and retail services. The key characteristic of the main urban area is its dramatic Open fields are a feature of Malvern’s townscape. setting on the slopes of the Malvern Hills, giving views of the hills from and to the town and Housing Employment providing a green backdrop to the urban form, Statue of Elgar at Belle Vue Terrace. spreading out to the River Severn plain. The 6.4 Malvern has a higher number of elderly 6.6 Malvern is a centre of employment for a setting and historic importance is reflected in people than average, and a lower natural increase large part of the district, centred on the newer the conservation area status of the larger part of in population. This brings its own challenges and Enigma Business Park, the industrial estate at Spring Great Malvern. could lead to increased demands on the health Lane, and the high technology enterprises focused service and the housing stock. Housing demand on the former defence establishments (now QinetiQ) and house price growth are both stronger in South at Barnards Green and associated / similar 6.3 Earlier historic influences include the Worcestershire than in the rest of the sub-region, businesses at the new Malvern Science Park. Malvern founding of Malvern Priory, which is located in which offers little prospect of any improvement Hills has a lower proportion of businesses within the heart of the modern town. The Malvern in affordability. Further pressure is generated on vulnerable sectors than Worcester and Wychavon, Hills themselves are designated as an Area housing stock by younger people moving away, and with a stronger focus on Research and Development. of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is being replaced by established families moving into characterised by a high proportion of greenspace, the area, better equipped to compete in the market 6.7 High Technology Corridors have been which is important to the character of the town place and outbid newly forming or expanding local identified within the West Midlands Region as a and its surroundings and as such will be households. However, further housing provision focus for encouraging the diversification of the protected. Further, particularly in the Great will provide the opportunity to regenerate the region’s industry. Malvern’s significance within the Malvern Conservation Area, the overwhelming population balance. Central Technology Belt is based around the character stems from the large plot sizes and the existence of QinetiQ, which is of international individuality of building designs that should be 6.5 Malvern falls within the South Housing significance as a research and development centre Malvern Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. respected. The town also contains large areas of Market Area. Malvern town and the southern parts and subsequently through the development of the common land, both within the built up area, and on of the district form one of the five local housing Malvern Hills Science Park and other spin off its fringes, giving a green setting and opportunities markets in South Worcestershire characterised by development. Malvern is identified as a Key Node for green corridors for recreation and wildlife. In high house prices, commuting and leisure activity. and a location for Key Education/Research Facilities combination, the constraints effectively lead to a The area experiences affordability problems created within the Central Technology Belt (Regional Spatial limited range of opportunities for growth. Beyond by unequal competition between the lower paid Strategy Policies PA3 and PA4), which seeks to the urban area, Malvern is surrounded by open farm locally employed households and those with higher cluster opportunities for further research and high land, smaller villages and more isolated farm sources of income, often those commuting out of technology businesses in close proximity to existing settlements. Thus Malvern has a role as a service the county. research centres. centre for a wider rural area. 46 47 6.8 Malvern must be able to offer a balanced Policy Statement 6. There is no overriding need for Arts and Culture portfolio of sites to investors for future employment a new foodstore in Malvern over the period to provision and be able to cater for local indigenous 2026 having regard to both qualitative and 6.14 Malvern is strong on arts and ‘traditional’ growth, such as for development of (B1 Classes quantitative factors. There is a need for additional cultural facilities and contains a range of leisure Order) light industrial manufacturing style facilities, nonfood goods floorspace in Malvern town centre for and sports facilities; the Malvern Theatres are as well as any high tech related development. 5,000sqm over the next ten years. The Regional recognised as being one of the country’s leading Spatial Strategy (Policy PA12B) allows, as a regional venues. The Three Counties Showground 6.9 The Employment Land Review recommends nonstrategic centre, up to 10,000 square metres has expanded beyond its original agricultural based that Malvern should take on additional requirements of retail floor space in Malvern. activities and accommodates a range of recreational for B2/B8 (manufacturing / storage and distribution) and commercial activities and events and is a major land to help support existing industry within the attraction and facility in the district. area. It expects that the Malvern Hills Science Park Accessibility would continue to be the leading location in South 6.13 Malvern is served by two railway stations Worcestershire with regard to the Research and Community Facilities at Great Malvern and Malvern Link, connecting the Malvern Science Park - new technology supports Development sector and that this sector will require economic growth. town to Worcester and Hereford on a frequent 6.15 There has been considerable investment further land allocations into the future to cope with service, with the potential to create a further in replacement health centres with three of the expected demand. In addition, Malvern should be halt in association with growth to the north of the five surgeries in new premises with capacity to supported and assisted in bringing sustainable sites town, subject to consideration of implications for accommodate planned growth. Plans to replace located close to public transport up to modern timetabling and feasibility. The A449 links the town the Malvern Community Hospital have been requirements for office provision. directly to Worcester, some 8 miles away, providing commissioned taking account of the scale of growth 6.10 The existing Local Plan allocates a net regular bus services, and road links to the M5 on the planned for Malvern. A Children’s Centre serving the increase of 4.5ha of employment land at the eastern side of the district, via Junctions 7 local community is planned, under the Government QinetiQ site, through redevelopment and (Worcester) and 8 (, via Upton-upon- ‘Sure Start’ programme. For education, Malvern rationalisation of QinetiQ’s existing facilities, Severn). There is an important functional link contains two main secondary schools and Malvern which offers the potential for freeing additional with Worcester, as the County town, providing Hills College of Further Education all of which employment land in close proximity to QinetiQ. opportunities for employment for Malvern should have sufficient capacity for the expected This allocation will be taken forward through the residents and for further education at the housing growth in the Malvern area, but additional Joint Core Strategy and is included in the 12 ha of University of Worcester and Worcester College of primary school provision will be required to employment land that is committed in the Malvern Technology. The Regional Funding Allocation bid support planned growth. In terms of emergency Hills District in Table 3. includes proposals for Park and Ride facilities at service infrastructure, the police require a Malvern to intercept journeys by car into the City replacement section station and two neighbourhood 6.11 Part of the Town and the rural west has been of Worcester on the main transport corridors, police posts in association with growth. The designated by Advantage West Midlands as forming including from the A449 (West), utilising the ambulance service is based at Malvern Police part of a Rural Regeneration Zone (Regional Spatial existing rail corridor between Malvern and Station but there will be a requirement to Strategy Policy RR2), which covers rural areas in Worcester. relocate to a bigger station, due to an increase Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, and in the number of vehicles required. Malvern Town Great Malvern Station will continue to provide aims to support rural renaissance. The area is Council has indicated there is a need for additional sustainable transport. characterised by agriculture, small market towns land for cemeteries and allotments. and villages, and an ageing population, with a need to improve access to jobs and services.

Retailing

6.12 Malvern is the main town centre retail focus in the district, complimented by district centres at Malvern Link and Barnards Green. Other main retail facilities are at the retail park at Townsend Way. Great Malvern town centre is supported by large foodstores, but its catchment area for non-food goods is curtailed by the proximity of large competing centres and the centre generally is only of district significance. Overall, Great Malvern displays relatively high levels of Agriculture is an important element of the landscape vitality and viability, having regard to its size and and the setting for Malvern. function and the relevant indicators in Planning 48 49 Directions for growth at Malvern 6.21 This option is likely to be able to deliver Opportunities will be sought for new development • Links to the wider wildlife ‘network’ of the dwellings and employment land if transport to contribute toimproving existing local housing. the town and it’s surroundings and ensure 6.16 The Issues and Options consultation improvements are delivered as part of the ongoing management of habitats, to identified the majority were against the use of developments; including extending Townsend Accessibility to Malvern from its rural hinterland will include urban tree planting and woodland greenfield land within built up areas before Way southwards towards Road and be enhanced through improvements to creation, as appropriate; greenfield land on the periphery of settlements. sustainable transport infrastructure – by both rail improving public transport links, cycling and • Additional cemetery facilities; The consultation supported the provision of new walking routes from the new dwellings to existing and bus- to ensure better access to the higher • Exploration of opportunities to improve employment development in association with new and proposed services within Malvern. level services, such as health, employment and housing development. educational opportunities for the rural population. existing local housing and the town centre. This will include more frequent and reliable train services bought about by upgrading the single track 6.17 It is considered that there is a need to find Proposed Policy CS4 Malvern Development will be phased as follows: land for up to 1,600 dwellings and up to 17 hectares line from Hereford to Worcester and bus priority of employment land within or on the edge of Growth will respect the existing urban form of measures within the town. Malvern. The majority of the growth will be in the Malvern, particularly in relation to the Malvern Hills Phase 1 (2006-2011) form of sustainable urban extensions to the north and their designation as an Area of Outstanding Housing growth will deliver a range of housing sizes Infill development, existing commitments and and/or east of Malvern, with a mix of uses to Natural Beauty. and tenures to ensure housing needs are met. A Local Plan allocations within the town boundary deliver housing, employment and associated wider choice of homes will be available to both the Phase 2 (2012-2016) The Site Allocations Development Plan Document community facilities. new and existing population of Malvern, and in As Phase 1 above. or Development Brief Supplementary Planning particular the needs of the ageing population and Phase 3 (2017-2021) 6.18 Further transport analysis is being Document will identify up to 1600 new dwellings new families will be met. Phasing of greenfield development in Malvern, to undertaken by Worcestershire County Council to and up to 17ha of employment land to 2026, be determined following completion of Malvern help shape the direction for growth, however predominantly in the form of sustainable Great Malvern town centre will remain the focus Transport Study development will need to be supported by new greenfield urban extensions to the north and/or east for major retail opportunities for the district. One transport infrastructure (Malvern Transport Study). of Malvern, with a mix of uses to deliver housing, or two large sites will be required in Great Malvern Phase 4 (2022-2026) employment and associated community facilities. town centre to accommodate 5,000sqm of non-food As Phase 3 above. goods floorspace needed over the next 10 years. The Preferred Spatial Strategy The urban extensions will ensure that the quality of This will be monitored and reviewed on an annual design will continue to enhance the appearance of Infill development will respect the historic form basis. the town, will be sited to safeguard strategic views 6.19 Preferred broad locations for growth are and character of Malvern, with high design of the Malvern Hills and will ensure that there is considered to the north east and/or east of standards and protection of urban greenspace. Malvern, as follows: an enhancement of the Green Infrastructure links within the town and to the surrounding rural areas. • to the north-east of Malvern, in the vicinity of Development growth will contribute to the town’s Newland, east of railway to accommodate some services and infrastructure through planning Growth will provide opportunities for sustainable 1,100 dwellings and 10 ha of employment land; obligations or via a Community Infrastructure Levy transport infrastructure to serve the existing and for Malvern towards the range of infrastructure • to the south of Townsend Way, east of Mayfield proposed community. Car-based commuting on the required in order to make the overall growth Road, for 500 dwellings and 7ha of employment A449 will be addressed, reducing the impact of car sustainable, and development will not proceed if land. related development, within the town. necessary infrastructure is not forthcoming. This There may be scope for limited residential includes the following: development on the QinetiQ site, related to further Growth at Malvern will enhance the economic redevelopment and rationalisation of facilities for prosperity of the town and its hinterland, • Primary School; high technology businesses in addition to the net particularly building on the higher technology • Extension to Townsend Way to support urban increase in site area identified through the businesses based at QinetiQ, as part of the extensions and QinetiQ redevelopment, Local Plan. This is subject to the development of sub-regional Central Technology Belt. Balanced subject to conclusions of Malvern Transport a Masterplan and comprehensive assessment of growth will be provided, where new homes can be Study; the impact upon the wider road and other developed alongside existing and new employment • Enhanced accessibility to central Malvern communications networks, and the delivery of opportunities. During the construction phase of the and the district centres via essential off-site highway works and other major urban extensions developers will be required sustainable transport modes, including improvements. to support local labour and training schemes. cycling and walking; • Park and Ride utilising the existing rail 6.20 These combined locations would provide New development will take the opportunity corridor between Malvern and Worcester a total of 1,600 dwellings and 17 ha employment to maximise the use of existing services and and rail enhancements; land plus additional employment land at QinetiQ infrastructure at Malvern, and provide over and above the 4.5ha intensification identified opportunities to deliver further infrastructure • Two neighbourhood police posts; through the Local Plan and included in the that will serve the development and the whole • Public open space and recreation facilities, employment land commitments figures. community in the most sustainable way. including allotments; 50 51 Linkage to Spatial Objectives Rejected locations for growth

6.22 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or 6.24 Growth to the west of Malvern. delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived It is considered undesirable and impractical from the Sustainable Community Strategies: because of the topography of the Malvern Hills, • Stronger Communities objectives 1, 2 and 3; and encroachment into the AONB and adverse • Meeting the Needs of All Generations objectives impact on the setting of the town. 4, 5 and 6; 6.25 Land around West Malvern and west of the Spatial Diagram • Economic Success that is Shared By All objectives North Site. This is within an area of important 7, 8 and 10; landscape, has poor accessibility by roads and • A Better Environment for Today and Tomorrow public transport and again would impact on the objectives 12, 13 and 15; AONB. 2: Malvern • Improving Health and Well-being objectives 18 and 19; and 6.26 Land to the east of Townsend Way. The area could accommodate employment land (10 ha) but • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe is not preferred as it would extend Malvern east of objective 21. Townsend Way. Historically, the strip of land along the whole of the eastern side of Townsend Way was Comments on the Alternative sold to the Malvern Hills Conservators after its Options Considered completion, specifically to stop future expansion in this direction. 6.23 Growth to the North/ North-East of Malvern: 6.27 Land south of the Guarlford Road. This is • A - to the north–east of Malvern, east of either within the sewage works exclusion zone, or railway at Newland for 1,100 dwellings and 10 ha further south, impacts greatly on the AONB and the employment land as in the Preferred Option above, setting of the Malvern Hills. and • B - to the north, west of the railway, 6.28 Urban greenspaces within Malvern. These currently part of the strategic gap as identified make a major contribution to the character of in the existing Local Plan, for 900 dwellings. Malvern and as such should continue to be protected from development. Further, emerging Policy SR2(e) This would deliver up to 2,000 dwellings and 10 ha of the Regional Spatial Strategy, requires, where of employment land. development is concentrated, a “comprehensive green infrastructure network”, in order to mitigate • If capacity to the north was reduced, this climate change, provide accessible greenspace for could be augmented by development south east of walking, sport and recreation, health and wellbeing, Townsend Way, east of Mayfield Road (as in the and protect/ enhance biodiversity and geodiversity. Preferred Option), which could deliver more employment land (approximately 7 ha) and up to 6.29 Directing more growth to the villages. This is 500 dwellings, and to the east of Moat Crescent, not an environmentally sustainable option given for up to 500 dwellings, although access to this site the relative lack of services and public transport would require further extension of Townsend Way. viability. As with directing growth to a new settlement this option is not supportive of the This option is not preferred because it will require Regional Spatial Strategy, which clearly prioritises a road crossing of the railway line in the north urban development. Both options were not well (feasibility yet to be tested), an intrusion into the supported in the South Worcestershire Joint Core gap between Malvern and Leigh Sinton and will Strategy Issues and Options consultation bring development closer to the higher land in north (November 2007) Malvern, with greater detriment to landscape character.

52 53 7. SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR and is therefore not particularly prominent in the of employment land are identified in the spatial wider landscape. diagram. Significant growth has to be either north DROITWICH SPA or south and in both directions the land is subject 7.7 The town has the highest natural increase to Green Belt policy. A review of the Green Belt has in population and the greatest housing needs in been carried out and it is considered that there are Introduction Wychavon District. a few locations that could deliver sustainable development without jeopardising the role of the 7.1 Droitwich Spa is identified in the settlement 7.8 Droitwich Spa’s location within the Central Green Belt designation. hierarchy (policy CS1) as a Main Town being the Technology Belt and its status within the Regional largest settlement (Population 22,878, 2001 Census) Spatial Strategy’s development hierarchy (Policy 7.12 Feedback for the Issues and Options in Wychavon District. CF2) means that it is appropriate for the town to consultation, along with the evidence form the accommodate a significant proportion of the growth Open Space and Strategic Housing Land Availability 7.2 Development can be traced back to at least target for south Worcestershire. Studies demonstrates that post 2011 growth will the Roman period and its industrial heritage was have to be accommodated outside the development based on the production of salt. The town has 7.9 In seeking to accommodate further growth boundary. Saltday Figure, showing Droitwich’s industrial heritage. undergone considerable expansion over the past there is an aspiration to build on the developments three decades. of quality that exist in the town. Future growth 7.13 The Green Belt reviews concludes that there areas must be facilitated in such a manner as to are few locations that could deliver sustainable 7.3 The town provides a wide range of services deliver high quality design, use of open space and development without jeopardising the role of the including education, health, leisure and retail. integration into the surrounding rural area Green Belt designation. Broad locations for 1,750 Employment is concentrated in the north where without impinging upon recognised areas of dwellings and 10 hectares of employment land are there are three industrial estates, the most recent sensitivity around the town. identified in the Spatial Strategy for Droitwich Spa being Stonebridge Cross. Retail is concentrated in with regard to retail. the town centre with some provision at Directions for Growth Kidderminster Road along with isolated retail units 7.14 With regard to retail development the in residential areas. Approximately 46% of residents evidence suggests that there is no need for 7.10 Evidence obtained from the Issues and work outside the town, the most popular additional convenience i.e food goods floorspace Options consultation (Issues 1 and 5) supports destinations being Worcester (14%), Birmingham other than qualitative improvement to the town focusing housing growth on the main towns. (8%) and Bromsgrove (6%). Given these patterns of centre. For comparison retail goods i.e. non- food Feedback also confirmed strong support for the commuting the Joint Core Strategy needs to balance the need is for between 200-900 m2 up to 2012 following: the provision of both local employment and a further 700-2000 m2 up to 2017. In the first opportunities and fulfill the town’s role within the • safeguarding employment sites (Issue 17); instance this should all be provided for in the town Central Technology Belt, whilst avoiding increasing • encouraging rural regeneration (Issues 18); centre. the travel to work journeys to and from the Major • urban focus for tourism opportunities Urban Area. Droitwich Spa also provides (Issues 22); employment opportunities for approximately • maintaining the viability and vitality of town 5,000 people from outside the town, the most centres (Issues 20, 21). coming from Worcester (22%), Wyre Forest (15%) In identifying appropriate levels of growth for and Bromsgrove (13%). Droitwich Spa the following has been taken account: 7.4 With regard to accessibility Droitwich Spa is • natural barriers: River , Elmbridge served by the M5 (Junction 5 and 6), A38 (focus of Brook, steep slopes and landscape impacts; the Central Technology Belt), rail (two routes into • Man-made barriers: M5, A38/Roman Way, Birmingham), and high frequency bus service Green Belt; (A38). The Droitwich Canals project has planning • historic settlement patterns, listed buildings permission and the canal should be re-opened by and historic gardens, specifically Westwood 2010. This will bring more people into the town House. centre. Droitwich High Street, with little opportunity for 7.11 Feedback from the Issues and Options growth/new development and a key part of Droitwich Spa’s Conservation Area. 7.5 Due to its heritage Droitwich Spa has an consultation, along with evidence from the Open extensive Conservation Area. This heritage is also Space and Strategic Housing Land Availability the basis of the high quality leisure facilities Assesment Studies, points to the fact that nearly all including the recently re-opened Lido. new growth will have to be accommodated outside the current development boundary. Broad locations 7.6 Droitwich Spa lies between two high points for approximately 1,750 dwellings and 10 hectares to the north () and south (Yew Tree Hill) 54 55 The Preferred Spatial Strategy Proposed Policy CS5 Droitwich Spa Phasing of Development Linkage to Spatial Objectives

7.15 Broad locations for development to provide The Droitwich Spa spatial diagram identifies broad Phase 1 (2006 - 2011) 7.16 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or for the requirements of Droitwich Spa have been locations for the development of at least 1,750 new Local Plan allocations, windfall development. delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived identified as: dwellings and 10 hectares of employment land be- Retail development in the town centre. tween 2006 and 2026. from the Sustainable Community Strategies: • Town centre – retail, residential and Phase 2 (2011-2016) • Stronger Communities objectives 1, 2 and 3; employment. Mix-use (housing, employment) at Copcut Lane/ The urban extensions will be subject to more A38. Retail development in the town centre. • Meeting the Needs of All Generations • South – residential and mixed use detailed planning policy set out in Supplementary objectives 4, 5 and 6; Phase 3 (2017 - 2021) development comprising 1500 dwellings at Planning Documents. • Economic Success that is Shared By All Land at Copcut Lane/ Chawson Lane. the Area of Development Restraint objectives 7, 8 and 10; (to west of railway) identified in Wychavon District Local Initially development will be on previously • A Better Environment for Today and Plan referred to as Copcut Lane developed land/ ‘brownfield’ land within the Phase 4 (2022 - 2026) Tomorrow objectives 12, 13 and 15; and greenfield sites either side of Chawson development boundary. Housing growth will deliver Land to the north of Pulley Lane. • Improving Health and Well-Being objectives Lane. Residential development, comprising a range of housing sizes and tenures to ensure 18 and 19; and 250 dwellings on greenfield land referred to housing needs are met and that a wider choice of This will be monitored and reviewed on an annual • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe as the north of Pulley Lane. homes are available to both the new and existing basis. objective 21. • The south of the town currently provides population of Droitwich Spa. minimal employment opportunity so Comments on the Alternative in order to re-dress this balance and to The provision of employment land will seek to satisfy Droitwich Spa’s role as a centre make provision for industries compatible with the Options Considered. in the Central Technology Belt, status of Droitwich Spa as a node in the Central employment land should be provided for in Technology Belt and to ensure a supply of sites that 7,17 East of M5, significant development in the the Area of Development Restraint. will strengthen the local economy. Green Belt and close to Westwood House. Given the range of environmental constraints identified There is up to 900 square metres of comparison in paragraph 7.12 above and the view of the goods retail floorspace between 2006 and 2012 and Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment up to 2,000 square metres of comparison goods that these factors severely limited retail floorspace between 2012 and 2017 will be development potential for the town it is clear provided for in the town centre. that other broad directions of growth have insufficient planning merit. Therefore Infill development will respect the historic form developing east of the M5, significant development and character the centre of Droitwich Spa, with in the Green Belt and development in close high design standards and protection of urban proximity to Westwood House and associated greenspace. All development will need to parkland (a Grade I listed building) have not contribute in full via S106 Developer been supported. Contributions/Community Infrastructure Levy, 7.18 More growth to the villages and direct towards the range of infrastructure required in growth to a new settlement. Directing more growth order to make the overall growth sustainable. to the villages is not an environmentally sustainable This infrastructure includes the following: option given the relative lack of services and public • Improved public transport to Birmingham transport viability. As with directing growth to a and Worcester; new settlement this option is not supportive of the • Droitwich Spa Green Necklace and cycle/ Regional Spatial Strategy, which clearly prioritises walking network; urban development. Both options were not well • increased parking capacity at Droitwich Spa supported in the Issues and Options consultation. Railway station; • increased school capacity for Droitwich High School; • new infrastructure for West Mercia Constabulary.

56 57 8. SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR EVESHAM Introduction

8.1 Evesham is identified in the settlement hierarchy as a Main Town (Policy CS1) with a population of 22,304 (2001 Census).

8.2 Evesham straddles the River Avon within Spatial Diagram the Vale of Evesham. As a market town it provides a wide range of services including education, health (including a hospital), leisure and retail. Employment is concentrated in the south at Vale Market Square is a public space within a historic setting. 3: Droitwich Spa Park. Retail provision is focused in the town centre with some provision to the north west (Worcester Directions for Growth Road) and the south (Four Pools). Most (54%) of Evesham residents who travel to work do so in the 8.8 In order to meet the housing and town itself, which demonstrates that Evesham is a employment targets, set out in the Regional Spatial relatively self contained settlement. Strategy, broad locations for approximately 2,300 Approximately 30% of residents work outside of dwellings and 10 hectares of employment land are the district, the most popular destinations being shown on the spatial diagram. Feedback from the Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds, Tewkesbury Issues and Options Paper, coupled with the need to and Worcester. Evesham also provides employment protect existing public open space and limited opportunities for approximately 4,700 people from previously developed land/brownfield land means outside the town, most of these (approx 60%) are that the new growth will have to be principally from within Wychavon district. provided for outside the existing settlement boundary. 8.3 Evesham is highly accessible, being located on the Strategic Highway Network (A46T). It is 8.9 Feedback from the Issues and Options served by frequent buses from Cheltenham and consultation, along with the evidence of the open Worcester. Having a station on the Hereford to space and Strategic Housing Land Availability London line it offers leisure and work opportunities Assesment studies demonstrate that post 2011 to , London and the South East. The River growth will have to be accommodated outside the Avon is very popular for recreational activities. development boundary. In identifying appropriate directions of growth for Evesham the following has 8.4 Due to its heritage, including a historic been taken into account: battle site, it has an extensive Conservation Area • Natural barriers: Avon and Isbourne Rivers centred on the High Street. The town has also and their floodplains secured a new leisure centre and football stadium. • Man made barriers: A46(T) 8.5 Evesham is low-lying, hence its recent • Historic settlement patterns, Conservation vulnerability to flooding, particularly in Areas/Listed Buildings/Scheduled Ancient , and is very prominent in the Monuments etc landscape from the south (Cotswold Area of • Accessibility to services Outstanding Natural Beauty). 8.10 Broad locations for 2,300 dwellings and 10 8.6 Evesham has a relatively high natural hectares of employment land are identified in the increase in population and housing needs. Spatial Strategy for Evesham. With regard to retail 8.7 Evesham’s status within the Regional development the evidence suggests only comparison Spatial Strategy (Policy CF2) suggests that it is goods i.e. non-food floorspace is needed for the appropriate for the town to accommodate a period to 2017. The requirement is for between significant amount of the growth target for 2,000 and 7,400 sq metres and in the first instance South Worcestershire. this should be provided for in the town centre.

58 59 The Preferred Spatial Strategy Proposed Policy CS6 Evesham Phasing of Development Comments on the Alternative Options Considered 8.11 Taking the above factors into account the The Site Allocations Development Plan Document Phase 1 (2006 - 2011) Preferred Spatial Strategy for Evesham sets out the or Development Brief Supplementary Planning Local Plan allocations and windfall development. following broad locations for development: Document will identify sites at Evesham to ensure Retail development in the town centre. 8.13 Developing the historic battlefield site, the the development of 2,300 new dwellings with 10 River Avon flood plain and to the east of the A46 • Town Centre - employment, residential Phase 2 (2012-2016) hectares of employment land between 2006 and (T). Given the range of environmental and physical and retail Offenham Road/Kings Road (Phase 1), south of 2026 and up to 7,400 square metres of retail constraints identified in paragraph 8.10 and the • East (within the A46T) residential Pershore Road (Phase 1). Retail development in the floorspace to 2017. assessment of the Strategic Housing Land development comprising 1500 on greenfield town centre. Availability Assessment that these constraints sites either side of Offenham Road; The development of sites will follow the principles Phase 3 (2017 - 2021) severely restrict development opportunities it is • South West – residential development of sustainable development and this will in the Offenham Road/Kings Road (Phase 2). clear that other urban extensions of the town have comprising 800 on greenfield site off first instance be on Previously Developed Land/ Phase 4 (2022 - 2026) insufficient planning merit. Therefore developing Pershore Road, Hampton; ’Brownfield’ Land within the development South of Pershore Road (Phase 2). the historic battlefield site, the River Avon flood boundary. Following that employment housing plain and to the east of the A46 (T) have not been • South – employment 10ha at Vale This will be monitored and reviewed on an annual and retail land supply will be delivered in the supported. Business Park. basis. broad locations set out in the Evesham Spatial Diagram. The urban extensions will be subject 8.14 Direct more growth to the villages and direct to more detailed planning policy set out in growth to a new settlement. Directing more growth Supplementary Planning Documents. to the villages is not an environmentally sustainable Linkage to Spatial Objectives option given the relative lack of services and public Housing growth will deliver a range of housing sizes transport viability. As with directing growth to a and tenures to ensure needs are met and wider new settlement this option is not supportive of the 8.12 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or choice of homes are available to both the new and Regional Spatial Strategy, which clearly prioritises delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived existing population of Evesham Market Area. urban development. Both options were not well from the Sustainable Community Strategies: supported in the Issues and Options consultation. The provision of employment land will ensure a • Stronger Communities objectives 1, 2 and 3; supply of sites of size, location and adaptability to • Meeting the Needs of All Generations strengthen the local economy. objectives 4, 5 and 6;

Evesham riverside with cornfields and sculpture - Infill development will respect the historic form and • Economic Success that is Shared By All an accessible biodiverse public open space. character of Evesham, with high design objectives 8 and 10; standards and protection of urban greenspace. • A Better Environment for Today and Tomorrow objectives 12, 13 and 15; All development will need to contribute in full, • Improving Health and Well-Being objectives via S106 Developer Contributions/Community 18 and 19; and Infrastructure Levy, towards the range of • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe infrastructure required in order to make the objective 21. overall growth sustainable. This infrastructure includes the following:

• Improved car parking provision at Evesham Established employment sites such as Four Pools Industrial Railway Station; Estate, need to be safeguarded. • New First School provision at Hampton and Bengeworth; • New public open space/recreation facilities; • New pedestrian/cycle bridge connecting Hampton with Evesham Town Centre; • Enhanced hospital provision. • Extension to West Mercia Constabulary’s Section Station and two new neighbourhood Police Posts. • Extension to the Evesham High Street Regeneration Project.

60 61 9. SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR 9.2 It is identified in the settlement hierarchy as an ‘other town’ and is a small market town with TENBURY WELLS SPATIAL DIAGRAM a population of 3,316 (2001 Census) within a predominantly rural setting. It is the only town of this size in the area, serving a mainly rural Introduction hinterland characterised by very small settlements and farmsteads. The nearest larger urban areas 9.1 Tenbury Wells is situated in the north west of are Bromyard (13 miles) and Leominster (20 miles) Malvern Hills District, adjacent to the River Teme, in Herefordshire, and Ludlow (10 miles) in south which defines a district and county boundary with Shropshire. Malvern is 23 miles to the south east. Shropshire. It has a strong functional relationship with the built up area of Burford on the north side 9.3 A large area of Tenbury Wells, including Spatial Diagram 4: the historic core and the commercial centre is of the river within Shropshire. The river bridge at the junction of the A456 and the A4112 links both designated as a Conservation Area, in recognition built up areas. Bus services linking the town to of the town’s special architectural and historic other towns and the rural areas are generally interest. The town has seen limited new Evesham development in recent years, with the majority in infrequent. the south and south east of the town, away from the River Teme.

9.4 The landscape setting of Tenbury Wells is defined by its location within the Teme Valley. Much of the town is low lying, within the flood plains of the River Teme and Brook, which extend across much of the town’s historic and commercial centre. To the south the built up area climbs the gentle slopes along and between the four radial routes comprising Kyrewood, Bromyard, Oldwood and Berrington Roads. The higher and prominent land gives long distance views northwards across the town to Shropshire and the Clee Hills. Regular flooding of the River Teme prevents large scale development in much of the town. 9.5 The town’s location within the flood plain has meant serious flooding over the centuries with the most recent severe floods in summer of 2007, when the town flooded three times.

9.6 For its population, Tenbury Wells has more services and facilities than might be expected, but this reflects its important role as a service and commercial centre for a much wider rural area and its close relationship with Burford, north of the Teme. Tenbury Wells contains two primary schools and a high school. There is a community hospital on the Worcester Road, just across the bridge, in Burford. It has a limited range of sports and leisure facilities and has an important tourist role within the Teme Valley and Worcestershire as a whole. The main shopping area is centred on Teme Street Tenbury will continue to serve surrounding and Market Street, consisting mainly of small agricultural communities. independent stores, and the town has no major food retailer. It has a weekly market. Burford contains the main industrial and employment areas that serve the area, but relies on Tenbury Wells for shops and many services.

62 63 9.7 Travel to work data from the 2001 Census • Addressing the need for a greater range of The Preferred Spatial Strategy Proposed Policy CS7 Tenbury Wells indicates that in general the majority of Tenbury housing types and sizes, in particular to Wells residents work in Tenbury Wells, and South support elderly needs and to provide 9.12 It is considered that there is a need to Growth should respect the existing urban form, Shropshire and Herefordshire districts, mainly affordable homes for families. provide up to 100 dwellings in Tenbury Wells over particularly in relation to the undulating landform and opportunities for views in to the town, and its centred on Ludlow, Leominster and Bromyard. • To improve sustainable transport. This the period to 2026. The Tenbury Wells spatial historic characteristics. People who work in Tenbury Wells and Burford would give alternatives to car travel and diagram indicates their broad location. generally travel from Tenbury Wells and Burford allow those without private transport more Housing growth should be balanced with increases in or from the more local rural surrounds from South 9.13 The majority of employment land is situated access to services within the town, employment development to allow further choice of Shropshire, Herefordshire and the north western north of the river, in Burford, and it is considered both within and from the surrounding jobs for new and existing residents, and to help to part of Malvern Hills District. There is only limited that the existing employment sites in Malvern Hills rural areas. reduce longer distance commuting. travel to work from and to Malvern, and Worcester. District should be the focus for small-scale local • Housing growth will be of a relatively modest needs employment growth only. There is also scope scale and the main aspiration will be Accessibility to Tenbury Wells from the 9.8 The area is designated as part of a much to make more intensive use of the existing land at to ensure that the development adds to the surrounding rural areas will be enhanced larger Rural Regeneration Zone in the Regional Tenbury Business Park, to the south of the town. rural character of the town. through improvements to sustainable transport Spatial Strategy. The area is characterised by Scope may exist to identify land, for small starter infrastructure to ensure better access to agriculture, small market towns, villages, and type units/live work units. higher-level services such as health, employment an ageing population. The north-west part of and educational opportunities for the rural Malvern Hills District, including Tenbury Wells, Directions for growth 9.14 Whilst the role of Burford and its population. This will include more frequent bus has also been covered by Objective 2 Programme relationship with Tenbury Wells is recognised, the services and rural transport initiatives in line with (2000-2006) of the European Union Structural Funds 9.10 Because of the comparatively small size of Core Strategy can only put forward spatial options the County Council’s Integrated Passenger Transport programme, to assist with redevelopment initiatives Tenbury Wells, together with flooding issues, means for Tenbury Wells itself. Preliminary discussions Strategy. in rural areas. that large-scale growth is not appropriate for the have taken place with Shropshire Council. This will town. However, there is a need for some limited Development of the former Cattle Market site for allow the continuation of work on a Core Strategy housing growth within the town, and in association commercial uses, including retail, employment for Shropshire and contribute to cross-boundary with Burford, to deliver a wider choice of housing, uses, and / or for recreation, leisure and Main Issues discussions. and in particular to support elderly needs and to community uses will be encouraged where these provide more affordable family housing. 9.9 The main issues concerning development are of a scale and size appropriate to the location growth of the town are: and compatible with flood policy. 9.11 There is also a need to support the economy of Tenbury Wells / Burford with small-scale Employment development at Tenbury Wells will be • The small population of Tenbury Wells. This employment growth, recognising this is a limited to meeting local needs only enhancing the means that development growth would need sustainable location and capable of being better economic prosperity of the town and its rural to be of an appropriate scale to the size of served by more sustainable modes of transport. surroundings. No specific allocations are the settlement and its existing and potential anticipated beyond the continued infrastructure and services. implementation of the existing Tenbury Business • River flooding. This can be exacerbated Park. The release of any additional land for by surface water run-off from new employment uses at Tenbury, will take place only developments unless carefully designed. once Tenbury Business Park has been fully • Service needs for an ageing population. developed and subject to consideration of the full Tenbury Wells has 31.5% of its population range of employment development opportunities aged 60 and over, compared to a figure of which exist on a cross boundary basis within 21.7% for Worcestershire as a whole Burford which is within South Shropshire District. (2001 Census). • The need to support the town’s economic Development should support the role of Tenbury prosperity. This means that housing growth Wells as a focus for the provision of services and should be balanced by job growth and employment for the surrounding rural areas. the need to re-generate the rural economy by making full use of The Site Allocations Development Plan Document the Rural Regeneration Zone designation. will identify the phasing and the location of up to To support the role of the town as an 100 new dwellings to 2026. important service centre for the wider rural area.

Left: Tenbury Town Centre providing local services.

64 65 Linkage to Spatial Objectives

9.15 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived from the Sustainable Community Strategies: • Stronger Communities objectives 1, 2 and 3; Spatial Diagram 5: • Meeting the Needs of All Generations objectives 4, 5 and 6; • Economic Success that is Shared By All objectives 8 and 10; Tenbury Wells • A Better Environment for Today and Tomorrow objectives 12, 13, 15 and 16; • Improving Health and Well-being objectives 18 and 19; and • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe objective 21.

Comments on the Alternative Options Considered

9.16 Other urban extensions. No alternative areas for broad locations for growth are put forward for Tenbury Wells. The form of the town, the undulating landscape and the high flood risk precludes the consideration of large parts of the town for housing or other developments.

9.17 No planned growth for Tenbury Wells, but allow for low key, incremental growth through infill and redevelopment within the town as opportunities arise. This is not considered to be a realistic option as it will not address known issues such as a quantified need for affordable and market housing, the need to address services for the more elderly population and to make positive provision for families. Planned growth will also help employers and service and infrastructure providers plan ahead and support the town centre.

66 67 10. SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR reflecting its service centre role. The Preferred Spatial Strategy Proposed Policy CS8 Upton-upon-Severn 10.7 The flooding problems associated with the UPTON-UPON-SEVERN area has resulted in the fragmented nature of the 10.10 Although Tunnel Hill and Holly Green/ Ryall Employment opportunities will be directed to town and its hinterland. As a consequence the are Category 3 villages, they have strong links with Upton-upon-Severn, including the associated future development of the town is not dependent Upton-upon-Severn and a case can be made for settlement of Tunnel Hill, as a sustainable location upon the existing urban area, but on associated them to take local needs development which is Introduction for jobs and services. settlements, and such flexibility is essential to associated with Upton-upon-Severn. For example, 10.1 Upton-upon-Severn lies on the River deliver the locally needed growth. the new health centre to serve the wider Severn, between Worcester and Tewkesbury with Upton-upon-Severn area has recently been built at Retail development opportunities will be directed to a population of some 2,600 people (2001 census). Tunnel Hill. It is therefore considered that Tunnel the Town Centre and will be related in scale to the Main issues Hill with Holly Green/ Ryall should be a focus for size and function of the centre. 10.2 The town is linked to the north east side limited housing growth for Upton-upon-Severn, of the Severn via its one road bridge, linking the 10.8 The main issues affecting the future growth for up to 100 dwellings, as shown on the The Site Allocations Development Plan Document urban area to the smaller settlements of Holly of Upton-upon-Severn are: Upton-upon-Severn Spatial Diagram. will identify the phasing and location of up to 100 Green and Ryall to the east and Tunnel Hill to the new dwellings at Tunnel Hill and Holly Green/ Ryall • Support for Upton-upon-Severn as a market west. The nearest larger settlements are Malvern for Upton-upon-Severn to 2026. town and therefore as a sustainable location. 10.11 Employment opportunities will be small to the north-west (7 miles) and Tewkesbury, in scale, but there will be scope for some growth • Flooding, and consequently finding land for Gloucestershire to the South East (6.5 miles). There in jobs at Upton marina. There may be scope for Housing growth will deliver a range of housing sizes new housing/ employment land and are no rail connections, the nearest mainline small-scale employment growth for small workshops and tenures to ensure housing needs are met and associated services; stations being at Ashchurch and Great Malvern. or live/work units in Tunnel Hill. wider choice of homes are available to both the • Scope for growth of jobs, such as at Upton new and existing population. 10.3 Because of its proximity to the river the Marina – to support tourism trade, majority of the town is within the flood plain and and associated river-borne trade; Housing growth will provide enhanced accessibility regularly floods, which has a significant impact • Focus for retail development within Upton- within new developments and to local facilities via on local business and prospects for development upon-Severn town centre that is appropriate sustainable transport modes, including cycling and growth. in scale to serve the local need; walking. 10.4 Travel to work data for the parishes of • Accessibility by sustainable transport-need Upton-upon-Severn and (2001 Census) to focus on improvements to bus services to Any infill development in Upton-upon-Severn will shows that the majority of people who live in the increase access for those without respect the historic form and character of the town, two parishes tend to work within the immediate access to private cars, especially from sur will protect urban greenspace and require high area, in the rest of Malvern Hills District, rounding rural areas; design standards. particularly Malvern and Welland areas, and • The need to deliver affordable housing for Ledbury. There are also strong travel to work links local needs, and a range of other housing. with Worcester, Pershore and Tewkesbury, and some to Cheltenham. Of people who travel into work the majority come in from the southern part of Malvern Upton High Street Hills District, Ledbury and parts of Worcester. Directions for growth which serves the surrounding areas but 10.9 There is general support for directing growth 10.5 The town grew up around the river and its is cut-off in times of to existing towns, including Upton-upon-Severn, but flood. economy and is based mainly on agriculture and many query whether this is possible because of the river-based trade. Nowadays the town has two severe flood issues. It is clear from background complimentary roles, as a service centre /market work on the Strategic Housing Land Availability town for the surrounding rural areas; and as a Assessment that there is limited suitable land in tourist destination, based on its historic character or immediately around Upton-upon-Severn. In and riverside location. There is a large marina on response to the Issues and Options consultation, the north side of river that has planning permission Upton-upon-Severn Town Council has suggested for expansion. There are many pubs/ hotels and the need for 50 dwellings at Tunnel Hill. restaurants / cafes that service the tourist trade. There is a range of shops, mainly independent retailers in High Street and Old Street.

10.6. For its population size, Upton-upon- Severn has a large range of facilities including a High School (at Hanley Castle, a mile north west of the town), a library, and new health centre (at Tunnel Hill), as well as the shops mentioned above, 68 69 Linkage to Spatial Objectives

10.12 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived from the Sustainable Community Strategies: • Stronger Communities objectives 1, 2 and 3; • Meeting the Needs of All Generations objectives 4 and 6; • Economic Success that is Shared By All objectives 8 and 10; Spatial Diagram 6: • A Better Environment for Today and Tomorrow objectives 12, 13, 15 and 16; • Improving Health and Well-Being objectives 18 and 19; and Upton-upon-Severn • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe Upton Marina attracts objective 21. the boating community.

Comments on the Alternative Options Considered

10.13 No planned growth for Upton-upon-Severn. It is difficult to find suitable sites outside the flood plain. Any growth could happen incrementally, through infill or redevelopment of sites within the town as and when the opportunities arise. This option would however ignore the identified needs such as for affordable housing and the need to support services and infrastructure within the town centre. Planned growth can also provide a wider choice of housing. It is therefore considered that a “no planned growth” alternative is not appropriate.

70 71 11. SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR the surrounding countryside, for example by The Preferred Spatial Strategy improving public transport facilities and services PERSHORE AND SPATIAL DIAGRAM and by locating new development that minimises 11.8 Development in Pershore will take place in the need to travel by private car. the following broad locations: • South west – residential comprising 150 Introduction dwellings off Three Springs Road; Directions for Growth • North – residential comprising 400 dwellings 11.1 The historic market town of Pershore lies off Station Road; on the River Avon. The main areas of the town are 11.5 Evidence from the Strategic Housing Land • North east – residential comprising 450 centred on the Abbey, the bustling Georgian High Availability Assessment and the Issues and Options dwellings either side of Wyre Road; Street (the focus for the Conservation Area) and consultation (Issue 5) support the distribution of • North east – employment 10ha at Keytec 7; important open spaces providing a high quality town a proportion of the Regional Spatial Strategy environment. These attributes are greatly valued by housing requirement to market towns such as • Town Centre – retail, comprising up to 2,000 residents and the local rural communities that use Pershore. Safeguarding existing employment sites sq metres; the town for shopping, leisure, recreation and and encouraging rural regeneration were also given 11.9 In directing development to the north of the education as well as other key services. These strong support (Issue 17 and 18), as were town it is important that essential infrastructure include the retail market, No8 Community Arts maintaining the vitality and viability of the existing improvements are in place (Issue 11, Option1). Centre, leisure centre, High School, and new shopping centre with its independent traders and Specifically the link from the A44/Wyre Piddle community hospital. Significant local employment ensuring that tourism opportunities are linked to By-pass roundabout to Keytec 7 Business Park opportunities are also provided in the many the main settlements (Issue 20, 21, 22). (identified in the Wychavon Local Plan (2006) Policy businesses located in the town, as well as the SR6 refers), will need to be delivered. This will industrial estate to the north. 11.6 Therefore, in order to meet the housing and employment targets set for Wychavon District in the also help to alleviate the congestion hotspot at the 11.2 Approximately 34% of Pershore residents Regional Spatial Strategy it is necessary to direct a Pinvin/A44 junction. work outside the district, the most popular being proportion of this growth to Pershore. In identifying 11.10 In the interests of sustainable development Worcester (11%) and Malvern Hills (5%). This is a locations for growth of approximately 1,000 and to be supportive of the Regional Spatial relatively high out-commuting figure compared with dwellings and up to 5ha of employment land the Strategy previously developed land should be the Droitwich Spa and Evesham and is a reflection of town will need to expand beyond the existing initial priority for development. the town’s size. Pershore provides employment development boundary as defined in the Wychavon opportunities for approximately 3,350 people from District Local Plan 2006 due to limited urban Pershore Leisure Centre serves the local community other settlements, the most popular being capacity. With regard to retail development the Worcester (11%). The long established centre for evidence suggests that only comparison goods i.e horticultural training at Pershore College reflects non-food floorspace is needed for the period to the locally distinctive characteristics of horticulture 2017. The requirement is for a range between 200 and farming in the Vale of Evesham. – 2,000 m2 and in the first instance this should be provided for in town centre. 11.3 The functional flood plain of the ‘meadow’ land between the River Avon and rear of the High 11.7 In considering the directions of growth for Street provide both a resource for nature, as well Pershore recognition has been given to the as a valued area for passive and active recreation, significant issues relating to physical and natural such as walking and sport. In the last decade constraint. In particular the views into and out of significant flooding events have reinforced the the town, the historic settlement pattern, the River importance of keeping this area free of Avon and its functional flood plain, and Allesborough development. In a wider context, the town and Hill. In addition the findings of the Strategic Housing the surrounding villages have been dramatically Land Availability Assessment supported the proposed affected by flooding from both the River Avon directions of growth. catchment and surface run-off. Consequently, local Pershore riverbank: communities have been cut-off from other centres regular flooding of the and services and it is important that the Spatial River Avon prevents development to the Strategy recognises this issue. south and east.

11.4 Pershore is on the main bus route between Worcester and Evesham and there are also services to Cheltenham. Most villages within close proximity also have regular bus services to the town. However, it is also important that the Joint Core Strategy helps to improve the accessibility of the town from 72 73 Proposed Policy CS9 Pershore • Encourage and support the development Linkage to Spatial Objectives of the town as a centre for cultural The Pershore spatial diagram identifies broad areas and tourism related activities. 11.11 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or for the development of 1,000 new dwellings with delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived • Maintain and enhance the town’s shops and 5 hectares of employment land and up to 2,000 from the Sustainable Community Strategies: services in accordance with its status as a square metres of retail floorspace. The urban Market Town. • Stronger Communities objectives 1, 2 and 3; extensions will be subject to more detailed • Meeting the Needs of All Generations planning policy set out in Supplementary Planning • Infill development will respect the historic objectives 4, 5 and 6; Documents. form and character of the town, with high design standards and protection of urban • Economic Success that is Shared By All Housing growth will deliver a range of housing sizes greenspace. Extend the Pershore High Street objectives 8 and 10; and tenures to ensure housing needs are met and Regeneration Scheme to Head Street. • A Better Environment for Today and wider choice of homes is available to both the new Tomorrow objectives 12, 13, 15 and 16; and existing population of Pershore. • Improving Health and Well-Being objectives Phasing of Development 18 and 19; and The provision of employment land will ensure a supply of sites of size, location and adaptability Phase 1 (2006 - 2011) • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe objective 21. to strengthen the local economy. Infill within the town.

Developer contributions and/or the Community Retail development in the town centre. Infrastructure Levy will secure the infrastructure Phase 2 (2012-2016) Comments on the Alternative Conversion and requirements arising as a result of the proposed Employment development to the north east. Options Considered extension of scale of development. A key infrastructure former post office Housing development to the north east (Phase 1) requirement to develop sites to the north of the 11.12 Other Urban Extension. Given the physical to new town hall town will be the completion of the access road to Phase 3 (2017 - 2021) constraints to the town, in particular the functional fits in with the historic setting of the Wyre Piddle By-pass from Keytec 7 Business Housing development to the south west flood plain to the south and east and the exposed the abbey and Park, as well as surface run- off management slopes to the west, there are no other urban conservation area. Phase 4 (2022 -2026) measures from all new development. extension options that have planning merit. Housing development to the north east (Phase 2) All new development should contribute to the 11.13 Identify locations for a limited proportion of creation of sustainable communities and comply This will be monitored and reviewed on an residential development in Pershore and disperse with the requirements of Policy CS1, with particular annual basis. the remainder to adjacent Category 1 and Category reference to: 2 villages. This option would be contrary to • Encourage/enhance public transport links Regional Spatial Strategy (Policy (RR3) and between Worcester, Evesham, and evidence including from service providers, from Cheltenham. the Issues and Options consultation clearly shows • Maintain the railway station, provide that a dispersed pattern of development would be enhanced parking and improve connectivity a less sustainable option. to the town. 11.14 Identify locations for a limited proportion • Alleviate the bottleneck at A44/B4082 of residential development in Pershore and locate Pinvin crossroads. the remainder at an enlarged settlement based on • Protecting important views in and out of the Worcestershire Parkway/Norton area. Given the town, particularly from Bredon Hill and the uncertainty of delivering Worcestershire Parkway back-drop of Allesborough Hill. before the end of the Joint Core Strategy period i.e. • Recognising opportunities to regenerate the 2026 it is not considered a deliverable option at this town centre where appropriate. stage. • Provide new open space to the north of the town. • Support the development of Pershore College and High School.

74 75 Spatial Diagram 7: Pershore

76 77 12. SPATIAL STRATEGY FOR The Preferred Spatial Strategy Their sustained viability may require small-scale expansion or intensification. Given the nature of THE VILLAGES OF SOUTH 12.4 Some housing, to meet local needs within national planning guidance there will inevitably be WORCESTERSHIRE rural areas, will be directed to specified Category pressure to redevelop some existing business sites, 1 and 2 villages. A proportion of housing to meet in particular for housing. However, these sites are local affordable needs will be directed to these important to the rural economy and their loss may have a negative effect on both the local economy Introduction settlements and possibly Category 3 villages (Issue 5, Option 3 and 4) as appropriate. This is to help and the desire to achieve sustainable development. maintain the continued viability of the settlements, Furthermore, the re-use of previously developed 12.1 The villages and hamlets across South sustaining services and facilities for the land in locations where development would be Worcestershire are characterised by close knit communities that live within them. unsustainable or intrusive in the countryside will be communities that in many places, retain links resisted. with the traditional rural economy as well as 12.5 The South Housing Market Area Study providing varying ranges of services to their local 12.8 Tourism and leisure is one of the most identifies a clear need to deliver more affordable communities, e.g. post office, village shop, important and diverse sectors of the rural economy homes, particularly in rural areas, to meet the high community hall, public houses. The retention of and there is potential for the local tourism industry levels of local need. The Housing Needs these facilities, and where possible, the provision to grow in a way sensitive to the character of the Assessment as supplemented by Parish Needs of additional services is essential in achieving area. Support will be given to small-scale Assessments on parish plans where appropriate, sustainable patterns of development. Limited attractions based on enjoying the countryside, will quantify the level of need for individual rural access to shops and services in the main towns, by historic towns and villages, churches, events, settlements. The development of ‘Exception Sites’ means other than car, remains a problem for some festivals, and waterways. Any associated holiday will continue to provide for an element of parts of the rural areas and contributes to rural accommodation should also be small scale and low affordable housing need in rural areas. deprivation. Public transport is very limited, which key to reflect the nature of rural areas. However, there is a need to increase the numbers inevitably leads to high levels of journeys by car for of affordable homes provided in the rural areas 12.9 Within the rural areas it is envisaged that services and out commuting for work. beyond the levels currently coming forward through only Category 1 and 2 settlements will be defined by exception sites. Therefore, new policy mechanisms reference to detailed settlement boundaries which 12.2 In terms of local distinctiveness the range such as potential allocations for 100% affordable will be brought forward through the proposed of architectural styles, settlement patterns, and South Worcestershire villages provide a homes will be considered. However, it will be Allocations Development Plan Document. This landscape settings across South Worcestershire vary wealth of character that needs to be necessary to ensure that balanced, mixed reflects the position that Category 3 settlements, safeguarded. considerably. This creates strong individual patterns communities are delivered. This will include due to their limited range of facilities and public of development influenced by the building styles recognising the possible need for some limited transport access, will have a much reduced role in and varied landscapes. It is important that these market housing in appropriate Category 1 and 2 meeting local housing needs (primarily features are recognised and reflected in new settlements. affordable housing provision only in the form of development, and where appropriate conserved and exception sites) and no specific role in meeting enhanced. Ensuring the integrity of settlements is local employment needs. (see swjcs key diagram). also important and villages in the north benefit 12.6 The decline in rural services and from the West Midlands Green Belt designation community facilities, such as shops/post offices or (established to prevent towns from merging) whilst public houses, is a major issue for rural populations in other places Strategic/Significant Gaps will seek particularly for those who are dependent on public to maintain open countryside between smaller transport. Many rural community facilities, such as settlements. Landscape setting is also important village halls, although often well used and valued and a number of the rural villages of South may be in need of replacement and the Joint Core Worcestershire are covered by national and local Strategy will provide a flexible approach to securing landscape designations, e.g. Areas of Outstanding new community facilities. Natural Beauty. 12.7 The South Worcestershire rural economy has 12.3 Feedback from the Issues and Options changed significantly particularly with regard to consultation together with the Sustainability farming and horticulture. The rural areas also have Appraisal suggests that a proportion of South numerous existing businesses including industrial, Worcestershire’s growth should be directed to research and office developments. Although isolated those villages that have a range of local services. rural locations do not generally comply with the aim of sustainable development, these businesses contribute to the local economy.

78 79 Policy CS10 Spatial Strategy For The Villages

In addition to existing commitments and windfalls • The significance of self employment in rural areas Linkage to Spatial Objectives Development Plan Document in villages, approximately 1,550 dwellings of the will be recognised by, encouraging ‘live/work’ 12.10 The Preferred Spatial Strategy supports or proposed housing requirement will be directed to developments in the more sustainable rural • Capacity within the school together with delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived selected Category 1 and 2 villages to accommodate locations. confirmation from the Education from the Sustainable Community Strategies: Authority that the school is unlikely growth. Consideration will be given to those • Farm diversification is acknowledged as villages that are the most sustainable and can • Stronger Communities objectives 1, 2 and 3; to close through the overall falling being a valuable opportunity to support farmers numbers of school children. satisfactorily meet small-scale residential core business and will be supported where • Meeting the Needs of All Generations development in terms of infrastructure and appropriate. objectives 4, 5 and 6; • Strong functional relationship (such as services. In the remaining Category 1, 2 and 3 commuting patterns) with a settlement(s) • Support will be given for the range of • Economic Success that is Shared By All villages some residential development will be within Categories 1 - 3 of the proposed initiatives and strategies to revitalise the objectives 8 and 11; allowed to provide low cost and affordable housing settlement hierarchy. agriculture sector delivered by other service • A Better Environment for Today and needs identified within the local community. providers. Tomorrow objective 16; • Minimal landscape impact and capable of • Improving Health and Well-being objective being easily assimilated into the settlement. The loss of village services and community The quality of life, access to key services and 18; and • Whether the village has delivered housing facilities will be resisted and it will be a community facilities is an essential aspect of • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe growth (allocation) in the current requirement to demonstrate that the specific ensuring villages and their communities thrive and objective 21. Plan period. facility is no longer viable, that appropriate market will be maintained by: • Capacity of the settlement to accommo testing has been undertaken and that there are • Safeguarding village services and community date further growth without destroying its alternative appropriate services within a facilities, such as shops/public houses, post offices, Comments on the Alternative integrity (including Strategic Housing Land reasonable journey time and frequency by public schools and meeting venues. Options Considered Availability Assessment analysis). transport. A flexible approach will be given to initiatives such as community shops. New • Protecting and enhancing public open space • Appropriate infrastructure requirements can and important landscape features of villages to 12.11 Direct a higher proportion of new be delivered. community facilities will be supported and development to the main urban areas and market favourable locations will be considered where provide opportunities for recreation and maintain village character. towns. These locations are not capable of taking journeys can be undertaken by means other than additional growth without significant investment in a private motor vehicle. Travel to larger urban areas from rural settlements new infrastructure, the delivery of which cannot be guaranteed. To ensure that the rural economy is enhanced for jobs and services, by means other than private and able to diversify development in rural areas car, remains a significant difficulty for those living 12.12 Direct new development only to Category 1 that creates and retains jobs as well as support in rural areas. In order to help achieve future villages only. This would prejudice limited growth existing services will be supported. Both farming sustainable patterns of development it is important to Category 2 and 3 villages to support services and and market gardening, which are vital to a rural to promote and support alternative means and deliver housing for which there is a clear way of life, will be supported. The maintenance of patterns of travel by: identifiable need. agriculture and local food production is also central • Locating new residential and employment to achieving sustainable development. In order to development in villages, as appropriate to the deliver the strategy of directing some growth to spatial strategy, in order to minimise the need to Allocating Development rural areas: travel. • The Site Allocations Development Plan Document • Encouraging improvements in public transport 12.13 Evidence from the Strategic Housing Land will define settlement boundaries and identify services to the larger villages, and main urban Availability Assessment clearly suggests that the appropriate sites for small-scale housing centres identified in the settlement hierarchy. supply of deliverable housing sites greatly exceeds development in selected Category 1 and 2 villages the numbers required even if additional Regional • Promoting community transport options in rural and allow limited development in remaining Spatial Strategy growth materialises, although much areas. Category 1, as well as Category 2 and 3 villages is not in sustainable locations. Therefore there will to meet a local recognised need. The document • Encouraging and developing ‘green’ transport be a need to prepare a Site Allocations Development will also set out an appropriate phasing policy. options such as cycling and car sharing in Plan Document in order to set out the boundaries accordance with Worcestershire County Council’s • Employment uses with a floorspace maximum of of new housing sites in sustainable locations. The 2 Local Transport Plan 2. 500m , including starter units within Category 1 Preferred Option also proposes to identify, through and 2 villages will be promoted. • Encouraging improved facilities at railway sta- the Site Allocations Development Plan Document, tions, e.g. extra land for car parking, to include development boundaries for Category 1 and 2 secure cycle parking, and extra bus services. villages allowing windfall development to take place post 2011.

80 81 13. INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY the Government’s current approach to developer vary according to the circumstances of the 13.14 Detailed infrastructure requirements will be contributions will be incorporated into the development but may include: affordable housing; addressed through the spatial strategy policies and Submission document, and South Worcestershire’s public open space, recreation and leisure other core policies, and the production of Developer Introduction approach reviewed accordingly. facilities; sustainable transport; education; health Contributions Supplementary Planning Document, care; emergency services facilities, children’s setting out costs, standard charges and thresholds. 13.1 The delivery of infrastructure is essential 13.5 Regional Spatial Strategy Policy SR2 seeks centres; youth facilities and community facilities; A detailed programme for the implementation of in tackling many of the issues identified in the the provision of necessary services and social recycling facilities; public art provision; city/ town essential infrastructure will be drawn up alongside emerging Joint Core Strategy. A key theme through infrastructure, including health, at Settlements of centre enhancement; renewable energy; community the Site Allocations Development Plan Document. the Issues and Options paper and the response of Significant Development (Worcester in the context safety e.g. CCTV; environmental protection and the local authorities to the Regional Spatial of the Joint Core Strategy) and in other areas where enhancement, including sustainable drainage 13.15 The delivery of infrastructure is dependent development is concentrated. on partnership working between a variety of Strategy is that housing growth is only acceptable systems; flood protection / mitigation; local 1 employment and training opportunities; and public and private sector agencies . Where on the basis that the necessary services and 13.6 The South Worcestershire authorities have information communications technology developer contributions are insufficient and/or infrastructure are provided in association with and been securing planning obligations through their where necessary in advance of new development. infrastructure. remediation is required to deal with an existing respective development plans and associated problem the Joint Core Strategy will seek to 13.2 Historically the provision of services and supplementary planning guidance. These have, 13.11 In quantifying the Community Infrastructure co-ordinate and align investment programmes of infrastructure associated with new development traditionally been negotiated for individual sites Levy for each settlement and within the rural areas, other organisations. Whilst it is not possible to has been supported where appropriate by Planning and for each specific need arising from there will be recognition that the development guarantee levels of public and private investment Obligations. These are legally binding agreements development. areas will not be built in isolation and will have over the next 20 years, the South Worcestershire between the local authority and the developer and implications for existing facilities. Similarly new Authorities will seek support from Government and often referred to as Section 106 Agreements. Consultation Response development will have cross-boundary implications other key stakeholders to secure as much certainty and the Community Infrastructure Levy will need to as possible that the necessary investment will be 13.3 The Government has emphasised the need 13.7 In response to the Issues and Options paper, take this into account. provided. A Draft Implementation Plan is attached to plan more effectively for the infrastructure there was overwhelming support for both options at Appendix 2, which identifies emerging delivery 13.12 Affordable housing contributions will not be requirements for development and is promoting that related to Issue 11 (Infrastructure and mechanisms and lead agencies. included in the standard charge, but negotiated in legislation that will allow Local Planning Implementation), that development should not accordance with Policy CS14, to enable affordable 13.16 The Spatial Strategy and other Core Authorities to introduce a Community proceed until all types of essential infrastructure housing to be delivered on-site, specific to each policies will link the phasing of development to Infrastructure Levy, which is likely to result in a are provided and that priorities for infrastructure locality, as part of ‘planning obligations’ legislation. the infrastructure needs they generate. scaling back of Section 106 Agreements. The provision required to serve new development Community Infrastructure Levy may be in the form should be clearly established. of a standard charge, as an amount levied per 13.13 Studies and consultation with interested 13.17 Technical work is still being prepared parties continues to identify the broad package dwelling or per square metre of development, 13.8 There was stronger support for developing in relation to identifying infrastructure of measures needed to accommodate proposed based on a costed assessment of the infrastructure standards of open space provision based on local requirements. However, severe transport growth. Where these are already known they have requirements arising from development proposed circumstances and needs, than a single standard of infrastructure constraints potentially limit growth been incorporated into the relevant Spatial for the area. The hope is that these arrangements provision throughout South Worcestershire (Issue 29, options across South Worcestershire and specifically Strategy policies. As a result of different will reduce the need for complicated Section 106 Options 2 and 3). There was overall support to seek at Worcester as indicated in the Worcester Spatial infrastructure requirements associated with agreements and ensure planned development is contributions from developers for play, sport and Strategy. different settlements, different levies will be delivered more quickly and in a more sustainable recreation facilities, both indoor and outdoor, from developed for each urban area and the rural areas. way. The Community Infrastructure Levy will cover all housing, industrial, retail and office development Pooled developer contributions will be required Each levy will be set at a level that ensures that much more than transportation infrastructure with (Option 5). possibly via the Community Infrastructure Levy, to water and sewerage, schools, health essential infrastructure required to support the deliver a proportion of the investment required. facilities, sports and recreation being some of the 13.9 The majority of respondents agreed with proposed scale of development can be provided. major components . There will be an element of providing new or increased capacity of existing Further technical work will be required to test the 13.18 In developing the Community Infrastructure revenue funding (for long-term maintenance) as healthcare resources in association with new levels of funding that can reasonably be secured Levy and the Submission document further well as capital funding in key areas like the development (Issue 30). The majority agreed from development and from the public sector. consideration will need to be given to the range of provision of outdoor and indoor sports facilities. developer contributions should be sought towards It will incorporate the strategic infrastructure developments that contribute to the Community Emerging government guidance suggests that the schools/colleges (Issue 31). requirements such as, in the case of Worcester, Infrastructure Levy and whether thresholds are process of setting charges should ideally be strategic transport improvements to the Southern appropriate in certain instances. It is recognised embedded in the development plan process, Link Road and integrated passenger transport, as that developer contributions associated with small The Preferred Spatial Option but flexible enough to react quickly to changing well as local infrastructure, such as education Rural Exception Sites promoted by Registered Social facilities. market conditions. 13.10 The Community Infrastructure Levy or locally Landlords and heavily reliant upon scarce public developed infrastructure levy and planning subsidy can have an impact on the overall viability 13.4 For the purposes of this document it has obligations will be used to secure the provision and deliverability of the scheme. Contributions been assumed that the Community Infrastructure required of Registered Social Landlords will be of necessary physical, social, economic and 1 An example is the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ initiative involving Levy will become government policy. However, environmental infrastructure related to new investment in secondary schools with integration of community facilities. reduced to account for this. development. The range of planning obligations will 82 83 Proposed Policy CS11 Linkage to Spatial Objectives 14. MOVING AROUND SOUTH 14.4 Worcestershire County Council considers that significant transport infrastructure is required Infrastructure Delivery WORCESTERSHIRE to support the level of planned growth. Its priority 13.19 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or in the first instance should be investment in demand Development will be supported by the delivery of delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived management measures, such as car parking infrastructure, services and facilities necessary to from the Sustainable Community Strategies: Introduction provide balanced, sustainable communities and to restrictions and bus priorities and to enhance • Stronger Communities objectives 2 and 3; secure a modal shift away from the car. 14.1 Better coordination of land use and transport sustainable transport options. The County Council Infrastructure and services will be available in time • Meeting the Needs of All Generations planning is central to spatial planning. Travel by also support the dualling of the Worcester South- to service new development. objective 6; private motor car is a major contributor to carbon ern Link Road, a new City centre bridge, at least 1 • Improving Health and Well-being objective dioxide emissions. Excellerating climate change six park and ride sites and a Worcestershire Park- Development proposals will only be permitted 18; and and traffic congestion are also major costs to the way (rail, bus and car interchange) at Norton. The 2 where solutions to infrastructure constraints have economy. A very significant change in travel County Council’s Local Transport Plan seeks to: • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe been agreed and secured with the appropriate patterns and travel behaviour is necessary and such objective 21. • ensure that residents, visitors and workers delivery body. a change will not be achieved unless new homes are can access the facilities they need by accompanied by a commensurate increase in local Development will be phased in relation to the the safest and most convenient transport services, employment opportunities and investment delivery of infrastructure. If there are delays to the mode, Comments on the Alternative in walking, cycling and public transport facilities. provision of strategic infrastructure in association • minimise the impact of transport on the with urban extensions, the Joint Core Strategy will Options Considered environment and reduce emissions, be reviewed to amend the phasing period of 13.20 Do nothing. This approach would be Supporting Evidence • minimise the impact of traffic congestion, associated development. inconsistent with Government planning policy • create a safer transport network, 14.2 National and strategic planning policy seeks Local and strategic infrastructure contributions, that emphasises the importance of planning for • ensure that land use decisions take full to reduce the need to travel and encourage the use based on the Developer Contributions infrastructure at the outset and addressing these account of their travel implications, of sustainable travel options, walking, cycling and Supplementary Planning Document will take the issues in Local Development Documents. public transport. Planning Policy Statement 1 • ensure that facilities are located to minimise form of a standard charge per dwelling or per Further, the delivery of infrastructure is essential advises that Local Planning Authorities should the need to travel, square metre of commercial and other in tackling many of the issues identified in the ensure that development plans contribute to global development, other than small-scale ‘rural emerging Joint Core Strategy. • support the future development of the sustainability by addressing the causes of climate exceptions’ sites where the contribution will be county, and change, for example, by encouraging patterns of reduced. 13.21 Same standard charge (Community • complete major transport studies to inform development, which reduce the need to travel by Infrastructure Levy) across South Worcestershire. future transport strategies. private car. Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 seeks This approach would not fairly reflect the specific to deliver high quality integrated transport that strategic infrastructure requirements associated 14.5 Both improvements to the transport secures mobility in a way that supports sustainable with development, for example transport infra- network of Worcester and the implementation development. structure, or characteristics of the locality, for of the Worcestershire Parkway are identified as sub-regional priorities under Policy T12 of the R example in terms of standards for open space 14.3 The Regional Spatial Strategy recognises that egional Spatial Strategy. Whilst the South provision. the availability of car parking has a major influence Worcestershire Authorities and Worcestershire on travel choices. Policy T7 requires Local Planning County Council continue to seek its immediate Authorities to work together to set maximum implementation, doubts over the timing of the parking standards for sub regions. The Regional implementation mean its location has not been Spatial Strategy also seeks to address the transport linked to the location of growth under this Preferred needs of the region by: Options document. • reducing the need to travel, 14.6 The Highways Agency considers that all • providing good quality and well designed development should as far as possible be located to walking and cycling facilities, reduce the need to travel. Improvements to the M5 • travel awareness initiatives, and A46 (T) will be required to accommodate the • improvements in public transport, growth proposed in the Regional Spatial • well designed park and ride facilities, Strategy and the Joint Core Strategy and a clear timetable should be provided to for secure • better management of car parking, these improvements. They consider that all new • demand management measures and better development should be required to provide and Newtown Road Medical Centre management of transport networks. implement a Travel Plan, which should be used to 1 Private and light goods vehicles accounted for 15.6% of the total United promote alternatives to the use of private cars. Kingdom carbon dioxide emissions in 2005 according to data published by the Office of National Statistics.. 2 The Government estimates the annual cost of traffic congestion at 84 £20 billion. (Godwin P., 2004). 85 The Preferred Spatial Option Linkage to Spatial Objectives 15. MIX OF HOUSING Consultation Responses Proposed Policy CS12 Moving Around South 15.5 In response to the Issues and Options paper 14.7 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or Worcestershire Introduction there was overwhelming support for setting targets delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived for the sizes and types of housing sought in All developments must demonstrate that the from the Sustainable Community Strategies: 15.1 National planning policy requires local residential development which take into account proposed location will minimise the demand for • Stronger Communities objectives 2 and 3; authorities to promote good design to provide a the character of the local area (Issue 13, Options 1 travel and offer genuine sustainable travel choices. • Meeting the Needs of All Generations range of high quality housing, including affordable and 2). There was also strong support for promoting housing, using sustainable and environmentally homes which can be extended more easily to meet Through the implementation of the Joint objective 6; and friendly techniques to create mixed and balanced changing needs (Option 4). Core Strategy policies and the associated • Improving Health and Well-being communities. implementation plan, development will be guided objective 18. 15.6 There was very little support for allowing to achieve the objectives of Local Transport Plan 2. 15.2 The Regional Spatial Strategy Preferred the building industry to decide the mix of house Comments on the Alternative Option requires local authorities to use evidence types that should be provided (Issue 13, Option 3). All practical demand management measures will Options Considered from local and sub-regional housing assessments to Responses included the needs of the elderly and be implemented before development takes place establish the general type of accommodation that young people should be catered for, ‘and’ a supply in order to suppress demand for travel by car. 14.8 To seek to provide for the unrestrained needs to be provided in an area to create mixed of smaller homes should be maintained’. The ‘needs growth in travel, (e.g. by constructing new communities. of other groups should be taken into account, e.g. New and/or enhanced public transport interchanges roads), that will arise as a result of increasing students. There was recognition of a potential will be developed in Worcester, the Main Towns and prosperity and the proposed growth in Supporting Evidence conflict between improved standards of design, Other Towns. households. This approach has previously simply using sustainable construction techniques versus increased demand for travel by car, and would 15.3 Sub-regional information, currently the the need to provide a large quantity of homes. The Priority will be given to improving, walking, cycling increase carbon dioxide emissions, congestion on Strategic Housing Market Area Assessment for the Sustainability Appraisal supports the suggested and public transport infrastructure. local transport networks and makes the provision South Housing Market Area, and local information, approach in Options 1, 2 and 4. However, Option 3 of and accessibility to local services more currently the Local Housing Needs Report and any was considered the least sustainable and highly Developments will be expected to contribute to the difficult. other relevant information, such as parish surveys unlikely to deliver the range of housing required, provision of sustainable transport infrastructure and housing commitment reports, will be used to with the potential to exclude vulnerable groups. either through direct investment in facilities or by 14.9 To rely on increasing levels of congestion inform what type of development should be financial contributions for sustainable transport. to limit travel demand. This approach, although accommodated where. These studies will be 15.7 There was public support for improving the likely to influence some peoples travel choices, updated on a regular basis. quality, flexibility and adaptability of housing Travel Plans will be required for all major would have unacceptable consequences for (Issue 14), further supported by the Sustainability developments. These must set out measures to economic development, greenhouse gas emissions 15.4 The evidence indicates that: Appraisal. There were questions over the principle reduce the demand for travel arising from the and increase social exclusion. It would therefore and feasibility of mechanisms for developers of • There is a shortage of affordable housing development, together with targets and monitoring be a highly unsustainable option and could not be market housing to contribute to improving existing and low cost market housing in both arrangements. supported by any responsible public body. local housing. It was suggested that people should urban and rural areas be encouraged and not forced to move to more In order to encourage healthy life styles, • The needs of an increasingly ageing suitable housing (e.g. downsizing). Concern was residential developments will adopt Home Zone population will need to be met expressed about encouraging Lifetime Homes and principals and those design criteria set out in the • More accommodation is required to meet the subsequent potential impact on turnover and Manual for Streets. the needs of people with disabilities choice. • There is increasing pressure from Maximum car parking standards will apply to all in-migration at the expense of meeting development proposals and these will be set out in local needs Supplementary Planning Documents to a scheme to • The number of flats constructed has in be agreed by the three South Worcestershire creased considerably in recent years, authorities and Worcestershire County Council. particularly on brownfield sites within Worcester and the towns, such that family In order to promote more choice in rural areas, housing needs have not been met community transport and innovative transport projects will be supported. Priority will be given to improving walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure.

86 87 The Preferred Spatial Option Linkage to Spatial Objectives 16. AFFORDABLE HOUSING 16.7 There is an annual requirement for approximately 606 affordable dwellings across Proposed Policy CS13 – Mix of Housing the three South Worcestershire districts to meet 15.8 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or recognised local housing need. This is 50% of the All housing will be well designed and contribute to delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived Introduction total number of additional dwellings of all tenures the mix of housing needed in South Worcestershire. from the Sustainable Community Strategies: 16.1 National housing policy includes a specific that is being proposed within the Regional Spatial provision for the delivery of a mix of housing, both On sites of 5 or more dwellings, or with a site Strategy Preferred Option. Of the 606 dwellings • Meeting the Needs of All Generations market and affordable, to support a wide variety of area of 0.2 hectare or more, an appropriate mix of approximately 46% is required for social renting objectives 4 and 6; households. This should include affordable housing, housing should be provided on-site, having regard purposes. both social rented and intermediate. to the Local Housing Needs Report for South 16.8 To supplement Joint Core Strategy policy for Worcestershire (as updated from time to time), Comments on the Alternative Options 16.2 Planning Policy Statement 3: Housing, affordable housing provision, an Affordable Housing any other relevant local data and site and Considered requires local planning authorities to provide for Supplementary Planning Document will be produced location-specific factors. 15.9 Allow the development industry to affordable housing within their Local Development and it will contain further detailed advice on determine the mix of housing provided. This is Plan Documents. The Regional Spatial Strategy affordable housing provision and the way in which Sites will include a proportion of homes built to unlikely to meet the housing needs of the (Policy CF7) requires local authorities to keep the policy will be implemented. Lifetime Homes standards. local community because developers are primarily affordable housing needs under review, based on market driven and can be less inclined to provide sub regional and local housing market and housing Parts of larger allocated sites may be required to certain types of housing. needs assessments. Within the South Housing Market Consultation Responses meet a specific housing requirement where a Area the indicative minimum target per annum is particular need is identified – for example, special 15.10 Do not specifically encourage Lifetime 1000 dwellings. 16.9 In response to the Issues and Options paper needs, retirement accommodation or student Homes Standards. This is likely to result in less there was considerable public support for all new accommodation. flexibility in the types of accommodation that will 16.3 The issue of the need for affordable housing housing to make a contribution towards affordable be available and people would therefore need to is a significant theme in the Community Strategies housing and for the Joint Core Strategy to set a The mix for allocated sites will be set out in the Site move home to achieve alternative types of for Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon. Its percentage target for the proportion that should be Allocations Development Plan Document, or in the accommodation. provision is identified as a priority for all three local affordable (Issue 13, Options 1 and 2). The case of the larger sites, Development Brief authorities. Sustainability Appraisal considers that requiring a Supplementary Planning Documents. 15.11 Allocate sites for specific housing types, proportion of housing to be affordable supports such as Extra Care Homes. This is a specialised 16.4 The South Worcestershire authorities have sustainability objectives for housing and the form of accommodation for older people that been implementing affordable housing policies community. Thresholds need to take account of should be integrated within the existing within their respective development plans for a local requirements and the ability of smaller community, in order to avoid the creation of number of years. The policies relate to delivering developers to deliver economically viable segregated housing which is not consistent with affordable housing within open market schemes development sites. the aim of providing mixed and balanced above certain site size thresholds, and as small communities. Provision for these needs can be exception sites in rural areas. 16.10 Nearly two thirds of respondents from the made as part of larger sites as allowed by the Issues and Options consultation supported public 16.5 Exception sites, which rely almost wholly Below: Mix of housing, Bath Road, Worcester. above policy. organisations making greater use of their land, and on public subsidy, have been promoted in both / or use of Compulsory Purchase powers, to deliver Malvern Hills and Wychavon districts with the affordable housing, (Issue 13, Option 3). support of Registered Social Landlords. However, the amount of affordable housing delivered by this 16.11 The approach to allocate and allow 100% means has been slow, largely because of issues affordable housing developments on the edge of associated with site identification and securing villages where there is a proven need received public funding. mixed support (Issue 12, Option 4). The Sustainability Appraisal considered that this option 16.6 The South Housing Market Assessment (April would have positive impacts for sustainability 2007) and the Local Housing Needs Report for the objectives by supporting communities. However, three South Worcestershire Districts (September there may be some negative impacts upon green 2007) conclude that the current thresholds and space and village character, and the erosion of percentages of development required for affordable settlement boundaries. housing on open market housing sites, will need to change if sufficient affordable housing is to be 16.12 There was considerable support for delivered to meet the future needs of South allocating affordable housing sites in Worcester, Worcestershire residents. Malvern, Droitwich Spa, Evesham, Tenbury Wells, Upton-upon-Severn and Pershore. The Sustainability Appraisal stated that this option

88 89 has potential strong benefits for the Sustainability Proposed Policy CS15 Comments on the Alternative Appraisal objective for housing by aiming to deliver Rural Exceptions Sites Options Considered affordable housing in line with local needs. In exceptional cases, affordable housing 16.15 Do nothing. This approach would be 16.13 The West Midlands Regional Assembly and development will be permitted on small sites entirely inconsistent with Government planning Worcestershire County Council stated that the within and on the edge of Category 1, 2 and 3 and housing policy, which requires local Joint Core Strategy should set minimum affordable settlements, to meet specific housing needs of authorities to positively address affordable housing targets, especially for social rented and the local area. Consideration will be given to housing needs within their Local Development intermediate affordable housing, based on regional/ the specific allocation of sites in the proposed Documents. South Housing Market Area targets. Site Allocations Development Plan Document, for solely affordable housing within or on the edge 16.16 Different thresholds for urban and rural of Category 1 settlements. areas. This option would be unlikely to deliver as The Preferred Spatial Option much affordable housing as the Preferred Option Proposed Policy CS14 Meeting Affordable Both of the above approaches will need to demonstrate that: 16.17 Higher percentage of development Housing Needs In South Worcestershire required for affordable housing. This Option may a) There is a proven and as yet unmet local have an impact on the economic feasibility and All new residential development, including need having regard to the Local Housing deliverability of housing sites, with a consequential conversions (and including adjacent land if it can Needs Report for South Worcestershire (as impact on the housing market. be expected to form part of a larger site) will updated from time to time), the Common Rural Exception Site, Eckington. contribute to affordable housing. Housing Register and a local Parish 16.18 Exception site policy applies only to Survey; Category 2 and 3 settlements. This approach would Up to 40% of the units should be affordable i.e. b) No other suitable and available sites exist assume that all Category 1 settlements were the social rented and intermediate housing. In addition within the development boundary of the subject of positive housing allocations from which 10% of the units should be in the form of low cost settlement; a proportion of the new units would address market housing. affordable housing requirements. This approach c) The site has reasonable access to public would not maximise the opportunity for affordable The number, type, tenure and dispersal of transport and local services/facilities; and housing to be delivered in the rural area. affordable dwellings to be provided will be subject d) Secure arrangements exist to ensure the to negotiation, dependent on the recognised local housing will remain permanently housing need and specific site /location factors. affordable, and available to meet the continuing needs of local people. Affordable housing will be provided on-site for developments of 5 or more dwellings, or 0.2 ha net site area. Only, exceptionally will off-site contributions be accepted for developments of 5 Linkage to Spatial Objectives or more dwellings. 16.14 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or An off-site financial contribution will be required delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived for developments of less than 5 dwellings. from the Sustainable Community Strategies: The development capacity of sites and adjoining • Meeting the Needs of All Generations land will be assessed to ensure that affordable objectives 4 and 6; housing is provided at the appropriate level. • A Better Environment for Today and Tomorrow objective 16; and Affordable housing is required The manner in which the policy will be • Improving Health and Well-being to meet regulations for energy implemented, including details of the levels objective 19. efficiency such as insulation and of off-site contributions, the exceptional hot water systems to help to circumstances which may justify an off-site minimise the use of energy and contribution in respect of sites for 5 dwellings water supplies and help ease the or more, and the procedures to be followed when impact of climate change. a planning application is submitted, will be set out in the Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document.

90 91 17. GYPSIES, TRAVELLERS AND 17.5 The Site Allocations Development The Preferred Spatial Option Plan Document will allocate the specific plot Proposed Policy CS16 Gypsies, Travellers and TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE requirements for each District having regard to the recommendations on pitch numbers and site travelling Showpeople identification matters contained in the Gypsy and Introduction 1. Provision will be made through the Site Traveller Accommodation Assessment. It will also Allocations Development Plan Document, after demonstrate how the pitch requirements will be 17.1 National planning policy requires local taking into account an allowance for sites coming delivered. authorities to make appropriate provision for forward through the development control Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, process, for additional pitch provision. It will have having regard in the first instance to the Consultation Responses regard to the findings and recommendations outcomes of an assessment of Gypsy and Traveller contained in the South Housing Market Area Gypsy accommodation needs. Furthermore, the Joint 17.6 There was significant support for and Traveller Assessment (as reviewed) and the Core Strategy should set out the location criteria identifying Gypsy and Traveller needs and broad criteria in Paragraph 2 below. for the allocation of sites. locations where additional provision should be made (Issue15, Option 1), but the majority of opinion was 2. Accommodation for gypsies and travellers, in- 17.2 At a regional level, it is intended that gypsy against Local Authorities using compulsory purchase cluding travelling showpeople will be proposed in requirements will be addressed within the Phase 3 powers to deliver sites in appropriate locations the Site Allocations Development Plan Document or Revision of the Regional Spatial Strategy, having (Option 2). Responses stressed the need for permitted through the development control process regard to gypsy and traveller assessments consultation with the gypsy and traveller if all of the following requirements are met: undertaken in the region. However, current policy community, Parish Councils and the local requires development plans to make adequate community, with the aim of integration with the (a) There is an identified need that cannot provision for gypsies and other travellers based on local community. Sites should be small scale and of reasonably be met on an existing or planned demand and local information. different types including transit sites, and should be site; 17.3 A Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation allocated through consultation rather than (b) Residential or rural amenity is not Assessment was undertaken for the South confrontation. Furthermore, encouragement should prejudiced as a result of visual intrusion, Housing Market Area in 2008. The Assessment be given to private investment rather than the excessive noise, lighting, traffic generation addresses the needs of both gypsies and travellers public funding of sites. or activity at unsocial hours; including travelling showpeople, and sets out the 17.7 The Sustainability Appraisal considered that (c) The site respects the scale of, and does not appropriate number, type and distribution of Option 1 presents the most sustainable scenario, dominate, the nearest settled community; additional pitches that are needed. since it suggests the delivery of accommodation (d) The site can adequately be accessed by 17.4 The Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation based on need and the ability to identify broad vehicles towing caravans and there is safe Assessment sets out recommended locations. pedestrian and cycle access to the site; additional pitches for the South Worcestershire (e) The site is accessible to shops, schools and area (for the period 2008 - 2013) as follows: other community facilities on foot, by cycle or public transport; and (f) In the case of travelling showpeople, the site is suitable in all respects for the storage Table 4 – Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation need of large items of mobile equipment.

There will be a presumption against the District Permanent pitches Permanent Showpeople Temporary stopping Total development of Gypsy and Traveller yards places accommodation (including sites for travelling Malvern Hills 26 8 10 44 showpeople) in the Green Belt unless there are Worcester City 16 0 20 36 very special circumstances. Wychavon 40 0 20 60 South 82 8 50 140 Worcestershire Source: Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment for the South Housing Market Area (March 2008)

92 93 Linkage to Spatial Objectives 18. EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION • There is a limit to the extent local planning 18.7 Some of the main urban areas, such as authorities can predict the future of their local Worcester, provide a broad range of local 17.8 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or AND GENERATION economies and so a flexible approach to the supply employment opportunities to residents. There delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived and use of land will be important. are high commuting levels in other areas. It is from the Sustainable Community Strategies: therefore important that the location of additional Introduction • Planning authorities should take into account • Stronger Communities objectives 1 and 2; price differentials between land allocated to employment land encourages short distance • Meeting the Needs of All Generations different use classes, when deciding on the most commuting, particularly on foot and by bike. 18.1 The South Worcestershire economy has high productive use of land, while ensuring that the objective 4 and 5; 18.8 The Sustainability Appraisal gave high levels of economic and entrepreneurial activity. Its overall level of land supply is sufficient so that • A Better Environment for Today and importance to the role of employment diversity ranges from traditional and vulnerable there is the right potential for both employment Tomorrow objectives 12 and 15; and opportunities in achieving the wider goals of agricultural activities to high technology research and residential use. • Improving Health and Well-being and manufacturing businesses, as well as basic sustainable development. It favoured options that • In considering development proposals, full objective 18. services such as call centres to sophisticated gave direct protection to existing employment consideration should be given to, amongst other logistics and business services providers. The range premises rather than options that could raise things, ensuring communities have access to jobs. of business premises in the sub region reflects this uncertainty about the future use of sites or diversity, from basic storage facilities in converted encourage developers to make the case for Comments on the Alternative 18.5 The Regional Spatial Strategy anticipates agricultural buildings through to modern purpose alternative uses. that the three South Worcestershire Authorities will Options Considered built office parks and manufacturing facilities. need to make provision for 183 hectares of new 18.9 The West Midlands Regional Assembly The diversity of the local economy is characterised employment land between 2006 and 2026 and that a considers the provision of employment land not only by a strong focus on employment within 17.9 Do not allocate any sites and rely on the five year reservoir of readily available employment should take account of Regional Spatial Strategy the main urban areas but also on a number of use of general planning criteria to assess planning sites should be maintained. In addition it states: policies PA6 and PA6A. It also considers that any employment areas and small businesses, including applications coming forward for private Gypsy and policy that seeks to protect all existing employment live-work arrangements, dispersed throughout the • Local Planning Authorities should regard Traveller sites. This Option would not be consistent uses from redevelopment for alternative uses is rural areas. these longer term requirements as indicative and with national planning policy advice and could not unlikely to conform with Regional Spatial Strategy be relied upon to deliver the additional pitch subject to testing and possible revision as part of 18.2 Employment sites locally are under policy (PA6B). requirements set out in the Gypsy and Traveller Core Strategies. sustained pressure for redevelopment and Accommodation Assessment. • Employment land and premises are a alternative uses that achieve higher land values, 18.10 Advantage West Midlands has requested that valuable resource to the economy of an area and particularly housing. There is a limited supply of consideration is given to the allocation of a regional 17.10 Do not provide any new sites but rely upon should be protected from competing uses where it suitable land for all uses within South investment site to meet future employment needs, extensions to existing sites. This Option could not can be demonstrated that they make an important Worcestershire and the growing economy and and consider that the lack of office space in be relied upon to deliver the additional pitch contribution to the portfolio within an authority’s population mean that these pressures are likely Worcester is adversely affecting growth. requirements set out in the Gypsy and Traveller area. to continue and intensify. The continued loss of Accommodation Assessment. It assumes that there 2 18.11 The Highways Agency wishes to protect the employment land will harm South Worcestershire’s • 55,000m of city centre office space should is sufficient available and suitable capacity within function of the strategic highway network from any sustainable growth ambitions. Existing development be provided in Worcester. or adjacent to all existing sites. possible adverse effects that may result from the in South Worcestershire’s town centres means that location of new employment provision. it is very difficult to physically replace employment 18.6 The Employment Land Review commissioned sites that are redeveloped for alternative uses. by the three South Worcestershire Authorities to inform the preparation of the Joint Core Strategy, 18.12 Worcestershire County Council favoured an approach that required developers to prove that 18.3 Economic activity and development follows clearly suggests that in order to reduce out- existing employment sites were no longer viable. cycles that are shorter than the plan period for the commuting to the Major Urban Area, growth should Joint Core Strategy. It will therefore be necessary be employment led and that: to review the evidence base for the planning 18.13 Public responses to the Joint Core Strategy • Future employment opportunities would policies that support the economic success of the Issues and Options report favoured: mostly be in office and public service activities. sub region from time to time, to ensure they remain • Working with important employers to ensure appropriate to any changes in the economic • South Worcestershire is well placed they remain in South Worcestershire. circumstances. geographically to benefit from trends in the • Providing support for start up and small logistics sector. businesses. Supporting Evidence • Worcester City is expected to have a growing • Protecting existing employment sites by 18.4 Draft Planning Policy Statement 4 (Planning manufacturing sector against the trend nationally requiring full justification of their for Sustainable Economic Development) requires and in the other two districts. un-viability for future employment use ‘the planning system to enable communities to take before agreeing to alternative uses. • Only modest additional land allocations are full advantage of the economic opportunities required for employment uses and Worcester should available to them, sustaining and creating be the focus of search for additional employment employment and prosperity’. It also states: 94 land. 95 18.14 Following the guidance provided by Regional Spatial Strategy policies PA6 and PA6A the assumption has been made that the Joint Core Strategy requirements for additional employment land should be closer to the anticipated need identified in the Employment Land Review than the requirements of the Regional Spatial Strategy.

In addition to the provision of additional Existing businesses including those in vulnerable Linkage to Spatial Objectives The Preferred Spatial Option employment land to meet the requirements sectors will be supported by only considering Proposed Policy CS17 Employment identified in the Employment Land Review (February alternative uses for existing employment land and 2008), development proposals for employment uses buildings when all of the following criteria apply. 18.15 The Preferred Spatial Option supports Protection and Generation or delivers the following Spatial Objectives in other parts of South Worcestershire may be 1. The continued use of the buildings, or their derived from the Sustainable Community supported providing: redevelopment for an employment use, is Provision of employment land in a range of site sizes Strategies: and locations that support the settlement hierarchy 1. The site is within a settlement boundary or not viable (in physical, operational • Stronger Communities objectives 1 will be made to meet the requirements identified by within the curtilage of existing employment and commercial terms) and this is supported and 2; the South Worcestershire Employment Land Review site or premises. by robust evidence. As a minimum this evidence would include: • Meeting the Needs of All Generations 2008 and any future Employment Land Reviews that 2. The development supports an existing a. Details of the active and appropriate objective 6; may be required. business or a new enterprise of a scale marketing of the premises, leasehold and • Economic Success that is shared by all commensurate to the size of the freehold for at least two years. objectives 7, 8, 9,10, and 11; and New employment provision (land and commercial settlements employment needs. • A Better Environment for Today and premises) will be primarily located within or b. A market appraisal that demonstrates that 3. The development is of a scale and form in Tomorrow objectives 15 and 16. adjacent to the main urban areas, and where redevelopment for any employment use is keeping with the size and character of the appropriate incorporated in proposed urban financially unviable. settlement and its setting. extensions, with the aim of providing opportunities c. The premises have been identified by an up Comments on the Alternative 4. The local road network is capable of safely to reduce commuting distances and ensuring work to date Employment Land Review as accommodating the type and scale of Options Considered places are accessible by a range of travel modes. unsuitable for continued employment use. traffic likely to be generated without undue 18.16 To make employment land provision 2. The proposed alternative use would offer a A Regional Investment Site (as shown on Spatial environmental consequences. in accordance with Regional Spatial Strategy clear community benefit. Diagram 1: Worcester City) is to be provided at 5. The development will not undermine policy PA6A. This would seem on the basis of Worcester in a location associated with the M5 objectives for sustainable transport and it 3. The proposed use would be compatible with the Employment Land Review to result in a Corridor to enable the retention and enhancement can be demonstrated that consideration has adjacent land uses and not prejudice the potential under allocation of land for of regionally significant employment providers. been given to reducing the need to travel amenity, viability or future development of employment uses and would not address the The site will be reserved and released on a phased and securing access to the development by other businesses. specific employment needs and opportunities basis subject to demonstration of need and meeting public transport and alternatives to the of South Worcestershire. sustainability criteria. private motor car. 6. The proposal is environmentally acceptable 18.17 To express policy in terms of the Major office developments will be directed to and will not adversely affect the amenity of number of jobs that are required to match Worcester City Centre in the first instance, and then neighbouring land uses. the proposed housing growth. This approach secondary locations within the district centres of requires the establishment of a robust ratio Malvern, Evesham and Droitwich Spa. Exceptionally, within the rural areas and in which links the two forms of development particular the Rural Regeneration Zone, new and there appears to be no national or Sites to meet anticipated new employment land employment proposals may be supported in regionally adopted methodology for this requirements will be identified by the Site locations outside but immediately adjacent to purpose. It would also be difficult to Allocations Development Plan Document and will development boundaries of Category 1and 2 monitor effectively and it would be less clear be phased to ensure that employment land is made villages. Such proposals should be closely related what policy actions should be taken to available in conjunction with housing land when to the settlement and demonstrate that there are achieve the stated objective. forming urban expansion areas. no other suitable sites within the development boundary. In addition the proposal should Strategically important employment sites will be demonstrate that the level of development s New Technology will provide protected from alternative types of development upports an existing business or it is clearly related a strong base for future jobs to provide flexibility to meet un-anticipated future to the employment needs of the local economy and needs. workforce.

96 97 18.18 Instead of making specific provision 19 SHOPPING AND LEISURE the need to travel to out of centre retail parks. 19.10 English Heritage support policies that seek for employment uses to require all future 19.5 Policy PA11 of the Regional Spatial Strategy to: development to be mixed use with a minimum Introduction identifies Worcester as a strategic town centre • enhance the historic environment, percentage of commercial floor space to be and the preferred location for major retail devel- • improve the distinctiveness of the retail provided alongside other activities such as housing. opments, large scale office developments and uses 19.1 Satisfying the shopping and leisure needs of experience, and This approach could potentially create bad which attract large numbers of people, e.g. leisure South Worcestershire residents close to their home • believe tourism developments that neighbours and would complicate the planning activities. Policy PA12B identifies town and district or workplace will contribute to sustainable develop- capitalise on the environmental economy of process with the probability of adversely affecting centres as suitable locations for, convenience ment and growth. Local shops and other services South Worcestershire would be more delivery or not providing sufficient commercial floor shopping, local service and facility provision and must be enhanced and past trends that have eroded sustain able than alternative attractions. space. day to day comparison (non food) goods shopping. local facilities reversed, if we are to achieve the Joint Core Strategy’s aims of: reducing the causes of 19.11 Public responses to the Joint Core Strategy 18.19 To seek to prevent the loss of all existing 19.6 The Retail Study (2008) concludes that: employment land and buildings to other land uses. climate change; minimising the need to travel; and Issues and Options Paper favoured: • No additional convenience goods (food) floor This approach is not supported by national or protecting the environment. space beyond that which is already planned regional planning policy, or the responses from • directing major development to Worcester will be required before 2026. consultation, and therefore cannot be our 19.2 Major leisure and tourist attractions must while maintaining the role of the preferred option. be directed to existing centres where they can be • Worcester City Centre needs to provide other towns, accessed by public transport, if these facilities are 55,000m2 of additional comparison • promoting and protecting a wide range of 18.20 To have no policy that seeks to protect not to contribute to the unsustainable growth in goods (non food) retail space by 2021. land uses within town centres, lower value land uses such as factories and offices personal car use. However, tourism is important to • Only modest additional comparison goods from higher value land uses such as housing. In the the rural economy. Where location in the existing • all kinds of public realm enhancements, floor space is required in the wider South circumstances that prevail in the South centres is not appropriate, tourism related • access and leisure improvements, and Worcestershire area. Worcestershire area such an approach would proposals should be directed to rural settlements • encouraging more independent stores. almost certainly result in a pattern of land use that and locations accessible by public transport. encourages longer distance commuting and reduces Proposals will be supported which genuinely 19.7 The Sustainability Appraisal favoured 19.12 The provision of additional retail the range of local employment opportunities support the successful operation of existing dispersed and smaller scale development and development is specified in the individual strategic available to semi skilled and unskilled residents. tourism facilities where the scale, form and considered directing major retail development to policies for South Worcestershire main urban areas. Such an approach would clearly undermine the aim function is appropriate to the location and can Worcester as unsustainable. This contradicts of achieving sustainable development. be accessed by public transport. national planning policy and was focused on reducing the need to travel and has not placed enough emphasis upon the established retail Supporting Evidence hierarchy of centres across South Worcestershire. If Worcester is to maintain its role within the area and attract South Worcestershire residents who 19.3 The Government’s key objective for town might otherwise travel to Merry Hill or Cheltenham, centres is to promote their vitality and viability it must be the focus for major retail development as while: set out in the Regional Spatial Strategy. • Enhancing consumer choice. • Supporting efficient, competitive and 19.8 Worcestershire County Council consider innovative, retail, leisure and tourism that greater use of traffic management and sectors. parking controls together with better public • Improving accessibility. spaces and shared road space, would assist the development of town centres and that tourist and Arts Market in Worcester High Street. leisure attractions should be linked to town centres 19.4 The Joint Core Strategy will progress this Established employment sites such as Four by direct and attractive pedestrian routes. They aim by focusing retail and leisure development on Pools Industrial Estate, Evesham, need to be favour options that protect existing facilities and safeguarded. existing centres in order to strengthen and where encourage redevelopment in sustainable town necessary regenerate them. Wherever possible, centre locations. growth should be accommodated by more efficient use of land and buildings within existing centres. 19.9 The West Midlands Regional Assembly This approach will help to maintain the historic considers greater emphasis should be given to character of town centres and provides opportuni- encouraging retail development in Worcester City ties to minimise the consumption of non renewable Centre. resources by reusing existing buildings and reducing

98 99 The Preferred Spatial Option Linkage to Spatial Objectives 20. ENERGY EFFICIENCY / 20.5 Nationally, Planning Policy Statement Proposed Policy CS18 - 22 (Renewable Energy) encourages renewable 19.13 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or RENEWABLES energy developments in locations where the Shopping and Leisure delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived environmental, economic and social impacts can from the Sustainable Community Strategies: be satisfactorily addressed. The government New retail, leisure and tourism development Introduction that contributes to the vision for South • Stronger Communities objectives 1 and 2; supports a realistic approach to considering Worcestershire as a high quality sustainable • Economic Success that is Shared by All renewable energy schemes, and recognises the 20.1 Energy generation and consumption is a network of urban and rural settlements, will be objectives 9 and 10; importance of a robust local framework to assist significant factor contributing to the increasing promoted and supported. Retail and other in delivering appropriate schemes. Local Planning • A Better Environment for Today and levels of carbon dioxide emissions, which is town centre development will be of a scale Authorities are encouraged to “set out a target Tomorrow objectives 15 and 16; and resulting in higher global temperatures. In order to appropriate to the location and respect the percentage of the energy to be used in new • Communities that are Safe and Feel Safe mitigate and adapt to any effects of climate change character and environment of the centre, development to come from decentralised and objective 20. it is imperative that the Joint Core Strategy takes a including any special architectural or historic renewable or low carbon energy sources”. In two-pronged approach by promoting energy interest. particular, the urban extensions planned across Comments on the Alternative efficiency within existing and new building stock; South Worcestershire provide a significant and increasing and positively facilitating the uptake opportunity to identify innovative ways of Sites to meet anticipated new retail Options Considered requirements will be identified by the Site and development of renewable energy sources. providing energy from on-site renewable sources. Allocations Development Plan Document and the 19.14 Rely on national and regional planning 20.2 In promoting energy efficiency, there are Area Action Development Plan Document for policy to control development. While this is an a range of techniques that can be used during the Worcester City Centre. option, it would not necessarily encourage more Supporting Evidence construction stage of development, and a wealth sustainable patterns of land use. It does not Proposals for new retail floor-space will: of energy saving measures that can be incorporated 20.6 Worcestershire County Council’s draft address local needs and it risks ignoring current within the design of buildings. When both of these technical research paper, Planning for Renewable • Demonstrate that they are meeting an trends that are stripping rural villages and suburban elements are correctly addressed, it is possible Energy in Worcestershire (March 2008), provides identified shopping need, including the needs of areas of local services. This in turn would result in to achieve high levels of energy efficiency that the most detailed evidence of the types of renew- disadvantaged rural and urban communities and of longer journeys to satisfy every day needs. benefit both the occupier and the environment. able energy that can potentially be exploited within the growing population of South Worcestershire. These particular techniques are well covered in South Worcestershire. The document suggests: • Maintain and enhance the role of Worcester City national guidance including the ‘Code for • Watercourses within the area could be Centre as the major retail destination within South Sustainable Homes’ and BREEAM, which can be used exploited to provide hydroelectric power. Worcestershire. Proposals in the City and Town to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, promote energy • There are potential sites throughout South Centres should increase the quality and range of efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy Worcestershire where there is shopping available, as well as contributing to a in all types of development through a criteria-based sufficient average wind speeds to generate comfortable, safe, attractive and accessible scoring system. environment. energy from wind turbines. • Strengthen the role of district and local shopping 20.3 National and regional guidance place • significant potential for Biomass energy from centres by preserving the predominance of A1 considerable weight on energy conservation in new existing woodland and other from energy uses while encouraging the development of and existing development. In fact, improving energy crops. complementary uses that can meet local residents efficiency and promoting energy conservation is • There is sufficient solar radiation to every day needs and reduce the need to travel. identified as the main driver in reducing emissions. encourage greater use of solar panels in new and existing developments to provide • Make full use of the premises avoiding vacant 20.4 There is also well established support for electricity and hot water. floors over shops and providing a separate entrance renewable energy generation at a European, for office or residential use of upper floors. national, and regional level with targets in place • Latent heat contained within the ground, to ensure that renewable energy contributes to a air and water could be used to contribute If there is a clearly identified retail need that reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Nationally, toward heating energy needs by using cannot be accommodated in the City or Town the Energy White Paper (May 2007) confirms the modern techniques. Centres, it will be directed to an existing retail objectives of securing a 60% reduction in carbon 20.7 However, it is recognised that a destination to ensure that unsustainable piecemeal dioxide emissions by 2050 and having 20% of UK comprehensive resource assessment of the county’s development does not occur. electricity supplied by renewable sources by 2020. capacity for renewable energy, would provide a This is reiterated in The West Midlands Regional better-informed picture of the technologies and Proposals for a change of use from A1 retailing in Energy Strategy and Phase 3 review of the West areas that may be most suitable for development. isolated locations will only be supported if it can be Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy, and will set For example, it is widely accepted that not all clearly demonstrated that the retailing use is revised targets for renewable energy capacity. no longer viable. technologies will be viable in every area, and that special consideration needs to be given to landscape impact, and environmental concerns.

100 101 20.8 It is anticipated that a mix of larger scale 20.12 Generating energy from waste (Option 5) The Preferred Spatial Option Larger schemes will be expected to provide at least commercial schemes with a range of smaller had the most public support, however, due to the 20% of the energy used from an on-site renewable domestic sized schemes will deliver the most response from statutory consultees this will not be source, whether through combined heat and power effective results in reducing carbon dioxide contained within the Joint Core Strategy. Energy Proposed Policy CS19 Energy Efficiency and or an alternative renewable energy source unless emissions, rather than a dominance of one particular from waste is not a renewable source of energy as Renewable Energy this is proven to be unviable. The technologies technology. By avoiding an over reliance on one type defined by the Government, instead this issue will installed should be permanently retained and of technology this will also help to alleviate concerns be addressed within the County Council’s Waste South Worcestershire will adopt an approach maintained for as long as the buildings remain. over environmental impacts. Core Strategy. that combines a reduction in the level of energy consumption in households and businesses Off-site Renewable Energy Schemes 20.9 There is potential to exploit renewable throughout the area by encouraging energy energy further within South Worcestershire, efficiency measures, as well as by encouraging To promote and encourage the development however, evidence from the County Council and and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. of renewable energy generation in South guidance nationally all support the view that Worcestershire to help meet regional and national improving and promoting energy conservation and The Joint Core Strategy will help reduce carbon targets, a range of schemes will be considered from efficiency should be the principal course of action. emissions, promote sustainable energy solutions and a variety of sources including biomass, hydropower, This should then be supported by the requirement respond to existing and anticipated climate change solar power and wind turbines where appropriate. of a percentage of a developments energy needs to in ways that protect the environment of South Each scheme will be considered on its own merit be met by on-site renewables. This ensures that Worcestershire. and small and medium scale schemes may be energy efficiency is given greater consideration, appropriate where they are designed and located In order to achieve this, the use of renewable as the target for on site energy generation could so as to have minimal adverse impacts on existing energy sources and the integration of energy decrease in line with the efficiency of the building. communities, landscape quality and the natural and efficiency techniques will be required in all new historic environment. developments within South Worcestershire, Consultation Responses irrespective of use. Energy efficiency measures Larger scale energy generation schemes will only for existing housing will also be encouraged. be acceptable where it can be shown that they 20.10 From the Issues and Options consultation only have limited adverse impacts on existing (Issue 27) there was overwhelming support for all All planning proposals will be required to provide communities, landscape quality and the natural of the options proposed and it is widely accepted an energy and sustainability statement. This must and historic environment. It will be necessary to that we need to increase sources of renewable demonstrate that residential schemes will, as a work closely with energy companies and other energy and conserve existing energy. This was also minimum, meet level 4 of The Code for Sustainable appropriate organisations to identify suitable reiterated in the Sustainability Appraisal where it Homes from 2011, increasing to level 6 by 2016. locations for large-scale renewable energy was highlighted that the options as presented were More solar heating will be required. Non-residential buildings will meet BREEAM ‘very infrastructure. not mutually exclusive and when combined, offered good’ standard from 2011, increasing to ‘excellent’ the most sustainable solution to the issue of how to by 2016. Zero carbon development will be strongly increase sources of renewables and minimise energy encouraged ahead of Government targets. use.

20.11 The use of local, re-used and / or sustainably Linkage to Spatial Objectives 20.15 Key sites / broad locations for locating larger produced building materials was supported where renewable energy schemes. These have not been practicable. It was recognised that formal targets 20.13 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or included as further work with the County Council need to be in place to assist with securing energy delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived would be required to ensure that the best sites are efficiency measures in existing housing stock and from the Sustainable Community Strategies: identified. Instead it is considered appropriate to new development, as well as strong support for an • Meeting the Needs of All Generations consider them on a case by case basis. overarching target for requiring on-site renewable objective 6; and energy in all types of development. Larger scale 20.16 Setting a higher target for the amount of renewable energy sources were also supported, • A Better Environment for Today and energy generated from on-site renewable energy although concerns were expressed over the Tomorrow objectives 12, 13 14 and 17. sources. Some more urban sites would struggle to dominance of any one type of energy, i.e. the area incorporate this within the design, and it is likely of energy crops and wind generation due to their Comments on the Alternative Redhill Primary School, a good example of how new that some of their target will need to be met from potential landscape and environmental impacts. buildings will be sustainable, e.g. recycle rainwater, Options Considered larger off-site schemes. Wind power was the least favoured. A broad range generate solar power. of alternative renewable energy methods received 20.14 Energy from waste. This is not deemed to significant support. be a renewable source of energy and instead it will be addressed in the County Council’s Waste Core Strategy.

102 103 21. MANAGING FLOOD RISK 21.4 Worcester City Council has a Flood Risk The Preferred Spatial Option Linkage to Spatial Objectives management strategy that has been developed Proposed Policy CS20 – Management over the past 18 years, and successfully 21.7 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or Introduction implemented through policies in the existing of Flood Risk delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived Local Plan. It is considered that this proven from the Sustainable Community Strategies: All new development will need to incorporate 21.1 Flooding is a significant issue, e.g. Easter approach should be further investigated through water cycle management techniques in the design • A Better Environment for Today & 1998 and July 2007, due to the increasing number of a Strategic Flood Risk Assessment for South in order to reduce surface water run-off in line with Tomorrow objectives 12, 13, 14 and 17. storm events comprising very heavy rainfall. A rise Worcestershire to see if it is appropriate to expand the mandatory requirements set out in the Code for in sea level, winter rain and increase in frequency to the whole area. If considered appropriate this Comments on the Alternative Options Considered and intensity of rainfall will all impact on flood Sustainable Homes. Any development will only be could be developed through a Water Management 21.8 None, as national and regional guidance risk. Alongside this, is the increasing pressure for permitted if it can be demonstrated that: Supplementary Planning Document. promotes the use of flood risk mitigation and development on areas prone to flood risk and the a) It would not have a significant impact on the adaptation. associated increased run-off due to hard surfaces 21.5 In line with national planning guidance capacity of an area to store floodwater; preventing rainwater from filtering into the ground. flood risk assessments should be submitted b) It would not impede the flow of surface National and regional guidance promotes sustain- alongside development proposals in accordance water or obstruct the run-off of storm able principles in relation to the design and location with the guidance in Annex E of Planning Policy water due to high levels of groundwater; of new developments, the management of surface Statement 25. These should take account of the c) Measures required to manage any flood risk water run off and water quality and improving the potential impacts of climate change by allowing can be implemented; supply and efficiency of water resources to reduce for an additional 20% increase in peak flows, and the impacts of flood risk. Planning Policy Statement from flooding from the land by allowing for a 10% d) The management of surface water run off is 25 (Development and Flood Risk) requires that the increase in peak rainfall intensities. done in a sustainable way; run-off from new developments is managed so that e) Provision is made for the long term 21.6 Managing surface water run-off will depend the volume of run-off and peak flow rate of surface maintenance and management of any flood on the technical solutions adopted on individual water is not increased. protection and or mitigation measures; sites – including the use of sustainable drainage systems (97% support from respondents). However, f) The benefits of it to the community Consultation Responses the Preferred Option only needs to consider such outweigh the flood risk. issues at a general level. A similar policy approach 21.2 In line with national and regional policy, can be adopted for the management of residual Flood Risk Assessments will be required to be the preferred option will not place vulnerable flood risk. However, it is important to recognise that submitted and these must demonstrate how risk development (as defined in Planning Policy there is a need for a joined up approach between from all sources of flooding to the development Droitwich Spa High Street Statement 25 table D2) within areas subject or the spatial planning of the area, physical land use itself and flood risk to others will be managed. liable to either main-river or surface water flooding and design, and the measures put in place to The proposed development will be safe without This approach had strong support (over 80%) from respond to flood events. increasing flood risk elsewhere and, where possible, those who responded to issue 25 (How do we reduce will reduce flood risk overall. the risk of, and adapt to the changing pattern of flooding).

21.3 There was overwhelming support for applying a higher standard than those currently used by the Environment Agency (option 1 in Issue 25). Further to this, any proposed development outside land in a high probability flood risk area (1 in 100 year annual probability) but which may cause an additional flood risk, such as increased run off rates, would also need to be suitably mitigated or be considered unacceptable.

104 105 22. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 22.5 The Green Infrastructure Study which has The Preferred Spatial Option Linkage to Spatial Objectives looked at Worcester and up to 6 km beyond the Proposed Policy CS21 Green AND BIODIVERSITY boundary and supports this approach. This was 22.7 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or because Worcester has been identified as a New Infrastructure and Biodiversity delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived Growth Point and will be the main concentration for from the Sustainable Community Strategies: Introduction Improvement in both biodiversity and green future development. Further evidence to inform • Stronger Communities objective 2; infrastructure will be required in order to enhance the appropriate development of the growth areas 22.1 Green infrastructure is the network of the ecosystem across South Worcestershire. • Meeting the Needs of All Generations outside Worcester will be prepared. protected sites, greenspaces (including open spaces, This will be led by requirements to provide high objective 5; formal parks, gardens, registered commons, village/ 22.6 There was a 95% support to continue to quality habitat that will be rich in biodiversity • A Better Environment for Today and town greens, playing fields, cemeteries, country develop a network of linked green space (Issue 29: and will include space for recreation and tourism, Tomorrow objectives 13, 14 and 17; and parks, woodlands, nature reserves and children’s option 1) This has been successfully promoted in public access, environmental education and play space). It provides for a whole range of uses, • Improving Health and Well-Being Worcester through the green network policy, sustainable water management. It will be guided including wildlife habitats, informal recreation objective 18. and will be incorporated in all areas of new by landscape character, local distinctiveness and areas and landscape character. development as well as seeking to improve heritage, the need to address climate change, sustainable land management and green economic Comments on the Alternative 22.2 The Green Networks of green corridors are linkages in existing urban areas. The Sustainability uses. Options Considered important to maintain linkages for the movement Appraisal considered this option as positive for the of species and to enhance people’s access to the development of urban areas and beneficial for Corridors and interlinked greenspace will be 22.8 Allow some development on sites of local natural environment. Open green space is important biodiversity, pollution and climate change. central to a landscape approach that will biodiversity importance as long as the developer for health and well being in urban areas and incorporate, locally distinctive greenspace, fully compensates for any losses. This has been accessibility to green space is strongly associated and connect areas of identified biodiversity, rejected as it is considered contrary to current with improved physical and mental well being for geodiversity or landscape value. These strategic and emerging Regional Spatial Strategy policies resident populations. links, corridors and greenspaces will be and would also be a less sustainable option. safeguarded through: 22.3 National and regional guidance outlines the 22.10 Protect all areas of public green open importance of having a Green Infrastructure policy space, and other important private green open • Refusal of development which compromises, to maintain, restore or add to networks of natural space. At a strategic policy level, this option degrades or reduces the function of the habitats and other landscape features. Features would be too detailed but may require future green infrastructure network; considered to be of importance in environmental consideration when local Development quality and ‘distinctive’ areas of South • Fully utilising developer contributions and Documents are produced. planning agreements to enhance and sustain Worcestershire are defined by the Regional Spatial Strategy as the Severn and Avon Vales, Malvern Hills habitat quality, biodiversity and the and Teme Valley. These should be protected and robustness and effectiveness of the green enhanced wherever possible, along with other infrastructure network; Important features which act as green corridors, • The creation of new high quality built and for example historic parks and gardens, footpaths natural environments by investment in and canals. The identification of areas where new Frog © Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (One of numerous animals under threat). enhancement and restoration; links need to be created and where new urban green space needs to be linked to the wider • Decreasing fragmentation, by providing and countryside to encourage the movement of species enhancing green infrastructure. will be informed by the Green Infrastructure Study. This will be supported by the landscape character Development, regardless of size or complexity will assessment, and work being carried out in relation be required to contribute to the aims of the green to the historic environment. infrastructure network. This will include the local links and greenspaces that form part of the Consultation Response sub-regional level links and corridors, so that a fully integrated approach is achieved. 22.4 The policy has been informed by the Priority will be given to those areas where net gains overwhelming support for protecting, enhancing and can be most effective and in particular where those re-creating important biodiversity sites, and seeking gains contribute to the County Biodiversity Action contributions to achieve this (Issue 23). The initial Plan aims and objectives. Local deficiencies in open sustainability appraisal also indicated that pursuing space and accessibility to natural greenspace will this approach would be beneficial in sustainability be addressed where possible, and additions to the terms. Green Infrastructure network will be required to show that they improve landscape permeability for 106 wildlife and / or people. 107 23. OPEN SPACE Consultation Responses The Preferred Spatial Option Linkage to Spatial Objectives Proposed Policy CS22 Open Space 23.5 In response to the Issues and Options 23.8 The Preferred Spatial Option supports or Introduction delivers the following Spatial Objectives derived consultation there was strong support that Open spaces in South Worcestershire contribute from the Sustainable Community Strategies: 23.1 Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 ‘Planning contributions should be sought from developers to its local distinctiveness and help create a strong for Open Space, Sport and Recreation’ states that for play, sport and recreation facilities, both identity for the communities and settlements. • Stronger Communities objective 2; indoor and outdoor, from all housing and well designed and implemented planning policies Open spaces will be improved through the • Meeting the Needs of All Generations commercial development (Issue 29, Options 5). for open space, sport and recreation are protection and enhancement of existing areas objectives 5 and 6; fundamental to delivering broader government There was strong support to develop standards of and the development of new high quality, varied • A Better Environment for Today and objectives, particularly improving urban and rural provision based on local circumstances and needs and well connected provision. Tomorrow objectives 13 and 17; and environments, promoting sustainable transport and (Options 3), although there was less improving health. Emphasis is placed on basing support for the development of a single standard Existing open spaces should not be built on • Improving Health and Well-Being open space provision on local standards and needs; of provision throughout South Worcestershire unless an assessment has been undertaken which objective 18. backed up with an appropriate evidence base (Option 2). The protection of all areas of public has clearly shown it to be surplus to requirements, including local assessments. green space, and other important private green after consideration of all the alternative functions Comments on the Alternative spaces was strongly supported (Option 4). that open space can perform has been exhausted, 23.2 The Regional Spatial Strategy states that Options Considered including its role as part of the green infrastructure open space policy should seek to conserve and network. Development may provide the opportunity enhance existing open spaces and improve 23.9 Produce a universal standard of open The Preferred Spatial Option to exchange the use of one site for another to accessibility. Protecting open spaces including play space for the whole of South Worcestershire. substitute for any loss of open space provision. spaces, sports pitches, footpaths, cycleways, Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 states that 23.6 The Preferred Option will seek to continue rivers and parks is stated as a means to enhance provision should be set at a local level and the provision of linked open spaces, protect and New development will contribute to open space urban greenspace networks. It also advocates the standards based on local evidence. enhance existing areas and improve developer provision in accordance with local provision development of appropriate greenspace strategies, contributions. Future provision of open space will standards adopted by the three South informed by local needs assessments, to ensure be based on local needs and could look to enhance Worcestershire Local Authorities, either by adequate provision of accessible, high quality urban existing distinctive areas of open space. providing high quality, varied and accessible greenspace. open space on site or through off site developer 23.7 Supplementary Planning Documents will set contributions to enhance existing provision in the local standards of provision based on an up to date Supporting Evidence locality. In accordance with National guidance, PPG17 local needs assessments. planning obligations and conditions will be used 23.3 All three authorities in South Worcestershire to ensure provision is adequate and that new have completed detailed Planning Policy Guidance facilities are capable of being maintained Note 17 audits and assessments. The assessments through management and maintenance agreements. have resulted in different local provision standards Open Spaces will be well connected particularly between the three authorities, reflecting needs of through sustainable means (such as cycling and their respective communities. walking) as this can help encourage healthy active Evesham Riverside lifestyles, a stronger community and an important 23.4 An alignment study of the compatibility of public amenity that is accessible for all. the audits and assessments concludes that they However existing open spaces that provide a are generally consistent with Planning Policy visual amenity not accessible to the public are Guidance Note 17. The assessments will inform also considered valuable. the preparation of local open space provision standards for each authority. It is now widely recognised that open space has a major role to play in providing for flood mitigation and adaptation measures, and enhancing and Malvern Hills, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. providing for biodiversity. This is seen as particularly important in the South Worcestershire area.

Ghulevelt Park, Worcester

108 109 Appendices EVIDENCE BASE

1 The Joint Core Strategy must be based on up • Informal questionnaire. A brief questionnaire to date and robust information to ensure that the was prepared in the run up to writing the Issues and policies and proposals within it have a sound basis. Options Paper to gauge the views of local residents The ‘soundness’ of Local Development Documents on the potential housing development options. The is one of the key matters that will be tested at questionnaire supported a series of exhibitions in examination. The following information gathering libraries and community contact centres and and consultation exercises have already been or are attendance at several community events over the being undertaken to inform the Joint Core Strategy summer of 2007, including the King George V and subsequent Local Development Documents. Playing Field Open Day and the Ronkswood Ball Many of these documents can be viewed via our web Games Opening Event in Worcester and the Eastern site www.swjcs.org.uk. Food and Music Festival in Evesham.

2 We will seek to keep this information The questionnaire was also available on the up to date and new surveys/studies will be website, and distributed informally through commissioned as the need arises to ensure that our groups, parish/town councils, to the public, as Joint Core Strategy has a sound basis. The results well as to all those on the consultation list. of the engagements with you will be part of our • Press Meeting. Three of these have been held to evidence base and will inform the emerging strategy advise the media of the Joint Core Strategy and its to shape South Worcestershire to 2026. implication, and to enlist their support in emphasising the importance of being engaged in the 3 Consultation Events to date process. Press releases have also been made. • Visioning Event. Held at Worcester Rugby Club in • Residents Magazines. Articles have been placed May 2007. All stakeholders were invited to work on in each of the three local authorities residents the vision and objectives as well as the issues that magazines which are delivered to all residents. growth will bring. This will be an ongoing way of reaching all • Sustainability Appraisal Stakeholder Event. Held residents. at the Spetchley Countryside Centre in July 2007. • Newsletter. Newsletters have been produced to All stakeholders were asked to explore the feedback on progress and will continue to be issued Sustainability Appraisal framework. at regular intervals. • Technical Meetings. These are on going meetings • The Issues and Options Consultation. This between major infrastructure providers. They look took place in November/December 2007. It includ- at emerging issues and have input regarding the ed long and short questionnaires, public workshops need for, and provision of infrastructure to serve in venues across South Worcestershire, as well as growth to progress preferred options. attendance at other events. All were also available • Members Event. This brought together elected on the website. Full details and outcome included councillors of the three local authorities to debate in the Consultation Statement. the emerging issues and options, in July 2007 and •Reality Event for Stakeholders. Held at West January 2008 to progress towards Preferred Options. Mercia Police HQ in March 2008. All stakeholders • Parish/Town Council Workshops. These were were advised of the outcome of Issues and Options held in June and November 2007 in Malvern Hills consultation and the move towards preferred and Wychavon districts, where parish/town options. (NB This was supplemented with further councillors could raise questions about the process meetings with various organisations, details of and start to think about issues and options which are in the consultation statement.) resulting from the envisaged growth for South •Seminar with Home Builders Federation. Half day Worcestershire. These were repeated in March event held in April 2008 with representatives of the 2008 to progress the Preferred Options. development industry at Wychavavon Civic Centre, • Worcestershire Citizens Panel. This was used to Pershore. test the vision and objectives set out in this paper. • The Local Strategic Partnerships. Each Local Strategic Partnership has been involved in developing the joint vision and objectives. 4 Evidence Base

• South Worcestershire Joint Employment Land Review - GVA Grimley • Worcester City Employment Land Review - Scott Wilson • Public Open Space Audits for Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon - authors various • South Worcestershire Public Open Space Alignment Study - PMP • South Worcestershire Town Centres and Retail Study - DPDS Regional Ltd • Housing Land Availability Assessment 2007 - Malvern Hills; Worcester City; Wychavon • Strategic Housing Market Assessment Report - Rupert Scott • Local Housing Needs Report for South Worcestershire - Rupert Scott • Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment - Worcestershire County Council • Green Infrastructure Study - Faber Maunsell (for Worcestershire County Council) • Environmental Constraints Study - Faber Maunsell (for Worcestershire County Council) • Transportation Studies: Regional Funding Allocation bid documents - Worcestershire County Council • Worcester City Open Spaces Survey - Worcester City / Worcestershire Wildlife Trust • Landscape Character Assessments (Draft) - Worcestershire County Council • South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy Sustainability Appraisal - Enfusion; Malvern Hills; Worcester City; Wychavon • The Village Facilities and Rural Transport Survey - Malvern Hills, Worcester City, Wychavon • Preliminary Green Belt Review – Worcester City and Wychavon • Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment – Malvern Hills, Worcester City, Wychavon • Evidence submitted by individual developers/organisations as part of the on-going debate • Planning for Renewable Energy in Worcestershire – a draft technical research paper – Worcestershire County Council (2008) • Preliminary Biodiversity Study • Phase 1 Historic Environment and Archaeology Study IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

1 The delivery of infrastructure is dependent on partnership working between a variety of public and private sector agencies. The Joint Core Strategy will seek to co-ordinate and align investment programmes of other organisations. The Draft Implementation Plan identifies emerging delivery mechanisms and lead agencies, including where further evidence is required and will ultimately include the monitoring framework. Section 13 - Infrastructure Delivery (Proposed Policy CS11) sets out the emerging approach. The South Worcestershire authorities have been working with service providers and technical consultees in the development of the Preferred Options, particularly through a series of technical meetings. However, this draft Implementation Plan is recognised to be incomplete, it is constantly evolving as more evidence is gathered and information is provided by other agencies. The Plan has been included in the Preferred Options in order to stimulate further debate, particularly with other agencies, to inform the preparation of the Joint Core Strategy submission document. As this framework is developed consideration will need to be given to the timing of the delivery of strategic infrastructure in association with the phasing of development and how some of the costs of this can be front-loaded, while the Community Infrastructure Levy/planning obligations are subsequently collected.

2 Further work will also be required around indicators and monitoring for inclusion within the Submission document.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

1 Climate change refers to any long-term • Take climate change impacts into account significant change in the average weather in the location and design of experienced by a region, and the cumulative development ensuring that new and impact of these changes on the earth globally. existing developments are not at risk from There is wide ranging scientific consensus that the effects of climate change and that there climate change is a result of both human and is flexibility to adapt to rapid change natural causes and if urgent action is not taken (proposed Policy CS1 and CS20); there will not only be permanent changes to the natural environment but also substantial costs to • Help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the national economy and catastrophic social encouraging patterns of development which damage. reduce the need to travel by private car (proposed Policy CS1 and 2 The resulting effects for the United Spatial Strategies); Kingdom are changing weather patterns, including • Mitigate against local flooding episodes rising sea levels and increased frequency and whilst ensuring new development intensity of extreme weather events would lead is steered away from flood risk to hotter and drier summers and milder and wetter zones and will not exacerbate the risk winters. The consequence of this for South of flooding elsewhere(proposed Policy CS20). Worcestershire would be more severe flooding episodes, increased occurrences of heat waves 4 Climate change considerations are and drought events and the negative social and integrated into all spatial planning concerns, economic impacts that will ensue. including transport, housing, economic growth and regeneration, water supply and waste 3 The Government believes that climate management, and not considered separately. change is the greatest long-term challenge facing the world today and used positively, spatial planning has a pivotal and significant role in adapting to and mitigating its effects in South Worcestershire. Measures to deliver South Worcestershire’s principle concern for sustainable development will include policies to: • Reduce energy use and emissions whilst maximising energy efficiency in new and existing developments (proposed Policy CS19); • Promote and facilitate the optimum use of renewable energy sources (proposed Policy CS19); • Require sustainable building techniques, phasing in zero carbon development to promote a carbon neutral economy, development and lifestyle (proposed Policy CS1 and CS11); • Require the incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems methods and water recycling in all development and by ensuring that the water cycle as a whole is managed effectively (proposed Policy CS11 and CS20); KEY FACTS ABOUT SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE Created with Limehouse Software Publisher |

Created with Limehouse Software Publisher | Appendix 4 . Key Facts about South Worcestershire Appendix 4 . Key Facts about South Worcestershire

Appendix 4 Key Facts about South Worcestershire

1 South Area km (% of total) Current Comparator South Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire 2 3 (census 2001) Trend Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire Current Trend England (total) (average) Total area 577.1 663.5 33.3 1273.9 N/A - Housing (Census 2001)

Green Belt 0 89.1 (13.4) 2.7 (8) 91.8 (7.2) - 2001 Occupied 30,069 46,819 40,120 39,003 20,451,427 Houses 104 – Part in AONB km sq 48.9 (7.4) 0 48.9 - Herefordshire 2001 people per 2.45 2.48 2.32 2.42 2.48 household

South Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire Current Trend England Ethnicity ONS mid year estimates Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire (average) 2005)

Population (Mid year estimates 2006 ) All Groups 73.8 115.7 93.1 550.8

Total 73,900 116,300 93,400 283,600 (SW total) 50,762,940 White: British 70.2 110.0 86.5 516.5

% increase 1981-2005 -10.14 25.6 24.02 11.42 - White: Irish 0.5 0.7 0.7 4.4

% increase 1991-2005 5.29 13.7 14.22 9.47 - White: Other 1.2 2.0 1.8 8.5

% increase 2.19 2.9 -0.26 1.61 - White/Black Caribbean 0.2 0.3 0.3 2.2 2001-2005

(Av Density per 128 175 2804 223 White/Black African 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.4 sq km) Mixed: white & Asian 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.5

Other mixed 0.1 0.2 0.2 1.0 South Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire Current Trend England Asian or Asian British: Indian 0.3 0.5 0.5 3.3 (average)

Age & gender (ONS mid 06 est) (Figures quoted are in thousands) Asian or Asian British: Pakistani 0.2 0.3 1.2 4.6

Male 36.1 57.3 45.8 139.2 24,926,380 Asian or Asian British: Bangladeshi 0.1 0.1 0.3 1.3

Female 37.8 59.0 47.6 144.4 25,836,560 Asian or Asian British: Other Asian 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.9

65-84 13.7 19.2 12.0 44.9 7,030,800 Black or Black British: Black Caribbean 0.1 0.3 0.3 2.0

85 and over 2.3 2.7 1.8 6.8 1,054,900 Black or Black British: Black African 0.1 0.3 0.3 1.0

Black or Black British: Other Black 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3

Chinese or other ethnic group: Chinese 0.4 0.2 0.3 1.6

Chinese or other ethnic group: Other 0.2 0.2 0.3 1.3

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Appendix 4 . Key Facts about South Worcestershire Appendix 4 . Key Facts about South Worcestershire

Deprivation Dept of Health South Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire England 2 3 2008 Housing Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire Current Trend Comparator (average)

Deprivation (1) 2.1 0.0 16.8 8.2 19.9 Tenure (%): Census 2001

Violent Crime (2) 8.3 8.4 21.8 13.8 19.3 Owner occupied 76 76 72 75 - -

Carbon emissions (3) 7.1 9.3 6.9 7.3 7.6 Public rented 14 17 15 15 - - Private and other 10 7 11 9 - - Life Expectancy rented Male 78.50 78.80 77.70 78.1 77.32 Female 82.00 83.20 81.50 81.6 81.55 Average house prices (2006)

Road injuries and deaths (4) 79.5 70.3 26.5 51.3 56.3 (24% since Detached £304,191 £322,812 £262,277 £294,427 (% tbc) 2003)

(27% since Semi detached £194,392 £193,297 £173,345 £187,011 (% tbc) (1) Number of people living in the 20% most deprived areas of England 2005. 2003) (2) Crude rate of violence against the person offences per 1,000 of population. (3) Tonnes CO2 per resident 2005. (34% since Terraced £168,014 £165,219 £126,940 £153,391 (% tbc) (4) Crude rate per 100,000 of population. 2003)

Malvern South Current Comparator (34% since Employment Wychavon Worcester 2 3 Flat/maisonette £134,383 £132,343 £126,940 £131,222 (% tbc) Hills Worcestershire Trend 2003)

Growth Sectors as a % of GB 106.1 83.0 89.2 92.8 - 100 - GB (GB = 100)

South Vulnerable Sectors as a % of Transport (census Current 80.7 128.2 109.1 106 - 100 - GB Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire 2 England GB (GB =100) 2001) Trend (average)

Average Household Income £456.10 £412 £ 457.3 £441.8 UK - £459 Car ownership per household (%) (Gross Weekly NOMIS 2007)

At least 2 cars 43.83 45.6 31.6 40.3 29.4 Unemployment % (NOMIS–August 2007 % of all 3.5 5.2 4.6 4.4 GB – 6.6 economically active and No car 14.86 14.4 22.6 17.3 26.8 inactive residents)

Commuting (%)

By car 69.6 72.2 65 68.9 - UK - 61.5

By public transport 3.5 2.8 6 4.1 - UK - 14.5

By cycle 2.41 2.45 5 3.2 - UK - 2.83

By walking 8.49 8.48 15 10.65 - UK - 9.99

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Appendix 4 . Key Facts about South Worcestershire GLOSSARY

South 2 Malvern Hills Wychavon Worcester Worcestershire Current Trend England (average) Education (%) Age 16-74 - no 24.9 27 27.6 26.5 29.2 qualifications Age 16-74 - degree or 25.13 20 20.4 21.8 19.9 equivalent

3 Crime - Home office Malvern Hill Wychavon Worcester South Current Comparator 2 Statistics 2006/07 (per Worcestershire Trend 1000 per year) (average)

Overall crime rate 16 18 38 24 41 E&W

Burglary rate/ 1000 2 2 4 2.7 5 E&W

Vehicle rate/ 1000 6 8 10 8 14 - E&W

Robbery rate/ 1000 0 1 0.3 2 - E&W

Key:

1 Source - Wychavon Stock Conditions Survey

2 This will be either increasing , decreasing , static , no trend identifiable trend amongst the three local authority areas X, not appropriate N/A

3England (E), England and Wales (EW), (UK), Great Britain (GB), Worcestershire (W)

186 GLOSSARY

A1 Use Retail development as defined by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, which lists the use class of development such as businesses and operations, required for planning applications for change of use.

Advantage West Midlands The title of the Regional Development Agency for the West Midlands. The organisation’s remit is to lead the economic development and regeneration of the region, working alongside a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations.

Affordable Housing Housing subsidised in some way for people unable to rent or buy on the open housing market. The definition of ‘affordable housing’ includes key worker housing and shared ownership homes.

Annual Monitoring Report Produced by the Council to provide an assessment of the progress made against targets and the performance of policies. The monitoring period is April to March.

Area of Development Restraint Within this area, planning permission will not be granted for any development which would prejudice any decisions regarding the area’s long term future.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty A statutory landscape designation, which recognises that a particular landscape is of national importance. The primary purpose of the designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty of the landscape.

Areas of Development Restraint (ADR) An area of land safeguarded for consideration for possible long-term development needs, e.g. housing or employment. Areas are excluded from the Green Belt.

Biodiversity The whole variety of life on earth. It includes all species of plants and animals, their genetic variation and the ecosystems of which they are a part.

Biomass Biological material, e.g. plant based, food waste, or industrial waste used for energy production as an alternative to fossil fuels.

British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) This used to be the environmental performance of both new and existing buildings. EcoHomes is the homes version of BREEAM as an authoritative rating for new, converted or renovated homes. There are also versions of BREEAM for offices and industrial units Conservation Area Brownfield An area of special architectural and/or historical interest, the character or Previously Developed Land. In the sequential approach this is preferable to appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. It is a recognition Greenfield land. Previously developed land is that which is or was occupied of the value of a group of buildings and their surroundings and the need to by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings), and protect not just individual buildings, but the character of the area as a whole. associated fixed surface infrastructure. The definition covers the curtilage of the development. Previously developed land may occur in both built-up and County Biodiversity Action Plan rural settings. A precise definition is included in Planning Policy Statement 3 The Worcestershire Biodiversity Action Plan is the County’s response to the ‘Housing’. national biodiversity planning process. The Worcestershire BAP was produced in 1999 and consists of a series of Species and Habitat Action Plans setting out Building for Life current status, targets for protection and enhancement to be carried out by A measurement of the quality of development initiated by the Commission for each partner organisation. This document takes the objectives of the UK Architecture and the Built Environment. Biodiversity Action Plan and translates them into a Worcestershire context, with targets and actions for each important habitat and species. Carbon Footprint A representation of the effect of human activities on climate, in terms of Development Plan the total amount of greenhouse gasses produced (measured in units of carbon The statutory development plan is the starting point in the consideration of dioxide). planning applications for the development or use of land. The development plan will consist of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy prepared by Central Technology Belt the West Midlands Regional Planning Body, and Development Plan Documents This is an independent sub regional partnership body providing clear and prepared by the three District Councils, with Minerals and Waste Development coherent leadership and strategic guidance for a high technology corridor from Plan Documents prepared by Worcestershire County Council. Birmingham, passing through Worcestershire and culminating at Malvern. It is where businesses with high technology content can benefit from research and Development Plan Documents development expertise and experience, capitalise on existing technology, and The Local Development Framework is partly comprised of Local Development call on an experienced workforce. It is part of the West Midlands commitment Documents. This includes Development Plan Documents within it, which in turn to long term economic growth. comprise the Core Strategy, Site Allocations, Area Action Plans, Proposals Map, General Development Control Policies. Code for Sustainable Homes level 6 The Code for Sustainable Homes was introduced in England in April 2007 Eco-Home following extensive consultation with environmental groups and the house A sustainable, healthy and environmentally friendly home, using sustainable building and wider construction industries. It measures the sustainability of a building methods, materials, energy, heating and water conservation methods. new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the whole home as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate Eco-Town the overall sustainability performance of a new home. A one star rating is A new self-contained ‘green’ settlement built to sustainable design principles, above the current level of building regulations. Level 6 is the highest category providing homes, jobs and services. The development should incorporate such affecting a home. A completely zero carbon home means there is zero carbon features as energy efficient buildings; renewable energy generation; water i.e. zero net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from all energy uses in the conservation measures; public transport and green open spaces. property. Employment Land Community Infrastructure Levy Land which is used for the following purposes - office, industrial and CIL will be a standard charge decided by designated charging authorities and warehousing. levied by them on new development to support infrastructure delivery. Energy crops Community Strategy These are grown on farms and used to produce either heat or electricity. Each of the three local authorities and the County Council have produced, in Energy crops include trees such as Willow, Poplar and some woody grasses. partnership with other service providers and local organisations, a Community Energy crops are carbon neutral so good for the environment. Strategy through their respective Local Strategic Partnership. The Community Strategies outline the needs and priorities of the community, and also shape the activities of the organisations within the partnerships, to fulfil those needs and priorities. The Action Plan identifies the short-term activities and priorities to achieve the visions in the strategies (see Local Strategic Partnership). English Heritage Green Space Strategy The Government’s statutory adviser on the historic environment. Officially Green space is the collective term used to describe all parks, public gardens, known as the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England, English playing fields, children’s play areas, woodlands, nature reserves, allotment Heritage is an Executive Non-departmental Public Body sponsored by the De- gardens, linear and other open space. The strategy is how these will be linked partment for Culture, Media and Sport. through corridors to enable effective wildlife movements as well as visual English Heritage works in partnership with the central government departments, continuity. local authorities, voluntary bodies and the private sector to: • Conserve and enhance the historic environment; The Highways Agency • Broaden public access to the heritage; Is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport and is responsible for • Increase people’s understanding of the past. operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport. Environmentally friendly construction Approaches to constructing new buildings that source materials/labour locally, Home Zone and utilising techniques to help safeguard environmental quality. Schemes that attempt to strike a balance between vehicles and other uses of a street, e.g. pedestrians, cyclists and residents. Design approach seek to ‘slow’ European Union Structural Funds Programme the motorist down and drive with greater care. The European Union Structural Funds exist to help areas of Europe which, for one reason or another are suffering difficulties. This could be due to the decline Housing Needs Assessment of local industry or falls in income (e.g. because of falling commodity prices An assessment of housing needs in the local area. This assessment plays a reducing farm incomes). The funds are intended to be used to help sponsor crucial role in underpinning the planning policies relating to affordable housing. projects which will directly address locally identified needs (e.g. to help train In addition, the information on local needs is required to determine the people with new skills, or help set-up new businesses). location of such housing and guide new investment.

Extra Care Housing Infrastructure Housing designed with the needs of frailer, older people in mind, and with A collective term for services such as roads, electricity, sewerage, water, varying levels of care and support available on site. People who live in extra social services, health facilities and recycling and refuse facilities. care housing have their own self contained homes, their own front doors and a legal right to occupy the property. It is also known as very sheltered housing, Integrated Transport Strategy assisted living, or simply as ‘housing with care’. It comes in many built forms, The Worcester Integrated Transport Strategy involves the provision of a trans- including blocks of flats, bungalow estates and retirement villages. It is a port network, which explicitly takes account of the differing requirements popular choice among older people because it can sometimes provide an of regional, interurban and local travel demand, with investment targeted at alternative to a care home. enabling each transport mode to effectively deliver its role in the network. The Worcester Integrated Transport Strategy, therefore, proposes investment in a Green Belt significant package of measures to provide genuine alternatives to the private A formally designated area with the purpose of preventing urban sprawl by car and, where this is appropriate, improve the performance of the existing keeping land permanently open. The Green Belt within South Worcestershire highway network. is part of the West Midlands Green Belt. Landscape Character Assessment Greenfield An assessment to identify different landscape areas which have a distinct Land which has not been developed before. Applies to most sites outside character based on a recognisable pattern of elements, including combinations built-up area boundaries. Excludes protected open spaces, e.g. parks etc. of geology, landform, soils, vegetation, land use and human settlement.

Green Infrastructure Study Lifetime Home A study that looks into the green spaces of an area e.g. the open countryside A dwelling flexible enough to be accessible and functional whatever the age or and parks within a town, and the linkages between these spaces. needs of the occupants, e.g. a teenager with a broken leg, a family member with a serious illness or a parent carrying heavy shopping or with a pushchair. Green Necklace A series of separate accessible formal or natural open spaces that form a link or Live/Work Unit ring about an urban area or settlement. A purpose designed unit or group of buildings to enable the occupiers to live and work within the premises. Local Development Document Mitigation Measures The Local Development Framework will be partly comprised of the Local These are measures requested/ carried out in order to limit the damage by Development Document, prepared by the District Councils. These documents a particular development/activity. include the Statement of Community Involvement; Supplementary Planning Documents; and Development Plan Documents (being the Core Strategy, Site New Growth Point Allocations, Area Action Plans, Proposals Map). Government initiative to provide support to local authorities that wish to pursue large scale and sustainable growth, including new housing and jobs Local Development Framework in partnership with Government. The Local Development Framework is not a statutory term, however, it sets out, in the form of a ‘portfolio/ folder’, the Local Development Documents Park and Ride which collectively deliver the spatial planning strategy for the local planning Facilities which seek to reduce town centre congestion by encouraging authority’s area. The Local Development Framework will be comprised of Local motorists to leave their vehicles at a car park on the edge of town and travel Development Documents, and Supplementary Planning Documents. The Local into the centre by public transport, usually buses direct from the parking area. Development Framework will also include the Statement of Community Involvement, the Local Development Scheme and the Annual Monitoring Report. Planning Obligations Legal agreements between a planning authority and a developer, or Local Development Scheme undertakings offered unilaterally by a developer, that ensure that certain This is a public statement of a local authorities programme for the production extra works related to development are undertaken - sometimes called of Local Development Documents. The scheme will be revised when necessary. ‘Section 106 Agreements’. This may be either, as a result of the Annual Monitoring Report, which should identify whether the local authority has achieved the timetable set out in the Previously Developed Land original scheme, or if there is a need to revise and/or prepare new local (see Brownfield). development documents. Public Realm Local Distinctiveness The space between and within buildings that are publicly accessible, The particular positive feature of a locality that contribute to its special including streets, squares, parks and open spaces. character and sense of place. Distinguishes one local area from another. Regional Funding Allocation Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) A source of financing major transportation infrastructure proposals A group of public, private, voluntary and community organisations and administered for the West Midlands region by the Department for Transport individuals that are responsible for preparing the Community Strategy. and bid into by highway authorities, which for South Worcestershire is In South Worcestershire these are called Vision21 Malvern Hills Partnership; Worcestershire County Council. Droitwich Spa, Evesham and Pershore Local Strategic Partnerships (Wychavon) and Worcester Alliance (Worcester City). Registered Social Landlord A term introduced in the Housing Act 1996 to describe local housing companies Local Transport Plan 2 and housing associations which are registered and monitored by the Housing A five year integrated transport strategy prepared by Worcestershire County Corporation. Council, as Highway Authority, in partnership with the community, which seeks funding to help provide local transport projects. Rural Exception Site Rural exception sites should be small, solely for affordable housing and on land Logistics within or adjoining existing small rural communities which would not otherwise The transportation of products. be released for general market housing. The affordable housing provided on such sites should meet local needs in perpetuity and count towards the overall Major Urban Area level of housing provision. The rural exception site policy applies to both An area which will be the focus for new development to underpin the allocated or windfall sites. Regional Spatial Strategy. There are 4 Major Urban Areas in the West Midlands: Birmingham; the Black Country; Coventry; and the North Staffordshire Rural Regeneration Zone Conurbation. One of six Rural Regeneration Zones designated by Advantage West Midlands, in which the majority of AWM activity and funding will be concentrated over Place shaping the next 10 years. Where key partners, e.g. local authorities and LSP’s, work together to both develop and implement a strong spatial vision for an area. Sequential Approach Strategic Gap A planning principle that seeks to identify, allocate or develop certain types A local planning designation to protect the setting and separate identity of or locations of land before others. For example, brownfield sites before settlements, helping to avoid coalescence; retain the existing settlement greenfield sites, or town centre retail sites before out-of-centre sites. In pattern by maintaining the openness of the land; and secure the quality of life terms of employment a sequential approach would favour an employment benefits of having open land to where people live. use over mixed use and mixed use over non-employment uses. Strategic Highway Network Settlement Hierarchy Refers to motorways and trunk roads. Settlements are categorised in a hierarchy based on the services and facilities in the settlement. Category 1 settlements are towns and villages with a good Sustainable Development range of services and facilities, as well as some access to public transport. In broad terms, this means development that meets the needs of the present Category 2 villages have a more limited level of services. Other settlements without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own that have few facilities and services are therefore felt to be unsustainable needs. The Government has set out five guiding principles for sustainable locations for any growth and are not given a settlement hierarchy category. development in its strategy ‘Securing the future - UK Government strategy for sustainable development’. The five guiding principles, to be achieved Social Rented simultaneously, are: Living within environmental limits; Ensuring a strong Social Rented Housing is housing available to rent at below market levels. healthy and just society; Achieving a sustainable economy; Promoting good Lower rents are possible because the Government subsidises local authorities governance; Using sound science responsibly. and registered social landlords in order to meet local affordable housing needs. Sustainable Travel South Housing Market Area Term applied to alternative environmentally friendly transport options, e.g. car A number of sub regional housing market areas have been identified which share, walking, cycling, public transport with the aim of reducing the daily trips display similar characteristics. The three local authorities are included made by private vehicles, and overall levels of CO 2 omissions. within the South Housing Market Area which also comprise the other three Worcestershire districts, together with Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon Sustainable Drainage Systems District Councils. They include a range of different drainage systems that are designed to promote the filtration and evaporation of water as close to the source as Spatial Planning possible, and to break down pollutants. They are an alternative to drainage Spatial planning goes beyond traditional land use planning. It brings together through pipes directly to a water course, and will help enhance water quality and integrate policies for the development and use of land with other policies and biodiversity, maintain groundwater levels and reduce the risk of flooding. and programmes, which influence the nature of places and how they function. This will include policies which can impact on land use, for example, by Sustainability Appraisal influencing the demands on, or needs for development, but which are not The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires Local Development capable of being delivered solely or mainly through the granting of planning Documents to be prepared with a view to contributing to the achievement of permission, and may be delivered through other means. sustainable development. Sustainability appraisal is a systematic appraisal process. The purpose of sustainability appraisal is to appraise the social, Stakeholders environmental and economic effects of the strategies and policies in a Local Groups, individuals or organisations which may be affected by, or have a key Development Document from the outset of the preparation process. This will interest in a development proposal or planning policy. They may often be ensure that decisions are made that accord with sustainable development. experts in their field or represent the views of many people. Travel Plan Statement of Community Involvement a package of measures and initiatives that aim to reduce the number of car This sets out the standards to be achieved by the local authority in involving journeys made, by providing people with greater choice. This is done through the community in the preparation, alteration and continuing review of all Local providing realistic alternatives to the car; reducing the need to travel; and Development Documents and planning applications. The Statement is a clear managing car parking provision. public statement enabling the community to know how and when they will be involved in the preparation of Local Development Documents and how they will Urban Capacity Study be consulted on planning applications. A study to assess the potential for settlements to accommodate additional housing by identifying possible development sites within the existing built-up Strategic Flood Risk Assessment areas. An SFRA is a high-level assessment of flood risk carried out by or for planning authorities to meet the needs of national legislation with the purpose of assist- ing local authorities to deliver sustainable development. Vulnerable Sector Those sectors that are experiencing falling United Kingdom employment figures, and are exposed to the effects of globalisation especially from low waged economies e.g. Royal Worcester porcelain manufacturing went overseas.

West Midlands Regional Assembly A voluntary institution, which aims to represent a wide range of democratic, social and economic interests in the West Midlands. Responsible for developing and co-ordinating a strategic vision for the region through the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy.